Women of Reform Judaism

Our Women of Reform Judaism chapter, founded in 1887, supports every aspect of Jewish life, with the particular emphasis on women and the religious education of children. The WRJ provides Kiddush cups for all Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, sponsors lectures and programs on topics of interest to the membership, participates in community projects such as cooking for and serving at soup kitchens.

The WRJ sends food, flowers and aid to Temple members who are sick or in need. The WRJ also provides financial support to the Religious School and assists it with programs and projects. An annual donor dinner, held in the late spring, raises funds for ongoing projects and activities.

Recent contributions to Temple life by the Women of Reform Judaism include aiding the religious school with support for the 2010-2011 school year for their annual trip to Boston, the purchase of a new microwave for the kitchen, purchasing Shabbat-only copies of Mishkan T’filah, as well as sponsoring the delicious pizza dinner at our annual Purimspiel.

 
In 2000, the Women of Reform Judaism completed its' ambitious Torah cover project.  Click here to get an inside look at the design process.

After a wonderful potluck dinner at Sue Colker’s and an amazing brunch at Shirley Shapiro’s, what is next? Women of Reform Judaism will welcome in the New Year with more exciting events!

This January, please join us, along with a friend, for a fun and educational tour of The Berkshire Carousel Workshop in The Berkshire Mall. We will learn the process of how a carousel horse is carved, sanded, shaped, and then painted. The director of the project, Maria Caccaviello, will personally take us around the workshop and explain each step in creating a work of art. In the late 19th century, when the heyday of carousels began, many European carvers were Jewish cabinetmakers, and some switched over to carving carousels. One of The Berkshire Carousel volunteers is related to a famous carver, Marcus Illiyon. If she is available on that date, she will join us and offer a few words about her relative. Following our tour and talk, we shall nosh on bagels and cream cheese and other goodies.

Please join us (men are welcome, too) on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. at The Berkshire Carousel Workshop, Berkshire Mall. Margie and Nancy Shulman, whose brother, Jim, and sister-in-law, Jackie, created the project, will facilitate the event and would love for you to come to see these beautiful works of art, created by

community members like yourselves.