SISTERHOOD Bringing together women of

All Ages And Stages

Over the course of the last 18 months, CAI Sisterhood has sponsored virtual programs on Zoom and in-person events that have brought together more than 200 women and men. The goal has been to learn, have fun, connect with friends, and make new connections. The programs have included: virtual cooking and baking demonstrations, author conversations, breast cancer awareness night (cosponsored with Hadassah), and two inspiring Sisterhood Shabbat services. In addition, we’ve presented a musical and educational presentation by a rabbinical school student who is a Jew of color and a private tour of the new Jewish Theological Seminary campus in New York with a presentation by the director of the worldfamous JTS Library. In December, for Hanukkah, we offered a mixology lesson and an outstanding in-person sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) baking session. We had two wonderful Mah-Jongg days — more than 50 women attended the latest one — which featured an opportunity for people to learn the game. (If you are interested in forming a weekly Mah-Jongg game, get in touch with me.)

A cholent cook-off in January, under the direction of Tal Wolf and Shira Kelmanovich, featured 10 different recipes. The aroma of cholent cooking during services was deliciously distracting. The golden ladle awards went to 16-year-old Binyamin Solomon and to Rabbi Ari Lucas and Talya Oberfield — recipes are available upon request. We are grateful that the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ offered microgrants, which helped defray the costs of the event.

Torah Fund Campaign at CAI — which runs until June 30 and supports the JTS and four other schools in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires,

Jerusalem, and Potsdam, Germany — has had a record number of donors this year. We are close to our goal of 80 participants. Please consider donating to support the education of future professional and lay leaders of the Conservative/Masorti movement.

An entertaining event — Dueling Pianos, performed by the Fun Pianos! Show — which was originally planned for May 2020, finally took place on Thursday, March 23. Future plans include a yoga class, a discussion of financial issues, and more food-related events. Please reach out with your suggestions.

Thanks to all for your support of Sisterhood. Please encourage your friends to join you at our events; new members are always welcome.