Sisterhood

sisterhood FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We hope you find this FAQ helpful, whether you are returning or new to Sisterhood. If you have more questions, please reach out – we love to talk about opportunities with Sisterhood!

Email us at: sisterhood@templesinaistamford.org

What is Sisterhood and who should join?

Sisterhood is a vibrant, ever-growing group of 100+ members of all ages who enthusiastically engage, adding their diverse voices and energy to share meaningful friendships, enjoy a range of activities, and make an impact on both our Temple Sinai family and our local community. We’re flexible - you can choose activities that match your interests and your schedule - and you can help create new initiatives.

Some days we feel we have no time and some days we find extra time. We are people who are pursuing careers or studies, enjoying retirement, raising children, caring for our parents and for fellow congregants.

As a Sisterhood, our strength, sense of belonging, and impact draws from the collective support of us all.

Do I have to be a woman to join Sisterhood?

ALL are welcome and encouraged to join Sisterhood. Please know that anyone can be a sister, regardless of gender.

What does Sisterhood do?

Sisterhood’s activities reflect the values, needs, and dedication of its members, the Temple Sinai congregation, and our community. Our initiatives support our Jewish practices, build community, and affirm our commitment to social action.

What is the Sisterhood Mission?

The purpose of this organization shall be to foster and further the highest ideals of Reform Judaism, to promote closer fellowship among its members and to cooperate with Temple Sinai in religious, social, and educational activities. Sisterhood is open to all Temple Sinai members.

Email us at : sisterhood@templesinaistamford.org

How is Sisterhood different from a Circle?

Sisterhood is both similar and different from Sinai Circles. Similar to Circles, Sisterhood is a wonderful way to meet and engage with people who share your interests. Whether you are interested in social action, meeting new people, participating in learning lectures and or book clubs, and/or going on field trips, you’ll find a home in Sisterhood. Sisterhood is a ‘choose your own adventure group’ - you’re welcome to do what works for you and your schedule.

Different from Sinai Circles, Sisterhood has been part of Temple Sinai since the temple’s inception and membership in Sisterhood is not capped to a small group. To join Sisterhood, Temple members simply pay an annual membership dues and are welcome to participate in Sisterhood activities which run year-round.

What is the impact of the Sisterhood dues?

Sisterhood members’ dues make an impact by supporting:

Sisterhood programs, such as guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, field trips, the annual Yom Kippur Break Fast for the Sinai community, and more!
Temple events and temple necessities including repairs to the ark doors and replacing the coffee urns used for Onegs. Your dues also contribute funds to the annual temple gala and Cantor’s Concert, as well as to meet requests made by the board.
The Temple Sinai Early Childhood Education Center and Religious School. Dues from Sisterhood have helped pay for guest artists and musicians and bookshelves for the classrooms. The dues also fund Kiddush Cups gifted to all Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and Tzedakah Boxes gifted to all Confirmation students.
Annual donations to Sally Kelman Social Action Fund, Judy and Sheldon Katz Camp Fund, Fairfield County Food Bank, Schoke JFS Kosher Food Bank, and the new Kosher Food Truck.
A portion of your dues supports Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), a worldwide network of over 70,000 women in 550 Sisterhoods. The WRJ network is committed to the future of our congregation, our Reform Jewish Movement, and Israel. Learn more at WRJ.org.

sisterhood activites

Sisterhood full-year calendar

CHALLAH BAKE

September 10, 2024

Sisterhood kicks off the season with a Challah Bake

Make It, Take It, and Bake It

BREAK FAST

October 12, 2024

Sponsored annually by Sisterhood at the end of Yom Kippur Services.

All welcome to join.

BOOK CLUB

October 29, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Temple

The book to be reviewed is The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr.

We look forward to your joining the discussion.

KUGAL CONTEST following religious school

November 3, 2024

MENORAH-MENORAH-MENORAH It is almost time!

Saturday, December 7, 2024 1:00pm at The Lucky Penny, 1012 Hope Street, Stamford

Sisterhood invites PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS and their KIDLETS to join. There is plenty of parking.

Come and paint your own new menorah for Chanukah. Sisterhood is providing the menorahs. It is only $12pp for those painting (includes all supplies).

COME AND ENJOY A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON WITH US. WHAT'S MORE, you can bring your new creation to light at before Shabbat Services, Friday, December 27 and let your lights join with everyone's to light up the world for peace and friendship.

RSVP is a MUST by November 12 to guarantee the menorahs will arrive in time. RSVP to Muriel Ashley.

BOOK CLUB

December 17,2024 at 6:30pm at Temple Sinai

Our next book to discuss will be House on Endless Waters by Emuna Elon.

Pizza will be served, RSVP is required to muashley@gmail.com

Elon powerfully evokes the obscurity of the past and its hold on the present as we stumble through revelation after revelation with Yoel. As we accompany him on his journey…we share in his loss, surprise, and grief, right up to the novel’s shocking conclusion.” —The New York Times Book Review In the tradition of The Invisible Bridge and The Weight of Ink, “a vibrant, page-turning family mystery” (Jennifer Cody Epstein, author of Wunderland) about a writer who discovers the truth about his mother’s wartime years in Amsterdam, unearthing a shocking secret that becomes the subject of his magnum opus.Renowned author Yoel Blum reluctantly agrees to visit his birthplace of Amsterdam to promote his books, despite promising his late mother that he would never return to that city. While touring the Jewish Historical Museum with his wife, Yoel stumbles upon footage portraying prewar Dutch Jewry and is astonished to see the youthful face of his beloved mother staring back at him, posing with his father

BOOK CLUB

February 11, 2025 Book Discussion of "Kantika" by Elizabeth Graver

HAMANTASCHEN TASTING CONTEST at PURIM CARNIVAL

Join us Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Purim Carnival for a Hamantaschen Tasting Contest

ANNE FRANK MUSEUM

March 12, 2025 Sisterhood visits Anne Frank Exhibit in New York City.

BOOK CLUB

April 8, 2025 Book Club to discuss "We Were The Lucky Ones" by Georgia Hunter at 6:30pm at Temple Sinai. Please RSVP to muashley@gmail.com

SISTERHOOD SHABBAT

APRIL 25, 2025 : More details to follow

Israeli Dancing with Leng
On APRIL 27th Temple Sinai WILL JOIN with Temple Beth El’s Sisterhood for Israeli Dancing held at Temple Beth El.

See the flyer below for dates and fees for ongoing Israeli Dancing at Temple Beth El.

TRIP to YALE/MUSEUMS with Lunch

May 21, 2025 The Sisterhood is off to New Haven

YALE and its wonderful museum awaits for a totally free museum experience with a guide to show us around the second floor, including their beautiful impressionist collection.

Then, it's off to Claire's Corner Copia for lunch, delicious food, and yummy desserts. Also we have it on good authority, there is a fabulous ice-cream store just a few stores away.

SO, COME JOIN US. We will meet at the Temple at 9:00am to carpool and leave by 9:30am.

Garage Parking is easy and a block from the Museum.

Please contact Muriel Ashley: muashley@gmail.com -- 475-619-5127 to reserve a spot.