Women's League New Directions & Directives Contents

Women’s League New Directions & Directives Contents

WLCJ Mission Statement 2 Keruv 34 New Directions & Directives 3 LINKING: From the Women’s League President 3 Public Policy Committee 35 Women’s League On-Line 4 NGOs 35 New Women’s League Regions 5 Israel Committee 36 Women’s League Departments 6 Canadian Policy & Advocacy Committee 38 What to Expect from Women’s League 6 SHARING: Budget & Finance Committee 39 The Sisterhood President 7 Contributions 39 Sisterhood Profile 7 Membership Committee 40 Presidium 8 Nominating Committee 42 Sisterhood Mission Statement 9 Election Procedure 42 President and the Region 10 Parliamentary Procedure 44 Presidential Library 10 Public Relations Committee 45 Meetings 11 Press Releases 45 Organizational Structure for Sisterhoods 12 Z’havah 47 Executive Committee/Line Officers 13 Torah Fund Committee 48 Standards of Leadership 13 Protocol for Sisterhood Functions 49 Vice Presidents 14 Kol Ishah Society 49 Sisterhood Planner 14 Policy: Kashrut, Shabbat & Holidays 50 Recording Secretary 15 Divrei Hokhmah 50 Writing Minutes 16 Women’s League for Conservative Judaism 51 Corresponding Secretary 17 Bringing You into the World Community 53 Financial Secretary 18 Training Services 54 Making Free Membership Profitable 18 Women’s League Publications 56 Per Capita 19 CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism 57 Treasurer 20 Regions 58 Board of Directors 21 Study Institutes 58 Orientation Kit 21 Leadership Institutes 59 Sisterhood Board, Committee and APPENDIX I General Membership 22 Sample Sisterhood Statement 60 Committees 23 APPENDIX II LEARNING: Request for Training Seminars 61 Jewish Studies Committee 25 APPENDIX III Books Committee 26 Sample Sisterhood Budget 62 LIVING: APPENDIX IV Creative Judaic Arts Committee 27 Ordering Women’s League Materials 64 Judaica ShopCommittee 28 APPENDIX V Mitzvot Committee 29 Leadership Institute Application 65 Tikkun Olam Committee 30 APPENDIX VI Ways & Means Committee 32 How to Prepare a Report 67 Fundraising Standards 32 APPENDIX VII Questions & Answers for Presidents 68 Youth Committee 33 New Directions Directives Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents Mission Statement A publication of Women's League for Conservative Judaism The mission of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism is to strength- 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 820 en and unite synagogue women’s New York, New York 10115 groups and their members as well as ©2013 individual members; support them in mutual efforts to understand and 212.870.1260 perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Ju- FAX 212.870.1261 daism in the home, synagogue, and 800.628.5083 community; and reinforce their EMAIL: [email protected] bonds with Israel and with Jews worldwide. Women’s League accepts WEBSITE: www.wlcj.org the Jerusalem Program, which is the Rita L. Wertlieb, President platform of the World Zionist Orga- Sarrae G. Crane, Executive Director nization

Rhonda Jacobs Kahn, Editor Lisa Kogen, Education Director

Sisterhood and Women’s League: A partnership enriching Jewish women worldwide

learnWe have a commitment to the continuing Jewish education of our members through classes and programs.

livePerpetuate Jewish tradition and observance in your home, synagogue and community.

linkMake your voice heard as part of the largest synagogue-based women’s organization in the world.

shareHelp us strive to repair the world.

2 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES

Women’s League sister- information to help you thrive in ing Services team. hoods are the ideal organizations your position. Women’s League Keep New Directions & to offer synagogue women knows that each sisterhood is Directives readily available when- personal experiences such as the unique, with its own structure, ever you are engaged in the companionship of other women, programming imperatives, and business of sisterhood. Use it as training for future leadership, membership demographics. In the basis for your approach to self-governance, and pride in this book, officers and chairs will your specific sisterhood’s needs. their achievements. Sisterhoods find suggestions for how to You can look forward to a also enhance and strengthen their satisfy their responsibilites, with wide array of new materials from members’ dedication to their references to Women’s League Women’s League. Using them synagogues and communities. bylaws, policy and materials that together with New Directions & New Directions & Directives is can be helpful. If you would like Directives, you will be able to lead designed to give you, as the assistance with another structure your sisterhood in exciting new president(s) of your sisterhood, model, please contact our Train- directions! FROM THE WOMEN'S LEAGUE PRESIDENT Rita Wertlieb, President ([email protected]) Congratulations! You now services that Women’s League only have to ask. But first, re- have the opportunity to make a provides sisterhoods and offers member, to be an informed positive impact on those who guidelines for protocol, kashrut, sisterhood president, open all mail serve with you, to develop new and Shabbat and holiday obser- and email from Women’s League leadership, and to enrich your vance. and your region for updates on members by perpetuating Con- Your sisterhood’s per capita programs and services that will servative Judaism in the home, dues entitle you to all Women’s benefit you, your board and your synagogue and community. League services. Request a membership. You hold the most important specialist/mentor from our Take advantage of what we position in Women’s League. training services. Schedule a have to offer and make a promise Sisterhoods are our foundation board orientation or a custom- to yourself to use our materials to and our success is linked to how ized workshop focusing on your strengthen your sisterhood. You you reach out to your members, unique needs. Attend a Leader- have the power, together with educating them about their ship Institute. Access the Women’s League, to help your region and our dynamic interna- Women’s League website – members achieve their personal tional network. www.wlcj.org – to find the latest goals as Conservative Jewish New Directives & Directions is study materials, Orpah’s selec- women. Let’s cement the bonds an invaluable tool that will tion and BookMarks, distance connecting your sisterhood and provide answers and suggestions workshop schedule, and informa- Women’s League. to many of your questions. tion about upcoming events and I thank you and commend you Organize your board, plan your programs. Join the PrezNet for making the commitment to calendar, develop your budget, listserv to share with other serve your sisterhood. I wish you build your membership, and set sisterhood presidents. great joy and look forward to up committees with help from We are here to help. The hearing about your accomplish- this guide. In addition, New directors and officers can provide ments and successes in the Directions & Directives outlines the whatever support you need; you months to come.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 3 MANAGING YOUR SISTERHOOD ONLINE

New online data base Sisterhood position profile Sisterhood presidents, financial officers and data Click on Sisterhood List Access managers have direct access to the information Click on Manage Sisterhood List about your sisterhood on the Women’s League Click on the for the woman who is taking a online data base. You can update your per capita position in sisterhood to get to her data. lists and sisterhood profiles directly. You can also Scroll down to the bottom, and you will see: Posi- use the system for your internal data. tions for the current year. If this is a new On the upper right of www.wlcj.org click on position or if you are changing her position, click Member Login to access WLCJ for YOU. If it is on ADD NEW for a drop down list of potential your first time logging on or if you have forgotten positions. Click on the position she is taking and your password, click on the appropriate button on save. the bottom. Otherwise, enter your email (the one Women’s League has on file, please!) and password. Add new members You will see New Member List to the right of the In the pink menu to the right you will see a wel- Sisterhood List. come with your name. Click on the Members Area Home where you should update your profile Click on Add New Member. and your password. The system is case-sensitive. Input all the information for the new member. Next you will see the Sisterhood List Access. Save. This information is solely for the use of your sisterhood and should not be shared. When you have added and saved all new members, click on Save Updates to Per Capita List and Click on Manage Sisterhood List. You will find the new member names will appear on your all of your members. To the left of their names are three icons: member list. Indicates the member’s status. 5 indicates active; Other options: click to delete the check if she is inactive (not On the Sisterhood List Access: paying). INVOICE: with past balance due and current Click on this to access/edit the member’s membership per capita dues personal profile. Fill in as much information as MEMBER REPORT: list of all members with possible or ask members to do it themselves. Be their status sure to click on Save Profile Information at the MEMBER EXPORT: spreadsheet with informa- bottom of the page. tion you can use for labels or email lists Click on this if a member passed away over the POSITION REPORT: list of all positions in your past year. sisterhood with the names and information for Click on Save Updates to Per Capita List at the the women who hold those positions top of the page only if you have made changes. Otherwise click on Cancel Updates to Per Capi- ta List.

4 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG WOMEN’S LEAGUE REGIONS

The regions of Women’s League are vital links in the Women’s League network. Through your region, Women’s League can bring Area Directors you even more services in the most effective way possible. (See page 58 for more information.) Area directors are part of your region’s support system, your first As a sisterhood president you are automatically a member of your line of defense. They hopefully live region’s board. Become active in your region and your whole sister- close enough so that they can hood will benefit! provide effective and personal service Highlights of the region structure to you and your sisterhood team. Your sisterhood is part of a local area or cluster for improved They are experienced in sisterhood communications with your members and your region. and region and can get you the information you need quickly. Your region leadership, especially the area director, can be great Expect to hear from your area assets as you become comfortable in your role as president. They are director every 6-8 weeks. She also experienced sisterhood women who are ready, willing and able to will help create networking opportu- make your job easier. Working with this team will help you assess nities for you with other sisterhoods your sisterhood’s needs and identify what services will benefit you in your area and region. the most. If you have not heard from your area Who is on the region team? director, please contact you Region Region President Area and/or Sisterhood Support Vice President. Region Area and/or Sisterhood Support Vice President (de- pending on the structure of your region) Your local Area Director

Region Map

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 5 WOMEN’S LEAGUE TEAMS AND DEPARTMENTS

Women’s League is structured into departmental teams to facilitate services to regions, sisterhoods, and members. The following is a list of the teams, with the name of the responsible director with her phone number and email address. The main phone number is 212.870.1260.

Administration Program Advisory What to expect from Sarrae Crane Committee (PAC) Women’s League (212.870.2157, [email protected]) Lisa Kogen Archives (212.870.2156, [email protected]) Late summer/early fall Convention Books Department Newsletters Nominations Creative Judaic Arts Divrei Hokhmah Parliamentary Procedure Jewish Studies Orpah’s List Book Club Selection Strategic Planning Membership programming Spring Tikkun Olam Mitzvot Region Conferences Program Resources Communications Youth Throughout the year Rhonda Jacobs Kahn CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Z’havah (212.870.2154, [email protected]) Judaism Publicity Ba’Olam (public policy blog) Internet and website services Public Policy Action Alerts online CJ Magazine Sarrae Crane President to President Letters (212.870.2157, [email protected]) Publications Distance Workshops Ba’Olam Materials provided (one Finance Canadian Policy & Advocacy time per sisterhood) Sarrae Crane Israel Image Plus PR Handbook (212.870.2157, [email protected]) Masorti Women International Ways to the Means Affiliation Public Policy Blueprint for Membership Budget & Finance United Nations NGO Sisterhood Planner Development Washington Liaison The Z’havah Planner Membership Data Services Services always available Membership Help Line, [email protected] Razel Kessler, Administrator Rhonda Jacobs Kahn (212.870.1263, [email protected]) Training Services (212.870.2154, [email protected]) Conference-call problem-solving Leadership Institutes Affiliation Leadership Institutes Region Services Retention Women’s League Institutes Training Services Parliamentary services Program Torah Fund On-line Services Lisa Kogen Carolyn Baron www.wlcj.org (212.870.2156, [email protected]) (212.678.8876, [email protected]) Sisterhood Presidents PrezNet Awards Judaica Shop Chairs listserv Judaica Shop Mothers of Olim listserv Kolot BiK’dushah Z’havah listserv Women’s League Institutes News, events, calendar Ways and Means

6 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG THE SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT

Your role as a Women’s League sisterhood president will bring many exciting challenges and rewards. As you coordinate activities and Checklist supervise the board of directors, your ability to involve and motivate others will be a key ingredient in your sisterhood’s success. Call or email Women’s League for First, you need to be familiar with the structure and procedures of your access to www.wlcj.org/WLCJ your sisterhood. Begin by referring to your bylaws. There should be for You a copy in your records; if not, contact Women’s League and ask for Make sure all officers and chairs sisterhood model bylaws. have a copy of the section of this book that pertains to them. Responsibilities Plan a board of directors orientation to discuss responsibilities. Be familiar with the responsibilities of all the members of your board. Appoint all activity chairs and committees. Complete the Sisterhood Profile online (see page 4) to ensure that Meet with your predecessor to get you and your leadership receive all services and information from the benefit of her experience and Women’s League. The profile must be submitted by August 1 knowledge. even if there are no changes from the previous year. Schedule a separate meeting with Maintain close contact with each vice president or chair; stay each of your vice presidents to dis- informed of her activities. cuss objectives, goals and strategies Serve on all committees, ex-officio, with the exception of the for the year. nominating committee. Vote only to make or break ties on important issues. Encourage attendance at shabbat services, region meetings, conferences, etc. Set the example. Sisterhood Profile Receive all communications; sign documents and checks. Open all mail and respond promptly. The sisterhood profile notifies the Serve as the lead delegate to Women’s League conventions. (Ex- Women’s League office and region penses should be paid by sisterhood.) Encourage others to join personnel of the names and address- you. es of all the officers and chairs in Attend region and area meetings/conferences as a member of the your sisterhood. The profile should region board of directors. (Expenses paid by sisterhood.) be filled out online (see page 4). Where congregation bylaws permit, represent sisterhood on the Sisterhood presidents receive all congregation board. Women’s League mailings and im- Take advantage of the services offered by your region president portant emails. Many other materials and area director. Invite them and the region’s membership or are available online at www.wlcj.org/ Torah Fund vice presidents to sisterhood programs. WLCJ for You.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 7 PRESIDENT

Organizational steps A Presidium In May (immediately after election) Call or email Women’s League for your access to the presidents In some sisterhoods, several women section of www.wlcj.org/WLCJforYOU. share the roles and responsibilities Appoint a chair for each activity. Appoint vice chairs, where of president. It is important that all needed, and committee members. Consult with vice presidents the members of the presidium com- and/or chairs prior to making appointments. Clarify functions and municate and agree in advance on responsibilities of each committee. the division of labor. Appoint the nominating committee and the budget committee. In some presidia, responsibilities are Meet separately with the chair, past chair and coordinating vice divided among members, such as president of each activity. presiding at meetings, fundraising, Make certain that each incoming chair received materials (Wom- and programming. In others, the di- en’s League mailings, etc.) from the outgoing chair. vision is for pre-determined periods of time. Review available Women’s League materials at www.wlcj.org. Connect with region president, area vice president and area direc- Even though Women’s League sends tor. mailings and correspondence to each member of the presidium, it is Join PrezNet, the online discussion group for sisterhood presidents crucial that they review the materials (See page 9). together to determine how best to Distribute to board members: utilize them. Bylaws and Policy for Sisterhoods Women’s League Training Services Budget is prepared to assist any sisterhood Sisterhood Mission (See page 9) presidium. Contact Women’s League Standards of Leadership (See page 13) for information. Job descriptions and responsibilities

In June Budget Attend sisterhood president sessions and area meetings. Explain to all chairs and vice presidents that: Be sure to include funds for: they must clear all dates for programs and meetings, with special attention to synagogue and community calendars; President[s] and vice president[s] to attend region and area conferenc- the president must review all outgoing mailings. es and meetings Clear your schedule with the region and area calendars before planning the year’s activities. Do not schedule events to President[s] to attend Women's conflict with region, area or Women’s League events. League convention Send calendar to your members with names, addresses, tele- New leaders to attend Women’s phone numbers, and email addresses of members of the board. League, region/area functions and Meet with the budget committee. Leadership Institutes Request a visit from the region president, vice presidents and Donations to KOACH, Masorti area director. Women and other approved Arrange for a Women’s League training seminar or mentor. organizations (see page 20)

8 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG PRESIDENT

Throughout the year Make sure that membership lists are accurately maintained by the Mission Statement financial secretary or other delegated data manager on the online data base. A sisterhood mission needs to be Encourage vice presidents to maintain contact with their commit- reviewed every three to five years. Use one of these sample statements tee chairs and report to the president. to help formulate one for your sister- Notify chairs when reports are to be given at meetings. hood. Report to your board and membership about region, area, Women’s League, and Torah Fund events. Sample #1 The mission of _____, affiliated with Encourage and commend valued volunteers. Women’s League for Conservative Assign specific delegates to attend region and national events and Judaism, is to strengthen and unite to report at the next scheduled regular board meeting. the women of the synagogue and Read all mail from Women’s League, your region and area. support them in efforts to under- Check in the synagogue office for any material sent there to stand and perpetuate Conservative/ sisterhood’s attention. Masorti Judaism in the home, synagogue and community and reinforce Sisterhood and synagogue their bonds with Israel and Jews The sisterhood and other synagogue arms are partners that share worldwide. We accept the Jerusalem responsibility for the survival of a synagogue. Together they form a Program, the platform of the World family whose strength is in its combined ability to provide a full Zionist Organization. spectrum of services to all members. Sample #2 The mission of _____ is to provide In 1969, United Synagogue recognized the partnership role of an interactive environment for its sisterhoods in helping to plan and implement the objectives of a members; support the congregation, congregation. It resolved that the sisterhood be represented on the its youth and religious school; enrich youth commission, school board, and social action, budget and adult the Jewish education and ties with education committees, with voice and vote. Today, Women’s Israel of its members; and support League recommends that sisterhoods have representation, and unite with Women’s League in with voice and vote, on every synagogue committee. the understanding and perpetuation Synagogues and sisterhood funds of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. We Since the synagogue is ultimately responsible for all fiscal mat- accept the Jerusalem Program, the ters, it has the right to audit sisterhood books or to ask for an platform of the World Zionist Orga- accounting. Many sisterhoods assume responsibility for specific nization. items in the synagogue budget. When a synagogue requests sisterhood funds, or budgets for a contribution from sisterhood, it is essential that the sisterhood president be part of the decision- PrezNet making process. A sisterhood should not hold on to excessive funds. If a synagogue has a need, and the sisterhood has the money, the Network with other sisterhood pres- sisterhood should offer the funds willingly . idents and share information, ex- change ideas and solve common problems online! Join the forum open to sisterhood presidents only by writing [email protected].

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 9 PRESIDENT AND THE REGION

Responsibilities of the president to the region On the Region Board Since each president is automatically on the region board, it is incumbent upon you to: According to the Uniform Region Clear dates with the region calendar. Bylaws of Women’s League, “Pres- Attend all region meetings and functions. Assign a vice idents will automatically be on the president or other officer when you cannot attend. region board with voice and vote Publicize all region events and meetings and encourage for the term of their office.” sisterhood members to attend. Participation in region meetings Read and answer all region mail and email. will benefit the sisterhood, in- Disseminate information received through the region bulletin crease knowledge of Women’s and/or region mailings to membership. League materials and help in their Encourage maximum attendance at region conferences. implementation. Benefits of your region Region activities should be report- Your sisterhood has much to gain from your region: assistance ed at each meeting. Region dates in building membership, designing a Z’havah program, speakers, should be listed in community cal- training services, bulletins, and more. It is to your benefit to be- endars, newsletters and bulletins. come an active member of your region board. Similarly, invite region officers and chairs to your programs to get to know them and so that they can become familiar with your sisterhood. Presidential Library The area director (see page 5) is your link to your region and to Women’s League but you are the one who makes this connection You should have the following work! Your area director will work with you to solve problems and publications at your disposal: face challenges in a timely and personal way, or put you in touch Sisterhood Planner: How to Design with the personnel who can be most helpful. a Year of Programs Three times each year, Women’s League provides material for the Ways to the Means: A Guide for region bulletins, which further connect region, sisterhood and Planning Successful Ways & Women’s League. Use your region bulletin as a resource. Means Projects Image Plus Public Relations Region conferences Handbook Each region provides conferences and meetings throughout the Blueprint for Membership course of the year. These are opportunities for you to meet other women in your position and to share ideas and solve challenges. Be Hiddur Mitzvah Project: sure that you attend every one! If you cannot be there, assign one of The Z’havah Planner: Attracting your officers or an up-and-coming new leader to attend and report Younger Women to Sisterhood back.

10 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG MEETINGS

Prepare for meetings Agenda for first Create an agenda. Inform anyone from whom you expect a report, and let her know Board Meeting how much time she will have. Reports should be written and Opening remarks emailed in advance. Mini-study session; introduction of Include a copy of the agenda with the meeting notice. board members; identification of Have sufficient copies of materials to distribute. their portfolios Discuss all questions of order before the meeting with the parlia- Job descriptions mentarian (consult Robert’s Rules of Order). In-depth review of the duties and re- Run efficient meetings sponsibilities of each portfolio and the privileges and expectations of Begin and end on time, leaving some time for socializing. serving on the board Begin each meeting with a mini-study session. We recommend Women’s League Divrei Hokhmah (see below). Structure Relationships between sisterhood, Designate a vice president to preside in your absence. region and Women’s League The recording secretary (or substitute) take minutes. The parliamentarian should be at your side. Region and Women’s League State motions, put them to a vote and announce results. update Maintain strict neutrality. Vote only to make or break a tie. Goals Keep business brief at general meetings. Review and set objectives and action Provide time to assess goals. plan for the coming year Discuss Women’s League materials and directives and present Wrap-up region information at both board and general meetings. Evaluation and analysis of future Be generous with your thank-you’s. needs for Women’s League training seminars Divrei Hokhmah It is in keeping with our tradition to begin each meeting with some learning. Women’s League has developed an engaging approach to study at meetings. Divrei Hokhmah offers a brief text – based on an Note annual theme – with discussion questions. An easy-to-use Leader’s Guide provides an introduction and possible answers to the ques- The president presides at all tions. In just ten minutes, the conversation can jump-start and regular, board, executive, and energize any meeting. special meetings.

The theme for 2013-2014 is Mishpachah/FAMILY. Also available are: Hiddur Mitzvah - Enhancing Mitzvot, Heart & Soul, Kol Ishah - A Woman’s Voice, Proverbs, the Ten Commandments, the Environ- ment, and Pirkei Imahot -Wisdom of Our Mothers.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 11 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SISTERHOODS

President[s] Recording Secretary Parliamentarian

Corresponding Secretary

Financial Secretary

Treasurer

Vice Presidents

Board of Directors & Activity Chairs

Sisterhood Members

The PRESIDENT is the chief executive officer. She coordinates organizational activities through the VICE PRESIDENTS. All OFFICERS, CHAIRS of BUDGET and NOMINATING COMMITTEES and the PARLIAMENTARIAN are responsible to the PRESIDENT. She is an ex-officio member of each committee other than NOMINATING. VICE PRESIDENTS coordinate groups of related ACTIVITY CHAIRS. MEMBERS participate in the functioning of sisterhood. COMMITTEE members are appointed from this group.

12 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/LINE OFFICERS

The executive committee meets at the request of the president who Standards of acts as chair. Its function is to present recommendations to the Leadership board for action. The minutes of the executive committee are not read at board meetings. As a religious organization affiliated Members of the executive committee have portfolios of responsibili- with the Conservative Movement, ties. Each officer should be given a copy of the pertinent section of Women’s League recognizes its New Directions & Directives in order to be familiar with her responsi- responsibility to its membership to bilities. formulate ideals of leadership that can serve as a standard toward Who is on the executive committee? which we can all strive. President In this spirit we set forth the fol- Vice presidents lowing cornerstones of commit- Corresponding secretary ment and observance, consistent Recording secretary with the halakhah of the Conserva- Financial secretary tive Movement: Treasurer Shabbat and yom tov Immediate past president Jewish Study Presidential appointments as allowed by your bylaws Kashrut The president may invite to an executive committee meeting any Tzedakah Synagogue member whose presence may be pertinent to, or necessary for, the Israel business under discussion. The president may speak and vote as any other member. Ascending achievement in personal Jewish development is the ultimate goal for our membership. It is our express hope that our leadership will provide the model for others Women’s League Leadership Institutes to emulate. For your Increase your leadership skills and your Sisterhood knowledge and Leadership Distance Workshops commitment to Leadership Institutes are be- Judaism; ing planned across North You can now take advantage of strengthen your America. Women’s League training and the connection to If you or an up-and-coming experience of veteran leaders on a Women’s League, your sister- leader of your sisterhood would like to attend, see page variety of topics without leaving hood, your community, and Klal Yisrael. 59. home. Distance Workshops pro- Endeavor Discover Dialogue vide know-how and expertise from those who know. Look for the 2013-2014 Distance Workshop schedule at www.wlcj.org

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 13 VICE PRESIDENTS

As a vice president, you are a leader and role model in your sister- Checklist hood. To insure a successfully organized sisterhood, vice presidents are responsible for the administration of areas of activity as assigned by the president. Read the sections of New Direc- tions & Directives that pertain to the Responsibilities of a vice president committees under your aegis. Coordinate the chairs of the different activity committees in Be sure to collect all materials your group. (See page 24 for suggested groupings.) from your predecessor. 1. Meet with chairs during the summer to plan and orga- Be familiar with the Standards of nize projects. Meet with them regularly during the year Leadership. to evaluate their progress and to assess/reorganize for Be familiar with the basic the future. tenets of Conservative Judaism. 2. Make sure that the chairs receive updated portfolios. 3. Maintain close and supportive contact with the president. Preside at meetings or programs when asked by the president. Assist in the management of the organization. Sisterhood Planner Attend region and area meetings. Attend Women’s League biennial convention. Consult with parallel region vice president. The Sisterhood Planner is another Represent the president in the community when asked. volume in the Women’s League se- Before installation, deliver to your successor all material ries designed to help sisterhoods such as files, correspondence and Women’s League mail- thrive. The planner will help you focus on the needs of your particular ings. sisterhood as you plan for a com- Convey the message of sisterhood, region, Women’s League, plete year of events, on-going pro- and Conservative Judaism. Support region and Women’s grams, special activities, fundraisers, League programs. etc. You should have a copy of the Perform other duties as may be required. planner from your predecessor. If not, order another copy from Wom- en’s League.

14 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG RECORDING SECRETARY

It is your job to maintain the history of the sisterhood by taking accurate minutes, keeping records current, and filing past Checklist records. Accurate minutes of the actions and activities of the board and membership allow a sisterhood to operate smoothly, prevent misunderstandings and satisfy policy. Read this section of New Direc- tions & Directives, and have it avail- Responsibilities of the recording secretary able for future reference. Record minutes of all meetings (regular, special, board, Review old files and minutes to be executive). Before each meeting, request written reports sure they are accurate and up-to- of activity chairs who will be making presentations. date. Locate any missing minutes. Send copies of all minutes to the president at least one Understand how the board works week prior to the next meeting to refresh her recollec- and the responsibilities of the various tion about pending business. In the event that you are chairs so that you can make accurate unable to attend the meeting, have a copy of the minutes reports. available . Be familiar with the Standards of Copies of the minutes may be distributed before a meeting. Leadership. Keep records of attendance. Be familiar with the basic tenets of Maintain a policy book which records all motions passed, Conservative Judaism. listed by date and subject matter. Send copies to the parliamentarian and president for their information. Collect and transfer all documents and reports to the proper Note chair or historian or archivist for filing. Deliver all property to your successor before installation. Convey the message of sisterhood, region, Women’s League Executive committee meeting min- and Conservative Judaism. Support region and Women’s utes are confidential and are only League programs. distributed or read to the executive committee. Minutes are a factual record of the exact proceedings of a meeting. They are intended to be a permanent record to be referred to when questions arise as to policy or action. They should be brief. Contents of minutes Name of organization. Type of meeting: regular, special, executive, or board. Date, time and place of meeting. Name and office of presiding officer. List of correspondence read and action taken, if any. List of reports, made by whom, with summary of vital information. Exact wording of all motions made, including the names of the person who made the motion, who seconded it, and whether the motion was carried or defeated. Reports on any specific program, special events, announcements, or news.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 15 RECORDING SECRETARY

Time of adjournment. Writing Minutes Signature of secretary. The expression, “respectfully submitted” should not be used. Minutes should be presented typed Approval of the minutes occurs when they are presented at for legibility and saved electronically. the subsequent meeting. Approval of the minutes “as Since minutes are a formal statement presented” or “as corrected” should be marked on the of proceedings, no attempt at literary minutes. style or elaborate descriptive manner Approval of minutes is warranted. The ideal minutes are The president asks for approval as: “Are there any correc- written with a notation of the depart- tions?” ment, subject matter of a motion, nature of reports, etc. indicated in Minutes, once presented for approval at a meeting, may not the margin next to the paragraph for be altered in any way, either by changing words or by quick and easy reference. deletions or additions. Corrections, when made, are not noted in the body of the minutes being corrected. A notation is added below, to read as follows: “Corrected on [date]” and the signature of the Suggestion secretary is appended. A motion to have minutes approved is not necessary. The To save time, minutes can be emailed president should state: “If there is no objection, the minutes before the meeting or mailed with the will stand approved/corrected as presented.” If there is any meeting notice and/or agenda. objection, then a vote may be taken.

16 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

It is your job to handle the correspondence of your sisterhood, including sending out meeting notices, and mailing bulletins. When Checklist there is more than one secretary, the duties should be clearly defined. Read this section of New Responsibilities of the corresponding secretary Directions & Directives. Notify committee members when they are appointed by the Collect all materials from your pre- president. decessor. Review all correspondence Notify members of all meetings: regular, special, board, or with her. executive committee. Locate and update sisterhood sta- Conduct all correspondence on official stationery or email. tionery if using. Read excerpts of important correspondence at meetings. Understand the roles and responsi- All correspondence should be grammatically correct, with the bilities of the various chairs. appropriate Hebrew transliterations (see Note), professional Be familiar with the Standards of looking, and clearly written. Leadership. Convey the message of sisterhood, region, Women’s League, Be familiar with the basic and Conservative Judaism. Support region and Women’s tenets of Conservative Judaism. League programs. Before installation, deliver all property of the organization in your possession to your successor.

Transliterations

Use the Women’s League Hebrew Word Guide for the correct Hebrew spelling, translations, transliterations, and pronunciations.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 17 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

It is the responsibility of the financial secretary to maintain the Checklist financial records of your sisterhood. Remember that the fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Read this section of New Direc- As a financial officer you have direct access to the Women’s League tions & Directives. data base for your sisterhood. You can do much of the per capaita Keep all financial records. record keeping on that data base directly. Collect and remit all money. In billing dues, use the suggested form (see Appendix I). File reports. If you need help, ask the sisterhood/congregation’s accountant for Be familiar with the Standards of assistance. Leadership. Be familiar with the basic tenets of Responsibilities of the financial secretary Conservative Judaism. Where there is more than one secretary, the duties must be clearly defined. Receive all monies due the organization from the member- Making Free ship and other sources; keep a detailed record. Membership Profitable Turn all monies over to the treasurer; provide her with records and retain receipted duplicates. Offering a new member of your syn- Arrange for dues collection and turn them over to the treasur- agogue a free first year of sisterhood er, who issues a receipt for the money. is a wonderful way to introduce her Record dues received; bill as necessary (see Appendix I). to your organization. By including Report on income and status of paid-up members regular- her on the Women’s League membership list and paying her per ly. It is helpful to present a written report. capita dues, she will receive CJ: Serve on the budget committee. Voices of Conservative/Masorti Juda- Cooperate with the membership committee. ism, (published with United Syna- Keep transparent records of all accounts between the organi- gogue and Federation of Jewish zation and its members. Men’s Clubs), be eligible to join Maintain a separate record of per capita dues, which are WLCJ for You (website pages for payable to Women’s League by the treasurer on December members only), and she will find a 31. Any additional per capita that comes in after that date voice in the largest women’s syna- should be sent to Women’s League upon collection. gogue-based organization in the Correct and update membership data on the Women’s League world. data base within the specified time frame. For more information, ask for the Convey the message of sisterhood, region, Women’s League, Women’s League pamphlet: How To and Conservative Judaism. Support region and Women’s Make Free Membership Profitable for League programs. Everyone. Before installation, deliver all material to your successor.

18 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Membership Cards Women’s League supplies sisterhoods with membership cards, Per Capita upon request, free of charge, to those whose per capita payments have been paid. As dues are paid, a card can be given to each Per capita dues for Women’s member. The number of cards you request should be based on the League, which fund Women’s current paid-up membership plus additional cards for anticipated League administration, programs increases. and materials, are $10.00 per Give your membership chair the names of those who have not paid year. Per capita is payable for each dues to encourage them to renew their membership. member, whether regular, life, courtesy, ex-officio, or honorary. If a member has moved, find out where she has relocated, and tell For your convenience, and to save Women’s League so we may alert the nearest sisterhood or appropri- mailing expenses and show respect ate region. to our environment, you should do all updates to your per capita data Kol Ishah Society online. Kol Ishah is a special level of membership, separate from sisterhood Check the names of newly enrolled membership. Kol Ishah Society membership is required of all members to keep billing records Women’s League board members. complete. Make deletions and changes of ad- Torah Fund dress on the data base as they oc- Torah Fund contributions, made out to Torah Fund, should be cur throughout the year. Send per deposited in a separate account, held in escrow, and forwarded capita payment for any new mem- monthly. Payments for Torah Fund cards should be kept in a sepa- bers. rate account. All Torah Fund money should be remitted by May 31. Sisterhoods are responsible for all members listed on the Send all payments to: membership data base as of Torah Fund Executive Director December 31. Jewish Theological Seminary 3080 Broadway New York, NY 10027

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 19 TREASURER

Responsibilities of the treasurer Checklist Receive all monies from the financial secretary, record all receipts, make deposits, keep records of monies due. Pay all bills by check, countersigned by the president, upon Read this section of New Directions & Directives. receipt of a voucher signed by the president. Disburse all monies as directed. Be familiar with the Standards of Report in full regarding all monies requested. Leadership. Cooperate with the synagogue’s fiscal review procedures. Be familiar with the basic tenets of Submit the books to the authorized synagogue accountant for Conservative Judaism. audit before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Serve on the budget committee. Pay Women’s League per capita dues as collected. The Fiscal Year Convey the message of sisterhood, region, Women’s League and Conservative Judaism. Support region and Women’s The suggested fiscal year for sister- League programs. hood is July 1 through June 30. It is important that all sisterhoods and What your per capita dues do for your members regions observe the same fiscal year Women’s League provides many intangibles, such as an internation- so that materials and programs can al network of Conservative women, a voice in world Jewish bodies, be effective. friendships, and opportunity to become leaders on the regional and national level, as well as services and materials to its members. Please share with your members what they gain from their per capita payments to Women’s League: Contributions Services to sisterhoods for an effective organization Educational material for study days and divrei hokhmah Women’s League suggests that you Administrative materials such as New Directions & Directives, create line items on your budget for Ways to the Means, and Blueprint for Membership tikkun olam projects. This year, CJ:Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism, a quarterly Women’s League will collect money magazine published jointly with United Synagogue and the for Masorti in Israel (January, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs minimum $75) and KOACH. WLCJ for YOU online See page 31 for more information Training services about making contributions to other Leadership Training Institutes good causes. Publications Conferences, symposia, meetings, and conventions Representation to international organizations such as Confer- KOACH ence of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Leadership Council of Support all of our college students Conservative Judaism, NGO at the UN by helping with the Women’s League campaign on behalf of the KOACH kallah.

20 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Functions of the board Orientation kit for Serves as the policy-making body. Represents sisterhood in the synagogue and community. Board members Studies and utilizes the talents of the entire membership. Copy of bylaws and policy Is informed about the services from Women’s League. Sisterhood mission statement Aims of the board Complete outline of specific duties To develop new leadership. and responsibilities To support Women’s League and to transmit information and Membership directory materials from Women’s League and region to the sister- Overview of how committees func- hood. tion What board members should know Name, address and phone of region The objectives of your sisterhood, its mission statement. and Women’s League parallel chairs Sisterhood policies as they appear in your policy book. and area directors The relationship among sisterhood, region, area, and How to Prepare a Report Women’s League. (Appendix V) Motions made, passed anddefeated Duties of board members in last two years Approve the budget. Serve on committees as assigned. President's annual report Support educational, cultural, ritual, and fundraising projects. Copy of the budget Attend meetings regularly. Calendar of sisterhood, synagogue, Implement the bylaws and policies of sisterhood. region, and Women’s League activi- Adhere to Standards of Leadership (see page 13). ties Attend synagogue services regularly. Brochures available from Women’s Attend training sessions offered by Women’s League. League Attend region and area meetings and events. Torah Fund brochure (contact Participate in the Torah Fund campaign. Torah Fund, 212.678.8062) Ex-officio directors The rabbi, cantor and educational director, if they are women or their wives if they are not, should be ex-officio members of the board with full power of voice and vote.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 21 SISTERHOOD BOARD, COMMITTEE & GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

General Sisterhood Membership Agenda Approves bylaws and budget Elects officers and board Divrei Hokhmah Board of Directors Approve minutes Composed of officers, elected, appointed and ex-officio members Reports of activity chairs Determines policy and procedures. Program Initiates and develops projects. Hears and discusses committee reports; take action. Attends region, area and Women’s League events. Develops leadership. Suggestions Executive Committee Composed of officers and immediate past president Arrange for a Training Services semi- Makes recommendations to the board for its consideration nar or consultation through your for action. The executive committee cannot take action. region or Women’s League as soon Monitors activities. as possible. Invite your rabbi to teach about Standing Committees Conservative/Masorti Judaism. Composed of chair, vice chair, committee members, and vice president to whom the committee is responsible Require that each chair keep a Plan and implement projects and functions, after record of her committee’s activities to hand over to her successor. clearance by the board. Incorporate Women’s League materials. Discuss new policies and procedures. Recommend policy changes to board for action. Note Ad Hoc Committees Composed of chair and members appointed by president Perform a special task for a limited time. The president is an ex-officio mem- Report to the president. ber of all committees except the nominating committee.

22 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG COMMITTEES

Committees are the lifeblood of any sisterhood. It is through the work of each committee that sisterhoods are effective. They Women’s League fulfill essential tasks that cannot be accomplished by single individuals. Usually, each committee is under the aegis of a vice president. The following have parallel Women’s Standing committees function throughout the year and are League and region chairs: listed in the bylaws. Their purpose is to: Jewish studies (Adult Ed) Explore, discuss and recommend suitable action. Books Train members for future involvement and leadership. Canadian Policy & Advocacy Suggest new projects. Creative Judaic Arts Ad hoc committees are appointed by the president for short- Tikkun Olam (Community term projects under the supervision of an officer or chair. Service, Disabilities) Members Israel All committee members are appointed by the president, who is an Mitzvot (Jewish Living) ex-officio member of each committee, with the exception of the Judaica Shop nominating committee. Membership/Z’havah Committee meetings Parliamentary Procedure As soon as committee members have been appointed, a meeting Public Policy & Advocacy/UN should be set to discuss the activity. Dates must be cleared with the Public Relations president and vice president under whose aegis the activity belongs. Torah Fund Women’s League mailings Ways & Means You can access information from the Women’s League departments Youth in a variety of ways. Newsletters are sent out in the summer with programming, education, mitzvot, tikkun olam, administration, Additional committees may be ap- public policy, Israel, public relations information, and other useful pointed as needed by the president, with the approval of the executive material. You should distribute the information to the appropriate committee. chairs. Other information is posted on www.wlcj.org on a regular basis and sent out in eblasts. Every sisterhood president receives mailings free of charge. If the Sisterhood Profile is not updated by August 1, the material will be Building Leadership sent directly to the synagogue, to the attention of the sisterhood president. By serving on committees members learn leadership skills. Involvement in this way stimulates commitment and helps ensure future leadership.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 23 COMMITTEES

Chairs Groupings Chairs of standing committees are appointed by the president for her term of office. They should be appointed from among the members of the board. Committees should be grouped under the aegis of individual vice presi- Each chair gathers all the resource material available from sister- dents. A suggestion for groupings hood, region and Women’s League, including past records, follows. mailings and evaluations. She should familiarize herself with her Education activity and maintain contact with the region parallel personnel, Jewish studies reporting on activities and seeking guidance and clarification if Books necessary. Creative Judaic arts Mitzvot (Jewish living) Responsibilities of chair at committee meetings Youth Determine the objectives of the meeting. Have an agenda. Refer to Tikkun Olam minutes of the previous meeting to include unfinished business. Community service Appoint a secretary to take minutes. Begin and end the meeting on Disabilities time. Environment Provide some background and discuss available material. Membership Give everyone an opportunity to speak. Z’havah Use a blackboard or flip chart for listing suggestions. Hospitality Make specific assignments and define individual responsibilities. New members Summarize progress made before the end of the meeting. Retention Telephone/transportation Continuing responsibilities Bulletin Keep in touch with members who have undertaken specific Ways & Means responsibilites. Judaica shop Keep progress reports. Special events Consult with the president and vice president as to which reports Public Policy and recommendations need board approval. Canadian policy and advocacy Israel affairs Give the recording secretary written copies of reports. Public Policy/UN Acknowledge the contributions of committee members publicly Social Action and privately. Torah Fund Committees supervised by the president Budget and finance Note: It is helpful to have a repre- Nominating (although she cannot be a member) sentative of the public relations committee on each committee. Parliamentarian/bylaws and revision Archives

24 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG JEWISH STUDIES COMMITTEE LEARNING Do not say, “When I have leisure, I will study,” for you may never have leisure. The core of any sisterhood is its education program. The Program Pirkei Avot 2:5 Advisory Committee (PAC) reflects the Women’s League’s ongoing Available from commitment to Jewish learning. Whether studying classical Jewish Women’s League texts, history, theology and philosophy, Israel, culture or literature, programs designed to enhance our identity and commitment as Jews Divrei Hokhmah (see page 48) Begin are important and invigorating components of every sisterhood. meetings with brief five to ten minute study sessions: Cooperate and coordinate with the synagogue adult education Book of Proverbs program wherever possible. You should be a member of the Ten Commandments congregation adult education committee with voice and vote. Kol Ishah Heart & Soul Vary the times of your adult education events between morn- The Environment ings, afternoons, evenings, Shabbat, Sundays. Pirkei Imahot Hiddur Mitzvah Utilize a variety of formats Derekh Eretz formal and informal classes Hebrew literacy rosh chodesh study session Shabbaton International Days of Study Ded- adult bat mitzvah program parent education icate time for in-depth study lunch & learn dinner lecture The Hiddur Mitzvah Project A pre-meeting study summer session comprehensive and creative look at days of study enhancing our observance of the mitzvot for holidays and shabbat. Kolot BiK’dushah Mitzvat Yomit: A Mitzvah A Day Kolot BiK’dushah is composed of sisterhood members who have A small pamphlet designed to sensi- the ability to read from the Torah and/or to lead daily or shab- tize us to daily good deeds bat services. There are now three categories: Kolot Bi’Kdushah for Yom Yarok-Green Day: A Tu those who fulfill the requirements; Banot BiK’dushah for post-bat B’shevat Celebration readings and mitzvah girls; Nashim BiK’dushah for women who are expected to discussions on the environment participate in services at region and Women’s League functions. Your sisterhood should try to enroll members at every level. Contact Women’s League Shabbat the program department for further information. Etz Ha’yim He Adult Education Curriculum Women’s League Institutes Count Your Blessings revised, Intense study courses are hosted by five regions in conjunction with with new transliterations scholars and graduates of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Check with your region to find Under the Wings of the the nearest institute or visit www.wlcj.org. Sh’khinah: A Jewish Healing Service Sisterhood Planner With Strength and Splendor Jewish women in North American whose pioneering activities chal- lenged social and religious con- straints.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 25 BOOKS COMMITTEE Knowledge not increased is knowledge decreased. LEARNING Pirkei Avot 1:13 In the age of cyberspace, a books chair has the challenging job of Orpah’s List reminding the ‘people of the book’ of the value and importance Book Club of the book. Encourage sisterhood members and their families to read Orpah’s List selects works that deal with some facet of Jewish life, history books and periodicals of Jewish content. or characters. Study guides are avail- Supervise or ensure the establishment and operation of a able at www.wlcj.org. synagogue library. Sponsor a community-wide Jewish book fair with the Selections religious school, USY and nursery school parents as a 2012 One More River by Mary way of increasing awareness and interest in sisterhood. Glickman Organize a Jewish children’s book fair. 2011 Cleopatra-A Life, by Stacy Devolp and maintain a book review column in your syna- Schiff and The Invisible Bridge, gogue or sisterhood bulletin. by Julie Orringer 2010 Pictures at an Exhibition, by Outside resources Sara Houghteling Jewish Book Council (www.jewishbookcouncil.org) 2009 People of the Book, by Association of Jewish Libraries (www.jewishlibraries.org) Geraldine Brooks Books and the Judaica Shop 2008 The Faith Club, by Ranya Enter into a partnership with your sisterhood Judaica shop. Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Volunteer on the staff of the shop. Priscilla Warne Display Jewish books together with Judaica. 2007 Disobedience Keep the stock of books current. by Naomi Alderman Suggest books to give as gifts. 2006 Those Who Save Us Book Groups by Jenna Blum One of the best ways of stimulating the reading of Jewish books is 2005 The Singing Fire through a book discussion group. A book club or discussion group, by Lilian Nattel composed of sisterhood members, should meet regularly and does not need a professional leader. Begin your sisterhood book group this November with the next Orpah’s List selection (to be announced). BookMarks With Strength & Splendor: Jewish Women as Agents of Change, by Lisa Kogen, Education Director This informative and delightful look at 48 North American Jewish Semi-annual newsletters featuring women who have impacted our world can be a wonderful basis for a author interviews, reviews, discussion group or class. It’s also a perfect gift for new members, recommended book lists for b’not mitzvah and graduates. fiction, non-fiction, children, cooking, crafts, culture, etc.

26 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG CREATIVE JUDAIC ARTS COMMITTEE LIVING Give her honor for the fruit of her hands... Mishlei 31:31 “Study and create” and hiddur mitzvah (the embellishment of a Available from mitzvah) are the watchwords of this activity. A collection of over 200 ideas, suggestions and patterns for all kinds of Judaic crafts is Women’s League available from www.wlcj.org. Aleph Bet Variations Hebrew Your task is to encourage members to create family heirlooms in alphabets for use in needlecrafts the finest tradition of Judaic folk art as well as to provide oppor- and other media tunities to fulfill this role. The committee also can be instrumental Headcoverings Patterns for a in beautifying the synagogue through special handcrafts projects. variety of headcoverings On the Women’s League website The Women’s League website has a constantly growing number of directions and patterns available to download. Go to Creative Judaic Arts www.wlcj.org/WLCJ for You. Projects

The Hiddur Mitzvah Project Tallitot This 2011 publication contains both old and new CJA projects for Judaic wall hangings enhanced holiday celebration. It includes brief explanations of the history and cultural variations of some ritual objects, and sugges- Omer calendars tions for new activities such as an Ushpizot mobile, omer calendars, Mishloah manot plates Vashti/Esther bracelets, origami plagues for the Passover seder, Kippot and other headcoverings floral arrangements for Sukkot and Shavuot. Miriam’s cup Craftswomen can contribute their time and talent to your sisterhood Ushpizot mobile Judaica shop. International Days of Study Women’s League has provided directions for crafts project together with its study materials for four of the Days of Study. These materials can be ordered from Women’s League: Esther: masks and groggers Ruth: Torah binders Kohelet: family trees Song of Songs: papercut Yom Yarok-Green Day Celebration of Tu B’Shevat: environmental projects for adults and children

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 27 JUDAICA SHOP COMMITTEE You shall not falsify measures....You shall have an honest balance, honest weights. LIVING Va’yikra 19:35,36 As a small business enterprise, Judaica shops should realize a profit Directory of Judaica that can then be put back into the shop in the form of increasing Shop Suppliers inventory, broadening advertising, etc. But it should also be an Women’s League has published its educational enterprise whose goal is to bring authentic Judaica into Directory of Judaica Shop Suppliers the lives and homes of sisterhood/synagogue members. In addition for many years. It is now a regularly to supervising the operation of the store, the chair should focus on updated feature of the Women’s its educational component and look for ways in which to personal- League website, and can be found at ize its services (extended hours, gift wrapping, bridal or bar/bat www.wlcj.org. Click on SHOPPING mitzvah registries, etc.). & RESOURCE CENTER on the top directory. Suppliers are listed under The shop’s educational goal can be achieved by offering a Capsule these categories: Report with every ritual item purchased; selling properly crafted Apparel and Accessories, Giftware, Judaica (only a kosher klaf in a mezuzah, for example); and serving Tableware, Novelties as a resource for the religious school. Art, Calligraphy, Handcrafts, A section of every Judaica shop should be devoted to Jewish books, Ketubot, Jewelry, Audio/Video, videos, tapes, and cds. Members of the books and program commit- Books, CDs, Paper Products, tees should be part of the Judaica shop staff. Stationery, Gift Wrapping, Ceremo- nial Objects, Toys, Food Successful advertising is essential to a successful Judaica shop. Contact [email protected] to Work closely with the public relations chair. advertise. Utilize the talents of retired members and local craftspeople. Stock Women’s League publications (see page 56). Women’s League Affinity Programs For a history of the cultural and educational mission of the synagogue Judaica shop, see the new Women’s League Hiddur Mitzvah Purchase books, Judaica, and gour- Project, pages 66-67. met food items from these vendors and Women’s League will receive a Listserve for Judaica Shops percentage of your purchase price. This is an opportunity to share questions, concerns, and achieve- J. Levine sells fine Judaica and a ments with other Judaica shop chairs across the continent. Post your comprehensive selection of Jewish questions to: [email protected]. Please post only books (including the Orpah’s List questions and information pertinent to Judaica shops. Hopefully by selections). Shop by clicking on the J. sharing our knowledge, we will have more efficient and financially Levine logo on the www.wlcj.org or successful gift shops for all of us! at http://www.levinejudaica.com/cgi- Questions? Contact Jacki Stevens at [email protected]. bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=WLCJ On the Women’s League website For the latest information from the Directory of Judaica Shop Suppliers (updated regularly) or to contact advertisers in CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism, go to www.wlcj.org.

28 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG MITZVOT COMMITTEE LIVING ...heed the discipline of your father...do not forsake the instruction of your mother. Mishlei 1:8 As Conservative Jews we are committed to the performance of Available from mitzvot in all aspects of our lives. The mitzvot committee provides resources and programmatic suggestions for mitzvah-based activities that cover a wide variety of interests, from ritual observance, to Suggestions for enhancing holidays kashrut and cooking, to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a religious and festivals obligation. The Hiddur Mitzvah Project Interdating: A Jewish Parents Guide The Hiddur Mitzvah Project The Hiddur Mitzvah Project provides modern and accessible Making Your Kitchen Kosher: A projects for Shabbat and holiday celebrations at home. Interspersed Step-by-Step Guide throughout are vignettes about the history and cultural variations of Teaching cd of Birkat HaMazon ritual objects and other aspects of holiday observance. Creating a Membership in Kolot BiK’dushah (see balance between the old and the new, The Hiddur Mitzvah Project page 23) includes recipe make-overs for old stand-bys and projects for new holidays rituals. Mitzvah Yomit Study & Action Programs International As Women’s League members commit to the expanded perfor- Days of Study mance of mitzvot in their daily lives, new materials are being created to assist sisterhoods in providing programming and encour- Women’s League has created a agement. The Mitzvah Yomit brochure suggests a wide array of comprehensive program for the mitzvot to consider. Program materials include biblical and rabbinic study of biblical text that can text study, and environmental mitzvot. expand the Jewish living program of a sisterhood and the families of Special Women’s Events its members. Units have focused on Women’s Seder: The women’s seder is an opportunity to put megillot Ruth, Esther, Kohelet, Eikhah, women back into the Passover story. Include different approaches Song of Songs, Psalms, Yom Yarok- such as questions from the four daughters, poetry, and stories about Green Day: A Tu b’Shevat Miriam and other female heroes of Jewish history. The kos Miriam Celebration, and Hiddur Mitzvah. (Miriam’s cup) offers a more portable symbol of the presence of women in the exodus story. www.wlcj.org Vashti’s Banquet: This innovative program is a fun way to experience the Purim story by recreating an imagined harem, the WLCJ for You quintessential female community. Include belly dancing, story- Vashti’s Banquet telling, henna and cosmetics, middle Eastern foods and music. Women in the Sukkah Ushpizot – Seven Female Guests: A popular kabbalistic practice Seasonal Materials to Enhance is welcoming the ushpizin into the sukkah. Aramaic for guests, the Your Holiday Celebrations ushpizin are biblical male personalities who are invited, one each Invite Them In: Women in the night, into the sukkah. Expand the custom by including women, Bible called ushpizot. See the Hiddur Mitzvah Project for programming and Ushpizot: Our Honored Guests personal ideas.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 29 TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE One who involves himself in the needs of the community is as one who studies Torah. LIVING Jerusalem Talmud, B'rakhot 8:4 Jewish values teach us to take an active part in the community. Our Available from goal is to sensitize, raise consciousness and encourage affiliates to Women’s League become active in community service as individuals or through The Mitzvah of Bikkur Holim: sisterhood outreach. Forming a sisterhood Bikkur Holim The tikkun olam committee (formerly community service, disabili- Committee ties and environment committees) is responsible for encouraging sisterhood to engage in community service activities. Your sisterhood can initiate, organize, manage, and/or give financial and personnel support to these activities, including: MAZON bikkur holim (visiting the sick) A Jewish Response to Hunger feeding the hungry, clothing the poor helping the elderly Women’s League encourages contri- preventing domestic violence butions to MAZON: A Jewish Re- monitoring the environment sponse to Hunger at all conferences at which food is served. supporting Jewish Girl Scouts promoting genetic screening MAZON Project Linus (blankets for children in chemotherapy) 1990 South Bundy Drive reading tutors in the public schools Suite 260 Los Angeles, CA 90025-5232 Getting started Research your community to identify appropriate projects that you can meet and where sisterhood members already volunteer. Establish community service goals for your sisterhood. Environment Choose project(s). Appoint chairs and committees for each project. Establish a budget for each project. Concern for the environment should Plan publicity campaign (with public relations chair), personnel be a priority of every individual on recruitment, and transportation needs. the earth. It is a religious imperative. Evaluate each project. As such, Women’s League is a member and supporter of: Yom Yarok – Green Day: A Tu b’Shevat Celebration COEJL: Coalition on the Environ- This full day of programming features a variety of intergenera- ment and Jewish Life (program of tion activities focused on protecting and preserving the the Jewish Coalition for Public environment: text study, 20-minute Tu B’Shevat seder, an envi- Affairs). ronmental beit din, storytelling for children and adults, crafts, Earth Charter USA planting karpas in preparation for Passover. GreenFaith

30 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE

Disabilities How can sisterhood enhance the Jewish life of a person with a Be an disability? How can a person with a disability fit into the communi- Informed Donor ty? The Tikkun Olam Committee can work to accomodate those with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and learning disabili- Choosing a charity deserving of your philanthropic gift is a serious ties. As a sisterhood, offer support, encouragement and assistance to responsibility. Non-profit organiza- the families and relatives of people with disabilities. tions are not all alike and it is always The Americans with Disabilities Act exempts religious institutions advisable to do a bit of research and congregations from many of its provisions, but you should before sending funds. Being an encourage your congregation to accept the moral obligation to make “informed donor” is not only wise; it your building and programs accessible to everyone. also creates a sense of trust among members who are rightfully con- Charity/Tzedakah cerned about where their donations Charity is equal in importance to all other commandments. (Bava Batra) go.

One of the most highly cherished mitzvot, charity/tzedakah is a Two of the most commonly used cornerstone of Jewish personal and communal observance. online referral services to evaluate Throughout the history of Women’s League, whether through charities are: support of the Jewish National Fund, Conservative institutions www.charitynavigator.org including Torah Fund, social and religious institutions in Israel, or www.jgooders.com local organizations committed to tikkun olam, our affiliates have Download the booklet Giving provided generous support and social/political activism. Tzedakah with Thought from Women’s League tzedakah campaigns benefited JBI International, www.wlcj.org Masorti Women, and the JWB (Jewish Chaplains Council) that provides holiday packages for Jewish soldiers. Recently, our outreach has been extended to other agencies including the Association Large Print of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies and the Jewish Genetic Publications Disease Consortium. A large print version of the Conser- Women’s League is no longer acting as the collection agency for vative Movement’s Birkat haMazon these funds. Instead, we encourage affiliates to collect and send pamphlet is available. This can be donations directly to these organizations or to any others that they especially useful for elderly members choose. However, it is first necessary to determine your synagogue’s of your sisterhood/congregation who policy regarding this matter. have visual problems. Contact Wom- en’s League for information. Creating a Community of Readers One Child at a Time Replicate the Convention 2010 project, Books for Baltimore, by You can also contact JBI International providing reading books to children in area public schools. Contact for free large-pring haggadot. school officials for guidelines as to grade and appropriate titles. Value Our Vets Or, look to Convention 2012’s project and support a local Fisher House for families and vets at VA hospitals in your community.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 31 WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE Throw in your lot with us; We shall all have a common purse. LIVING Mishlei1:14 The principle of tzedakah is an important one in Jewish life; it is no Fundraising Standards less important in synagogue life. Everyone wants to be associated with a beautiful building, one which has sufficient classrooms, a The primary purposes of sisterhood well equipped kitchen, attractive grounds, and surroundings which fundraising are educational, cultural can enhance a vibrant, exciting and stimulating program. Often, it is and inspirational. the sisterhood that assumes the responsibility of raising the funds to achieve these goals. Games of chance, raffles or other forms of gambling must satisfy local As chair of the ways and means committee, your job is to guide the regulations and be approved by your sisterhood (and often, the congregation) toward undertaking fund- rabbi, whether on synagogue pre- raising events that are in keeping with the ideals of Judaism. The mises or elsewhere. end does not always justify the means if the means are not of the The ways and means chair should be highest moral and ethical quality. represented on the congregation budget committee. Maximize participation at every sisterhood fundraising event by explaining what the funds will buy and how your members will benefit from it, such as more books for the library, or better salaries for religious school teachers, or equipment for the kitchen for more Available from elaborate ongei shabbat. Women’s League

Ways to the Means, guide to meaningful fundraising Standards in Fundraising Guidance and Helpful Hints for the Ways and Means Chair

Ways to the Means

A Guide for Planning Successful Ways & Means Projects

32 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG YOUTH COMMITTEE LIVING Train a lad in the way he ought to go; He will not swerve from it even in old age. Mishlei 22:6 The youth committe serves as liaison between the sisterhood and: religious school KOACH pre-school Solomon Schechter Day School You can make a real difference for Kadima/USY students on campuses across Camp Ramah North America and create KOACH (college-age group) opportunities for them to explore their Jewish heritage in ways that Remember: you serve as a liaison, not as a professional. Your task is are open and accepting, traditional to enhance, supplement and aid the youth programs in your congre- and pluralistic. United Synagogue’s gation, not to administer them. You should serve on the youth and KOACH program provides school committees of the congregation with voice and vote. Conservative Jewish college Banot BiK’dushah students with an environment that Banot BiK’dushah is a category of Kolot BiK’dushah that is open to allows them to explore and post-bat mitzvah young women who have demonstrated the requi- experience Conservative Judaism site synagogue skills. Contact the program department for in their own way with their peers. information. Application forms can be downloaded from Women’s League assumed www.wlcj.org. sponsorship for the KOACH kallah in 2012, when double the Vashti’s Banquet number of college students came This innovative program designed by Women’s League is a sure- together to maintain and develop fire way to attract young women, and mothers and daughters connections to Conservative (and grandmothers). Use this as an opportunity to cooperate Judaism, develop a love of Torah, with your USY and local KOACH. the Jewish people, Israel, and God. Almost three dozen sisterhoods Information for creating a Vashti’s Banquet in your community is helped the campaign. This year, be available at www.wlcj.org. sure that your sisterhood budgets money for this important challenge The Art of Skyping with Bubbie for the future. By Barbara Krupat Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel, Newton Centre, Massachusetts, Long distance families have become common place. While simple phone calls can keep grandparents and their grandchildren connect- Hiddur Mitzvah ed, show your members how to be right in their grandkids’ living Project room, even if they aren’t so technologically savvy. This can be a fun teaching experience for parents and children. Available at The Women’s League Hiddur www.wlcj.org. Mitzvah Project includes a wide array of programs, projects, and more for families that can be done in sisterhoods or at home.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 33 KERUV LIVING

Leadership Council of Women’s League policy for keruv: Conservative Judaism Outreach to Non-Jewish Women Principles Women’s League is committed to the preservation and vitality of As members of the Conservative the Jewish people. To that end, we understand the urgency of movement, we welcome all who reaching out to non-Jews married to Jews in the hope that they wish to become involved in our will raise their children as Jews, move closer to Judaism them- programs, synagogues, services, selves, and ultimately consider conversion. We encourage the Jewish and institutions. partner to maintain his/her Jewish identity, and family and community ties. We are committed to fostering Jewish marriage and family life. We The sisterhoods affiliated with Women’s League – both by design offer couples and families the and by practice – provide the knowledge, skills and experience support and resources to create necessary to foster a Jewish home and lifestyle. Every sisterhood Jewish homes and to practice and should be a warm and welcoming gateway into Jewish life for all grow in Judaism. women, including the non-Jewish woman. Those already contem- We welcome interfaith couples. plating or in the process of conversion, as well as those married to Their loving commitment to one Jews, and/or raising Jewish children, will find the support and another enriches us, as does their encouragement that sisterhoods can provide. participation in our congregations. We seek to share with them the Therefore, we recommend that sisterhoods offer full membership to gifts of our faith, practices, learning women who support the above mission of Women’s League. How- and fellowship. ever, only Jewish women may serve as officers and members of the We embrace the Jewish partners of board of directors. interfaith families. We help them to The rabbi of the synagogue is the mara d’atrah (religious authority) strengthen their knowledge and for each sisterhood and must be consulted before instituting this observance of Judaism, and to policy. deepen their connections to the synagogue, the Jewish community, Look for programming ideas and guidelines. and the Jewish people. (This policy was passed at Convention 2008) We seek to nurture and support Feel at home in the Conservative movement the spiritual journey of non-Jewish The Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism has created a partners who join us, to deepen their connections to the syna- brochure available to every congregation (at www.wlcj.org) to help gogue, the Jewish community and create an atmosphere of welcome for everyone seeking to be part of to the Jewish people, and to inspire our communities. Also available is Tools for Building a Culture of them to consider conversion. Keruv, a set of recommendations for movement implementation. We joyously partner with all who Women’s League is creating its own set of programs and materials join us in creating homes rich in for our sisterhoods. If your sisterhood has instituted a meangingful Jewish tradition and in raising program for reaching the non-Jewish women in your community, children as learned and committed please share it with our Keruv committee. Jews

34 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE LINKING Pray for the welfare of the government, for if people did not fear it, they would swallow each other alive. Pirkei Avot 3:2 Public policy is an integral component of the Women’s Available from League program. Sisterhoods should use the materials they receive Women’s League from Women’s League in planning activities and social action campaigns. They should also respond to action alerts. Following Resolutions (www.wlcj.org Women’s League policy, they should participate in local and nation- Guide to Writing Women’s al affairs. League Resolutions Women’s League is an active member of the Jewish Council for Guide to Voter Registration Public Affairs, the World Jewish Congress, NCSJ Advocates on Guide to Writing Advocacy Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States & Eurasia, and Letters many other organizations and agencies (see page 53). Ba’Olam - World AffairsBlog The United Nations Action Alerts via email Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, firmly committed to the ideals and principles set forth in the UN Charter, is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization associated with the Department of Public Information at the United Nations. It is a member of the Religious NGO Committee, where many faiths are NGOs represented, as well as of the Jewish NGO Caucus. An observer and/or alternate represents Women’s League at all sessions. Non-Governmental Organizations Sisterhoods should be supportive of America’s meeting its commit- are those to which the UN Econom- ment to the UN and its many agencies that have made significant ic and Social Council has granted contributions to the quality of life for people around the world. consultative status. They may send observers to public meetings of the Women’s League invites your sisterhood to tour the United council and its commissions. Nations as part of its social action program and can arrange a Since1952, Women’s League has guided tour for groups of 12 or more, including briefings by mem- maintained an NGO and alternate bers of the U.S. and Israel Missions. The Non-Governmental at the UN who have been active Observer or Alternate will be happy to meet your members and participants on the Committee of spend the day with you. Religious NGOs and the Jewish NGO Caucus. Ba’Olam – In the World For decades, Women’s League published Ba’Olam, a world affairs and public policy newsletter – covering Israel, Canada, America, and elsewhere – as a bimonthly mailing and most recently as an email message. Ba’Olam Blog Now, to keep our members up-to-the-minute on those issues and events of interest to them in our ever-changing world, Ba’Olam is Ba’Olam is available at http:// produced as a blog with direct links to articles and commentary. Go wlcjbaolam.blogspot.com to http://wlcjbaolam.blogspot.com

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 35 ISRAEL COMMITTEE I have come down to rescue them...and to bring them to a good and spacious land, LINKING a land flowing with milk and honey. Shmot 3:8 Women’s League is committed to perpetuating its Israel program: Available from Love of Israel is inherent in our tradition, and a Women’s League component of our bylaws Ba’Olam World Affairs blog Education about Israel Resolutions available at Economic independence www.wlcj.org Political and financial support for the Masorti (Conservative) movement Names and addresses of Masorti congregations listed in the annual Tourism and aliyah calendar/diary. Political advocacy In addition Women’s League accepts the Jerusalem Program of the world Zionist movement (Adopted June 2004): Israel Missions Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, brought about the establishment of the State of Israel, and views a Jewish, Zionist, democratic and secure State of Israel to be the expression of the common responsibility of Join members of Women’s League the Jewish people for its continuity and future. The foundations of Zionism are: for exciting missions to Israel. Call 212.870.1260. for information. The unity of the Jewish people, its bond to its historic homeland Eretz Yisrael, and the centrality of the State of Israel and Jerusalem, its capital, in the life of the nation. Aliyah to Israel from all countries and the effective integration of all Israel Liaison immigrants into Israeli Society. Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state and Diane Friedgut, is our link to Ma- shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual sorti Women International. She character, marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people, represents us and our interests in rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to Israel and invites Women’s League members to contact her in Israel: the betterment of the world. Ensuring the future and the distinctiveness of the Jewish people by Diane Friedgut furthering Jewish, Hebrew and Zionist education, fostering spiritual and 27/3 El Kachi cultural values and teaching Hebrew as the national language. East Talpiot, Jerusalem 02-672 0266 [email protected] Nurturing mutual Jewish responsibility, defending the rights of Jews as individuals and as a nation, representing the national Zionist interests of the Jewish people, and struggling against all manifestations of anti- Semitism. Women’s Study Days Settling the country as an expression of practical Zionism.

Women’s League sponsors study The Israel Committee should provide programming to support these days in Israel with classes in objectives through study, speakers on contemporary issues, MER- Hebrew, English, Russian, and CAZmembership, political action, trips to Israel, scholarships for Spanish. Contact Diane Friedgut movement Israel programs, contributions to the Masorti Foundation to participate. for Conservative Judaism in Israel. Participation in the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) should be encouraged. Include commemorations of Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israel Independence

36 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG ISRAEL COMMITTEE

Day) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Reunification Day) in your annual calendar of events.Serve Israeli products whenever possible at social functions. Invest in the Double Mitzvah program of Israel Bonds to benefit both Israel and Women’s League. Masorti Women International Women’s League maintains essential relationships with Masorti communities. Regions are assigned twins to which funds are allocated. Sisterhoods are asked to make a contribution on behalf of their twin congregations for programs and projects. We encourage correspondence with and visits to congregations to strengthen ties. Sharing with your Israeli twin can be a wonderful source of programming. A complete list of communities, with contact information, appears in the Women’s League calendar/diary. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs The Masorti movement’s innovative program for children suffering from various disabilities reaches hundreds of children offering many their only contact with Jewish communal life. For the past several years, tzedakah collected at Women’s League conventions and conferences has gone to support this outstanding program.

MERCAZ USA 136 East 39th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016 212.533.2061 MERCAZ USA (see page 38 for MERCAZ Canada) is the Zionist Organization of the Conservative Move- ment and the voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism in the World Zionist Congress which serves as the parliament of the Jewish people. MERCAZ is committed to bringing Conservative Jews closer to Zionism and to Israel through: Representing the interests of the Conservative movement through funding allocations in the World Zionist Organization and in the Jewish Agency for Israel Creating and disseminating Zionist educational materials, promoting the study of the Hebrew language, and raising the Zionist consciousness of Conservative Jews. Promoting Conservative/Masorti Judaism and religious pluralism in Israel. Increasing Zionist activities and promoting study programs in Israel for youth and adults. Supporting the peace process with absolute regard for Israel’s security. Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 212.870.2216. www.Masorti.org 1000 Finch Avenue W, Toronto, Ontario M3J 2U5 416.667.1881. mercaz-masortipages.com Masorti promotes the values of Conservative Judaism in Israel and advocates religious tolerance, pluralism and traditional Jewish values in daily life. Nearly 60 synagogues provide a full range of religious, educational and cultural activities. NOAM youth movement provides programming and activities for youngsters age 8 to 17 Activities and classes for new olim, including para-professional job training Kibbutz Hanaton, Shorashim and other communities foster the values of Conservative Judaism, religious tolerance, and the Zionist tradition of settling the land Pluralistic Religious Affairs Bureau Educational initiatives include curriculum and programs Ramah-Noam Camp, the first overnight summer camp in Israel, serves hundreds of children, including new olim and underprivileged Israeli children

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 37 CANADIAN POLICY AND ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

Do not withdraw from the community. LINKING Pirkei Avot 2:5 The fifth largest Jewish community in the world, Canadian Jewry is Available from approximately 370,500 strong, and is as rich and diverse a commu- Women’s League nity as is Canada itself. Geographically spread across the breadth of Canada, the highest concentrations of Jews live in Toronto (approxi- Ba’Olam, a World Affairs blog mately 180,000) and Montreal (approximately 93,000). The fastest growing community is that of Vancouver (approaching 23,000). Participation in Canadian Jewish Many smaller centers of Jewish life continue to thrive and flourish Congress and the Canadian across the continent. Zionist Federation Annual mailings Notwithstanding periods of overt discrimination and anti-Semitism, Resolutions the Jews of Canada have unlimited freedom to pursue their religious, political and professional aspirations. Jews are active in all aspects and segments of Canadian life and have made vital contributions in every field, including politics, the arts, medicine, the law, and government. The Canadian Policy & Advocacy Committee is mandated to deal with issues relevant to Jewish life in Canada. But that is by no means its sole purpose. Issues that impact on our neighbors impact on the Jewish community and vice versa. Canadian Public Policy raises awareness of the critical human, social and political environment in which we live, and challenges us to be informed and involved. The Canadian Policy & Advocacy Committee should encourage members to join MERCAZ Canada, and to support the other worldwide institutions of the Conservative/Masorti Movement. MERCAZ Canada 1000 Finch Avenue W, #508 Toronto, Ontario M3J 2U5 416.667.1881 [email protected]

38 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE SHARING Where there is no sustenance there can be no Torah. Pirkei Avot 3:21 Budgets are designed to encourage the expansion of areas of sisterhood work, such as programming and education. They should take Keeping Records into consideration expenditures made in previous years. Anticipated income must be sufficient to cover anticipated expenditures. The treasurer and financial secre- Who is on the budget & finance committee tary should keep records for each Treasurer project on a separate spreadsheet Financial secretary so that the records of past expens- Ways & means vice president es may be quickly reviewed. Two additional members from the board The president appoints the chair. The committee should meet at the end of the fiscal year to prepare the budget for the next year. Contributions Preparing the budget (see Appendix III) The budget should reflect all of the programs and needs of the All funds collected by, and in behalf coming year. Monies should not be set aside; if there are extra funds, of, sisterhood should be reserved for they should be used for current sisterhood or synagogue needs or it and its congregation. Treasury scholarships. Only a small amount should be held over to start up contributions to other causes and the coming year until dues are collected. organizations should be limited to token amounts and allocated only Request each activity chair to answer the following questions. upon direction of the board of direc- Answers should be received by the budget committee chair at least tors. one week before the committee meeting. Women’s League recommends par- Did the allocation for the previous year meet all needs? ticipating in tikkun olam campaigns Are there plans for the coming year which might necessitate a that should be in your budget (see larger or smaller budget? If a new project is being planned, pages 31). the budget should cover the estimated expenses. You also should encourage your Does the chair have any suggestions for economizing on members, through publicity and co- anticipated expenses? operation, to give donations to worthwhile causes as individuals. Presenting the budget A balanced budget should be presented to the board of directors in writing for approval. Once approved, it is official. The general membership may receive copies of it. When presenting the board with the estimated budget for the coming year, include the actual expenditures of the previous year. Allow enough time at the meeting to evaluate the entire year’s activities.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 39 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE All of us together! SHARING The role of the membership committee is to recruit, activate and Available from retain new and ongoing members. The more opportunities for entry Women’s League into sisterhood, the greater your membership. The Blueprint for Membership Blueprint for Membership This indispensable guide contains all the information you need. If Membership Magnets 1, 2, 3 you don’t have a copy, contact Women’s League today! Membership cards Setting goals How to Make Free Sisterhood Set a realistic goal to increase your membership. Set a long-range Membership Profitable goal of every synagogue woman being a sisterhood member. Reaching Out for Your Ask the region membership vice president to meet with your Sisterhood Membership sisterhood membership team to develop and implement ideas. Membership Appreciation Define your sisterhood’s objectives Yearly Calendar What do you want to focus on this year? more new members longstanding members returning to participate Think Plus +1 larger turnout at meetings and events committees of a broad cross-section of members special interest groups Ask every member to bring one leadership training new member to your next meeting. Greet her warmly and ask her to increased enthusiasm join. It could be that easy to dou- programs for community service or social action or ble your membership! Be sure to education thank the member and her guest Don’t forget singles! for coming. Sisterhoods should support activities for singles in different age groups, and provide opportunities for this important segment of our community to come together. All singles – who are not a homoge- neous group – must feel welcome in our Sisterhoods and synagogues, and we need to be sensitive to their different needs. Remember, all activities are membership activities...and membership is a never-ending activity!

40 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG SIGs Have you tried Special Interst Groups? Need more help? When 10 women join an Orpah’s Book Group, or 15 women sit together to make Linus blankets, or 12 stretch during a yoga class, Call your MVP (Region Membership Vice President) for individualized as- you touch more women than just those who attend sisterhood sistance in designing a successful meetings. membership campaign. Look in the Sisterhood Planner and Z’havah Planner for more SIG suggestions. You can also speak with your region membership vice president for more help. For Younger Women Using social media to attract and connect In this busy age, people want things instantly and simply. Many of your members, and potential members, live their lives online See page 47 for information about to be social, find information, and to shop. Social networking, or Z’havah, Women’s League’s using the wonders of the internet, cell phones and other modern unique approach to younger communications tools, is a way for your sisterhood membership women. to connect instantly. Be sure you have a copy of the Z’havah Planner, created by Social media, in other words, is another way to communicate to members of Z’havah. the people you value in the format they are already using. Provide information about your sisterhood in easy, short spurts to anyone who is looking at the technology any way. Work closely with Partnership your public relations chair to understand which approaches work for Success best for your membership, and those you hope to make part of your Women join sisterhoods for many membership. reasons. It may be for camaraderie, Facebook or to gain more Jewish knowledge or Facebook (www.facebook.com) is the most popular mainstream because sisterhood helps the social networking application. It connects people, organizations and synagogue. It is the activities and special interest groups with a number of options for person-to- programs of sisterhood that attract person, and organization-to-membership communications. and maintain members. Make every meeting and event a membership Twitter function: welcome new members and Twitter (https://twitter.com) is text messaging with a specific introduce them to those with similar purpose. Twitter is also a conversation. You can send a message of interests. Good programs bring up to 140 characters to everyone who is “following you.” What a women to meetings; good caring great way to engage people in what is happening in your sisterhood. encourages them to return and join.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 41 NOMINATING COMMITTEE No office can dignify a person, but many a person dignifies the office. SHARING Saadia Gaon The nominating committee identifies the leadership that will direct Election Procedure and strengthen sisterhood. It is appointed by the president at the start of her term. Members should be familiar with the abilities of the general members as well as with the purposes and standards of No Contest: The chair of the nomi- Women’s League. The chair should have a copy of your current nating committee announces, “No additional nominations having been bylaws so she can be familiar with your procedures. properly received, the slate as pro- The committee has an uneven number of members, including the posed is the electoral ballot.” The chair, as defined in the bylaws. There are no alternates. Most mem- president declares, “There being no bers are appointed from the board of directors, and the remainder additional nominations, the slate is from the general membership. elected by general consent,” and/or asks for a motion to elect the slate Potential candidates for office should not be on the committee. The and asks for a vote. president is not a member and does not attend the meetings. Contest: Closed written balloting is required. The committee's proposed Responsibilities of the nominating committee nominees DO NOT have a status dif- Review the Women’s League Standards for Leadership (page 13). ferent from that of additional nomi- Invite the parliamentarian to the first meeting of the nominating nees. The nominating committee has committee to clarify bylaws and policy. no part in a contested election. Create accurate job descriptions for each position to be filled using Members eligible to vote must be the guidelines in this book. present and in good standing. Carefully consider candidates and propose officers and elected Ballots should be prepared with board members, as stated in the bylaws. names of all candidates listed alpha- Between elections, assist the president in filling any vacancies that betically and with the office for which might arise. These appointees serve until the end of the presi- they have been nominated. dent’s term. Ballots should be official. Inform Women’s League and your region nominating committee Tellers distribute ballots and hand chair of any changes on the board during the year, or when the tally of the vote to the president. vacancies are filled. The president announces the elec- Meet frequently to evaluate potential leaders. tion and the number of votes. Honor the confidential nature of the committee and do not discuss any matters with anyone outside the committee. If a committee member becomes a candidate for office, she must resign from the nominating committee. Standards of Leadership See page 13 for the Women’s League Standards of Leadership. The women nominated for leadership in your sisterhood are role models. It is hoped that they strive for mitzvot b’maalot, ascending achievement in personal Jewish development.

42 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG Establishing a slate Consider candidates by their performance of duties, attendance at Installation meetings and synagogue services. Whenever possible, nominate a candidate for president first. If a Bylaws state that officers hold office candidate for president cannot be found, the current president until their successors are elected should ask the region president for guidance and assistance. and installed. Consult with the current president and her nominated successor. It is policy that the nominating com- Ask for suggestions from the membership. The committee is not mittee be on hand at the election to bound by these suggestions. support the slate and attend the in- Consider candidates on the basis of merit, not on personal relation- stallation. ships, obligations or courtesy. Inform the nominee of the duties, schedule of activities, obligations, and exact nature of the position she is being offered. Available from The bylaws determine: Women’s League The number of officers, elected board of directors, appointees by Directives & Guidelines for the president, and term sisterhood nominating committee Types of ex-officio members Creative installation scripts The schedule of: When the board and general membership are informed of the slate. They should also be informed of the right of petition. When the region nominating committee chair is sent the slate Leadership Institutes Deadline for additional nominations Election and balloting Installation Women’s League reinforces its commitment to developing new Training from Women’s League leadership with its innovative Lead- The training services department is prepared to assist any nominat- ership Institutes designed to expand ing committee to understand its role and fulfill its mandate correctly leadership skills and Jewish knowl- and in keeping with its sisterhood bylaws. See page 54 for more edge and enhance personal growth information about Women’s League training services. and development. It would be most advantageous to your sisterhood to send newly elected/nominated officers and activity chairs to the next Institute. Call Women’s League for dates and locations. See page 59.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 43 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Be cautious in rendering a decision. SHARING Pirkei Avot 1:1 Available from The sisterhood parliamentarian interprets the bylaws and advises Women’s League the president, without bias, helping to assure orderly and proper procedures. She does not make decisions. The parliamentarian is not an elected officer. The president should be free to appoint a Parliamentary Guide and Sister- hood Model Bylaws parliamentarian in whom she has confidence. Policy for Sisterhoods The parliamentarian is automatically the chair of the bylaws revi- Parliamentary Procedure in sion and policy committee. The region parliamentarian should be Brief consulted before a sisterhood takes any action to change its bylaws or policy. Parliamentary Procedure: Ques- tions & Opinions The parliamentarian acts as a consultant to the committee. Directives & Guidelines for the Sisterhood Nominating Chair & Her The parliamentarian provides the procedures to: Committee Facilitate the orderly transaction of busines Protect the rights of members to propose ideas, speak, vote, render service, nominate and be candidate Safeguard the rights of the minorit Suggestions Express the will of the majorit Promote cooperation and harmon Be prepared with necessary parliamentary procedure. Policy book Correspondence calling for action The parliamentarian keeps her own policy book of motions passed. should be resolved or referred to Motions should be indexed by subject. committee. Every parliamentarian should have the most recent copy of Robert’s Motion first, then discussion. Rules of Order. Rule as “out of order” any incorrect, irrelevant or delaying motions which obstruct business. Eliminate repetition.

44 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE SHARING Raise your voice with power. Isaiah 40:9 Much of the success of a sisterhood program or event depends on Image Plus the publicity it receives both before and after. It is your job to Public Relations Handbook ensure that your sisterhood has a positive public image and that the programs it is planning have the greatest visibility possible. A New from Women’s League: The member of the public relations committee should serve on every completely revised guide for all your sisterhoood committee. publicity needs, including a chapter on social networking. The goals of the public relations committee are two-fold: Internal: encourage the participation of your membership through brochures, invitations, flyers, bulletin ads and articles, Press Releases: internet, Facebook, etc. Included in this category is a regular sisterhood bulletin or column in the synagogue bulletin. Writing for impact Be sure the story has legitimate External: reach out to all Jewish women and communicate with the value. community about your sisterhood and its activities. This includes Give a balanced picture. media releases in the secular and Jewish press, cable TV announcements, paid advertisements, etc. Put in all that is needed to tell the story, in the right order, in the sim- Since no single promotional effort can be counted on to do the plest language possible. entire job, a combination of communication methods is necessary. Create a “lead” to answer the The committee should be comprised of women who are creative and questions who, why, what, where, have media contacts, and others who are able and willing to make and when. phone calls. Every sisterhood has members who can do wonders Names make the news. Be sure that with their computers; find them and make them part of your team. names are correct. You should maintain a good working relationship with local printers Have two different people review familiar with your needs and budget. any material that is being submitted for publication. Online and current Include recent well-captioned pho- Increasingly, synagogues are hosting their own websites or online tographs. discussion groups and chat rooms. Be sure that your sisterhood has a constant presence on your synagogue site or hosts its own website. Virtual publicity is inexpensive and effective! If you would like to On the Web host a sisterhood website, the Women’s League IT department can help. Contact Lois Silverman at [email protected] Graphics and information for your use at www.wlcj.org Sisterhood news & bulletins Facebook Follow Women’s League Share your activities with other sisterhoods by sending your bulle- and what’s happening in other sister- tin/newsletter to Women’s League. hoods on Facebook. Become friends with Women’s League.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 45 PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

A public relations checklist Available from Be sure you have Image Plus Public Relations Handbook. Women’s League This guide to public relations and publicity, including printed Public relations flyers, invitations, materials, the media and the internet, has just been updated. brochures Collect Women’s League public relations mailings from your Sample press releases for sister- predecessor or directly from Women’s League. hood functions Form a committee with members who have writing, editing layout and design skills, as well as internet and desktop publishing Logos, bulletin articles, graphics knowledge. Join the Women’s League Part- Know the schedule of all events for your sisterhood. Be a part of nership brochure every committee to devise an effective public relations plan. For each event, establish a schedule for: hold the date cards bulletin spots Important Reminders flyers invitations press releases phone squads Proofread everything before it is Sisterhood newsletter webpage update printed. pulpit announcements broadcast emails Have someone proficient in Hebrew Know the deadlines for all local media, including your synagogue check any Hebrew text. bulletin. The Women’s League Hebrew Have the president approve all materials before they are released Word Guide provides translations to the media or reproduced. and transliterations for the most of- Update your sisterhood’s brochure. ten used words and phrases. Create your own sisterhood newsletter.

Graphics online

The internet has an enormous selection of graphics for use in bulletins, flyers and invitations that can be purchased, as well as several sites that offer free graphics for not-for- profits. Google Images has a nice selection of graphics on Jewish themes.

46 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG Z'HAVAH Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call... You’ve got a friend. Carol King Z’havah in your sisterhood Are the young women in your congregation looking for: Special Interest Groups interaction with their peers? (SIGs) Jewish study on their level? Learning opportunities to help others? Yoga Torah Night friendship and camaraderie? Learn to Layn support and encouragement? Adult Bat Mitzvah parenting tips? Theater Group leadership skills? Museum Mavens play groups, childcare, help finding the right school? Rosh Hodesh Study Famous Jewish Women Your sisterhood can meet their needs and schedules with Z'havah, giving younger members a point of focus and connec- Living tion with the larger organization. Z’havah is the feminine Hebrew Mommy & Me Math Skills for Toddlers word for gold, the acronym for Generating Our Leadership Devel- Kosher Gourmet opment. It is a mechanism to reach younger, unaffiliated women Spa Splurge who may not be aware of, or interested in, the traditional sisterhood Israeli Dancing package. Sisterhoods can offer specific activities in which these Investment Club women choose to participate under the umbrella of sisterhood. Creating New Rituals/Enhanc- The Z’havah chair should serve on the sisterhood board, under the ing Old Ones membership chair and be in contact with the region chair. The Sandwich Generation The chair should organize special interest groups. Linking Each special interest group should adopt its own agenda reflect- News & Views ing the mission of the Sisterhood and of Women’s League. Reading Readiness Tutoring If appropriate, each group should present one program a year The Israel Connection for the general membership, or participate as a group in one Computer Literacy or more Sisterhood projects to maintain the connection Religion in American Life Prospective Z’havah members should be invited to suggest Women’s Health Forum special interest groups that would draw them into sisterhood. Jewish Girl Scouts Interfaith Activities Women’s League encourages region fundraising for scholarships for Sharing Z’havah women to attend biennial conventions and region confer- LeadershipTraining ences. Ask your region chair for more information. On-Line and On-Time Z’havah Planner Between the Generations A membership tool which will aid and inspire Z’havah chairs with a Dealing with Infertility wealth of programming ideas. On Being a Caregiver Coats for Kids Leadership Institutes Bikkur Holim See page 59 for information about preparing Z’havah members to MADD become leaders in your sisterhood.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 47 TORAH FUND COMMITTEE Women ensuring Conservative/Masorti Jewish education Torah Fund Schools, The Women’s League Torah Fund Campaign sup- ports The Jewish Theological Seminary (New York), Ziegler School Programs & Affiliates of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles), Schechter Institute of Jewish The Rabbinical School Studies (Jerusalem), and Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano H.L. Miller Cantorial School and Col- (Buenos Aires). All funds raised go toward developing, strengthen- lege of Jewish Music ing, and maintaining these schools. The Graduate School The campaign was launched in 1942 as a scholarship fund, and in William Davidson Graduate School 1963, combined with the Mathilde Schechter Residence Halls of Jewish Education campaign, which provided housing for undergraduate students. The List College of Jewish Studies campaign than began to support all residence halls, provide funds The Library of the Jewish for The Library, create an outdoor campus, increase financial aid, Theological Seminary and establish the Women’s League Seminary Synagogue. Twenty Louis Finkelstein Institute of Religious and Social Studies years after it opened, the Mathilde Schechter Residence Hall was renovated and in 2004 and the Women’s League Educational Melton Research Center for Jewish Education Pavilion, located in Kripke Tower, was dedicated. Our focus for the Rebecca and Israel Ivry Prozdor High past several years has been to provide scholarships at the schools, School which will remain ongoing. Context: The Adult Jewish Learning There are opportunities to provide support to all four institutions Program at JTS through Torah Fund, enabling us to foster a Judaism that conserves Center for Distance Education the Jewish past to build the Jewish future. Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies The role of the Torah Fund Committee Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano The goal for each sisterhood is set by the region president and Torah Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Fund vice president by the end of August. Each sisterhood should expect 100 percent participation from their officers and board of directors, and aim for 100 percent participation by all of its mem- Torah Fund bers. Torah Fund chairs receive a complete kit of information and Special Projects directions from the Torah Fund office.

Current: Scholarship Campaign For additional information contact: Executive Director, Torah Women’s League Educational Fund, at 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027-4649; (212) Pavilion 678.8876 Women’s League Seminary Synagogue Patron’s Pin for 2013-2014 Mishpachah/FAMILY acknowledging Goldsmith Hall both the sanctity that comes with JTS Quadrangle being one big family and the com- Mathilde Schechter Residence Hall plexity of our families and Schechter Institute Garden (Israel) relationships. JTS Library Bookshelves Residence Halls at American Jewish University

48 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG PROTOCOL FOR SISTERHOOD FUNCTIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Protocol in seating The presiding officer is seated at the center of the head table. The Policy president sits at the right of the presiding officer. The guest of honor is seated at the right of the president. The region president is to be seated The person who is to introduce the speaker is seated at the left of on the dais. the presiding officer or next to the guest of honor. Women’s League officers, Women’s The other guests are seated according to their rank, alternately League board members and region on each side of the presiding officer. officers should be seated at a promi- Dais guests should be informed in advance. Place cards are neces- nent reserved table. The sisterhood sary for the head table. president should introduce the When possible, the head table should be skirted. Women’s League and region officers Dais guests who are to participate in the program need not be and Women’s League directors. presented during the introductions. Past Women’s League officers and region presidents should be seated Position of flags at a prominent reserved table and When displaying a foreign flag (such as the Israeli flag) together introduced according to their se- with the American flag, the two should be on separate staffs, both niority. the same size and at the same height, with the US flag at the view- er’s left. (US Department of State). In Canada the national flag of Canada should be on the left when Kol Ishah Society facing the flags. In a line of three, the Canadian flag should be in the centre. (Canadian Heritage site) The Kol Ishah Society assures the Singing national anthems continued quality of Women’s The US national anthem usually follows the anthem of a foreign League programs and materials. country. Therefore, HaTikvah would be sung first. However, when Minimum membership: $54. Kol the speaker or program is specific to another country (such as Ishah Plus: $100. Kol Ishah Platinum membership: $150. Israel), that country’s anthem is sung last. Perform multiple national anthems in alphabetical order. Membership in the Kol Ishah Society is mandatory for all members of the In Canada there is no specific rule as to when it is appropriate to Women’s League board of directors. sing the national anthem. If two anthems are to be sung at the beginning of an event, “O Canada” should be first. When sung at the end of an event, “O Canada” should be last. Introductions Be sure to introduce any Women’s League officers or directors, rabbis or cantors, and visiting officers/directors of other organizations who are there in an official capacity.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 49 POLICY: KASHRUT, SHABBAT & HOLIDAYS, AND DIVREI HOKHMAH

Kashrut Divrei Hokhmah It is Women’s League policy that all food served at a sisterhood function be kosher. Whenever Jews meet together, they Recognizing kashrut as a basic tenet of Judaism, kashrut must be are enjoined to discuss words of observed at all functions under sisterhood auspices at the syna- Torah. Study is an essential part of gogue and away from the synagogue. every sisterhood meeting. Women’s League Divrei Hokhmah The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical initiative is designed especially as Assembly has stated that when comparable kosher facilities are not mini-study units with which to open available, sisterhood-sponsored meals may be held in public restau- meetings. Any member can assume rants and hotel dining rooms if kosher broiled fish, vegetables, egg, the role of leader. The Divrei Hokh- or fruit platters are served. mah mini-study sessions are sent to No one officially representing Women’s League may attend any presidents in the late summer. function sponsored by a Jewish organization at which non-kosher Book of Proverbs (2005) material food is served. from other cultures Ten Commandments (2006) Magen Tzedek reflects on the commandments Magen Tzedek is the new certification seal for foods that have been prepared with regard to the ethical treatment of workers. The Kol Ishah (2007) insights and producers apply for certification from the Hekhsher Tzedek com- wisdom of Jewish women mission, a joint project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Heart & Soul (2008) Jewish Judaism and the Rabbinical Assembly. The Magen Tzedek seal does attitudes on health & spirituality not replace the hekhsher certifying that food is halachically kosher Environmentalism (2009) our but is designed to supplement those seals. concern for our world The Magen Tzedek seal will be awarded to companies based on Pirkei Imahot: Sayings of Our a number of criteria having to do with such matters as employee- Mothers (2010) cards with health, safety and training; wages and benefits; the company’s quotes and bios environmental impact; corporate transparency, and product devel- Hiddur Mitzvah (2011) how opment. mitzvot enhance our lives Derekh Eretz (2012) ways to Shabbat, holidays and festivals show our R*E*S*P*E*C*T Sisterhood members should not conduct any business, email, or participate in community affairs on Shabbat or holidays. The Use Divrei Hokhmah material observance of Shabbat and the festivals is one of the basic tenets of throughout the year for meetings. Judaism. Functions on those days should be in the spirit of the day, Be proud of our tradition of study confined to the synagogue or home. None should be held in public and the women who are continuing places other than the synagogue. this mitzvah. If there are any questions on the observance of mitzvot, consult your congregation’s rabbi.

50 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

Women’s League Goals and Purposes Women’s League for Conservative Judaism is an autonomous Services to organization of women’s groups and individual members affiliated Sisterhoods with the Conservative movement whose goal is the perpetuation of traditional Judaism in the home, synagogue and community, as well Women’s League offers affiliated as the ongoing Jewish education of its members. Since its founding, sisterhoods the following benefits it has grown in numbers, in strength and in breadth of purpose from and services, among others: a handful of affiliates to an organization, international in scope, with members in all parts of the United States and Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Area Directors (page 5) and Israel. Masorti Women International develops relationships with Training Services (page 54) women in England, Central and South America, and India. Distance Workshops (page 13) Women’s League was founded in 1918 by Mathilde Schechter, who Leadership Institutes (page 59) recognized the urgent need for a women’s organization for the Conferences repidly growing Conservative movement. It has grown to over 500 International Conventions sisterhoods, with a membership of 100,000, now organized into 13 Women’s League Study Institutes regions, which are structured around local areas. It is the largest (page 58) synagogue women’s organization in the world. International Day of Study A sisterhood, by paying its per capita dues, affiliates with Women’s Periodic department newsletters League. In order to maximize the benefits of affiliation, it is in a Books and publications (page 56) sisterhood’s best interest to conform to Women’s League structure and procedures. However, Women’s League will accomodate the Annual Calendar/Diary best model possible for any given sisterhood. CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism, a quarterly magazine for Through its departments, Women’s League benefits its affiliated the movement sisterhoods. The mailings, resources and personnel of Women’s Ba’Olam World Affairs Blog (page League are always available to any sisterhood president and her 35) officers. (See What to Expect from Women’s League, page 6.) Action alerts Parliamentary guidelines Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism (page 43) Women’s League is a vital member of the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism, which unites the various arms of the movement. The LCCJ establishes policy and determines respons- es to issues facing contemporary Jewry. Members include: Cantors Assembly, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, Jewish Educators Assembly, Jewish Theological Seminary, Masorti Foundation, MERCAZ USA, MERCAZ Olami, National Ramah Commission, North American Association of Synagogue Executives, Rabbinical Assembly, Schechter Institute, Solomon Schechter Day School Association, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Women’s League, Masorti Olami, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 51 WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

In addition to its standing committees with parallels in each sister- Policy hood, Women’s League has established these special programs: WLCJNet Women’s League policy is Members of Women’s League participate in online forums to discuss adopted at the Women’s League sisterhood and region business, share ideas, and learn how others Biennial Convention through reso- deal with similar problems and situations. To participate, send an lutions. To meet arising contingen- email to [email protected]. cies between conventions, policy is set by decisions of the board of Washington Representative directors. Policy describes stan- A representative in Washington, D.C. represents our members at dards, objectives and practices. government functions as well as at meetings of national and interna- Region policy is established by the tional organizations. Women’s League board of direc- Archives tors. Region presidents may pro- The Women’s League office maintains an organizational archive pose region policy for approval. recording its projects and accomplishments. Contact Women’s Approval is required for adoption League for information about starting your own sisterhood archives. since regions are extensions of Women’s League and not autono- Strategic Planning Committee mous. In efforts to ensure that the organization meets the needs of its Sisterhood policy evolves out of affiliated sisterhoods and members, the strategic planning commit- motions passed by its board of tee has designed a vision for the future state of Women’s League: directors and Women’s League policy for sisterhoods. Women’s League is an international organization of Conservative/ For procedures involving religious Masorti Jewish women who affiliate primarily through synagogue practice and standards, the sister- groups or individually. Women’s League is a leader in Jewish educa- hood must consult its rabbi. Wom- en’s League for Conservative tional programming for women. It advocates on behalf of its mem- Judaism consults with the Commit- bers and is the voice of Conservative/Masorti women in the tee on Jewish Law & Standards of international forums of the Jewish people. Organizational structure, the Rabbinical Assembly for effective volunteer and professional leadership, and financial guidance. security – including a wide variety of funding opportunities – guarantee an efficient and successful organization. Each member identifies with Women’s League and is enriched and empowered through her affiliation.

52 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM BRINGING YOU INTO THE WORLD COMMUNITY!

Our representation on and/or support of these organizations enables us to:

Enrich Jewish Cultural Life Encourage Social Responsibility United Synagogue Commission Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) on Jewish Education NCSJ Advocates on behalf of Jews United Synagogue Youth Commission in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia (USY, Kadimah) Religious Network for Equality Schechter Day School Network for Women (RNEW) National Ramah Commission Office of Public Information of the U.S. American Jewish Historical Society United Nations Association of the USA Girls Scouts of the USA Non-Governmental Organizations Jewish Federations of North America of the United Nations Jewish Book Council Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice JBI International Coalition to Stop Gun Violence The Jewish Museum GreenFaith Jewish Women’s Archive

Support Israel Perpetuate Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism Conservative Judaism in Israel Jewish Theological Seminary MERCAZ, Zionist arm of the Masorti Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Movement Seminario Rabbinico Latino Americano American Zionist Movement Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Organizations Masorti Movement in Israel Jewish Federations of North America Schechter Institute, Jerusalem Israel Bonds Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs Masorti Olami – United Israel Appeal of Federations, Canada World Council of Synagogues T’nuat Am – Movement for Conservative Aliyah KOACH Neve Hanna Village for Children & Youth Kibbutz Hanaton Masorti congregations Moshav Shorashim

Women’s League accepts the Jerusalem Program, which is the platform of the World Zionist Organization. As members of a sisterhood affiliated with Women’s League, you are encouraged to become involved with these organizations and to call on them for materials, consultations, resources, and speakers. You can use materials from any of these organizations.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 53 TRAINING SERVICES

Got a problem? Need a program? Desperately Procedure & Policy searching for new leadership? Where have all the members gone? Tension with your congregation? Money, money, money? Mail or fax the request for training We can help. Your affiliation with Women’s League entitles you to (see Appendix II) at least six weeks in training services just for the asking. A Women’s League trainer can advance. appear on your doorstep in just six weeks or less. Or, with one Training assignments are made only phone call, we can get you talking to the right people almost imme- through the training services person- diately. We will work with you one-on-one or with your leadership nel chair. Sisterhoods may not via conference call and email. Women’s League Training Services make arrangements directly will get you what you need when you need it! with trainers. Cancellations Training seminars Trainers make travel plans as soon as In addition, Women’s League training seminars are designed to their assignment is confirmed, energize your sisterhood by developing individual skills, motivat- purchasing the most economical ing members and increasing participation. Each seminar is ticket possible. Tickets are usually individually designed to meet the specific needs of your sister- non-refundable, and therefore the hood. You select the topics most relevant and interesting to following cancellation policy has been accomplish your goals. You can have more than one seminar to established. cover all the material you would like. We recommend at least one seminar each year. If there is any cancellation or rescheduling made by the sisterhood You can choose from these topics or consult with your trainer prior to three weeks to the training to design a seminar for the specific needs of your sisterhood. date, the sisterhood will not be Communication: Get the word out! Acquire the tools to be a better responsible for any costs. listener and communicator; overcome fear of public speaking. Learn Any cancellation or request for proven techniques for effective reporting at meetings and for intro- rescheduling that is less than three ducing a speaker. weeks but more than one week prior to training date, will result in Goal Setting/Strategic Planning: What’s your vision for the future Women’s League and the sisterhood of your sisterhood? Create an action plan to get there. sharing the cost of reimbursement Leadership Development: Tips to finding new leaders in your (whether it is the difference of cost sisterhood. Create successful leaders through team building while for changing flights or a complete you create enthusiastic support for your goals. cancellation). Each will pay 50%. Membership: Follow a successful blueprint for membership. For any cancellation or rescheduling Motivate, retain and increase your membership with a membership less than seven days of the scheduled team. Create programs that will make your sisterhood the place to be training date, the sisterhood will be for all the women in your congregation. responsible for complete travel reimbursement. Organizational Know How: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Learn procedures for operating effectively. Problem Solving: Turn obstacles into opportunities and problems into potential for the future.

54 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG TRAINING SERVICES

Sisterhood/Synagogue Relations: How to work with your congregation’s president, executive director, rabbi, and board. Specialized Training What is Sisterhood? Develop a positive sisterhood image. Design a publicity campaign that will create excitement for programs and Specialized seminars meet these events. Develop or improve your mission statement. Create a unique circumstances and can be sisterhood logo or motto. combined with another seminar: Nominating: Utilizing a sisterhood’s Z’havah: Attract and retain younger members. A Z’havah work- bylaws, a Women’s League trainer shop can be offered as part of another seminar. will assist in filling positions of the All seminars are led by professionally trained experienced volun- executive committee and board of teers. Travel expenses are paid by Women’s League. To request a directors seminar, see Appendix II. Presidium: Designed to help a sisterhood in which the position of pres- Mentoring ident is being filled by more than one Do you have challenges in your sisterhood? Are you looking for person. resources to help you to be an effective leader? Where can you find Finding a president: How to devel- the solutions you need? op new leadership that is willing to Our mentoring program is for you! It starts with one-on-one tele- take a chance and make the commit- phone conversations between a trainer and sisterhood president to ment. provide support and ideas, to answer questions or to help solve a problem. A trainer can also hold telephone conferences with a small group of women on any number of issues troubling a sisterhood. If Other Services you would like weekly or monthly conversations with your personal trainer, we can do that, too! Distance Workshops Offered monthly, these online and/or The mentoring program is flexible, timely, accessible. In a matter of conference call workshops delve into days, you can begin addressing any issue that you might have. administrative and programmatic ar- Successful mentoring requires support and involvement from the eas of sisterhoods. highest levels. Our trainers are ready to help you and your leaders Leadership Institutes create a more successful sisterhood. Held twice a year, these three-day Conference Calls intense training experiences can A specialized trainer or director will work with your sisterhood prepare you for the challenges of president, leaders or committees on a variety of topics or concerns. leadership. PrezNet The Personal Touch A moderated listserve where sister- Region or international officers and activity chairs can come to an hood presidents share ideas and event or meet informally with your board. helpful information. Email Help Line [email protected] to join. Help is just a call away! Call 800.628.5083 or [email protected], Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (EST). An experienced trainer will respond within 48 hours.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 55 WOMEN'S LEAGUE PUBLICATIONS

Ordering from Women’s League for Conservative Judaism needs your cooperation in promoting the sale of its publications and materials. Many of Women’s League these publications are ideal gifts to high school and college gradu- Women’s League encourages ates, newlyweds, new members of the congregation, sisterhood affiliated sisterhoods to promote board members, and Jews-by-choice. its publications through study groups as well as through Judaica Annual Calendar/Diary shops. Illustrated, with parshiot, candle lighting times, information about congregations in Israel, regions, etc. There is a quantity discount Birkat HaMazon Cards and audio available for all publications Laminated tri-fold abbreviated blessings after meals with text from Women’s League. in Hebrew, English and transliteration. Audio tapes and cd’s Contact Women’s League, include instructions recorded by Hazzan Arianne Slack 212.870.1260 for information. BookMarks Order Department Book lists for adults and children, interviews with authors FAX: 212.870.1261 Count Your Blessings For a complete catalogue of titles Newly revised collection of often used berakhot, with and to order, go to www.wlcj.org. translation and transliteration Divrei Hokhmah Mini study series on Proverbs, Ten Commandments, and Kol Ishah-A Woman’s Voice, Heart & Soul, the Environ- ment, and Kehillah Kedoshah. The Hiddur Mitzvah Etz Ha’yim He: Adult Education Curriculum Project Written by Lisa Grant, Ph.D. and prepared by the Melton Holiday celebrations support the Research Center for Jewish Education. Available as separate spiritual rhythm of our lives and study units: Jewish Prayer, The Mitzvot, Shabbat, Rosh the vitality of our family traditions. Hodesh, The Holidays, Jewish Theology, Women in Judaism, Organized around the Jewish Tallit and Tefillin, The Israel Connection, and Making Midrash calendar, the Women’s League The Hiddur Mitzvah Project: A Fresh Approach to Enhancing Hiddur Mitzvah Project offers Mitzvot creative ideas in an innovative Actvities materials and readings for sisterhoods and individuals guide for sisterhood programming Image Plus Public Relations Handbook Included: Revised in 2009 to include material on social networking Words of Hiddur Mitzvah from Interdating: A Jewish Parent’s Guide (10 Questions and Conservative movement leaders Answers by Rabbi Alan Silverstein) Source material for study An articulate discussion of the problems facing parents of teens and young adults Creative Judaic Arts projects Days of Study Study guide based on Meredith History, Bible, Talmud, questions, crafts projects on Ruth, Levin Jacob's The Modern Jewish Esther, Kohelet, Shir HaShirim, Eikhah, Psalms, Yom Yarok- Mom's Guide to Shabbat Green Day, and Mitzvot Resource lists

56 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG WOMEN'S LEAGUE PUBLICATIONS

Making Your Kitchen Kosher: A Step-by-Step Guide CJ: Voices Easy directions for those moving into a new house, starting of Conservative their first home, or changing to a kosher kitchen Orpah’s List Study Guides for Book Groups & Clubs Masorti Judaism See page 26 for the complete list In 2007, Women’s League, United Public Policy Guides Synagogue of Conservative Juda- For voter registration, writing advocacy letters, and preparing ism and the Federation of Jewish Women’s League resolutions Men’s Clubs combined their three Quantity Kosher Cooking II separate publications into one Recipes for synagogue or home entertaining, including helpful larger quarterly magazine. CJ has hints for preparation and serving. already won three prestigious Simchat Bat Kit Rockower awards from the Ameri- An introduction by Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin; scripts, announce- can Jewish Press Associaiton. ments, and invitations to enable one to create a naming Each issue of CJ features many ceremony for a newborn daughter. high quality and informative arti- Sisterhood Planner cles and several pages are dedicat- How to create and implement a full year of programming in ed solely to Women’s League your sisterhood matters. Under the Wings of the Sh’khinah: A Jewish Healing Service Many of the articles could be the For those seeking comfort in God’s sheltering presence. basis of discussion for study Ways to the Means: A Guide for Planning Successful Ways & groups, rosh chodesh groups, Means Projects Women’s League shabbat, and More than 100 proven fundraisers with suggestions for proce- other times. dures, personnel and supplies. In order for every member of your Welcome to the World – A Jewish Baby’s Record Book sisterhood to receive a free copy Includes full color illustrations, convenient record charts, room of CJ, it is essential that Women’s for personal reflections, and naming certificates. League have the correct name and With Strength & Splendor: Jewish Women as Agents of address for each of members, so Change (by Lisa Kogen) please pay special attention when An engaging look at 48 remarkable women. filling out your membership list Women’s League Blueprint for Membership and Addendum (see page 4). A comprehensive guide to sisterhood membership. CJ is also available online at Z’havah Planner cjvoices.org, with additional arti- A comprehensive compendium of programs and ideas that cles and features, and with the work to attract younger women before they’re ready to commit ability to respond to articles di- to sisterhood. rectly.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 57 REGIONS

Sisterhoods affiliated with Women’s League are organized into 13 Services to local regions. Regions have chairs parallel to those in Women’s Sisterhoods League who are available and willing to assist the chairs in your area Each region offers its sisterhoods and sisterhood. Regions offer many additional services to their the following services: affiliated sisterhoods (see box). Local, direct service Typical Region Organization Chart Area directors Area events President Phone training & consultation Consultations with experi- Financial officer Conference enced personnel (secretary and/or treasurer) Bulletin/newsletter Presidents meetings Adminstrative secretary Nominating Calendar and directory Communications secretary Region web pages Training Speakers Webmaster Bulletins Parliamentarian Workshops Meetings Annual conferences Region president visits Membership VP Torah Fund VP Program/Education VP Area/ Sisterhood Support VP Torah Fund Directors Study Institutes Area Directors Across the continent, regions have organized advanced Jewish Studies Institutes utilizing the Sisterhood Presidents skills of college-level faculty associated with the Jewish Theological Seminary and Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Institutes usually run for sessions of several Your region may also have the following positions: weeks twice a year. Contact your Affiliation & Retention Membership region education vice president Archives Mitzvot for information about an institute Books Program in your area, or to initiate one. Budget Public Policy Communications Speakers Bureau Creative Judaic Arts Ways & Means Israel Youth Jewish Studies Z’havah Judaica Shop

58 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

In recognition of the importance of developing knowledgeable and What Do You Want To Do Today? energizing leaders to strengthen sisterhoods, regions and Jewish communities, Women’s League has created a unique program — the Women’s League Leadership Institute. Designed to enhance personal growth, reinforce a commitment to Conservative Judaism, and strengthen leadership capabilities, the Leadership Institutes welcome new, potential and developing leaders. The mission of these personalized and innovative seminars is to return women to their communities with a renewed purpose and vision as well as create leaders for Women’s League sisterhoods and the Jewish community. Endeavor Discover Dialogue Leadership Institutes are offered throughout North America on a rotating basis. We encourage you to recommend women in your sisterhood who are potential, new or developing leaders (don’t forget yourself!). Please complete the form in Appendix V and mail it to the Women’s League office. The names will be kept on file and invitations will be sent as institutes are planned in your region, or go to www.wlcj.org for a schedule. With your help, we will be able to gather, train and fortify our current and future leaders as we continue to go from strength to strength.

A Women’s League Leadership Institute Sample Program Can’t you see yourself there?

Networking Breakfasts: Share ideas define the challenge for the next generation of Conservative Jewish women. Leadership Links 1. Search Out Success Explore your potential Team Dynamics as a strong and effective leader 1. Joining Together Master the dynamics of 2. Reaching Higher Increase your capabilities organizing women into volunteer networks beyond your comfort zone 2. Teaming Together Develop a leader’s vision 3. Hai Secrets of Leadership Discuss 18 life and inspire others to share it lessons of successful and experienced leaders 3. Standing Together Discover strategies for Text and Context Discover the meaning of text responding to difficult situations and its relevance Ready, Set Goals Communication Essentials 1. Organize & Thrive Adopt a systematic 1. Hello, My Name Is Expand your speaking approach for managing time and space skills 2. Balance Is A Blessing Develop a strategy for 2. Leadership Language Interpret and analyze setting personal and organizational goals the words that effective leaders use to inspire 3. Ready, Set, Action Incorporate your vision 3. Conflict & Communication Identify clues into an organizational action plan for resolving conflicts in group settings Where Will You Be Tomorrow? Combine the ex- The Women’s League Journey Meet the dynamic periences and knowledge you have gained and de- president of Women’s League, and together sign a personal guide for your leadership journey.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 59 APPENDIX I: SAMPLE SISTERHOOD STATEMENT

Making the most [Name of Sisterhood] of your Affiliated with Sisterhood Statement Women’s League for Conservative Judaism

To let your members know what Member’s name______they can expect from sisterhood, include with the statement: Phone______Email______Sisterhood or synagogue brochure Address______Sisterhood mission statement (See ______page 9) Membership Dues for 20____/57___: $______* List of officers with their addresses and phone numbers Please make check payable to: Description of projects supported ______Sisterhood by sisterhood Calendar of region activities Mail to:______, Financial Secretary Calendar of activities Address______List of ongoing sisterhood activities and programs ______

Use the Women’s League logo and *Dues include per capita to Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. branding icons (See page 45 or online at www.wlcj.org) A short (one or two question) sur- Women's League for Conservative Judaism vey asking what they might want or represents you at major Jewish, international, national, need from sisterhood religious, and public advocacy organizations. Send a statement to every woman in ______Region offers annual conferences, your synagogue. area directors, parallel activity workshops, and training services.

60 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG APPENDIX II: REQUEST FOR TRAINING SERVICES SEMINAR

Sisterhood Request for Training Seminar (See page 54 for descriptions)

Women’s League seminars are designed for sisterhood officers, board members and future leadership whose attendance at the Seminar will benefit your Sisterhood. A Women’s League Trainer will develop your Sisterhood’s personal training seminar. A seminar requires a minimum of 2½ hours. Check two to three topics per seminar. Each session is customized to meet the needs of your Sisterhood. Check the topics you want included. A description of each topic can be found on page 54.

Communication Problem Solving Goal Setting/Strategic Planning Sisterhood/Synagogue Relations Leadership Development What is Sisterhood? Membership Z’havah Organizational Know-how Other______Complete this form. Please print. Mail or fax it at least six weeks in advance of the dates requested. Please list three possible dates. [1]Date______Time______[2]Date______Time______[3]Date______Time______Sisterhood______Phone______City______State____ Zip______Region______Anticipated attendance______Seminar to be held at______Phone______Address______City ______State _____ Zip______President/Contact Person______Position if not president:______Address______Phone______City ______State _____ Zip______E-mail______Send participant kits to______Phone______Address______City ______State _____ Zip______E-mail______Mail or FAX to: Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, Training Services 475 Riversdide Drive, Suite 820, New York, New York 10115 fax: 212.870.1261

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 61 APPENDIX III: SAMPLE SISTERHOOD BUDGET

SISTERHOOD INCOME PAST YEAR PROJECTED Membership dues (includes Women’s League per capita) ______Judaica Shop (net) ______Fundraising Projects (itemize) such as donor, thrift shop, dinner dance (net) ______Contributions (Funds, Tributes, Individual) ______Other Income (itemized) ______

TOTAL SISTERHOOD INCOME ______

TORAH FUND RECEIPTS ** ______

TOTAL INCOME ______

EXPENDITURES Per Capita dues paid to Women’s League ______(Per capita monies should be kept in a separate escrow account. They are due and payable December 31.)

Torah Fund** Disbursements ______(Torah Fund monies should be sent directly to Torah Fund or kept in a separate escrow account and submitted quarterly.)

OPERATING EXPENSES Stationery and printing ______Postage ______Supplies ______Telephone ______Publicity ______Bulletin ______Meeting expenses ______Publications and books ______Membership ______Programming ______Education ______Other ______TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES ______

PRESIDENT’S EXPENSES Women’s League Convention Fund (budgeted yearly) ______Region Conferences and Meetings ______Community functions ______Telephone ______TOTAL PRESIDENT’S EXPENSES ______OTHER WOMEN’S LEAGUE/REGION EXPENSES PAST YEAR PROJECTED Women’s League Convention ______Women’s League Region Training & Conferences ______Other______TOTAL OTHER WOMEN’S LEAGUE/REGION EXPENSES ______

COMMITMENTS TO CONGREGATION

Annual Line-item congregation budget ______Additional commitments (kiddush, pulpit flowers, etc.) ______Special projects (itemize) ______TOTAL COMMITMENTS TO CONGREGATION ______

YOUTH/SCHOOL Youth Activities (USY, Kadima, KOACH, Ramah, college outreach) ______Religious School (Parent/Teachers meetings, holiday celebrations, etc.) ______TOTAL YOUTH/SCHOOL ______

HOSPITALITY Gifts (new members, brides, births, bar/bat mitzvah, illness, condolence)______

CONTRIBUTIONS (approved by sisterhood board) Scholarship Funds (itemize) (eg: Ramah, USY, Solomon Schechter Day School) ______Masorti Israel/Overseas Women’s Groups ______KOACH ______Other Women’s League appeals ______Other ______TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS ______

MISCELLANEOUS Contingency Fund ______Fund for budgeted future needs ______Other ______TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS ______

TOTAL EXPENDITURES ______

INCOME LESS EXPENDITURES ______APPENDIX IV: ORDERING WOMEN'S LEAGUE MATERIALS

Departments Where? There are four departments in Women’s League: Women’s League Education/Programming (212.870.2156) for Conservative Judaism Communications (212.870.2154) 475 Riverside Drive Public Policy (212.870.2157) Suite 820 Administration (212.870.1263) New York, NY 10115 212.870.1260 Each department is coordinated by a director who works with 800.628.5083 activity chairs to provide materials for appropriate vice presi- FAX 212.870.1261 dents (as listed on the Sisterhood Profile) during the course of the email: [email protected] year. Most of the materials sent in years past is available from Women’s League. Contact the order department. WLCJ for You: The on-line community just for members Mailings of Women’s League To One of the primary benefits of affiliation with Women’s League is subscribe, visit www.wlcj.org. You its production of current programming, educational and advocacy will need your membership materials. One of the ways these materials are shared with sister- number. Women’s League will hoods is as booklets such as this New Directions & Directives, send sisterhood presidents Sisterhood Planner, Blueprint for Membership, Ways to the Means, membership numbers to share. and Image Plus. In addition, useful department mailings are sent to Order Department the president(s) in the summer to help prepare for the new year. 2128.870.1260. ext. 7150 Much of the material is available to download at www.wlcj.org. FAX 212.870.1261 [email protected] If you do not receive these materials, contact the administration Torah Fund department at 212.870.1263. For all donations, inquiries and Women’s League publications requests for information contact Books, Leagrams, president’s pins, Birkat HaMazon cards and tapes Torah Fund directly: are available online or through the order department. Certificates Carolyn Baron (through June) and pamphlets may be ordered directly from the order department. Rabbi Abigail Treu Torah Fund Executive Director Women’s League web page Jewish Theological Seminary Look for Women’s League information, calendar, news, photo- 3080 Broadway graphs, region highlights, updates, calls to action, information, and New York, NY 10027 links to other Jewish websites on the internet at www.wlcj.org 212.678.8876 Listerserves [email protected] WLCJNet: sisterhood without walls [email protected] PrezNet: for sisterhood presidents Judaica Shops Chairs American Mothers of Israeli Olim Programming Chairs Z’havah: for women under 45ish To be added to any of the above, contact Internet Services Chair Lois Silverman at [email protected]

64 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG APPENDIX V: LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE REGISTRATION Registration is available online at www.wlcj.org REGISTRATION PART I

Last name______First name______

Hebrew name______bat ______Date of birth______

Address______

______

Telephone______FAX______

Email______

Do you work outside the home? Full time Part time

Position:______

What is your level of education?

High school Technical school College Graduate school

What is your level of Jewish education?

None Afternoon Hebrew school _____ years

Day School/Yeshiva _____ years Tutor _____ years

Sunday school _____ years College program _____ years

Did you become a bat mitzvah as a child? Yes No As an adult? Yes No

What is your Hebrew proficiency?

None Can read only Speak and read some Conversational

Can you lead Birkat HaMazon? Yes No Can you lead Shaharit services? Yes No

Can you lead Minhah services? Yes No Can you lead Maariv services? Yes No

Can you read Torah? Yes No Can you read a Haftarah? Yes No

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 65 Have you participated in any adult Jewish education programs/WLCJ Institutes? Yes No Sponsor Year Program Description ______Sisterhood______Region______Address______Synagogue______Address______Current position(s)______What sisterhood positions have you held, if any?______What region positions have you held, if any?______What synagogue positions have you held, if any?______List other organizations for which you volunteer: Organization Number of years Positions ______

Have you taken any courses or special training in leadership theory or practice? Yes No Sponsor Year Program Description ______What do you hope to gain from attending the Leadership Institute?______How did you learn about the Leadership Institute? ______

Local Jewish newspaper: ______email______Address______Local general newspaper: ______email______

Address______

Fax or email a letter of recommendation from your sisterhood president, region president, rabbi, or a Jewish communal leader.

Fax66 orWomen's send completed League for Conservative registration Judaism and payment 212.870.1260 to: Women’s WWW.WLCJ .LeagueORG for Conservative Judaism 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 820, New York, NY 10115 FAX 212.870.1261 APPENDIX VI: HOW TO PREPARE A REPORT

Two minute report In advance of the meeting, the chair or vice president should check with the committee members to be sure that she has as up-to-date information on the project as possible. She should have the pertinent information about progress to date and whatever future plans might exist. The Public Relations chair can suggest effective visual techniques for the presentation. The report should include any information that is important for the membership to have. Do not get bogged down in personal details. Open with an attention-getting statement/question/creative visual. State the project and its purpose, scheduled date, time and place. Be inclusive. Speaking in terms of we invites cooperation. Include interesting brief details. Be precise about any action the membership needs to take, whom they should contact, when, where, price, deadlines, etc. Be positive. Don’t scold about a lack of participation or complain about the lack of cooperation. Conclude with a repetition of the event, date, time, and place. Give the recording secretary a copy of the report for the minutes.

Five minute report Using the outline for the two minute report, expand the presentation by adding: More details about the project such as printed materials, flyers and invitations and pertinent statistics Purpose of the project. Be specific about what the project is funding. Who will be participating, especially non-Sisterhood people Human interest stories, especially if volunteering or social action is necessary It is always appropriate to incorporate an educational/Judaic component into a report, whether about the significance of tzedakah (for a fundraiser), hiddur mitzvah (for an arts project) or tikkun olam (for a community service project).

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 67 APPENDIX VII: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can we serve non-kosher food at a sisterhood-sponsored function not held in the synagogue? Kashrut standards for the sisterhood should be observed at all times. Discuss with the rabbi how to satisfy this when an activity is being held away from the synagogue and the kitchen being used is not kosher.

Do I need to attend services every Shabbat? It is important for the sisterhood and congregation that you be present regularly at services on shabbat and holidays. Women’s League Standards of Leadership ask you to observe shabbat. As a leader, you should aspire to mitzvot b’maalot (going up the ladder of observance). Can we conduct sisterhood business, make telephone calls or email on Shabbat? It is not appropriate to conduct business on Shabbat. Make sure that every member is aware of this.

What is a sisterhood profile? A sisterhood profile is the data that Women’s League maintains with the names and addresses of the officers and chairs in your sisterhood. It is the means by which we share informaition with the appropriate sisterhood leadership. Each sisterhood president, treasurer and designated data manager can access the site and make all corrections, deletions and additions. See page 4 for directions. I can’t log onto WLCJforYOU. What should I do? Please call Razel Kessler at 212.870.1263. She will walk you through the process and help you fill in your online data base. Should I keep in touch with region? Yes. Invite region personnel to your events: region president and area director to everything, Torah Fund and membership vice presidents when appropriate. Visits from region leadership demonstrate to your members that the region values your sisterhood. Similarly, it is important to attend all region/area events. Budget subsidies to attend all conferences and activities.

Relay information about what is happening in your sisterhood to the region president so that she can recognize events. Keep the region informed. Send Leagrams to rabbis, cantors, executive directors, sisterhood presidents, and all region and Women’s League board members to acknowledge happy as well as sad occasions. What is the area director? How will she impact on my sisterhood? Area directors represent the region and are your first line of defense. They are women who hopefully live close enough to a sisterhood so that they can provide it with effective and, more importantly, personal service. Is the parliamentarian the final authority at executive committee or board meetings? No. The president is the final authority. For a better understanding of parliamentary procedure, read the parliamentary procedure kit and understand your sisterhood’s bylaws. Interact with your parliamentarian. Study parliamentary procedure and accustom your board to meetings that run smoothly. Find out how and why things are done the way they are in your sisterhood. You need to know the history before you make changes.

68 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG Can members of the board bring up issues at a meeting that have never been discussed? No. The president should never be surprised at a meeting. Members must ask in advance to include a subject on the agenda. Table any discussion brought up at a meeting until you have time to study it. Send a written agenda and minutes at least one week before a meeting to allow board members to formulate ideas and opinions. It allows members to call in advance with questions. Vice presidents and chairs should give two-minute reports at meetings. A copy of each report should be given to the recording secretary. Can a sisterhood chair or vice president send a letter under the auspices of sisterhood without the knowledge or approval of the president? No. All letters should be approved by the president before being sent. Information must go both up and down the pyramid of leadership. Can I run the organization without any help or input from my executive committee? The health and well-being of a sisterhood is a shared responsibility. Expanding the number of people involved produces a sense of ownership and commitment, and develops leadership for the future. Communicate! Keep in constant contact with the executive committee and board. Vice presidents should call their chairs once a month for updates and report back to you. Delegate! One of the hardest and most important jobs to learn is how to delegate. Why should different people and groups work on different projects? Teamwork is the formula for success. Respect for individual talents and abilities can produce lasting bonds. Everyone wants to be part of an organization with a great reputation that gets things done. Brainstorm. Every member of your board and executive should be given the opportunity to work on formulating your sisterhood’s plans for the year. A woman who has an active role in decision making will feel the commitment to support and participate the sisterhood. Should vice presidents, chairs or team coordinators work without any input from me? No. It is your responsibility to follow up, follow through and pick up the pieces. You can be the gentle hand that guides in the background or be part of the team, when necessary. Never let your members feel that you don’t care. Smile and listen. That does not mean you always agree. How do I establish working relationships with the president of the congregation and the rabbi? Set up separate meetings with the president and rabbi(s). Ask how sisterhood can help the congregation and what the congregation can do to help sisterhood. Develop a partnership. If there is a men’s club, speak with that president, as well. Check with the heads of the religious school, nursery school and youth groups to find out what they need from sisterhood. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Can we plan sisterhood activities without consulting the synagogue staff? Sisterhood is not the only group in the synagogue that uses its facilities. Clear your schedule with the synagogue and community calenders. Know what the synagogue requires for work orders and/or arrangements. Make friends with the executive director and the janitorial staff. Show respect for each member of the professional staff and members of the congregation, and accept nothing less from them.

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 69 NOTES

70 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG NOTES

NEW DIRECTIONS & DIRECTIVES: A Handbook for Sisterhood Presidents 71 NOTES

72 Women's League for Conservative Judaism 212.870.1260 WWW.WLCJ.ORG