New York, NY– Rabbinical students Emma Aaronson and Shayna Dollinger joined the staff of Women of Reform Judaism as social justice interns through May 2026.
Both interns are responsible for connecting with WRJ’s sisterhoods and women’s groups through relational meetings with WRJ members. They will build connections, highlight relevant WRJ-led initiatives, identify opportunities for participation in WRJ advocacy campaigns, and offer support to local sisterhoods, women’s groups, and individual members ahead of WRJ’s 2026 Day of Action. They will also listen and learn what is driving and engaging WRJ members and leaders on a local level. Both interns will also support spiritual and social justice initiatives on the North American level, strengthening and embodying the connection between the two.
The continuation and expansion of these positions is made possible with support from the Isabel P. Dunst Philanthropic Fund, a donor advised fund of The Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington as recommended by the Shards of Light Foundation, in addition to a generous contribution from WRJ Executive Committee member Shoshana Dweck.
“Women of Reform Judaism is grateful to our partners at the Shards of Light Foundation for allowing us to build on the momentum of grassroots level organizing following our Social Justice Conference earlier this year, ensuring continued success in our high priority issues such as reproductive freedom, protections against gender-based violence, and democracy,” WRJ CEO Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch said.
"I am excited to join WRJ’s social justice team. I look forward to deepening my understanding of advocacy rooted in Jewish values while contributing to the fight for gender equity and human rights,” Aaronson shared.
Aaronson is currently in her second year at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion where she is pursuing a dual cantorial and rabbinical ordination. She is a Weitzman-JDC fellow and is serving as student cantor at Temple Adas Israel of Sag Harbor. Emma holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Musical Theater, with minors in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Her leadership journey includes serving as a New Student Advisor, participating in the United Nations Association at UCLA, and holding roles in advocacy-oriented clubs, including as president of the Save a Child’s Heart Club.
“I am so thrilled to get to work and learn alongside such incredible women at WRJ. This year, as the social justice intern, I look forward to working with communities across the country to deepen their service, within our own communities and into the world beyond,” Dollinger echoed.
Dollinger is a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. She is a proud alumna of Wesleyan University where she majored in Religion, Jewish Studies, and Global Engagement. Shayna spends her summers at URJ Camp Newman as the Education Director.