Ready to Change the World

My WRJ journey has been a natural progression of my overall Jewish journey, which began in Toledo, Ohio with a family deeply rooted in Reform Jewish tradition and history. My formative years were spent in a Zionist youth group, and in college I was an engaged Hillel participant. In my professional life I have been deeply entrenched in the teaching of Hebrew and Judaics, including teaching religious school and working as a song leader in various Reform camps and venues. I built a career as a Jewish artist creating ketubahs and Bible-inspired artwork. I have always been an active member of our synagogue and served in various positions on the Temple board and in my own sisterhood. My daughter was raised in NFTY and attended Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) in Indiana. But even with all this, I continued to find myself searching for partners who shared my values and passion. I was seeking female friends who wanted to do just a little bit more.

If I’m being honest, WRJ was never on my radar as an organization that “spoke” to me beyond doing my small annual volunteer job with our sisterhood. That is, until my sister,  WRJ Executive Director emerita Rabbi Marla Feldman, told me that if I was looking to engage with like-minded women who are cool, smart, and ready to change the world (and who isn’t??), then I should look toward WRJ. Coincidentally, around that same time, I was asked to take over a vacated position on our then WRJ Central District Board. I was hooked!

As a district leader, I attended the 2013 Fried Leadership Conference in Cincinnati and was incredibly inspired by the history and depth of engagement, knowledge and passion in our WRJ women, past and present. And, on top of that, I HAD SO MUCH FUN!! Joining the WRJ North American board in 2015, I felt that I finally found a place where my voice was heard and valued, and where all the skills that I’d developed over the years were appreciated and encouraged to be used. With WRJ, I could join with partners from across North America to truly make the world a better place.

During my two terms on the WRJ Board, I was able to use my skills in a variety of avenues, from reviewing and editing adult learning program modules to serving on several board nominations committees. My passion for social justice was supported through serving as the WRJ representative to the Religious Action Center (RAC) civic engagement campaign leadership team and in joining the YES Fund committee. My background in Jewish programming led to a role on the Or Ami committee, honoring exceptional sisterhood programs, and I was also able to teach during several conferences. I was happy to share my passions for art, Hebrew, and social justice in myriad ways as a WRJ Board member.

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve undertaken through my WRJ leadership is the creation of the Central Ohio WRJ Tzedakah Collective. After the 2013 Fried Leadership Conference, I approached my sisterhood about starting a Giving Circle. Having the support of my sisterhood, we moved forward with this project which is now in its 12th year and open to all Reform Jewish women in Central Ohio. We have raised tens of thousands of dollars in support of organizations that reflect our Reform Jewish values. Our Tzedakah Collective was featured by WRJ in several conference workshops and our program helped inspire WRJ’s Tzedakah Collective Toolkit. It was personally very gratifying that my efforts on the local level were recognized, valued, encouraged, and shared on the North American level. WRJ is truly an organization where individual passions are nurtured.

Through my District and North American involvement in WRJ, I have found deep friendships that will continue well beyond my WRJ leadership days. I have WRJ sisters that I can count on as friends and colleagues throughout North America. WRJ is a place where strong women’s voices are valued and heard, and where we can make an impact in the Reform Movement and beyond.  

If you are inspired by this leadership journey, please consider applying to WRJ’s North American Board. Applications are open through October 15, 2025.