Women of Reform Judaism Pacific District
WRJ & My Rabbinic Journey
By Keara Cummings, Rabbinic Student
I originally became involved with the Beth Israel Sisterhood in Portland, Oregon, several years ago when I signed up to join the BIS Race for the Cure Team. I was just out of college and wasn’t sure if I would connect with Sisterhood, but, boy, was I wrong! The women of the Beth Israel Sisterhood immediately welcomed me and supported me as if I had been part of the group for years. It is because of that warm and supportive environment that I chose to become more involved with Sisterhood. I began attending events such as the Sisterhood Shabbat service and study session, and was constantly impressed with the passion of the women involved. I joined the Beth Israel Sisterhood Board as recording secretary, and was able to further benefit from Sisterhood’s many projects. Through my work on the BIS Board I gained experience vital to my journey to becoming a Rabbi. I know that throughout my career I will be able to draw on the knowledge I acquired from the other women on the Board.
In addition to my work on the Beth Israel Sisterhood Board, I was also very active in the Congregation Beth Israel community. When the clergy identified the need for a Young Adult group and alternative Shabbat Service at the synagogue, I worked closely with both the clergy and Song Leader Rayna Dushman, who is currently a Cantorial Student at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, to create a group for people in their 20s and 30s called “Jews Next Dor.” Jews Next Dor has turned into a thriving Jewish community for young adults, holding alternative Kabbalat Shabbat services once a month as well as regular social and educational events throughout the month. I recently attended a service with Jews Next Dor and was proud to see how successful the group has become.
While attending my first year of Rabbinical School at the Hebrew Union College I had the opportunity to be part of a group traveling to the Former Soviet Union to lead Passover Seders for communities in Belarus. Each participant in the program is expected to raise $2500. in order to make the trip to the FSU. Without the financial support of the Beth Israel Sisterhood Board, I would not have been able to raise enough money to go to Belarus during Pesach. It was a truly transformative trip where I was able to help these small Jewish communities have a Pesach experience. Without visits from students like us, these communities would not be able to have seders.
I am now entering my second year of rabbinical school at the Los Angeles campus of the Hebrew Union College. I am very appreciative to WRJ for the ongoing financial support they provide for me. My tuition this year is funded in large part by WRJ; they are helping me to pay for school and achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a rabbi. With the support from WRJ, I will be able to go on and support so many others through the Rabbinate. I look forward to having a lifelong connection with the Beth Israel Sisterhood, and with Women of Reform Judaism.
In addition to my work on the Beth Israel Sisterhood Board, I was also very active in the Congregation Beth Israel community. When the clergy identified the need for a Young Adult group and alternative Shabbat Service at the synagogue, I worked closely with both the clergy and Song Leader Rayna Dushman, who is currently a Cantorial Student at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, to create a group for people in their 20s and 30s called “Jews Next Dor.” Jews Next Dor has turned into a thriving Jewish community for young adults, holding alternative Kabbalat Shabbat services once a month as well as regular social and educational events throughout the month. I recently attended a service with Jews Next Dor and was proud to see how successful the group has become.
While attending my first year of Rabbinical School at the Hebrew Union College I had the opportunity to be part of a group traveling to the Former Soviet Union to lead Passover Seders for communities in Belarus. Each participant in the program is expected to raise $2500. in order to make the trip to the FSU. Without the financial support of the Beth Israel Sisterhood Board, I would not have been able to raise enough money to go to Belarus during Pesach. It was a truly transformative trip where I was able to help these small Jewish communities have a Pesach experience. Without visits from students like us, these communities would not be able to have seders.
I am now entering my second year of rabbinical school at the Los Angeles campus of the Hebrew Union College. I am very appreciative to WRJ for the ongoing financial support they provide for me. My tuition this year is funded in large part by WRJ; they are helping me to pay for school and achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a rabbi. With the support from WRJ, I will be able to go on and support so many others through the Rabbinate. I look forward to having a lifelong connection with the Beth Israel Sisterhood, and with Women of Reform Judaism.
