Established in 1973, WRJ’s Or Ami “Light of My People” Award for Special Achievement in Programming recognizes exemplary events that can serve as a model for other WRJ Districts and sisterhoods. These awards honor those WRJ-affiliated women’s groups/sisterhoods and WRJ Districts undertaking replicable programs or projects of distinctive character and significance.
For more information about applications or how to replicate these award-winning programs in your community, please contact WRJ Social Justice Manager Rena Crawford (rcrawford@wrj.org.)
2025 Gold Or Ami Winners
Held November 7-10, 2024, this event was WRJ Heartland District’s first gathering following the creation of the district at its inaugural convention in March 2023. Cincinnati was chosen for its central location and variety of attractions. The whirlwind tour of Cincinnati began with the magnificent Plum Street Temple. Additional venues and attractions included the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of American Jewish Archives, the Skirball Museum, and the library at HUC; Shabbat services at Valley Temple, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. Heartland sisters also enjoyed a “Hidden Treasures of Union Terminal” tour and HUC student and WRJ Board Member Rachael Houser’s dramatic presentation of “The Life and Loves of Selma Bondi Wise." Playing late night games, sharing meals, and schmoozing during free time helped to form new relationships and rekindle established friendships.
In response to the Gaza-centered antisemitic protests that rocked college campuses in the Pacific District and throughout the U.S. and Canada, the Pacific District hosted a Zoom two-part series: “Trauma on Campus: Free Speech v. Antisemitism and Trauma on Campus: Examining the Israeli-Palestinian Protest Narrative.” Outstanding speakers provided members with real-time updates of protests on campuses in SoCal, discussed strategies for dealing with antisemitism, and studied the complex subject of freedom of speech in the context of campus protests. Participants also gained a deeper understanding of the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The genesis for Temple Beth-El Sisterhood’s “We Care: Period Project” occurred when members learned about teenage girls in the area who often stay home from school during their periods because they cannot afford appropriate sanitary products. The sisterhood agreed to address this problem, and the project grew into a community-wide effort. With help from the temple, other local synagogues, several churches, and the SAJCC, the initiative collected over $10,000 worth (an entire garage-full) of sanitary products. They raised money and awareness of the issue through a “Vintage Period Handbag Bingo Party” fundraiser. A local news station aired a segment about the project. After the sanitary products were sorted, they donated them to four local organizations for distribution to the women and girls who need them, and donated $3,700 for purchasing future supplies. Sisterhood members were satisfied that through this project, they performed a much-needed mitzvah for the San Antonio community. Period.
Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood in Tampa hosted a Furry Friends Social Action Project on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in conjunction with the synagogue's annual Mitzvah Day. The Furry Friends project aimed to bring together congregants of all ages for an engaging, fun social activity, with a dose of tikkun olam—repairing the world. Helping a Tampa institution that has been around since 1912 was the most popular choice for the congregation's Mitzvah Day. Participants heard a presentation about the Tampa Bay Humane Society and its mission, and then created toys for the organization. A slide presentation made just for our project included adorable pictures of pets in need of forever homes. Kids and adults then made pictures of the dogs and cats. sisterhood posted those handmade pictures on their sisterhood Facebook page. Within 2 weeks, all featured pets were adopted as a result of this heartfelt social action project!
Miriam's Circle, founded five years ago by Jewish women in Orange County, CA, is an independent sisterhood rooted in Tikkun Olam and Jewish values. Without synagogue affiliation, members unite to support each other and the wider community through social action and meaningful connection. The Social Action Committee led efforts to support schools like Willard Middle School in Santa Ana, CA, with supplies, clothing, and essentials. Since the population of Willard School is 99% minority, and 79% of students come from economically disadvantaged families with 50% of the student population experiencing homelessness, there are tremendous needs. In previous years, they provided blankets, shoes, and socks to students at Willard School, and in the winter of 2024, they provided sweatshirts to over 150 students. Miriam's Circle is a true community of sisterhood in action.
This program focused on proactive breast health and donating new and gently used bras to women in need. “What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Cancer” featured two well-known breast cancer experts: Dr. Rachel Brem, Director of the Breast Imaging and Interventional Center, GWU Medical Center and Chief Medical Officer of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, and Dr. Christine Teal, Associate Professor of Surgery, Director of the Breast Care Center, and Chief of Surgery, GWU Medical Center. Attendees learned about individual risk factors, including genetics; the importance of early detection; personalized screening options; the latest available intervention techniques; and how to advocate for treatment.
In conjunction with the Brem Foundation Re Bra Program for underprivileged women, Women of Washington (DC) Hebrew Sisterhood members collected 180 new and gently used bras. Every donated bra was dry-cleaned, tagged with valuable breast health information in English and Spanish, and donated to "I Support the Girls."
Women of Oak Park Temple decided to do a project around the book "In Memory's Kitchen," which is a legacy from the women of Terezin. The event—significantly—took place on Yom HaShoah. Following a brief service, participants shared a simple meal prepared by several members. During the meal, there was a presentation explaining the purpose of the book and how it came into being, while featuring items based on the oral recipes of the women interned in Terezin. There was no charge for the event and both men and women of all generations attended this impactful event.
The Women’s Health Symposium at Temple Israel of Hollywood was a daylong community event designed to empower and educate individuals through a holistic approach to women’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The event featured expert-led sessions on nutrition, caregiving, humor and resilience, breath work, poetry, and spiritual reflection. Health-focused organizations hosted informational booths, and a panel of medical professionals and thrivers shared their insights and stories. The Symposium provided a nurturing space for connection, support, and education while addressing the unique healthcare needs of women.
2025 Or Ami Winners
WMO Challah Bake and Post-Passover Challah Sale - Women of Mishkan Or
The Women of Mishkan Or (WMO) Challah Bake and Post-Passover Challah Sale, from March 2 - April 25, 2025, involved an innovative and novel collaborative effort of their Fundraising and Membership Committees. Goals included (1) recruiting new members with a hands-on, inclusive, educational and multigenerational event and (2) kicking off their Post-Pesach fundraiser. They partnered with organizations within their community, including Breadlove.org, Project ACT, the Cleveland Sight Center, and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. This program intentionally addressed the three pillars of WRJ: Sisterhood, Spirituality, and Social Justice.
With One Voice: A Celebration of the High Holidays - WRJ Pacific District
“With One Voice: A Celebration of the High Holidays” was designed to provide Pacific District members with a unique experience during the most solemn days of the Jewish year, those in which we approach God in prayer as one people. In this singular experience, participants were joined by leaders of the major Reform and Progressive movements, as well as vocalists from countries around the world, including all three major streams of Judaism.
Welcoming the Stranger - Women of B'nai Israel Project for Refugees
This project consisted of several parts related to relevant opportunities. Women of B’nai Israel, in conjunction with Sacramento Area Congregations Together, took a main role when Venezuelan migrants were dropped off in Sacramento in June of 2023. Women of B’nai Israel sponsored a Shabbat dinner to raise funds and their migrant guests volunteered to cook and serve a delicious dinner of traditional Venezuelan food. The Sacramento Refugee Resettlement Circle was matched with a Jewish family from Ukraine. The Women of B’nai Israel delivered a Shabbat Welcome package and hosted a Chanukah luncheon with the family. To further help the family, they raised funds, as discussed below. To assist their congregation’s Immigration Committee, the Women of B’nai Israel co-sponsored a fundraiser “A Taste of Afghan Culture” in which they enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea with a taste of Afghan food prepared by an Afghan refugee family.
Women’s Health Conference - Congregation Ner Tamid Sisterhood
The “Women’s Health Conference” featured a group of 14 presenters to educate on and discuss various topics related to women and their well-being, self-care, and health. The conference was complemented by catered breakfast and lunch. Videos were presented by Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley and U. S. Senator Jacky Rosen (both are CNT Sisterhood members). In addition to a multitude of learning opportunities, all attendees were also trained to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose and were given the medication needed to do so in case of emergency.
Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood Fall Social Action Project to Benefit Sharsheret - Congregation Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood
Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood gathered the evening of November 7, 2024, for its Fall Social Action project to benefit Sharsheret, a Jewish non-profit that supports individuals with breast and ovarian cancer. The evening combined socializing, social action, dinner, dessert, and education. Dinner kicked off the evening, while a representative from Sharsheret Florida spoke about the organization, genetic counseling, and the educational purpose of the organization. To interject some sweetness, a former Sisterhood board member led a cake decorating session. Many participants ate their creations for dessert, but boxes were provided to take home the treats, too. Participants then moved to the social hall, where "care kits" were assembled, chock full of journals, crossword puzzles, and cozy socks. Sharsheret carted off the donation bags, but not before an educational presentation by a pelvic floor specialist, who informed attendees about the harsh realities of cancer treatment and resources to promote healing post-trauma.
Tovanot Expanding Perspectives, Strengthening Sisterhood - Temple Sinai Women of Reform Judaism (TSWRJ)
“Tovanot,” created and led by Dr. Ruti Kadish, is an interactive seminar providing rich historical context to Israel and Palestine through a dual-narrative approach. It invites participants to explore the perspectives of Israeli Jews, Palestinian citizens of Israel, and Palestinians—fostering empathy, challenging binary thinking, and encouraging honest dialogue. Originally a 14-hour curriculum, Temple Sinai (Washington, DC) Women of Reform Judaism (TSWRJ) supported condensing the program to a 2–3-hour format to increase accessibility. The seminar combined historical background, individual reflection, interactive activities, small-group discussions, and real-world examples from Dr. Kadish’s lived experience and first-source materials. On June 29, 2025, participants engaged actively at Temple Sinai, building understanding and strengthening community connections. This condensed, hands-on format offered TSWRJ and can offer neighboring Sisterhood members a meaningful way to approach a complex and emotional topic while lowering barriers to participation.
Indigenous Jews of our Community – WRJ Heartland District
Minnesota/Dakotas area of Heartland District held an Area event on November 15-16, 2024, titled “Indigenous Jews of our Community.” The District partnered with Edot Midwest, an organization located in Madison, WI, that focuses on affirming Jewish racial and ethnic diversity and invests in the leadership of Jewish People of Color. The event held at Minneapolis JCC included optional brunch and Shabbat dinner at local restaurants, as well as Shabbat services. The program featured several key speakers: Shahanna McKinney-Baldon, EDOT Founding Director, presented information about Edot and its mission. Lasha Tilsen, Indigenous Jewish Community Outreach Coordinator, mediated a panel of three local Indigenous Jewish women. They shared their experiences as women who are Jewish and Indigenous, and the challenges faced in both communities. Heartland’s President, Rozan Anderson, welcomed everyone and discussed upcoming district events. Sherri Feuer, WRJ VP of Programs, followed with a presentation of diversity and inclusion resources available to WRJ sisterhoods/women’s groups.
All Things Hanukkah – WRJ Pacific District
From the chanukiah smuggled into the Western Wall to rolling your own Hanukkah candles and learning the fascinating history of the latke, All Things Hanukkah leaned into its ties with WRJ, the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, Women of the Wall, and HUC-JIR Jerusalem to present a unique educational and inclusive tour of the holiday of Hanukkah.
Multigenerational Garden Tea – Temple Shalom Dallas Sisterhood
Temple Shalom Sisterhood was pleased to repeat a program from last year that was very successful! They hosted a multigenerational Garden Tea/Luncheon. The Sisterhood event had great attendance, including grandparents, mothers, and many children of diverse ages. Together Sisterhood volunteers and a group of teen volunteers served a three-course luncheon and tea on their finest China in the Temple interior garden. There were outdoor games to keep the girls entertained and a special drawing for a door prize. Many volunteers assisted in the fun by making finger sandwiches, scones, desserts, and even a special salad that included some greens grown in our Temple Justice Garden.
The WRJ Pacific District Shabbaton on Social Justice – WRJ Pacific District
The WRJ Pacific District Shabbaton on Social Justice was created to promote new district-wide efforts to focus on social justice issues. The Shabbaton included nationally recognized and distinguished speakers, WRJ CEO Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and former Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Director/Chief Counsel Rabbi David Saperstein, and RAC Assistant Director of Organizing Lee Winkelman. They provided educational and motivational talks on WRJ’s historic role in pursuing social justice; the importance of fighting for social justice from a Jewish perspective; and the nuts-and-bolts of working social justice programs at the local level. Inspiring opening and closing prayers in honor of Shabbat were presented to further motivate attendees.
Say YES to WRJ Game Day – WRJ Pacific District
“Say YES to WRJ Game Day” was planned as a SoCal, Long Beach/Orange County Area Event. The goal was to educate attendees about WRJ and the YES Fund through games and videos. Opening with a mixer—bingo style sheets where the attendees had to find someone in the room who fit a square—the event featured the 2023 WRJ video and an associated trivia game with 10 questions, the answers to most of which could be found on the WRJ Benefits Flyer. Pacific District post-it pads were given as prizes. The YES Fund video was shown and a pitch made before YES Fund Bingo (where questions were drawn rather than numbers), where answers could be found on associated informational flyers—YES Fund Allocations sheet, What is a Lifeline, and What is the YES Fund. Uniongrams were given as prizes. This Pacific District event concluded with an interactive Taste of Convention and singing “I Have a Voice.”
WNSCI Reproductive Rights Shabbat - Women of North Shore Congregation Israel
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Women of North Shore Congregation Israel led NSCI’s morning minyan service. Following services, they provided a free lunch and learn program which was attended by over 50 members of the congregation. Rabbi Lisa Greene taught from Shofetim, in which there is text that is considered the prooftext for a fetus being like a limb of the mother, not as a life—which is the basis for Jewish perspective around abortion. They provided participants with actionable tools to advocate for reproductive rights, empowering their members to make a real impact on issues like abortion access, contraception rights, and maternal health. Each WNSCI event has a Tikkun Olam project, and for the Reproductive Rights Shabbat, participants were asked to donate personal care items and handwritten notes. These were assembled as part of Abortion Care Kits and delivered to The Women's Aid Clinic in Chicago the following month.
The Proposed American Takeover of Gaza: Blueprint for Peace or Flashpoint for War – WRJ Pacific District
“The Proposed American Takeover of Gaza: Blueprint for Peace or Flashpoint for War?” was a timely educational program with dynamic speakers responding to President Trump's proposal to take over the Gaza Strip, a move that could have added to the rising antisemitism within the Pacific District and around the world. The Zoom program was packed with fresh, nuanced information, and the format allowed members to discuss the issues with Jewish experts through a Jewish lens.
War in Israel: A Special Episode of Diaspora Diaries – WRJ Pacific District
In the wake of the brutal October 7 attack, the Pacific District gave its members the unique opportunity to speak and pray with members of the Jewish community in Israel in an extraordinary episode of their travel series, “Diaspora Diaries.” “War in Israel: A Special Edition of Diaspora Diaries” aired just eight days after the tragedy and featured the Movement’s Jewish sisters at Women of the Wall, as well the Executive Director of Hand-to-Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel, who discussed the impact of the tragedy on his bicultural school community. Furthermore, they presented an Anti-Defamation League expert in the U.S. to explain how folks could protect their digital footprints because of the expected rise in antisemitism. Organizers also provided resources for self-care during this difficult time and information on how to provide assistance to the people of Israel.
WTBI Eats Around The World – Women of Temple B’Nai Israel
This group formed in January 2023 to bring Sisterhood members back after the pandemic. They wanted to create an innovative, creative, and interesting monthly program to engage more members—eating around the world by enjoying a different ethnic cuisine every month was an enjoyable and accessible way to do so. Each month they pick a new restaurant featuring new cultural flavors, i.e.: Italian, Japanese, Greek, Venezuelan, Persian, etc. The group started at a Chinese restaurant with only 5 members. Now the group has grown significantly and has even expanded beyond Sisterhood.
Past Award Winners
The previous award-winning programs are useful resources for WRJ Districts and sisterhoods looking for new program and advocacy ideas as they can be replicated, adapted, or taken in new directions. For more information on specific projects, please contact the WRJ District or sisterhood directly, using the provided link.
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