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“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.

This week, we feature Atlantic District President Jan Shaw in WRJ's Leadership Spotlight.

 

Watch what Jan advises for future WRJ leaders:

 

How did you come to be a leader at WRJ?

The beginning of my WRJ sisterhood journey was kind of funny and

As a socialist-Zionist youth movement, Hebrew is sprinkled throughout many of our machanot (camps), seminars, and programs of Habonim Dror North America (HDNA). Hebrew is an incredible connecting point for us to our Judaism and to Israel.

As part of a sisterhood/women’s group, we achieve consensus, agree to accept a decision, and move forward. Maybe the deliberations are difficult. But, these challenging conversations allow for the betterment of the group. We accept the imperfect and agree to amend when needed. These five courageous sisters in this parashah provide an example of women united in sisterhood. It takes courage to state one’s position. It takes compromise to reach a consensus. It takes skill and willpower to keep looking forward.

Summer is a busy time full of vacations, summer camp, time with family, celebrations, and more. With our packed schedules and, hopefully, time to recharge, we must not forget to set aside a few moments to reflect and take action. 

For many in the U.S., the

Perhaps there are wise women in your life — mothers, grandmothers, aunts, relatives, ancestors, or friends — who have guided you in some way, large or small, on your journey. This week, as I begin my new role as Executive Director of Women of Reform Judaism, I am grateful to the wise leaders who have come before me in WRJ’s 110-year history.

This week we encounter the strange tale of Balak (king of Moab,) Balaam (a non-Israelite prophet,) and Balaam’s she-donkey, who, like most of the females in the Torah, has no name. Let’s call her Jennie, which, after all, is the term for a she-donkey. 

Forty

As you can imagine, these final days as the WRJ Executive Director are bittersweet as I prepare to embark on the next stage of my professional journey. While I am looking forward to the opportunities and new adventures ahead of me, I am looking back with heartfelt gratitude for the many gifts I have received from WRJ over the years.