TBS News and Information

WTBS/Sisterhood is off to a great start this new year and looks forward to getting together throughout the year.

August was a busy month as we came together socially and again to begin our reflection for the upcoming High Holidays. We enjoyed great food, conversation and camaraderie at Anita Buchheim’s home for Summer Salads at the beginning of August. We shared a variety of salads and desserts and enjoyed sitting out on the patio on a lovely summer evening. Thank you so much to Anita for always opening her home and being the most gracious host.

Nina Richman Loo led the Rosh Chodesh meeting, shared contemplative articles and posed insightful questions which enabled us to think about the year we were ending and the changes we wanted to make during the upcoming year. Nina always leads a thoughtful meeting, and we thank her for her leadership. Look for upcoming meetings in November/December, February, April and June.

Champagne & Chocolates, our signature kick-off activity, once again had delicious food and drink. What could be bad, when we are sharing amazing desserts and hearing a presentation about Jewish Women Artists from Nancy Kotz with Jewish Art Education. Most notably, we learned that Frida Kahlo’s father was Jewish and that many female artists lived in their husbands’ shadows given the societal norms at the time. Many of the artists discussed have works that we can see in the local museums, so a field trip may be coming during the year. Thanks so much to Bette Shanley for putting us in touch with the group and to Sara Shoob for sharing her amazing knowledge of art during the evening. Many thanks to everyone who brought the chocolate and champagne!

Torah Tykes is off to a great start with a new group of families joining the monthly activity. In September we learned about Rosh Hashanah and made shofars; and in October we met in the Sukkah and made our own Sukkahs to take home. Torah Tykes is a program for children who are 30 months to those who are not yet in religious school and their grown-ups. We learn about holidays and values through stories, a craft, music, and a snack. It’s a great way to introduce our youngest members and their families to the temple.

If you are interested in an adult activity, Women’s Torah Study takes place once a month on Saturdays and studies the weekly Torah portion guided by the Women’s Commentary. Look for the announcement in the Weekly for the next Women’s Torah Study.

Noontime Noshers continues to be a favorite activity. Alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays, come and meet for lunch at a local restaurant. Annette Strausberg organizes a variety of favorites and new places to try. You don’t have to be at home during the day to be there. Some women come regularly, others come when their schedule allows. Thanks to Annette for finding great places to have lunch together. In October we met at Villagio Trattoria in Clifton and the November Noshers will be at Farmhouse Tuscan in Alexandria on Thursday, November 6, at noon.

Sisterhood is proud to partner with LCAC to provide Thanksgiving meals for families. LCAC is asking for $25 gift cards from Food Lion or Giant. There is a Food Lion within walking distance of LCAC which enables many of their clients to walk to the grocery store. Look for more information in the upcoming Weekly Announcements and a box in the front lobby.

Upcoming activities include a Chanukah party in December, the Chanukah Boutique during religious school, Hamantaschen baking, a craft program with Carolyn Berkowitz, the Women’s Seder in March, Sisterhood Shabbat, a program led by Rabbi Widzer and an evening with Brotherhood. All this in addition to our monthly activities. There truly is something for everyone!! Valerie Shapiro does an amazing job of sending out Sisterhood announcements to all the women in the temple. If you don’t get them, please contact Philippa Hindman at Philippa@tbs-online.org or phillygilly@gmail.com.