WRJ also has a direct impact on our own local communities. When we served as District Presidents, our work centered around this focus. One of the roles of Districts is to help grow membership and engagement in individual sisterhoods/women’s groups.

In 2022, WRJ launched “WRJ says STOP: An Initiative against Sexual Harassment and Assault.” The initiative’s goal was two-fold: (1) to help our sacred communities and congregations be proactive in reducing and even preventing the scourges of power dynamic

What defines a winner? In a democracy, is it who gets the most votes on Election Day, or something else? What do you do if the winning candidates are not supportive of the issues you hold near and dear? I am constantly tackling this question as a co-chair

The issue of gun violence became personal for me on July 4, 2022. On that day, this national crisis seized upon the quiet suburb where I grew up—about eight miles from where I currently live. During the Independence Day Parade on Central Street in downtown

This Monday, I was honored to attend a convening on conflict-related sexual violence to mark the annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Content Warning: This article mentions rape and sexual violence. 

For as long as we have recorded our stories and history, war has led to the devaluing of women’s lives and an increase in violence against women. 

As a mother, a rabbi, and the leader of a Jew

I am very proud to be Emily McOsker’s mother. She is a very strong woman. In 2021, Emily was stalked. Fortunately, the perpetrator was identified, arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated. Emily is sharing her story with us.

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.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in the U.S. Each of us likely knows someone, either in our Jewish community or our secular communities, who has been impacted by or is a survivor of domestic violence.