Women of Reform Judaism’s Central District will hold a biennial gathering of women in Louisville November 3-6 with the theme “WRJ Central Rocks the Boat.”
Those attending will discuss pressing challenges facing the Jewish community in the 21st Century and advances in women’s leadership. The Central District is comprised of about 36 sisterhoods in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Women of Temple Shalom and The Temple’s WRJ Chapter are hosting the conference. Events and services will take place at Temple Shalom, The Temple, Hampton Inn & Suites – Louisville Downtown and the Muhammad Ali Center.
Those leading services or participating in them include Rabbi Gaylia Rooks, The Temple; Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner, Temple Shalom; and Shiela Steinman Wallace, song leader, Temple Shalom.
Rabbi Dr. Nadia Siritsky will speak at the opening luncheon Friday, November 4, on human trafficking and other social justice concerns. She is the vice president of mission for Jewish Hospital, University of Louisville Hospital and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.
Madeline Abramson will introduce Tori Murden McClure, president of Spalding University, who will talk about women and empowerment during the Saturday luncheon. She is the first woman and American to row across the Atlantic Ocean solo.
Also on Saturday, fredi Bleeker Franks, WRJ vice president of development and special projects, will speak about WRJ’s mission 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.
After Havdalah on Saturday, the new Central District board for 2016-18 will be installed by Bleeker Franks. Stanley Miles, rabbi emeritus of Temple Shalom, will bless the board. Incoming board members include Sheilah Abramson-Miles, president; Susan Glazer, vice president of development and special projects; Jerri Kaye Mobley, area director; and Judy Berzof, parliamentarian.
Saturday evening’s entertainment will feature Jonathan Wolff, who will present his Seinfeld Music Guy program.
During the conference, there will be a bridge walk and basket auction to benefit the WRJ Youth, Education and Special Projects (YES) Fund, which assists Reform Jewish institutions and individuals worldwide.