benefits of belonging
WRJ Midwest District is a valuable resource to Sisterhoods. Among the services that WRJ Midwest District offers are:
Designated resource persons – To assist you, the district has chairpersons for a wide variety of Sisterhood programs, projects, and other areas relevant to Sisterhood. A chair for each WRJ Midwest District portfolio sits on the WRJ Midwest District Board and is available to assist local Sisterhoods. In addition, an Area Director is assigned to each local Sisterhood. The Area Director is in regular contact with the Sisterhood president (or her appointed designee).
Speakers Bureau – WRJ Midwest District has a well-established Speakers Bureau. Each Sisterhood is entitled to one speaker each year from WRJ Midwest District and one speaker every other year from WRJ at no charge. These women are aware of the most recent publications, issues, and services that WRJ and WRJ Midwest District provide. When requesting a speaker, please do not contact the speaker directly. Instead, contact the WRJ Midwest District Speakers Bureau Chair or the WRJ Speakers Bureau.
District-wide communication: The Messenger – Three times a year, WRJ Midwest District communicates with local Sisterhoods by publishing our district newsletter, The Messenger. Presidents are encouraged to share ideas with other Sisterhoods in our district by submitting articles to The Messenger. Copies of The Messenger are emailed to each WRJ Midwest District Board member, including each Sisterhood president, as well as to the rabbi of each congregation in our district. The e-mail version makes it easy for Sisterhood presidents and rabbis to share The Messenger with their boards and members, while saving money and the environment. A hard copy version is available on request.
Special programs for all members – Each spring, WRJ Midwest District hosts a study Kallah at OSRUI that is open to all women in our district. In addition, Area Days are held that can greatly benefit members of the local Sisterhoods. Each fall, WRJ Midwest District sponsors either a District Convention (even years) or an Interim Board/Leadership Retreat (odd years). Attendees at these fall events gain a deeper understanding and awareness of Sisterhood, as well as further developing their own personal skills.
WRJ Midwest District Directory & Guide – This booklet is given to each WRJ Midwest District Board member, including Sisterhood presidents. The Directory & Guide contains information about WRJ and WRJ Midwest District. In addition, the booklet lists contact information for the WRJ Midwest District Board of Directors, including local Sisterhood presidents, as well as for WRJ Midwest District alumnae.
WRJ Midwest District listservs – Multiple listservs have been created to facilitate online communication among the WRJ Midwest District Executive Committee, Midwest board chairs, local Sisterhood presidents, and alumnae. The listservs are hosted by Shamash and overseen by the WRJ Midwest District Listserv Chair.