From the President of Women’s League

by Cory R. Schneider

What's your number?

Is it your age? Is it how many people in your family? Is it the books you’ve read or the degrees you’ve earned? For us in Women’s League, every Conservative/Masorti woman has only one number and that is the number one.

While we may say we are involved in our Women’s League sisterhoods to support our congregations, or for the sake of our children, or because of our convictions, I believe that we are really seeking to enrich our own lives.

Women’s League is one woman sharing and bonding with, educating, and inspiring one other woman. But together we represent committed Conservative/Masorti Jewish women who read Torah and lead services, advocate on social issues and direct communitywide initiatives, love Israel, and nurture our youth. Many of us are, or were, professionals: teachers of all stripes, health care professionals, social workers, lawyers, and every kind of business owner.

Add one plus one plus one plus one to see the impact of the number one: 100,000 women in more than 600 affiliates across the United States and Canada enriching the lives of Jewish women worldwide. Because of those numbers, we are a force to be reckoned with at the major forums of the North American Jewish community, including the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the boards of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Mercaz, and United Synagogue. Because of our numbers, we have an NGO (nongovernmental observer) and alternate at the United Nations.

I also would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Bernice Balter, who has retired as executive director of Women’s League after 29 years of devoted service. Bernice has been instrumental in bringing the organization to its current status and always represented us magnificently at organizational and communal meetings, conferences, and missions around the world.

As we prepare for the new year, there are many new beginnings to celebrate, most significantly this exciting venture. CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism has been developed for each one of you, the men and women who are the individual members of our movement. It is just one way to enhance your experiences and expand your knowledge as Conservative Jews, leading to fuller and more meaningful lives. The authors you will meet in its pages represent the best of what our movement has to offer and Women’s League is thrilled to be partnering with United Synagogue and the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs to introduce them to you. This is truly a new start, a new year... new voices.

May you and those you love have a 5768 filled with good health, joy, and contentment. May all the people of Israel enjoy peace and prosperity, freedom and blessing.