On Sunday, September 14th, Sisterhood held a leadership training session with Lynn Magid Lazar, Immediate Past President of WRJ and member of Temple Sinai here in Pittsburgh. Lynn is a fantastic facilitator and had a lot to say about how Sisterhood members can become better leaders individually as well as within Sisterhood. And, of course, all the discussions were relevant to life outside of Sisterhood, too!

We started with a simple question: What one word would you use to describe Sisterhood? Our answers were esoteric, rather than concrete: including connection, friendship, creative, and visionary. We moved on to naming what our best programs were (including Steel Chef, Bridge, Women’s Seder, Gift Corner, and Rosh Chodesh), and what programs we would like to see, including some education topics, a family movie day/night, a Steeler’s party, and a potluck Shabbat.

Then the discussion turned more personal: being optimistic but staying grounded in reality, taking care of yourself and those around you, working with and within a team, maintaining a high level of courtesy and mutual respect, dealing with conflict, celebrating and laughing together,

taking risks, and being tenaciously creative. After a short morning break, we focused more on group interactions, then had lunch.

Discussion during lunch centered on creative solutions to current Sisterhood challenges: attracting more women to our events; attracting more volunteers; increasing our electronic and social media presences; evaluating the quality, quantity, and relevance of our events and programs; and developing future leaders from current members. Each table was asked to find five solutions to one of those topics, which were then shared and discussed after lunch.

Our Mission: The object of the Sisterhood shall be to further the religious, educational, social and philanthropic purposes of the Rodef Shalom Congregation, to promote social interaction among the members of the Sisterhood, and to develop the Jewish spirit in both the public and domestic lives of its members.

September 16, 2014

Sisterhood Connection

Leadership,continued on page 2

Leadership Training

2 September 16, 2014 “Like” us on Facebook!

Leadership, continued from page 1

In between all the discussions and topic changes, we had a bit of fun. We had been asked to write on an index card a good book we had read and our favorite dessert. These were shared a few at a time throughout the day. Surprisingly, we had a number of duplicates between the two topics!

As a final activity, we went around the room and said one word that described the training and discussions we had just had. Everyone was overwhelmingly positive, and we probably could have spend a few more hours with Lynn delving into the few topics she introduced as well as discussing other things.

A huge thank you goes to Lynn Magid Lazar for facilitating this event. She has the leadership qualities that we hope to gain, and she is an inspiration to us moving forward with Sisterhood. Thank you also to Gladys Maharam and Susie Wolf for chairing the event, and to Gwen Miller, Shelly Parker, Debbie Rokasky, and Jan Shaw for helping.

Cafe SisterhoodAppetizer: Making New Friends

Soup: Advocating for Women’s Issues

Entree: Tikkun Olam through Volunteering

Salad: Connection with Others

Dessert: Creative Programming

See you at the Sisterhood

Meeting!See Upcoming Events for details

“Like” us on Facebook! September 16, 2014 3

There is a lot to see in the Gift Corner these days! We have new fall merchandise, Steeler’s items, new jewelry from Martine Relis, and wonderful pottery from our Artist of the Month, Slavina Faust.

In addition, our specialty honey for Rosh HaShanah is in! We have honey with either walnuts or almonds soaking deliciously in the jars, as well as a variety of holiday cards, shofars (adult and kid), apple and honey dishes, activity books, wine, and children’s literature.

Now that football season is upon us (Go Steelers!) and the weather is getting chilly, you can get scarves and earwarmers to show your team spirit. Even your pooch can root for our side with a dog scarf!

And for those special occasions, we have kiddush cups, mezzuzot, tallit, candlesticks, and menorahs. You can also order bar/bat mitzvah and wedding invitations.

Please stop in and browse when you are looking for that special gift.

Shanah Tovah from all of us at the Gift Corner!

Hours for the Gift Corner areMonday 10-4Tue-Fri 11-3Sun 9:30-12 (when religious school is in session)

All proceeds from Gift Corner sales benefit the Sisterhood.

What’s New in the Gift Corner

4 September 16, 2014 “Like” us on Facebook!

Freehof Book Review SeriesWednesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 - 9 pmLevy Hall, Aaron Court

Rabbi Danny Schiff will be doing our first book review of the year! Future dates and reviewers are Rabbi Bisno on Oct. 15, Helen Faye Rosenblum on Nov. 5, Marshall Goldberg on Nov. 19, and Tova Mirvis on Jan. 7.

World Union LuncheonThursday, Sept. 18Wechsler Gallery, Freehof Hall

Rabbi Dr. Walter Jacob will be speaking at our annual World Union Luncheon fundraiser.

Sew Any WaySunday, Sept. 21Sisterhood Room

Come sew or craft with us! Bring along your current project or something you would like to learn how to do. We will also have mentors ready to help whoever wants to learn! Future dates are Oct. 26, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 22, and Apr. 26.

Sisterhood MeetingSunday, Oct. 3, 10 - 11:30 am Sisterhood Room

All are welcome to discuss and plan upcoming events and help determine the future direction of Sisterhood! Future meeting dates are Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Mar. 29, and June 7.

Talmud Class with Rabbi Paul TuchmanMonday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 pmKrause

Please join us for a lively discussion (in English) on the Babylonian Talmud. Both the Mishnah and the Gemara will be discussed. The class will meet every month on the second Monday. Future dates are Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13, and May 11.

Upcoming Events 2014-15

Upcoming Events, continued on page 3

“Like” us on Facebook! September 16, 2014 5

Rosh ChodeshTuesday, Oct. 28, 6 - 8 pmSmall Dining Room

Rosh Chodesh starts up again! We will meet Nov. 25, Dec. 23, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 24, Apr. 21, and May 19. All meetings will be held at Rodef Shalom in the Small Dining room except August. Please note: This year we have switched to Tuesdays.

Sisterhood Movie NightSunday, Nov. 9, 7:30 - 9 pmLevy Hall

Join us for some fabulous movies! Our other two movie nights will be tentatively Jan. 25 and Mar. 29.

Holiday BazaarSunday, Nov. 23, 10 amAaron Court, Freehof Hall

Our Holiday Bazaar will be bigger and better than ever! Join us for lunch as well!

Upcoming Events - continuedUpcoming Events, continued from page 2

Mini GolfOn Sunday, August 24, Sisterhood once again held our Mini-Golf Fundraiser. The weather cooperated well, there was plenty to eat for lunch and at the bake sale, and the Gift Corner had wonderful items for sale.

Mini-Golfers came from near and far to play with us. The 18-hole course is not fancy, but it is not as easy at it looks! The mini-golfers and the macro-golfers all had a good time showing off their skills and aiming for their holes-in-one.

Thanks to everyone who helped put this event together: Karen Brean, Richard Brean, Sam Bushnick, Larry Goldfarb, Marjie Goldfarb, Hanna Gruen, Fran Lefkowitz, Janice Nathan, Nancy Rosenthal, Claire Rybski, Elaine Rybski, Nathan Rybski, and Jan Shaw.

6 September 16, 2014 “Like” us on Facebook!

Marian AllenLouise BaruthElizabeth BlackPatricia BluestoneDiane BlumbergerCarolyn GoldbergHolly GoldmanSusanne GollinSusan HershensonJacki HerzogLynne JacobsonGoldie KatzDoris KennedyPhyllis KleinSharon Lesgold

Gladys MaharamViolet MarcusSusan McQuillanLois MichaelsRoberta NeedlemanJulie NewmanDeborah PolkBarbara RosenbergerBobbie RosenfeldElaine RybskiAlece SchreiberSally SeedMariya ShismanAnn Williamson

Happy Birthday to our memberswith September birthdays!

Maureen KellyMichelle SerbinSusan SmerdDebra SufrinAnn Williamson

Bette BiglerSandra BrandElizabeth FrostMichele Gray-SchafferGoldie Katz

Jessica KaushanskyAmy LeamanSusan LieberBarbara MarsLinda MatesJulie NewmanSusan RichmanSally SeedRebecca SeinerSusan Katz SherlockSusan Wechsler

Happy Anniversary to our memberswith September and October

anniversaries!

2014-2015 Officers and DirectorsElaine Rybski PresidentOpen Executive Vice PresidentAmy Leaman Vice PresidentKaren Brean Vice PresidentDebbie Rokasky Vice PresidentMarilyn Asimow Vice PresidentJanice Nathan andMary Ellen Elias Recording SecretariesGail Lefkowitz Asst. Recording SecretaryRuth Wintner Corresponding SecretaryDonna Cabin Assistant Corr. SecretaryGladys Maharam TreasurerMarjorie Goldfarb Assistant TreasurerFran Lefkowitz Financial AdvisorMarion Damick Parliamentarian

Directors 2012-2015Cindi Dorfzaun Jan ShawHarriett Green Meredith StrassburgerBarbie Mendlowitz

Directors 2013-2016Rachel Adland Nancy RosenthalJanet Ocel Shelly Sufrin

Barbara AbrahamRuth BachmanNancy BerkowitzHarriet CohenEdith DonnenbergKaren FlamNatalie FriedbergGerry GondelmanSandra GoodmanSally GurinSharyn HenryAngela JacobsHannah KaminJoan KaplanMina Kavaler

Eileen LaneJanet LeeGail LefkowitzDeborah MossJennifer OlbumEllen PrimisSusan RichmanDoris RobinsonBarbara RogalRebecca SeinerLinda ShensaShirley ShratterDorothy SilbermanNellie SlagleSusan Smerd

Happy Birthday to our memberswith October birthdays!

Sisterhood friends make me feel warm

and fuzzy!

“Like” us on Facebook! September 16, 2014 7

Flower Delivery VolunteersSisterhood Shabbat flower deliveries need your help! This is a true mitzvah that we provide for our members. Beautiful, fresh flowers are delivered to those who are sick, in nursing homes, and have special birthdays or anniversaries. Please contact Marilyn Asimow at masimow@ymail.com or 412-362-9130 to help bring joy to others. Even if you can do this only once or twice during the year, you would be a great help!

Gift Corner VolunteersOur Gift Corner is a wonderful service Sisterhood provides to Rodef Shalom and the surrounding community. But in order for it to thrive, we need more volunteers! If you are interested in helping, are comfortable using a computer or would like to learn to use it, please contact Elaine Rybski or Hanna Gruen at the Gift Corner (412-621-6566).

Silver polishersDo you like looking at the lovely and historic pieces in Wechsler Gallery? You can help keep them looking lovely by helping with the silver polishing! We polish three times a year, and with enough helpers, it only takes a couple of hours. Join us for some great conversation while we keep Wechsler Gallery looking its best! Please contact Nancy Rosenthal at 412-828-4844.

Ushers NeededRodef Shalom is looking for more ushers for weekly services! Sisterhood arranges the ushers for the odd-numbered months, and we need more volunteers! Ushers greet worshippers as they enter the temple and give directions to where the service is held; hand out prayerbooks at the entrance to the Sanctuary or Levy Hall; and collect the prayerbooks after the service is over. If you go to services on a regular or semi-regular basis, this would be a great way to meet others and give back to our Rodef Shalom community. Please contact Nancy Rosenthal at 412-828-4844 if you are interested.

Are you on Facebook?Give us a look!

Please like Sisterhood’s Facebook page! You’ll get to see lots of pictures of our events, notices for upcoming functions, and alerts for when the Sisterhood Connection is published, among other things.

Don’t delay - Like us today!

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to honor someone special or a special occasion? Sisterhood’s Remembrance Fund is a great way to do just that! For every contribution, a card is sent to the honoree notifying them of the sender (but not the amount!).

Library Fund–$5*Glick Children’s Library–$15**Lippman Library–$25**Restoration Fund–$10*

*minimum**single volume with bookplate

Mail with check, payable to Rodef Shalom Sisterhood, to the Temple.

To: ___________________________________

Address: ______________________________

______________________________________

In Memory of: ___________________________

In Honor of: ____________________________

Donor: ________________________________

Address: ______________________________

______________________________________

Remembrance Fund