For Immediate Release
Women of Reform Judaism Elects First Canadian President,
Sara B. Charney of Toronto, Ontario
Sara B. Charney, of Toronto, Ontario, was recently elected President of the distinguished, international Board of Directors of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ). With over 350 chapters (“sisterhoods”), WRJ is the voice of Reform Jewish women, promoting women’s leadership and advocating for progressive Jewish values. Charney is the first Canadian President in WRJ’s 107-year history.
Charney and WRJ Executive Committee and board members were installed during WRJ’s Fried Women’s Conference, which took place virtually from March 12-14, 2021. Jewish recording artist Elana Arian performed during the WRJ installation ceremony. Rabbi Yael Splansky and Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers from Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto offered special blessings during Sabbath worship services on Saturday, March 13, 2021.
"It is an honour to be the first WRJ President from Canada. Having a Canadian leader unites us on a deeper level. And thanks to technology, we can move to a more global presence, reach out to women from all over the world, and encourage them to become part of our WRJ family," said WRJ President Sara Charney.
Previously, Charney held numerous leadership roles in the organization, including serving as First Vice President for the past three years. An avid traveler, she co-chaired WRJ’s Centennial Mission to Israel and Berlin in 2013 and had the opportunity to represent WRJ at the 80th commemoration of Kristallnacht in Berlin in 2018.
“We are thrilled to have Sara join a long line of extraordinary WRJ Presidents who have helped pave the way for women’s leadership in Jewish life since 1913,” said Rabbi Marla J. Feldman, WRJ Executive Director. “Following in the footsteps of Susan C. Bass, WRJ’s Immediate Past President, Sara will lead the organization with courage and integrity. We are excited to see where her vision will take us.”
Other WRJ Officers, Executive Committee members, and new board members were also installed with Sara Charney, including First Vice President Karen Sim, Cincinnati, OH; Vice President (Engagement) Jane Taves, Madison, WI; Vice President (Member Services) Judith Wexler, Winnetka, IL; Vice President (Philanthropy) Lillian Burkenheim Silver, Valley Village, CA; Vice President (Advocacy) Shoshana Dweck, Armonk, NY; Treasurer Susan Singer, White Lake, MI; and Secretary Karen Goldberg, Walnut Creek, CA.
Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) is the women’s affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism representing tens of thousands of women in hundreds of women’s groups, strengthening the voice of women worldwide and empowering them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values. Visit www.wrj.org for more.
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