Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY

Shoshana Dweck
VP of Social Justice
Women of Reform Judaism

Shoshana Dweck is WRJ’s Vice President of Social Justice. A recovering lawyer and engineer, she served as sisterhood president of Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners, New York, where she now serves on the Temple Board and on the WRJ then-District 3 Board. She is immediate past-Chair of the New York Says Thank You Foundation and its healing arts work. Long a part of the Israel/Zionism leadership of the Reform Movement, Shoshana was Vice President of ARZA and is now a member of the ARZENU Board and part of the Israel Leadership Network. Shoshana represents our Movement on the JNF Zionist Advisory Board of Governors and as a member of the AZM Board. A past Federation President and Interim Executive, Shoshana was Vice-Chair of United Israel Appeal, serves on the Jewish Agency for Israel North America Advisory Council, and is a member of the ADL NY/NJ Advisory Council. Shoshana is an individual member of WRJ from the Northeast District and is the proud mom of James, Joshua, and Gabriel, two cats, and two grandkitties.

A line of women in red robes and white hats from the Handmaids Tale. They are carrying Israeli flags.
Women of Reform Judaism

Handmaids Show Up for Israeli Democracy

Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY

“Astonishing.”

That is the word acclaimed author Margaret Atwood chose to describe images of protestors marching as “handmaids.” It is astonishing and inspiring to see the sea of red and white in the middle of the protests.

Thank You Nurses

WRJ Appreciates Nurses!

Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY
It's National Nurses Week, and today, we honor our “WRJ nurse,” friend, and North American Board Member Joanne Fried. Joanne spoke to WRJ's VP of Social Justice, Shoshana Dweck, for this blog post. 
This Week's Torah Portion
Sh'mini

Parashat Sh'mini

Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY
Parashat Sh'mini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47) starts with expectation, celebration, and solemn excitement. Aaron and his sons have just been ordained as the first priests. Step by detailed step, we follow along as Moses gives the instructions to Aaron, the priests, and the elders of the people, and they conduct the rituals to offer their first sacrifices. There is awe and wonder and the singing of praises. But suddenly, everything goes terribly awry.
Women holding signs with messages of support for survivors of sexual assault and harassment
Gender-based Violence

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY
Talia Shapiro Blank
April marks the annual recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). WRJ is committed to addressing the discrimination many of us, unfortunately, have witnessed or experienced. As we look around our synagogues, it’s important to be aware that if you dig deep enough, you will find many people have stories. When we allow space for vulnerability and sharing, it keeps people from suffering in silence and allows room for change. For that change to make a lasting impact, it takes commitment from all members of a congregation or community.
teal ribbon for sexual assault awareness month
Women's Rights

Our Hidden Stories

Trish Joseph
Trina Novak
Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY
Nearly all of us have been harassed, assaulted, or both at some time in our lives. We typically don’t discuss this and may not even admit it to ourselves. These are our hidden stories. Telling these stories was difficult, but we felt “lighter” afterward. It was no longer a burden on our souls. By sharing these stories and working on the WRJ says STOP Initiative, we feel we can change the culture in these sacred spaces.