This District includes the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina (except Charlotte and Davidson), Virginia, and Charleston, West Virginia.
I am honored to serve as your District President for the next three years.
In March 2023, we prayed, learned, sang, and socialized together at our Making Waves Together District convention in Ocean City, Maryland. From the moment we began at our Ice Cream Social Thursday evening, the excitement was palpable. Long-time members saw and hugged their friends for the first time in many years. Perhaps even more heartwarming was watching these same members welcome and embrace those joining us for the first time.
During a beautiful installation ceremony, the baton was passed from a wonderful executive committee led by outgoing president, Marilyn Morrison, to the new district leaders. While I am so proud to work side-by-side with a group of talented and enthusiastic group of ladies, I want to reiterate my deep-rooted belief that the WRJ Mid-Atlantic District is really about all of us supporting each other and working together. I want to meet as many of you as possible; I want to hear your needs; I want to hear your ideas; and I want to hear your constructive criticism. Without you, success will be elusive.
I began doing that just that this past weekend by joining the Ohef Sholom Temple Sisterhood in Norfolk, VA, for their beautiful Women’s Shabbat service and the next day luncheon. There was so much positive dialog, and I believe I saw many idea bubbles appear, starting with my own. Please invite me to come to your sisterhood events and/or your Board meetings. I will always do my best to join you.
Non-profit organizations rely on volunteerism to run, and the district is no exception. I understand we are all so busy, and we have made so many of our opportunities into huge commitments of time and other resources. I am dedicated to expanding ways you can get involved by meeting you where you are. Volunteering brings you closer to our mission and enables opportunities for personal growth and friendship. You are all valuable; we do not measure your value in the number of hours you have to give. With all that is going on in our country and abroad, this is an opportune time to join together as Reform Jewish women.
To close, I want to thank Marilyn Morrison, Margee Greenfield, and Louise Johanson for their service to the MAD Executive Committee. Notice I did not say goodbye. Marilyn will be active as our Immediate Past President, and Margee and Louise are just a phone call away, always willing to help.
I end by extending a heartfelt welcome and thank you to the new Executive Committee. You will meet all these extraordinary women on our website, in the Candle, at meetings, and Zoom programming over the course of the next few months.
In Sisterhood,
Andrea
Mid-Atlantic District is offering scholarships to:
First time attendees of any URJ camp*
Campers with a family connection to a Mid-Atlantic District member (mother or grandmother)
Camper must reside within the Mid-Atlantic District
One scholarship per family per year
Scholarship will cover a maximum of 10% of camp registration.
Camper agrees to share experiences with their local Jewish community.
* Having participated in Taste of Camp partial sessions does not disqualify the camper
How to apply:
Complete scholarship application by February 15, 2025
Link to application HERE
Recipients will be notified by March 1, 2025, if they have been selected for a camp scholarship.
For more information: Please contact Louise Johanson.
Just For This, a new podcast, inspires women in leadership to talk about women and leadership. Hosted by Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, executive director of WRJ, Just For This is committed to sharing powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields.
The 5785 WRJ Holiday Cookbook created from last month's Hanukkah event is now available! While the winter holidays have come and gone, we can keep the spirit alive with these tasty treats that can be made all year round! We have made both this year's cookbook and the 5784 High Holidays Cookbook available online along with an ask of a small donation to the YES Fund specifically benefiting our partners and communities in Los Angeles impacted by the wildfires. Please consider taking advantage of this offering. Your generosity plays a pivotal role in ensuring the vibrancy of our communities.
WRJ stands with the people of Israel during these difficult and challenging days and pray for the safety and immediate release of all of the hostages.
As the war persists in Israel, we urge you to keep up to date on what we are doing and ways you can help.
