Southwest District Blog Posts

We Are, We Are, We Are, WRJ

Shari Carruthers
Lillian Burkenheim Silver
In October 2022, 88 of us traveled from across North America to Atlanta to join other sisters on the WRJ Civil Rights Journey. Armed with articles, movies, books, and memories about the fight for racial equality in the 1950s and 1960s, we visited historical landmarks in Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. We found what we knew intellectually was no match for walking in the footsteps of those who were there and have continued to advocate and advance racial equality. As we kick off WRJ’s end-of-year campaign, we reflect on the impact of this trip and the work still to be done.

Why WRJ? My Leadership Journey

Rachelle Weiss Crane

My journey with Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) began in 1999 in Chicago, Illinois. The sisterhood at my congregation had been floundering and then disbanded. The senior rabbi asked me to help re-establish the women’s group. I was honored, excited, and

Protecting Our Children: A Fight for Religious Freedom in Texas Schools

fredi Bleeker Franks

Once, finding me crying outside of the cafeteria, a friendly counselor asked what was wrong. When I tried to explain, she said to me, “You don’t have to be anybody other than who you are. You’re pretty special, and those other kids are sure missing out.” 

I

It’s Part Of My DNA

Cheryl Barenberg

My involvement with WRJ has always been part of my DNA, but I never really became involved until someone from my local sisterhood asked 23 years ago this spring. I guess the adage all you have to do is ask holds some truth. I was new to Southeast Texas, and we