WRJ Pacific Northwest Sisterhood Retreat
September 12-14, 2025
Camp Kalsman, Arlington, WA
Registration Opens May 27!
Join us for the whole weekend or just Saturday!
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THIS IS YOUR WEEKEND!
Celebrate Shabbat—Friday night blessings and sing-along, camp-style lay-lead Saturday morning service and Havdalah.
Workshops—Workshop sessions will allow you to explore camp activities, learn a new skill, and discuss important topics. If you’d like to offer a workshop or lead a discussion, please let us know.
Play Games—bring your favorite board games, a deck of cards, or Mahj set & card. You’re sure to find someone to play with or with whom to learn a new game.
Go on a Hike—Camp Kalsman is situated on over 300 acres. There are marked trails, at different levels of difficulty around the property to suit all abilities.
Sleep Late or Get up Early—turn off your alarm clock this weekend. You only have yourself to worry about and camp life is easy. All meals are provided. And snacks. And wine!
Relax—come home to beautiful Camp Kalsman for the weekend and relax among old and new friends. Enjoy the beauty of the natural environment around us. Experience the magic of camp for yourself.
Housing options include single rooms, Small Group Rooms, and Group Cabins.
Saturday Only: $49* US/CA (Brunch & dinner included)
Full Retreat Weekend: $250* US/CA (Base Rate for Group Cabin & meals)
*Note cost is the same for US and CA dollars. Additional charge for Double/Triple Cabin, Single Room, and optional Linen Package.
Scholarships are available from the WRJ Pacific District. Click here for more information. We also recommend contacting your
local Temple and inquiring if the Sisterhood has scholarship funds or if there are other scholarship dollars available.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about the PNW Sisterhood Retreat, check out the 2025 PNW Brochure by clicking the red button below or email [email protected].
Celebrate Shabbat—Friday night blessings and sing-along, camp-style lay-lead Saturday morning service and Havdalah.
Workshops—Workshop sessions will allow you to explore camp activities, learn a new skill, and discuss important topics. If you’d like to offer a workshop or lead a discussion, please let us know.
Play Games—bring your favorite board games, a deck of cards, or Mahj set & card. You’re sure to find someone to play with or with whom to learn a new game.
Go on a Hike—Camp Kalsman is situated on over 300 acres. There are marked trails, at different levels of difficulty around the property to suit all abilities.
Sleep Late or Get up Early—turn off your alarm clock this weekend. You only have yourself to worry about and camp life is easy. All meals are provided. And snacks. And wine!
Relax—come home to beautiful Camp Kalsman for the weekend and relax among old and new friends. Enjoy the beauty of the natural environment around us. Experience the magic of camp for yourself.
Housing options include single rooms, Small Group Rooms, and Group Cabins.
Saturday Only: $49* US/CA (Brunch & dinner included)
Full Retreat Weekend: $250* US/CA (Base Rate for Group Cabin & meals)
*Note cost is the same for US and CA dollars. Additional charge for Double/Triple Cabin, Single Room, and optional Linen Package.
Scholarships are available from the WRJ Pacific District. Click here for more information. We also recommend contacting your
local Temple and inquiring if the Sisterhood has scholarship funds or if there are other scholarship dollars available.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about the PNW Sisterhood Retreat, check out the 2025 PNW Brochure by clicking the red button below or email [email protected].
2024 PNW Sisterhood Retreat
BEE THE CHANGE RETREAT AT CAMP KALSMAN
Women from around the PNW gathered for a weekend of sisterhood, spirituality, and social justice at URJ Camp Kalsman. Our theme, “Bee the Change,” inspired our time together as we engaged in the process of being changemakers - Beeing the Change within ourselves, in our daily lives, in our communities and in the world. We engaged in fun workshops and activities, explored the beauty of Camp Kalsman while enjoying its facilities, shared meals and worship, and so much more.
A wonderful time was had by all! We hope you will join us in 20251
Elizabeth Goertzel and Rhonda Daniels
2024 PNW Sisterhood Retreat Co-Chairs
2023 PACIFIC NORTHWEST WOMEN'S RETREAT
This wonderful weekend offered something for everyone!
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Beautiful Camp Kalsman was the perfect spot for us to relax among old and new friends, enjoy the beauty of the
natural environment around us, and experience the magic of camp!
natural environment around us, and experience the magic of camp!
PACIFIC NORTHWEST AREA EVENT
JULY 30-31, 2022
Wow! What a wonderful weekend we had at the Pacific Northwest Area Event in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Temple Sholom Sisterhood was so welcoming and made us all feel such a sense of joy at coming together to learn, connect and celebrate. The theme of the event was “The Voice of a Woman,” based on the poem by Elaine Lavin, and was imbedded into almost all our activities.
Friday night was Pride Shabbat at Temple Sholom, lead by Rabbi Dan Moskovitz and Cantor Shani Cohen. The service celebrated our diversity as well as the common threads that bring us together. It was a delight to chant prayers, sing songs, listen to wonderful words of wisdom and to be physically together. Many of us joined Saturday morning’s service as well. Rabbi Carey Brown had just returned from Israel and shared stories of her adventures. Our own Cher Krichmar shared greetings from the WRJ, we watched as the tots joined in the parading of the Torah and then we all had a lovely lunch together on their patio before our event started.
Cher and Carol Schuster led an interactive leadership workshop where we learned how we can become even better leaders. For those not in that session, Marlene Motola created and facilitated a fabulous craft project that gave the opportunity to present our voice in the form of art. Temple Sholom catered a delicious Mediterranean meal where we had ample time to visit and connect, (and celebrate Cher’s birthday!) before we celebrated Havdalah together. Annette Kozicki’s beautiful voice and guitar playing made for a lovely way to end Shabbat.
Sunday morning started off with more scrumptious food and a time to hear about what WRJ national is doing as well as our district. Karen Goldberg, WRJ Pacific District Action & Advocacy VP, shared how WRJ’s voice is being shared in support of Roe vs. Wade, as well as with combatting sexual violence with the “I Wear Teal Because….” Campaign. Ashley Speed and Dani Levinson explained their “Kits for Kids Project,” which helps kids (and moms) who are leaving violent situations with backpacks filled with items to help them through these difficult times. Attendees had an opportunity to support this project by bringing gift cards and making donations.
As a special treat, Temple Sholom Sisterhood’s choir sang three moving songs that brought us to our feet with tears in our eyes. Cantor Cohen also shared the story of Penina Moise, who, in the 1700’s, wrote a poem, set it to music and created the first Jewish hymnal. She taught us a powerful song called “I Have a Voice,” written by Elana Arian about how our voices can change the world. We broke into small groups to learn and talk about voices of women from the Torah. And all of that before we even started the workshops!
The workshops were as diverse as our attendees. We had a workshop, led by WRJ PD VP Deawn Herrmann, on working on issues as a group in a cohesive, constructive way, in order to move forward in more productive ways. Ashley and Dalya Israel led us in a fantastic session about how to talk about hard things, focusing on discussions around gender and race. They taught us to think about whose story is being told, and to look at the language we use. Cher and Carol led a session on alternative governing options and how to build membership. Susan Berniker facilitated an exchange of ideas around programming; Dani showed us how to better communicate with our members using newsletters and social media, and Sue Meyer ran a cooking class where we made hamentaschen and learned how to use baking as a fundraiser.
Over a delicious lunch, we learned more about the YES Fund and how WRJ is tackling issues beyond the US borders. We ended up raising more than $1000! Our afternoon concluded with a closing circle. Annette shared a melody she wrote for the “Voice of a Woman” poem. It was so lovely. We all shared how we use our voices and ended by singing “I have a Voice” again. It was powerful and emotional (ok, there might have been more tears…) and was a perfect ending to the weekend.
The evaluations spoke of the joy of meeting and connecting on different levels, learning from each other through a mix of spiritual, educational, and social opportunities, and praised the wonderful hospitality of our host sisterhood. We were not silent, as the poem says. We listened to each other and became inspired to make our voices heard in our communities. I’d call that a success!
“I have a voice, my voice is powerful, my voice can change the world.”
Friday night was Pride Shabbat at Temple Sholom, lead by Rabbi Dan Moskovitz and Cantor Shani Cohen. The service celebrated our diversity as well as the common threads that bring us together. It was a delight to chant prayers, sing songs, listen to wonderful words of wisdom and to be physically together. Many of us joined Saturday morning’s service as well. Rabbi Carey Brown had just returned from Israel and shared stories of her adventures. Our own Cher Krichmar shared greetings from the WRJ, we watched as the tots joined in the parading of the Torah and then we all had a lovely lunch together on their patio before our event started.
Cher and Carol Schuster led an interactive leadership workshop where we learned how we can become even better leaders. For those not in that session, Marlene Motola created and facilitated a fabulous craft project that gave the opportunity to present our voice in the form of art. Temple Sholom catered a delicious Mediterranean meal where we had ample time to visit and connect, (and celebrate Cher’s birthday!) before we celebrated Havdalah together. Annette Kozicki’s beautiful voice and guitar playing made for a lovely way to end Shabbat.
Sunday morning started off with more scrumptious food and a time to hear about what WRJ national is doing as well as our district. Karen Goldberg, WRJ Pacific District Action & Advocacy VP, shared how WRJ’s voice is being shared in support of Roe vs. Wade, as well as with combatting sexual violence with the “I Wear Teal Because….” Campaign. Ashley Speed and Dani Levinson explained their “Kits for Kids Project,” which helps kids (and moms) who are leaving violent situations with backpacks filled with items to help them through these difficult times. Attendees had an opportunity to support this project by bringing gift cards and making donations.
As a special treat, Temple Sholom Sisterhood’s choir sang three moving songs that brought us to our feet with tears in our eyes. Cantor Cohen also shared the story of Penina Moise, who, in the 1700’s, wrote a poem, set it to music and created the first Jewish hymnal. She taught us a powerful song called “I Have a Voice,” written by Elana Arian about how our voices can change the world. We broke into small groups to learn and talk about voices of women from the Torah. And all of that before we even started the workshops!
The workshops were as diverse as our attendees. We had a workshop, led by WRJ PD VP Deawn Herrmann, on working on issues as a group in a cohesive, constructive way, in order to move forward in more productive ways. Ashley and Dalya Israel led us in a fantastic session about how to talk about hard things, focusing on discussions around gender and race. They taught us to think about whose story is being told, and to look at the language we use. Cher and Carol led a session on alternative governing options and how to build membership. Susan Berniker facilitated an exchange of ideas around programming; Dani showed us how to better communicate with our members using newsletters and social media, and Sue Meyer ran a cooking class where we made hamentaschen and learned how to use baking as a fundraiser.
Over a delicious lunch, we learned more about the YES Fund and how WRJ is tackling issues beyond the US borders. We ended up raising more than $1000! Our afternoon concluded with a closing circle. Annette shared a melody she wrote for the “Voice of a Woman” poem. It was so lovely. We all shared how we use our voices and ended by singing “I have a Voice” again. It was powerful and emotional (ok, there might have been more tears…) and was a perfect ending to the weekend.
The evaluations spoke of the joy of meeting and connecting on different levels, learning from each other through a mix of spiritual, educational, and social opportunities, and praised the wonderful hospitality of our host sisterhood. We were not silent, as the poem says. We listened to each other and became inspired to make our voices heard in our communities. I’d call that a success!
“I have a voice, my voice is powerful, my voice can change the world.”
Virtual HAVDALAH and BINGO
October 2nd, 2021
October 2nd, 2021
Since we could not attend the PNW Retreat in person, we decided to come together virtually on Saturday, October 2, for Havdalah and Bingo. It was a fun evening and a great opportunity to gather (virtually) and give us all a taste of community.
2021 PACIFIC NORTHWEST RETREAT
The PD Retreat Planning Committee has decided it is in the best interest of all to postpone the retreat at this time. We are hopeful that vaccines will be available for all ages by next spring, the Delta variant will be a thing of the past, and everything will be all-around much better.
New date: April 8-10, 2022
If you have already registered for the retreat, you have two options going forward:
1. Keep your current registration as is. We will hold on to your registration, and you will still have the same housing as you registered for. If we have to cancel again (We truly hope not!), you will get a full refund (minus the small PayPal fee).
2. Cancel registration, and we will refund your registration (minus the small PayPal fee). We will refund your funds, and if you decide to attend next spring, you will have to re-register. We will not charge the $25 registration fee to those that cancel as outlined in our current cancellation policy.
Also, if you find out between now and 4 weeks prior to the new date that you are unable to attend, we will honor the same offer and refund complete funds (minus the small PayPal fee). In addition, we will not charge the $25 registration fee as outlined in our current cancellation policy to those that cancel before February 28.
Please get in touch with me if you have already registered for the event and let me know which of the above options you would like to select.
In addition, if you purchased non-refundable, non-changeable airline tickets to come to the retreat, or if the airline you purchased your tickets on imposes a change fee to rebook for the new date, please fill out a reimbursement form and submit it for approval. Here is the link to the form: https://www.wrjpacific.org/reimbursement-voucher.html
We genuinely hope that coming together next spring will be a far healthier option for all ages eligible for the vaccine with back-to-school and summer travel in the rear window (and past Holiday break travel) for all of us.
Thank you all for your interest in the retreat, and I truly hope to see you all at Camp Kalsman in April 2022.
Elizabeth Goertzel
PD Sisterhood Retreat Chair
New date: April 8-10, 2022
If you have already registered for the retreat, you have two options going forward:
1. Keep your current registration as is. We will hold on to your registration, and you will still have the same housing as you registered for. If we have to cancel again (We truly hope not!), you will get a full refund (minus the small PayPal fee).
2. Cancel registration, and we will refund your registration (minus the small PayPal fee). We will refund your funds, and if you decide to attend next spring, you will have to re-register. We will not charge the $25 registration fee to those that cancel as outlined in our current cancellation policy.
Also, if you find out between now and 4 weeks prior to the new date that you are unable to attend, we will honor the same offer and refund complete funds (minus the small PayPal fee). In addition, we will not charge the $25 registration fee as outlined in our current cancellation policy to those that cancel before February 28.
Please get in touch with me if you have already registered for the event and let me know which of the above options you would like to select.
In addition, if you purchased non-refundable, non-changeable airline tickets to come to the retreat, or if the airline you purchased your tickets on imposes a change fee to rebook for the new date, please fill out a reimbursement form and submit it for approval. Here is the link to the form: https://www.wrjpacific.org/reimbursement-voucher.html
We genuinely hope that coming together next spring will be a far healthier option for all ages eligible for the vaccine with back-to-school and summer travel in the rear window (and past Holiday break travel) for all of us.
Thank you all for your interest in the retreat, and I truly hope to see you all at Camp Kalsman in April 2022.
Elizabeth Goertzel
PD Sisterhood Retreat Chair
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2019 Pacific Northwest Area Day
Sunday, July 20-21, 2019
Congregation Kol Ami, Vancouver, WA
Thank you to Congregation Kol Ami for hosting the 2019 Pacific Northwest Area Day!
To celebrate with those who were once living on the streets or in cars and to change their lives by offering housing supplies as they transition to permanent housing, we created “Welcome Home Baskets” filled with basic needs items. What a wonderful way to reach out and help change the lives of those in our community who need that extra support!
To celebrate with those who were once living on the streets or in cars and to change their lives by offering housing supplies as they transition to permanent housing, we created “Welcome Home Baskets” filled with basic needs items. What a wonderful way to reach out and help change the lives of those in our community who need that extra support!
Share and post your Area Day photos on Social Media!
On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, please tag:
@wrjpacific
#PNWareaday19
#wrjpd
SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT PAST PACIFIC NORTHWEST AREA DAYS!
2018 Pacific Northwest Retreat and Area Day
Camp Kalsman, Bellevue, WA
Camp Kalsman, Bellevue, WA
Thirty-five women from the Pacific Northwest area of the WRJ Pacific District gathered together at Camp Kalsman from March 23-25, 2018, to connect, reflect, relax, play, eat, sing, and participate in social action, crafts, and spiritual growth.
Friday evening, after dinner, we enjoyed a sing-along and then had a fun "Sisterhood Speed Dating" ice breaker, followed by a wine, nosh, and activity social hour that stretched into the night. Many of us were surprised when we woke up Saturday morning to a blanket of snow on the ground, with large flakes falling on us as we walked to the dining hall for breakfast and services. Fortunately, the snow did not stop the fun and we experienced a beautiful visual tefillah service.
Throughout the weekend, women could choose to spend their time as they wished: making new friends, attending a Social Justice workshop, creating Lava Rock bracelets, participating in the #marchforourlives Camp Kalsman edition, making no-sew blankets as a social action project, Israeli dancing, participating in a meditative walk, playing Mah Jongg and other games, and connecting with other women from across the Pacific Northwest.
On Saturday evening, after a lovely Havdalah service, we watched WRJ's "Rachel's Story" video, learned about the WRJ YES Fund and spent time with our guest of honor, WRJ Pacific District president, Judie Shor Ning, All in all it was a rewarding and fun bonding experience for our Pacific Northwest Sisterhood members!
Friday evening, after dinner, we enjoyed a sing-along and then had a fun "Sisterhood Speed Dating" ice breaker, followed by a wine, nosh, and activity social hour that stretched into the night. Many of us were surprised when we woke up Saturday morning to a blanket of snow on the ground, with large flakes falling on us as we walked to the dining hall for breakfast and services. Fortunately, the snow did not stop the fun and we experienced a beautiful visual tefillah service.
Throughout the weekend, women could choose to spend their time as they wished: making new friends, attending a Social Justice workshop, creating Lava Rock bracelets, participating in the #marchforourlives Camp Kalsman edition, making no-sew blankets as a social action project, Israeli dancing, participating in a meditative walk, playing Mah Jongg and other games, and connecting with other women from across the Pacific Northwest.
On Saturday evening, after a lovely Havdalah service, we watched WRJ's "Rachel's Story" video, learned about the WRJ YES Fund and spent time with our guest of honor, WRJ Pacific District president, Judie Shor Ning, All in all it was a rewarding and fun bonding experience for our Pacific Northwest Sisterhood members!
2017 Northern California Area Day
"BUILDING YOUR SISTERHOOD, BUILDING YOURSELF"
Thank you to Beth Israel Sisterhood, Portland, OR for hosting!
This year's Pacific Northwest Area Day was more of an Area Weekend. Women from around the area made plans to drive or take the train to Portland on Saturday afternoon, July 22.
We began with a president's workshop and a panel discussion on programming for a diverse membership. Then we gathered for cocktails and "speed dating for inspiration" followed by dinner. Our hosts from Congregation Beth Israel arranged home hospitality, with an assist from Vancouver's Congregation Kol Ami, for those who preferred to be hosted.
Sunday was a full day of workshops on leadership skills and personal enrichment, including some led by our special guest from the southwest, Pacific District 1st VP Dana Adler.
We began with a president's workshop and a panel discussion on programming for a diverse membership. Then we gathered for cocktails and "speed dating for inspiration" followed by dinner. Our hosts from Congregation Beth Israel arranged home hospitality, with an assist from Vancouver's Congregation Kol Ami, for those who preferred to be hosted.
Sunday was a full day of workshops on leadership skills and personal enrichment, including some led by our special guest from the southwest, Pacific District 1st VP Dana Adler.
2016 Northern California Area Day
"Expanding the Circle of Leadership"
Thank you to the sisterhood of Temple Beth Am in Seattle for hosting!
Sisters of Beth Am in Seattle hosted a very successful Area Day for the Pacific Northwest women on June 26, 2016. We had forty-four women attend - a new record for us. The theme was Expanding the Circle of Leadership. Our Area Day was a collaborative effort made possible by the leadership of each of our sisterhoods. WRJ Pacific District 1st VP Judie Shor Ning provided us with an inspiring preview of the Las Vegas Convention and updates about the District. The first convention registration happened just as she spoke, with one of our attendees registering on the spot.
Ellen Bick, WRJ PD Immediate Past District President, led us through the YES Fund presentation with resounding results. Our YES Fund Ask garnered $1523.00 which included a $300.00 donation from B'nai Torah Sisterhood. Each sisterhood also donated an item for a drawing with the money collected also going to the YES Fund. We raised $331.00 and lovely smiles from the winners.
Rabbi Joel Simonds, Associate Program Director for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, was our scholar in residence for the afternoon. He was wonderful!!! He emphasized that social action, for example in supporting refugees, lobbying against gun violence and other issues, is not only the Jewish thing to do but it is the human thing to do. Our breakout sessions allowed us to share our thoughts and develop action plans. We closed our day with sharing a one-word conclusion. For me, it was Blessed. Our day was wonderful.
Toni Kennedy, WRJ PD Area Director, Temple Sholom, Vancouver, B.C.
Ellen Bick, WRJ PD Immediate Past District President, led us through the YES Fund presentation with resounding results. Our YES Fund Ask garnered $1523.00 which included a $300.00 donation from B'nai Torah Sisterhood. Each sisterhood also donated an item for a drawing with the money collected also going to the YES Fund. We raised $331.00 and lovely smiles from the winners.
Rabbi Joel Simonds, Associate Program Director for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, was our scholar in residence for the afternoon. He was wonderful!!! He emphasized that social action, for example in supporting refugees, lobbying against gun violence and other issues, is not only the Jewish thing to do but it is the human thing to do. Our breakout sessions allowed us to share our thoughts and develop action plans. We closed our day with sharing a one-word conclusion. For me, it was Blessed. Our day was wonderful.
Toni Kennedy, WRJ PD Area Director, Temple Sholom, Vancouver, B.C.
Thank you to the sisterhood of Temple B'nai Torah for hosting the 2015 Pacific Northwest Area Day!
"Leadership of Others Begins with Leading Ourselves"
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!
Thank you Temple De Hirsch Sinai Sisterhood, Bellevue, WA for hosting the 2014 PNW Area Day!
