We wanted to let you know that because of our WTS membership dues we have been able to make contributions (through our umbrella organization Women of Reform Judaism*) towards the training of a number of Rabbinic and Cantorial students. Here are excerpts from two of the many letters of gratitude that we have received.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your donation…Your generosity has enabled me to continue my work as a Rabbinic student at theHebrew Union College in Los Angeles. Thanks to your philanthropic commitment, in May I will accomplish my goal of becoming a rabbi and an educator. .. As I am in the process of completing the work for my rabbinic thesis… I have discovered a passion for exploring women’s voices in Judaism. For my thesis I am writing a feminist critique of Rabbi Jack H. Bloom’s book The Rabbi as a Symbolic Exemplar. The work has been challenging but exciting and I look forward to sharing the new insights I have been grappling with in this work.
Thank you again for giving me the means to become a rabbi and an educational leader. I know that these are troubling economic times, and it can be difficult to make the choice to once again help a student like me support herself as she finishes school. Please know that your generosity is very much appreciated.
B’Shalom,
Sara Mason-Barkin
I have received the second check of this year. Thank you for all of the good wishes. I am right at the middle of my studies, at the end of my fifth semester at Leo Baeck College (London)…. During the first semester I started my pastoral placement at Chai Cancer Care, a fantastic place inLondon, which offers day services to people with cancer.I observe their work, how they support the patients with consultation, complimentary therapies, art classes, meditation, etc. They have a holistic view on treatments. Most of the staff are Jewish women, who are greatly committed to help these people. People (the staff and the patients as well) admire this place, and call it their second home. I am really lucky that I can observe their team work.In the last month I was in Budapest and helped my community, Sim Shalom. I led services, and did social work for a family. I am really grateful for your contribution to my education. I wish a nice winter time to all the members of WRJ. Peter Radvanszki ,Rabbinical Student
*Out of the $40.00 that you contribute to WTS $15.00 goes to WRJ International and $2.00 goes to our WRJ Pacific District. Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism, is the collective voice and presence of women in congregational life. Stronger together, we support the ideals and enhance the quality of Jewish living to ensure the future of progressive Judaism in North America,Israel, and around the world.
