Janet Buckstein

Janet Buckstein

Janet Buckstein is a past president of the Midwest District of WRJ, served on WRJ’s North American Board for 8 years, and is currently a member of Chai Society, the WRJ audit committee, Midwest District board and serves as a consultant to WRJ affiliated women’s groups. She has served in a variety of leadership roles at her congregation, Makom Solel Lakeside in Highland Park, IL, including congregational President and Treasurer and President of their women’s group. Janet is a member of URJ’s North American Board, where she is a member of the trustee committee and serves as a Congregation Board and Leadership Workshop Facilitator. Janet lives in Deerfield, Illinois where she enjoys choral singing with Makom’s choir and the most recent URJ Biennial and WRJ choirs, and playing and teaching canasta.

six silhouetted people walking with clouds behind them
Lech L'cha

Parashat Lech L’cha

Janet Buckstein
Perhaps my greatest journey has been, and continues to be, my spiritual one. It is not a destination, but a mindset. To be one with God and my loved ones. Today, it is my life’s purpose. I think of the faith I have in God, after being a non-practicing Conservative Jew for more than twenty years, all spurred on by the beauty of Reform Judaism where inclusivity - and even individuality - are at its very core. WRJ has also played a big part in my spiritual journey. No matter where I journey in ‘WRJ-land,” I am home.
Voices of WRJ

Voices of WRJ: Acharei Mot/K’doshim

Janet Buckstein

I am pleased to present this week’s D’var Torah. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to study ancient teachings and search for meaning…to today’s Reform Jews, to women, and even, personally to me.