We are excited to learn more about you and how you can use your talents and skills to enhance our organization and bring to it a unique perspective. There are many paths to WRJ Board service. We encourage you to apply if you meet the eligibility requirements, align with the mission and work of WRJ, and want to share your voice with WRJ’s Board.
“It was wonderful to be a part of a diverse group of women who DO – who make things happen all over the world.” – Genia Neuhaus, WRJ Board member 2022-2025, Coral Gables, FL
“I was humbled and honored to serve on the WRJ board - it helped me understand how the needs of Jewish women align with the mission of the board.” – Nayda Schwartz, WRJ Board member 2022-2025, Farmington Hills, MI
“Throughout my board service, I have learned how to lead, collaborate, and take on new challenges. My piece of advice to new board members is to say YES to everything you are asked to do, even if it seems out of your comfort zone.” – Rachelle Weiss Crane, WRJ Board member 2019-2025, Dallas, TX
Below, please find information about the role, our timeline, and the application process. For more information about Women of Reform Judaism, please review our mission statement and core values, our history, and advocacy initiatives. If you have any questions about Board service or the application process, or have accessibility needs that would be helped by submitting your application in a different way, please email WRJ Director of Events and Leadership Amanda Feldman at wrj-board@wrj.org.
WRJ's North American Board adopts an equal opportunity stance. We welcome all candidates that fit our criteria for serving a Board term (please see the Eligibility Criteria for WRJ Board service below). We are committed to creating an equitable, inclusive environment for all within WRJ that is representative of the rich diversity of the Reform Movement across North America. As part of our environment of openness to anyone who identifies with WRJ’s mission and values, WRJ welcomes anyone who identifies as female, nonbinary, or gender fluid as well as all those who are Jewish or have a commitment to the Jewish people.
Board Service Application Timeline & Important Dates
- July 15, 2025: Applications open
- October 15, 2025: Applications are due
- October 31, 2025: Endorsement forms are due from your reference person
- Mid-November through mid-December 2025: Interviews are conducted
- January-February 2026: Applicants are notified of their status; the Board slate is announced
- May 14-17, 2026: Board meets to elect and install new Board members in Cincinnati, OH (all incoming Board members are required to attend)
Below are the full details to read before applying to WRJ’s Board:
In WRJ’s efforts to be more inclusive, please note the updated, expanded eligibility per our revised 2024 Constitution (Article 8, Section C):
- You support the mission and values of WRJ
- You identify as Jewish or have a commitment to the Jewish community;
- You identify as female, nonbinary, or gender fluid; and
- You are and remain in good standing of WRJ (either through a WRJ sisterhood/women's group or as an individual WRJ member.
- You agree to review, sign, and/or follow the policies set out in the following WRJ documents:
- Gain invaluable experience that will improve and enhance your leadership and public speaking skills.
- Provide input on the direction of social justice initiatives for the Reform Movement.
- Contribute your area(s) of expertise to WRJ workshops, committees, and more.
- Weigh in on WRJ priorities and projects.
- Participate in the future of Reform Judaism.
- Connect and build a diverse community with people from across North America.
- To be educated regarding the current work and benefits of WRJ and support WRJ's mission.
- Promotes WRJ's purpose, programs, and projects, locally and beyond.
- Serves as an ambassador of WRJ, and inspires women and other individuals as potential leaders locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Establishes policies to be implemented by WRJ staff.
- Approves and adopts WRJ's annual budget.
- Participates in thinking about and discussing the future of WRJ.
- Raises funds to keep WRJ financially sound.
- Elects WRJ's Executive Committee every three years.
- Serve one (1) three-year term, with the option to apply for another consecutive term of up to three years.
- Each WRJ Board of Directors member will donate or solicit and give (“give or get”) a minimum annual contribution of $1,000 USD to be applied to the General Fund, as a financial commitment to support the future of WRJ.
- In addition to the minimum $1,000 USD annual contribution, other anticipated financial expectations include paying for your own travel, hotel, and registration fee for the annual Board Meeting, as well as additional registration fees and hotel costs for that year’s conference registration, if you are able to attend. Please refer to the Board service application for specific estimated costs.
- Participate in our "L’Atid" (Hebrew for "to the future") onboarding program during your first year. This includes several sessions – likely a mix of virtual and in-person – for learning and discussion of foundational, useful knowledge regarding WRJ’s priorities, processes, and initiatives. Throughout the year-long initiative, L’Atid members will connect with other new Board members, form relationships with their personal Board mentor, and share insights with WRJ leaders, all in one-to-one or small group settings.
Note that there are many paths to WRJ Board service. We encourage you to share your relevant skills, experiences, or perspectives that would enhance your participation on WRJ’s Board.
Please plan to spend at least 30-45 minutes completing your application. You will need to create a login for the Temelio application system, but can save your work and return to continue and complete your application at any time.
Be ready to provide the name and contact information of a reference, who we will contact to discuss your qualifications, and complete an endorsement form on your behalf by October 31, 2025. Your reference could be any nonprofit or professional leader or colleague who is familiar with your qualifications, such as a sisterhood/women's group leader, a WRJ District leader, a WRJ Board member, a religious communal leader, clergy, a nonprofit leader, coworker, etc.
THANK YOU!
If you have any questions, please reach out to WRJ Director of Events and Leadership Amanda Feldman at wrj-board@wrj.org.