Sisterhood Articles

The perfect remedy for the isolation of Winter, with its chill and early darkness, is to join your Sisters for one of our  spectacular events.  Our membership now boasts 133 delightful women of all ages, interests, and Judaic affinity and expression. Sisterhood is like our own exquisite mosaic.

We offer so many opportunities for friendship, bonding, and celebration.  We warmly welcome your participation.

Here’s a look at what we’ve enjoyed and what new adventures lie ahead:

Recent Events--

*On January 31^st, Sisterhood and Men’s Club presented a fascinating documentary, “Cuba’s Forgotten Jewels,” featuring Jews who fled to Cuba following the Holocaust. After the movie, EBJC Co-President Deena Oren led a discussion describing the present-day Jewish community in Cuba.  This was an enlightening educational experience for all who attended.

*Earlier this month, on Friday evening, February 8th, we once again welcomed East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen to headline our Kabbalat Shabbat service and dinner. Mayor Cohen brought us up-to-date on all the upcoming plans for our beloved town.

Looking Forward to—

*Wednesday, March 6—Join us for Mosaic Night! This promises to be a fun-filled, creative evening for men, women, and children 12 years and older.  Design a gorgeous keepsake—including chais and hamsas—that you will be proud to display in your home. Pre-registration is required.

*Friday, March 8—Our Annual Torah Fund Dinner and Service. Which deserving Sisterhood member will be honored as our Eshet Chayil? (Woman of Valor). Since Torah Fund proceeds support the educational institutions of the Conservative Movement, we are honored to hear success stories of the graduates of these schools. Come hear our own Rabbi Pivo share an account of his years as a student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.  We bet there will be fascinating anecdotes awaiting us!

There’s still time to contribute to this worthy project.  Contact our extraordinary Torah Fund chair Jody Bramson at Jlbrams@aol.com to purchase this year’s stunning polished black Torah Fund pin, featuring the insignia “Atid,” meaning “Future." Or donate at any level to get involved.

*Wednesday, March 27—On the Chocolate Trail—EBJC Sisterhood joins with the women of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick for a fascinating journey through the Jewish history of chocolate.  Rabbi Deborah Prinz, author of On the Chocolate Trail, draws from her world travels on the trail of chocolate to describe the role of religions in the trade, retail and manufacture of chocolate since it was introduced to Europeans. The evening includes dessert, wine, and chocolate sampling, along with book signing by Rabbi Prinz.  How can you resist?

And Don’t Forget--

*Rabbi Pivo’s adult education series “Torah, Time and Tefillah” continues every Thursday evening after Minyan. Still to be examined—an overview of the sacred books that grew up around Torah—Torah commentaries, Mishna, Talmud, Siddur, and Machzor.  Sample this comprehensive, interactive class to find out how much you can learn.

Please remember to read each Friday’s Tidbits email blast to learn details of upcoming events

PURIM IS ALMOST HERE! And we have exciting news—this year we offer online ordering and payment of shalach manot. Please use the link provided in the Purim letters that were sent out via email or go to HappyPurim.com to place your order.  Not ready for online ordering? No problem.  You can still mail in your order/payment with the paper form. Shalach manot baskets will be delivered beginning Sunday, 3/17/19.

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Maj Jong Anyone?—Are you seeking a fun activity to challenge your mind? Did your Mom or Aunt play Maj Jong but you just never learned the game? Do you wax nostalgic about hearing shouts of “Crack/Bam” emanating from the kitchen of the home you grew up in?  You’re not alone. Lots of us have heard about Maj Jong all of our lives, but never got around to playing.  Don’t fret…

Sisterhood sponsors a Maj Jong game every Monday evening at 7 P.M., and it’s NOT JUST FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS.   You can drop in any time, and one of the ladies will gladly coach you on all the fine points of the game. You will only observe at first, of course, but in no time you’ll be part of the game!

Calling All Bibliophiles—We are hoping to launch a Sisterhood book club this spring. We would plan to meet on a “seasonal” basis, approximately every three months, allowing  plenty of time to finish reading.  The selections would be based on reading lists from the Jewish Book Council, as well as member recommendations. Although each book will have some Jewish thematic element, we will not be solely focused on historical fiction.  We will include fiction, as well as nonfiction, biographies, and maybe even cookbooks!

There are some details still to be determined, and we’d like your input.  When would you like to meet?—weekday evening, Saturday after kiddush, Sunday morn, Sunday evening?  Where would you like to meet?—at synagogue, or would you be more comfortable rotating through members’ homes?

Please email Sara-- tranquil77@aol.com to indicate your interest and provide your preferences to the questions above.  Look forward to hearing from everyone.

Join our Kiddush Team- Can you spare a few hours each week to shop and/or prepare for our lauded Shabbat Kiddush spread?  Shopping lists are issued on Tuesday, and shopping must be completed by Thursday evening. If you’d rather donate your time for food prep, join us Friday morning at 10 A.M. in the dairy kitchen. Contact Sylvia Halpern—smhalpern15@gmail.com or Jodi Harkavy—jbharkavy@comcast.net--to get involved.

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Sisterhood is an integral component of EBJC, and we value YOUR CONTRIBUTION.  We proudly carry on the legacy and tradition of our shul, while addressing the diverse pursuits of modern women.  Please keep in touch so that TOGETHER we can make Sisterhood YOURS.

Warm regards,

Margot Julis                       magoo1211@comcast.net

Sara Ullman                       tranquil77@aol.com