Sisterhood+
Sisterhood+ is for all women and woman-identified persons. You needn’t be a Temple Shir Shalom member. We welcome people from Gainesville and surrounding communities. Presently there are no dues.
Some events will incur costs but the majority of them will be free or low-cost. Some planned events are aimed primarily for women, others for adults, and some events will be planned for children and families, others for everyone. What a wonderful canvas on which we can pin our dreams and enrich our lives!
Three of the popular ideas being consider are: Sisterhood+ Bookclub, Holiday Baking Classes, and Eating Together (potluck meals, exploring new restaurants, having lunches and/or dinners together). There are also lots of excursions of interest, dinner + theatre, Rosh Chodesh celebrations, sports, game nights, and so many more.
For these events to take place we need members of our group to organize/plan events, outings, classes, etc. Collaborating with other members could make the tasks less daunting. We (Linda and Nancy) pledge our help being consultants and giving personalized attention to planners.
Sisterhood+ Monthly Meetings Everyone Welcome.Important matters to talk about!
Dear friends,
Five months ago, our Sisterhood+ began test running a new Rosh Chodesh program, meeting monthly for adult education classes and activities. The program so far has been a resounding success, with our most successful events having 20-30 attendees. Now, as we begin the year of 5786, we are beginning our first official year as a synagogue with a real Rosh Chodesh group. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce many of you to this concept, and what we are doing.
What is Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh (literally, the Head of the Month) is a minor Jewish holiday celebrating the new moon and the start of each Hebrew month. Traditionally, it is observed by a special set of prayers and blessings.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Jewish women began forming Rosh Chodesh groups as a response to the feminist movement and the desire of Jewish women to reclaim their spiritual and ritual practices. These early groups were often informal, meeting in members’ homes or community centers. Over the last several decades, Rosh Chodesh has become a time when Jewish women get together to socialize, discuss women’s issues, and deepen their spirituality.
Activities vary based on communities. A Chabad Rosh Chodesh group might meet to make food together, learn about family purity, or watch a lecture by the Rebbe. A Jewish Renewal group might have a drum and dance circle outside under the new moon. A more secular group might get together to discuss feminist issues, or study famous Jewish women. Whatever a group chooses to do, it is guided by the shared values and interests of its members.
What We've Done
This year we have hosted a number of events:
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Month of Sivan study session
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Book of Ruth reading and discussion
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Introduction to Jewish poetry class
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Yentl movie night
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Family candle making workshop
Where We're Going
Our goal is to create a consistent program of once-a-month classes, workshops, and educational events.
What we need moving forward is volunteers who are willing to help organize and lead events.
If you are intimidated by the idea of teaching, and only want to lead a craft, workshop, or organize a fun activity, I will do the educational component for you!
Everyone has a skill they can contribute. Do you a have a skill you can teach, or a topic you are knowledgeable about? Reach out and let me know! I will help you with putting together the programming, making posters, and co-hosting, if you feel like you need the extra support.
We also want to stress that, while Rosh Chodesh groups are traditionally a women's activity, everyone is welcome at all of our Sisterhood+ events, regardless of gender or membership.
What you can do to help
You will find a link to an interest survey. This survey is people who are interested in attending, volunteering, or both! We want to figure out what kinds of events and lessons people would like moving forward, and who would be interested in helping host them. Please feel free to fill it out!
You will also find the flyer for our first meeting of 5786: Female Prophets of Judaism below! This will be a class and discussion led by myself, including a small potluck. Fell free to bring food, schmooze, meet other people in the community, and stay for a lesson on the powerful women of our tradition.
Your friend,
Gracie Gibson
