Orbit January, 2013 - Plainview Jewish Center

ORBIT Page 26
SISTERHOOD NEWS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Blayne Peltzman
In this modern world of technology, where hotel room keys are electronic
cards and slot machines no longer accept or give back coins, I sit here in the
midst of the clouds with an old fashioned pencil and paper in hand. I look two
seats over to the left and see Pam Lerner (V.P. of Membership) with her
headphones on watching television on the back of the headrest of the person in
front of her. In between us is a pharmacy student flying back to New York from her
pharmacy conference in Las Vegas. Three women, three leaders, all sitting in a row. The strength
and courage of modern women amazes me. I thought I would return from the Women’s League for
Conservative Judaism’s International Convention 2012 and write all about it. Yes, it was filled with
dynamic speakers like Chancellor Eisen and inspiring shlushim. But more importantly, it was filled
with amazing women; leaders. Leaders not speaking at the podiums, but leaders like me and Pam.
Those who want to see a vibrant future for Conservative Jewry. Those who make hundreds of sacrifices
in their own lives to attend a convention. People have no idea the amount of stress and guilt that goes
into the decision to leave your family for a few days. The pressure of preparing for every and any
incident that might occur while mommy is gone. So, do we not go? NO! We Must! Female leaders
of this generation are needed for the future of the Conservative movement. But while the decision for
a man is usually instantaneous to go away, it differs for us.
While Sisterhood is a training ground for emerging leaders, we must have more women around
us supporting us, helping us and pitching in at home during our absences. Words like expense
reports and travel fees must be used with conviction. We must raise leaders who are willing to go to
conventions and leadership conferences. But, we must care for them and their families. Sisterhoods
must stop being afraid of being aggressive. We must stop being only the “Kiddush ladies in the
kitchen.” The future of this movement needs us. I want to see our movement grow. Last month I went
to my friend’s son’s Bar Mitzvah and watched him chant from the Torah behind the Mehitza. While
there, I thought about my previous Hebrew school students whose B’nai Mitzvahs I had attended. I
recalled hearing the organ playing during the service. While we are all Jews, I would never feel
comfortable davening in either of those shuls or settings. I am a Conservative Jewish woman. I want
to perpetuate the Masorti movement. PJC Sisterhood is a firm believer in this and a staunch supporter
of Torah Fund. Through the Torah Fund campaign we help support the Jewish Theological Seminary,
the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies and their students.
We do so much for others, now let’s do for our own sisters.
As a synagogue, we are a family. Let’s nurture our leaders together and send them off so
they can stand for us!
Sending a very special Refuah Shelaymah
to our very own 2012 Woman of Achievement,
Marilyn Cohen.
We love and miss you. Get Well Soon!