"The Future Blooms From the Seeds We Plant Today"
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA DAY
JUNE 25-26, 2022
Temple Emanu-El, San Jose, California
Our NorCal Area Event for 2022: “The Future Blooms From the Seeds We Plant Today” was a wonderful success! It took place on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26th at Temple Emanu-El, in San Jose. It was a two long years since we were all together but our reunion was joyful and gratifying!
There was something for everyone:
On Saturday, June 25, at our Share and Learn, we focussed on sharing and learning from other sisterhoods about alternative governing styles. We introduced new ideas in programming and membership development, and heard exciting news about the new District transition and Engagement Plan. We concluded the evening with Havdalah in the lovely San Jose Municipal Rose Garden followed by a no host dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
Our social action project focused on the resettlement of refugees by collecting GIFT CARDS for The Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay Resettlement Program.
On Sunday, June 26, we began our time together with registration and a continental breakfast followed by our morning workshops:
During our catered lunch, we learned about the WRJ YES Fund and how it touches so many people, networked, and schmoozed. This was a welcome chance to catch up with so many we’ve lost contact due to the pandemic.
We concluded out time together with afternoon workshops:
It was truly a day to remember!
There was something for everyone:
On Saturday, June 25, at our Share and Learn, we focussed on sharing and learning from other sisterhoods about alternative governing styles. We introduced new ideas in programming and membership development, and heard exciting news about the new District transition and Engagement Plan. We concluded the evening with Havdalah in the lovely San Jose Municipal Rose Garden followed by a no host dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
Our social action project focused on the resettlement of refugees by collecting GIFT CARDS for The Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay Resettlement Program.
On Sunday, June 26, we began our time together with registration and a continental breakfast followed by our morning workshops:
- Welcoming the Stranger - Sharon Rogoff and Lisa Hirsch: Resettlement Program
- Chocolate Meditation - A Mindfulness Experience - Linda Citron
- President’s Panel: Current and Future Presidents - Cher Krichmar and Carol Schuster
During our catered lunch, we learned about the WRJ YES Fund and how it touches so many people, networked, and schmoozed. This was a welcome chance to catch up with so many we’ve lost contact due to the pandemic.
We concluded out time together with afternoon workshops:
- Revitalizing your Sisterhood’s Programing – Danielle Schanz
- Awakening the Soul - Lynn Patner
- Alternative Governing Options and Rebuilding Membership - Cher Krichmar and Carol Schuster
It was truly a day to remember!
NorCal Area Event Covid Policy
All attendees must be fully vaccinated & boosted. If anyone cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, contact the Event Organizer listed in the Covenant of Care.
The WRJ Covid-19 Covenant of Care, must be completed no earlier than 24 hours before Area Event begins. An email reminder, with a copy of the Covenant of Care, will be sent out a few days prior to Area Event, including any updates to the Covid Policy. Electronic submission of the Covenant of Care is preferred, but we will have extra copies at the registration table, if needed.
If you are using a paper copy, please bring your proof of vaccination to show at registration.
If you answer No to questions 2, 3 or 4 on the Covenant of Care, you must provide proof of a negative Covid test at registration.
Thanks for helping keep everyone safe at our first in-person event!
The WRJ Covid-19 Covenant of Care, must be completed no earlier than 24 hours before Area Event begins. An email reminder, with a copy of the Covenant of Care, will be sent out a few days prior to Area Event, including any updates to the Covid Policy. Electronic submission of the Covenant of Care is preferred, but we will have extra copies at the registration table, if needed.
If you are using a paper copy, please bring your proof of vaccination to show at registration.
If you answer No to questions 2, 3 or 4 on the Covenant of Care, you must provide proof of a negative Covid test at registration.
Thanks for helping keep everyone safe at our first in-person event!
2021 All District Area Event - NorCal Pre-Events
Meet and Greet: Thursday, July 22
This community building event was an evening of chatting and fun to build our WRJ/PD connections. It is with these connections through of kindness and faith that our power does grows. We joined together via zoom to answer fun and casual questions that reflect on how our Jewish identities developed.
Welcome in Shabbat: Friday, July 30
We opened our event by lighting our collective Shabbos candles with prayers. Our Jewish memories are a compilation of our experiences. It is those memories and experiences that help create our Jewish identity. We invited each participant to bring a cherished object(s), a memory or story to share with our sisters that touched deep in your Jewish identity.
This community building event was an evening of chatting and fun to build our WRJ/PD connections. It is with these connections through of kindness and faith that our power does grows. We joined together via zoom to answer fun and casual questions that reflect on how our Jewish identities developed.
Welcome in Shabbat: Friday, July 30
We opened our event by lighting our collective Shabbos candles with prayers. Our Jewish memories are a compilation of our experiences. It is those memories and experiences that help create our Jewish identity. We invited each participant to bring a cherished object(s), a memory or story to share with our sisters that touched deep in your Jewish identity.
2019 Northern California Area Day
July 27-28, 2019
Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos Hills, CA
"TRANSFORMING TRADITION: BUILDING FOR A NEW TOMORROW"
What a wonderful weekend of rest, renewal, peace, learning, and strengthening relationships with the women of the WRJ Northern California sisterhood community!
Our Saturday afternoon program included an interactive session, “Where Do You Fit? Learn Your Leadership Style”, followed by Havdalah with Rabbi Sarah Weissman and a no-host dinner.
Continuing on Sunday, we heard from Amy Asin, Union for Reform Judaism Vice President on “Opening the Tent to Welcome Tomorrow: Jewish Organizations Face the Future”. We also heard a District Update from WRJ PD 1st Vice President Cher Krichmar.
Our workshops included broad topic selections: Leadership Models, Working with Members & Volunteers, How to Plan a Listening Campaign, WRJ: Connecting the Bigger Picture, Trials & Tribulations of Fundraising, YES Fund Luncheon and interactive text study “The Evolution of Jewish Women’s Leadership”.
We welcomed new and aspiring leaders, those who wanted to know more about WRJ, experienced leaders, and everyone seeking to have a spiritual and educational experience. Area Day was s a great opportunity for a “Girls Road Trip” and was a perfect introduction for those hoping to learn more about the larger world of Women of Reform Judaism.
Our Tikkun Olam Project was for LifeMoves, a non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness with locations from Daly City to San Jose.
Thank you to Beth Am Women for hosting a very successful area day!
Our Saturday afternoon program included an interactive session, “Where Do You Fit? Learn Your Leadership Style”, followed by Havdalah with Rabbi Sarah Weissman and a no-host dinner.
Continuing on Sunday, we heard from Amy Asin, Union for Reform Judaism Vice President on “Opening the Tent to Welcome Tomorrow: Jewish Organizations Face the Future”. We also heard a District Update from WRJ PD 1st Vice President Cher Krichmar.
Our workshops included broad topic selections: Leadership Models, Working with Members & Volunteers, How to Plan a Listening Campaign, WRJ: Connecting the Bigger Picture, Trials & Tribulations of Fundraising, YES Fund Luncheon and interactive text study “The Evolution of Jewish Women’s Leadership”.
We welcomed new and aspiring leaders, those who wanted to know more about WRJ, experienced leaders, and everyone seeking to have a spiritual and educational experience. Area Day was s a great opportunity for a “Girls Road Trip” and was a perfect introduction for those hoping to learn more about the larger world of Women of Reform Judaism.
Our Tikkun Olam Project was for LifeMoves, a non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness with locations from Daly City to San Jose.
Thank you to Beth Am Women for hosting a very successful area day!
Share and post your Area Day photos on Social Media!
On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, please tag:
@wrjpacific
#NORCALareaday19
#wrjpd
On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, please tag:
@wrjpacific
#NORCALareaday19
#wrjpd
2019 NorCal Area Day Hotel Information
Dinah's Garden Hotel
4261 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306-4405
Hotel 650.493.2844
www.dinahshotel.com
4261 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306-4405
Hotel 650.493.2844
www.dinahshotel.com
To receive the special hotel rate for Area Day, please make your reservation before June 27, 2019. Rooms are available on a first-come first-served basis, and rooms with two queen beds are limited, so book early!
When you book online, choose the Saturday night check in and check out date. You will see descriptions of two types of rooms. Click here to see all the room types and descriptions.
Suggestion re booking online:
Click on the red reservation button below. When you get to the calendar page:
When you book online, choose the Saturday night check in and check out date. You will see descriptions of two types of rooms. Click here to see all the room types and descriptions.
Suggestion re booking online:
Click on the red reservation button below. When you get to the calendar page:
- Click on your check in date (7.27)
- Click on your check out date (7.28)
- At the bottom of the page click on Confirm Dates of Stay
- Select your room type.
- Finalize booking
SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT PAST NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA DAYS!
2018 Northern California Area Day
"SPEAK UP: OUR VOICES MATTER"
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Temple Isaiah, Lafayette, CA
The weather was almost perfect for Nor Cal Area Day’s Shabbat Torah on the Trails or in the Sanctuary at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette. Over 20 women either walked around the local reservoir with Karen Goldberg, WRJ Board Member and part of our host sisterhood, or sat with Barbara Merino, Pacific District Area Vice President, in the sanctuary, learning about Matot/Masei. Shabbat came to a close with a wonderful medley of songs led by Cantor Leigh Korn, followed by Havdalah. Our group then adjourned to a local Italian restaurant to meet new friends and visit with those we hadn’t seen since our last Area Day.
Nearly 90 attendees, perhaps our largest Area Day attendance in recent years, met on Sunday morning in Lafayette to learn and schmooze. Our bounteous breakfast was all homemade by our host sisterhood, and the evaluations confirmed that the food we were offered was delicious and abundant! District Area Vice President Barbara Merino welcomed us, and introduced us to the leaders of Women of Isaiah, Faith Zenker and Stephanie Snyder, WOI co-Presidents, and Tricia Zucker, WOI Parliamentarian. District First Vice President Dana Adler gave us an update on what’s happening in the District, as well as a preview of our October Convention in San Diego.
We moved into new groupings to listen to Laurel Sgro tell us about the horrors of human trafficking and provide us with some sources of additional information. We then worked in groups to discuss what sisterhoods could do to combat this problem in our own communities.
Our Mediterranean style lunch offered tasty options for everyone, as we heard from Shari Carruthers and Lois Fried about the YES Fund. Afternoon workshops gave participants the opportunity to learn about leadership, fundraising, or how to raise our voices as women. Our final speaker of the day, Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, told us about her new role as the Northern California Senior Organizer for the Religious Action Center, and how telling stories is an important aspect of community engagement in social justice. When we closed the day outside singing Ozi V’Zimrat Yah, (My Strength [balanced] with the Song of God will be my salvation), we knew that we had all received tools and inspiration to return home and work toward WRJ’s goals to strengthen the voice of women worldwide and empower them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values.
Nearly 90 attendees, perhaps our largest Area Day attendance in recent years, met on Sunday morning in Lafayette to learn and schmooze. Our bounteous breakfast was all homemade by our host sisterhood, and the evaluations confirmed that the food we were offered was delicious and abundant! District Area Vice President Barbara Merino welcomed us, and introduced us to the leaders of Women of Isaiah, Faith Zenker and Stephanie Snyder, WOI co-Presidents, and Tricia Zucker, WOI Parliamentarian. District First Vice President Dana Adler gave us an update on what’s happening in the District, as well as a preview of our October Convention in San Diego.
We moved into new groupings to listen to Laurel Sgro tell us about the horrors of human trafficking and provide us with some sources of additional information. We then worked in groups to discuss what sisterhoods could do to combat this problem in our own communities.
Our Mediterranean style lunch offered tasty options for everyone, as we heard from Shari Carruthers and Lois Fried about the YES Fund. Afternoon workshops gave participants the opportunity to learn about leadership, fundraising, or how to raise our voices as women. Our final speaker of the day, Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, told us about her new role as the Northern California Senior Organizer for the Religious Action Center, and how telling stories is an important aspect of community engagement in social justice. When we closed the day outside singing Ozi V’Zimrat Yah, (My Strength [balanced] with the Song of God will be my salvation), we knew that we had all received tools and inspiration to return home and work toward WRJ’s goals to strengthen the voice of women worldwide and empower them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values.
Click here to see all our photos.
Thank you to Sheri Langer, our wonderful photographer!
Thank you to Sheri Langer, our wonderful photographer!
2017 Northern California Area Day
"LEADING FROM A NEW PLACE"
Thank you to Women of B'Nai Israel, Sacramento, CA for hosting!
On July 16th, 60+ women from around Northern California got together for a beautiful day of learning, socializing, and working on Tikkun Olam. We were hosted by Women of B’nai Israel, who mustered an enthusiastic team of volunteers who welcomed us, fed us, pointed us in the right direction for workshops, and even opened their gift shop for us to do a little shopping during lunch! Their organization and positive attitude contributed greatly to a wonderful day.
The day started with the assembly of Kindness Kits, filled with items most needed by those living on the street. Toothpaste, water, socks, sunscreen, granola bars, and a “military type” can opener were among the items donated by the Area Day participants to fill the bags. Each sisterhood was able to take away several kits, along with the idea of how to do this at their local sisterhood. A bountiful breakfast was followed by brief presentations by our Area Vice President, Barbara Merino; a district update from President Judie Ning; and inspiration from our special guest, Heather Lorgeree, WRJ Manger of Programming and Affiliate Services. Morning workshops followed, and covered information for sisterhood presidents/leaders; fundraising and gift shops; attracting younger members; and effectively using past leaders.
Our lunch YES fundraiser featured passionate words from Maddy Halseth, B’nai Israel Senior Youth President, about the positive impact NFTY has had on her life. Our keynote speaker was B’nai Israel member Jessica Heskin, the first Violence and Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at Sacramento State University. She also serves as Vice President of the Board of My Sister's House, a safe haven for Asian women in the Sacramento area.
Afternoon workshops provided an opportunity to learn about alternative leadership models; music for the Jewish soul; recruitment and membership; and helping homeless women in the community succeed, presented by Yvonne Nair, Founder, President, and CEO, Saffron Strand, Inc. When we reached the closing circle, everyone reported having a good time, learning and enjoying, and ready to take new information back to their sisterhoods.
For the 20 women able to join us on Saturday, we were treated to a powerful movie about women standing up for their rights (“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry”, available on DVD or streaming through Netflix), followed by a discussion with Sandy Anderson, WRJ Pacific District Area Director, and Judy Carney, a member of our Pacific District Social Action Task Force.
Despite the 110 degree heat in Sacramento, we were cool and comfortable at both of our venues, and the weekend was a huge success, giving attendees food for thought on the long journey back to the Bay Area and beyond.
The day started with the assembly of Kindness Kits, filled with items most needed by those living on the street. Toothpaste, water, socks, sunscreen, granola bars, and a “military type” can opener were among the items donated by the Area Day participants to fill the bags. Each sisterhood was able to take away several kits, along with the idea of how to do this at their local sisterhood. A bountiful breakfast was followed by brief presentations by our Area Vice President, Barbara Merino; a district update from President Judie Ning; and inspiration from our special guest, Heather Lorgeree, WRJ Manger of Programming and Affiliate Services. Morning workshops followed, and covered information for sisterhood presidents/leaders; fundraising and gift shops; attracting younger members; and effectively using past leaders.
Our lunch YES fundraiser featured passionate words from Maddy Halseth, B’nai Israel Senior Youth President, about the positive impact NFTY has had on her life. Our keynote speaker was B’nai Israel member Jessica Heskin, the first Violence and Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at Sacramento State University. She also serves as Vice President of the Board of My Sister's House, a safe haven for Asian women in the Sacramento area.
Afternoon workshops provided an opportunity to learn about alternative leadership models; music for the Jewish soul; recruitment and membership; and helping homeless women in the community succeed, presented by Yvonne Nair, Founder, President, and CEO, Saffron Strand, Inc. When we reached the closing circle, everyone reported having a good time, learning and enjoying, and ready to take new information back to their sisterhoods.
For the 20 women able to join us on Saturday, we were treated to a powerful movie about women standing up for their rights (“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry”, available on DVD or streaming through Netflix), followed by a discussion with Sandy Anderson, WRJ Pacific District Area Director, and Judy Carney, a member of our Pacific District Social Action Task Force.
Despite the 110 degree heat in Sacramento, we were cool and comfortable at both of our venues, and the weekend was a huge success, giving attendees food for thought on the long journey back to the Bay Area and beyond.
2016 Northern California Area Day
"Expanding the Circle of Leadership"
Thank you to the sisterhood of Temple Beth Am in Seattle for hosting!
On the Sunday between the Republican and the Democratic conventions last month, about sixty women from twelve sisterhoods gathered at Congregation Rodef Sholom and the adjoining Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, Marin County. Our afternoon plenary session given by Religious Action Center (RAC) Rabbi Jessica Kirschner and Rabbi Joel Simonds provided timely answers to some pressing questions during this political season. The RAC rabbis spoke about how we as congregants and sisterhood members can take a stand on issues that matter to us without jeopardizing the non-profit status of our organizations. They also discussed the importance of promoting voter registration and answered questions about the RAC.
Rabbi Kirschner was also with us on Saturday afternoon when about twenty of us followed the example of Southern California and met at a private home to discuss the book Waking Up White by Debby Irving. She was our discussion facilitator and also led us in a Havdallah service. Then we carpooled to a nearby Chinese restaurant in Tiburon where we ate a family style Chinese meal and enjoyed a great view of San Francisco Bay.
Sunday morning area day programming began with registration and a continental breakfast. Then we heard WRJ Pacific District President Phyllis Bigelson give us the latest news from our district. Our workshop selections included five workshops before lunch and four in the afternoon. Workshop facilitators included Phyllis Bigelson who delivered a president's workshop and various other leadership topics from district past presidents and other leaders. Rabbi Friedman gave a popular workshop on Women in the Talmud and the RAC Rabbis also held two workshop sessions, one on the RAC's racial justice platform and another that reflected our theme for the day of Women Making a Difference. This workshop addressed WRJ's women's rights advocacy issues including pay equity, reproductive choice and paid family leave.
We ended the day with Rabbi Friedman leading us in a closing circle. Lauryn Scholar, Co-chair of the WRS Local Arrangements Committee, accompanied her on guitar. Many thanks to WRS and the excellent hosting provided by the WRS Local Arrangements Committee. Thank you, Sheri Langer, for the photos. Check out our Facebook page for more photos.
Peggy Martin, WRJ PD NorCal Area Vice President
2015 Pacific Northwest Area Day
"Leadership of Others Begins with Leading Ourselves"
Thank you to the sisterhood of Temple B'nai Torah for hosting!
20 women from 5 sisterhoods participated in Saturday training, held for a second year in Bellevue, Washington, this time hosted by the sisterhood of Temple B'nai Torah (TBT). Then 35 women from 7 Pacific Northwest sisterhoods participated in a decidedly different area day on Sunday.Pacific Northwest Area Director Toni Kennedy spearheaded this collaborative effort and made sure that all sisterhoods in the region had assigned tasks.
The "traditional" parts of area day included a welcome by TBT Sisterhood President Carol Schuster, a President's Report by Pacific District President Phyllis Bigelson, and a convention poll and preview by Pacific District 1st Vice President Judie Ning regarding the 2016 Pacific district to be held in Las Vegas.
Sunday began with an icebreaker led by Temple Beth El in Tacoma. During this bonding exercise we learned that one unique aspect of PNW area day was that a significant percentage of attendees was under the age of thirty.
Our Equity and Access Forum comprised the social justice component of this area day and focused on four topics: pay equity, gender sensitivity, equal access to quality education, and the effects of privilege.
And how about the workshops? Phyllis and Judie used theSaturday meeting to hold leadership training with the five sisterhood presidents and other leaders. On Sunday, we divided into three groups, then rotated round-robin style from impromptu discussion on membership led by Ellen Bick, on programming led by Judie Ning, and on cultivating new leaders led by Phyllis Bigelson.
Evaluations show that the weekend and this collaborative approach were extremely well received. Whichever sisterhood hosts next year's event will know exactly who to call for assistance!
"Leadership of Others Begins with Leading Ourselves"
Thank you to the sisterhood of Temple B'nai Torah for hosting!
20 women from 5 sisterhoods participated in Saturday training, held for a second year in Bellevue, Washington, this time hosted by the sisterhood of Temple B'nai Torah (TBT). Then 35 women from 7 Pacific Northwest sisterhoods participated in a decidedly different area day on Sunday.Pacific Northwest Area Director Toni Kennedy spearheaded this collaborative effort and made sure that all sisterhoods in the region had assigned tasks.
The "traditional" parts of area day included a welcome by TBT Sisterhood President Carol Schuster, a President's Report by Pacific District President Phyllis Bigelson, and a convention poll and preview by Pacific District 1st Vice President Judie Ning regarding the 2016 Pacific district to be held in Las Vegas.
Sunday began with an icebreaker led by Temple Beth El in Tacoma. During this bonding exercise we learned that one unique aspect of PNW area day was that a significant percentage of attendees was under the age of thirty.
Our Equity and Access Forum comprised the social justice component of this area day and focused on four topics: pay equity, gender sensitivity, equal access to quality education, and the effects of privilege.
And how about the workshops? Phyllis and Judie used theSaturday meeting to hold leadership training with the five sisterhood presidents and other leaders. On Sunday, we divided into three groups, then rotated round-robin style from impromptu discussion on membership led by Ellen Bick, on programming led by Judie Ning, and on cultivating new leaders led by Phyllis Bigelson.
Evaluations show that the weekend and this collaborative approach were extremely well received. Whichever sisterhood hosts next year's event will know exactly who to call for assistance!
