Conventions

Northeast District

 

Northeast District Conventions are held in the fall of even-numbered years and are the main gathering for WRJ members and leaders in the Northeast District. Attendees have the opportunity to meet other women with similar interests and goals, to receive inspiration and information from district leaders, and to hear invited guest speakers during several days of learning, connecting, worshipping, and decision-making. Attendees learn techniques for developing new leaders, sisterhood programs and projects, and share suggestions for the betterment of the district and its sisterhoods.


 

Northeast District Convention:
‘Celebrating Our Stories’
November 2020

Did you miss the Northeast District Convention in November 2020?

You can replay it; get the links on Yammer.

Browse our photo album on Facebook.

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As is our custom, we chose a social action project for our convention. In keeping with our convention theme, "Celebrating Our Stories," we shared the joy of storytelling by starting a children's library with the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, a not-for-profit, interfaith, culturally competent organization that assists homeless families.

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2018 District Convention Wrap-Up

In late October, over 100 women gathered in Framingham, Massachusetts, to attend the Sixth Northeast District Biennial Convention for four days of learning, praying, mourning, and celebrating together. We had seminars on a variety of topics – from how to run your sisterhood to how to run social advocacy programs to using social media to relaxing with Jewish meditation.

While we were devastated by the events in Pittsburgh that Saturday morning, we were glad that we were together to share our feelings and make plans for what to do next.

The services were moving and beautiful, and; we were lucky to have with us Jane Taves, WRJ vice president for Advocacy, Marketing, and Communications; Rabbi Marla Feldman, executive director of WRJ; and Heather Lorgeree, WRJ manager of Programming and Affiliate Services – as well as our own Sara Charney, WRJ first vice president; and Abigail Fisher, WRJ vice president of Development and Special Projects. That's a lot of woman power!

We who attended were re-energized and renewed with the excitement of what we as women can do together. We returned to our local sisterhoods ready to try new programs and share all that we learned.

If you have not done so already, please take a look at the blog entries for the convention on the Northeast District's Facebook page. You can also check out our FACEBOOK PHOTO GALLERY of the amazing women that make up our Northeast District.

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WRJ Northeast District Convention
November 3-6, 2016

Albany, New York
Kol Isha: Voices in Harmony

Convention highlights as recalled by Convention Co-Chairs Diane Heiman, Robin Krieger, and Betty Weiner...

Who knew nearly two years ago that the theme of our 5th Biennial Convention, "Kol Isha: Voices in Harmony," would be so relevant in the fall of 2016? Throughout our four days in Albany, NY, we spent time listening to inspirational speakers, attending workshops, singing, praying. We focused on the importance of respectful listening and learning and how we need to bring this back to our own sisterhoods. CONTINUE READING...


WRJ Northeast District Convention
November 6-9, 2014

Albany, New York
Many Threads... One Tapestry

Women from all parts of the Northeast District gathered to connect, to learn, to pray, and to celebrate together as our new board was installed during the Fourth WRJ Northeast District Biennial.

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The theme "Many Threads... One Tapestry" was amplified throughout the weekend. In song and prayer, in workshops, in the blooming of our YES Tree, and the crafting of our new Northeast District tallit, the diversity of our talents and the unity of our mission were illuminated and honored.


Scholar-in-residence Rabbi Jaime Shalhevet and musician-in-residence Dan Nichols provided spiritual leadership and inspiration through workshops, choir participation, and Shabbat services. Susan Bass, the first vice president of Women of Reform Judaism, shared new strategies and initiatives, training new leaders in the organization and those who hope to enrich their own sisterhoods and women's groups. Rosanne Selfon, a past president of WRJ, presided over the installation of Denise Levine as president of the Northeast District, and of new officers and area directors who will serve our sisterhoods for the next two years.


The weekend's events were sandwiched between the final board meeting of Robin Sobol's tenure, and the first board meeting of Denise's term. Both of our outstanding leaders were honored and thanked for what they had accomplished, and for the vision established for the future.


The spirit of the weekend is best described in two poems by Cheryl Greenfield, co-president of Temple Beth-El in Providence, Rhode Island. She was inspired to compose them soon after returning home. Cheryl's eloquence speaks for all who attended our District's Fourth Biennial Convention. READ CHERYL'S POEMS


With many thanks to everyone who contributed to the weekend, and those who attended. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon!


Carmen Holzman, Cathy Sacks, Jane Sanders, Sharon Sobel
Co-Chairs

Comments about Biennial 2014 from other sisterhood delegates:

– It was well organized, informative, and inspiring. There was something for everyone. I loved the opportunity to learn from and share with others. The more I learn, the more proud I am to be part of WRJ.


– I have attended many conventions in the past, both Assembly as well as Districts, this was one of the best. I wanted to "inspire" my future leaders with the same enthusiasm I have for WRJ and I believe this was accomplished in many ways.


– Great services and music. Loved the Saturday afternoon sessions for Shabbat. Great way to observe Shabbat and still grow as Sisterhood members both personally and spiritually.


– We were left with a wonderful feeling of connection and goodwill.


– The spirit of Sisterhood radiated throughout.


The Third Northeast District Biennial
November 1-4, 2012

Albany, New York

Convention highlights as recalled by Convention Chairs Marsha Byrnes, Linda Colman, and Sharon Sobel...

Hurricane Sandy certainly caused problems, but those of our sisters who made it to Albany were treated to a Biennial that could not help but warm their hearts. As we boarded the school buses for Congregation Beth Emeth, who would have expected the warm, gracious welcome we would receive from the sisterhood and all the members of the Temple who we met. After a delicious dinner, we celebrated Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Shpeen, Cantor Glenn Groper, Cantor Lanie Katzew, Beth Schafer and the choir. Lynn Magid Lazar gave the D'Var Torah.


Lanie and Beth made Saturday morning's Torah study uplifting and fun. The service following was spiritual and filled with song and joy. I found the Shema Smackdown extremely emotional. It made me realize just how lucky we are, as women in North America, to be able to worship and celebrate Shabbat as we wish. I hope that these videos reach Anat Hoffman (of Women of the Wall, in Israel) and her group and give her the strength to continue her fight.


Our four-day sojourn of learning, spirituality, musical harmonies, excellent food, a celebration of the accomplishments of the outgoing board and a welcome to the new, was remarkable not only because of what each of our sisterhoods brought to the convention, but for what we left behind. Hurricane Sandy had arrived in the Northeast District only a few days earlier, leaving devastation and darkness in her wake. Traveling to Albany became a problem for many, and many women who were able to make the journey knew they would be returning to damaged homes and cars.


Perhaps because of these challenges, the mood of the convention was particularly joyous and the sense of community was very strong. Formal programming began with a dinner to honor Abby Fisher, our outgoing president. Our opening Plenary featured an explanation of revisions to our by-laws, an introduction to Lynn Magid Lazar, WRJ's president, and a hands-on social action project introduced by Judy Schwartz, during which we made birthing kits to be sent to women in Africa.


The first of four workshop sessions began on Friday morning, and the wide array of topics were facilitated by WRJ Northeast District board members, as well as guest speakers. In keeping with the spirit of Shabbat, our Saturday workshops were crafty and relaxing, as we learned to make kippot, afikomen bags and how to do yoga. Friday also featured our YES Fund Luncheon, with a presentation by Vice President Trina Novak about the importance of our advocacy and fundraising.


Throughout the weekend, we were led in prayer and song by our guest spiritual leader, Cantor Lanie Katzew of Isaac Mayer Wise Temple in Cincinnati. She was joined by musician and singer Beth Schafer, the founder of Positive Jewish Living and the director of our convention choir. One of the highlights of the weekend was Beth's spirited concert on Saturday evening.


At the installation dinner and service, our members and many guests welcomed our new president, Robin Sobol, our new first vice president, Denise Levine, new vice presidents, executive board members and area directors. On the last morning of the convention, Linda Colman led services and our last session of workshops was held. At the Closing Plenary, we received reports of sisterhood activities in Canada and of actions taken by the United Nations.


The success of a convention such as this is dependent on many factors, all of which contribute to making the event memorable and vibrant. Our workshop facilitators and recorders, special guests, spiritual and song leaders, and the wonderful support we received from local volunteers in Albany promised an excellent weekend. But without the commitment of so many sisterhood leaders, the efforts would have fallen short. Together, seeking a respite from the ravages of the storm, we became stronger and more hopeful for the future.