The Temple Emanuel Sisterhood, also known as Women of Reform Judaism(WRJ), welcomes you to join in the many activities we offer. We invite any person identifying as female who is committed to the goals and objectives of Temple Emanuel WRJ, its Congregation, and the Jewish Community to become active members of our congregation’s Women of Reform Judaism. It is a wonderful way to meet other congregants in a small group setting, form lasting relationships among members, contribute to the life of the temple, and to support those in need. We are committed to strengthening our temple’s sense of inclusiveness, community, and friendship by offering programs and services designed to meet the needs of our congregation and our community.
We are:
We look forward to your participation in WRJ! Email us at wrj@templeemanuelmd.org.
Contact WRJ’s Vice President for membership at tewrjmembership@gmail.com to check on your WRJ membership status or to join. Dues for the first year are free for new Temple Emanuel members!
Founded in 1913 as an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism, WRJ strengthens the voice of women worldwide and empowers them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values. To fulfill this vision, WRJ engages tens of thousands of women through a global network of hundreds of sisterhoods and women’s groups. Stronger together, we ensure that these women make a difference in the world.
WRJ represents women in 500 Sisterhoods throughout the United States, Canada and 13 other countries. Our strength lies in 65,000 women coming together to make the world a better place, to effect change, and to make sure our voices are heard on social justice and women’s issues.
Through our YES Fund (Youth, Education, and Special Projects), WRJ provides financial support to rabbinical students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, to the youth programs of the Reform Movement, and to programs benefiting women and children in Israel and the Former Soviet Union.
WRJ Mission Statement
Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) strengthens the voice of women worldwide and empowers them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values.
Stepping Stones Shelter – WRJ “adopted” the Stepping Stones Shelter in Rockville as one of our mitzvah/social action projects. Stepping Stones is a family shelter that provides opportunities for homeless families to regain their independence. They offer food, training and shelter in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We collect needed items and deliver them to the shelter.
I Support the Girls – A woman shouldn’t have to choose between feeding herself and her personal health. I Support the Girls collects and distributes donations of new/used bras and new sealed packages of tampons and maxi pads to homeless owmen and girls across North America (and in 4 locations worldwide). For more information, please go to http://isupportthegirls.org .
Immigrant Family Support – Provide support for new members to the DMV who need additional assistance.
Sunday Bagel Table – WRJ sets up and runs the Bagel Table every Sunday when Religious School is in session.
Mah Jongg – Join us on Monday nights for fun and friendly games of Maj, participate in our semi-annual TE Maj tournament and order your card through our WRJ. For more information and to get on the mailing list, please go here.
Readers’ Salon – We meet three times during the year on Sunday afternoons to discuss articles from current publications: it’s like a book club but with less to read. Come for great company, a casual pot-luck meal, and interesting conversation.
Rosh Chodesh – Once a month, members engage in a brief service and a discussion about a specific topic.
Creative Crafts – everyone is invited! Join others to do your favorite craft twice a month.. For more information, please contact us at wrj@templeemanuelmd.org.
Annual Women’s Retreat – The Retreat is a time to renew old friendships, meet new people and participate in a spiritual renewal. Every January women spend the weekend learning, laughing and sharing.
Women’s Seder – This annual Seder is for Temple Emanuel members who identify as female and their relatives and friends who identify as female. Enjoy reading from WRJ’s own Women’s Haggadah, singing, and experiencing new Passover rituals from a woman’s perspective. This Seder will be like no other Seder you have attended. . . and miracles sometime happen!
Dinners, Brunches, Speakers, Book Discussions, Movie Discussions, and More.
For more information, please contact us at wrj@templeemanuelmd.org.
See the full Temple Emanuel calendar including many WRJ events here
