Sisterhood is an active force in the daily life of TempleBeth Israel. Throughout the year, we have fundraising activities, special holiday events, social gatherings, religious programming and social action projects. There is something for everyone! Our fundraising benefits the Religious School, activities at the Jewish Pre-School, sending kids to Jewish camps, general Temple needs, and various musical, religious, and cultural programs. Shopping at Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop also contributes to our fundraising efforts. We provide opportunities for Jewish women to bond in friendship, both through working together and through our social events. New this year will be two Sisterhood retreat weekends, where we will share Shabbat in the beautiful Sierras! We are also a part of Women of Reform Judaism, which works to promote Jewish learning, social action and equality for women worldwide.

To contact Sisterhood's Leadership Council, or to sign up for Sisterhood e-mail alerts, email to tbisisterhood@sbcglobal.net

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN - MAY SCHMOOZE EDITION UPDATED

Watch the Fresno Bee video of Past Chanukah at our Temple!!

SISTERHOOD SCHMOOZE – MAY 2010

Our Sisterhood’s tradition of celebrating the generations, l’dor v’dor, is why we always hold Sisterhood Shabbat on Mother’s Day weekend. This year we are also continuing a new tradition which we started last year - the Shabbat Dinner Service - with services held at 6:00, followed by dinner at 7:00. The date is May 7^th, and if you haven’t reserved for dinner, call the Temple office right away – 432-3600. We will enjoy a nice brisket dinner by Karsh’s catering for only $12 while relaxing for the evening with family and friends. Vegetarian meals are also available – just let the office know. Please bring an Oneg goodie to share – our Sisterhood Shabbat Oneg is always a big hit thanks to all you talented bakers out there!

Coming up next on June 6th is a joint event with Brotherhood, as we hit Roger Rocka’s for the dinner show of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tickets are only $45 and include the buffet dinner, show, coffee or tea, tax and tip! Got season tickets? You can convert them and join the group for just $5 per person! See the reservation form for all the details, which is posted on the home page. Please note that pre-paid reservations are required and are due by May 16^th. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A big thanks to everyone who helped with the community Passover Seder this year, starting with Rita Karsh and her matzah ball crew: Kathy Hamada, Gwen Angert, Velvet Kaakah and Joseph Oliveira. If you were warmly greeted as you arrived you can also thank Kathy and Gwen, along with Maria Vargas. The Johnson clan – Valerie, Brian, Briana, Brock and Uncle Harry – did an awesome job setting up the social hall. Thanks also to Kathy Rosenfeld and her daughter Jessie for supervising the children's arts and craft activity. These volunteer efforts, plus the participation in the seder itself by the 125 guests, really gives the “community” seder its name.

Thanks for your continued support of Sisterhood. We appreciate your time as well as your financial contributions, both of which make it possible for Sisterhood to serve our community and support our youth. If you’re not sure if you made your contribution this year, contact our Membership Coordinator, Bonnie Polson, bjpolson1@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to get more involved, feel free to contact me or any of the other council members. We are always looking for more women to share in the meaningful service we provide to our community, and for fresh new ideas for fun social events, both of which help build the bonds of friendship between the women of our community.

See you on May 7^th for our creative and “green” Sisterhood Shabbat service!

On behalf of the Sisterhood Leadership Council,

Sally Bill

sallyannbill@yahoo.com