Sisterhood

The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Sisterhood chapter at Tree of Life serves the congregation and community. An affiliate of WRJ’s Southeast District, the TOL Sisterhood is a caring community of women bonding together in fellowship for mutual support. Members enjoy a range of experiences, including opportunities for lifelong learning about Judaism, in particular about Southern Jewry; presentations highlighting urgent needs in the Columbia community; and opportunities to participate in creative arts and crafts activities and other social events.

As part of our organization’s goals, we have a focus on Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Each year, we offer opportunities for members to support both national and local organizations. Through national WRJ, we provide support to the YES (Youth, Education, and Special Projects) Fund, which provides grants to Jewish and humanitarian causes. We are proud of our record for meriting honor roll status for our support of this important fund. We also support Jewish organizations in Columbia and South Carolina, including Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Holocaust Education Commission, and the Jewish Film Festival. In addition, we support Columbia area organizations that serve women and families, help the homeless, and provide food for those in need. Examples of such organizations include SisterCare, Cooperative Ministries, and Harvest Hope.

At Tree of Life, we make a meaningful annual donation and provide other support for the religious school and youth group activities. We enrich High Holy Day observances, festival observances, and life cycle events. Our Bereavement Committee provides the “Meal of Condolence” to families who have lost a loved one and coordinates refreshments for related shiva observances.

Our Sisterhood is responsible for the Gift Shop, which stocks items needed for holiday and lifecycle celebrations, as well as a range of other Judaica and gifts. We offer the only Jewish gift shop in Columbia. The Gift Shop is generally open before Shabbat services and by appointment. For more information, contact Donna Magaro, Gift Shop Manager.

We welcome women in the Tree of Life congregation who are committed to the goals of our Sisterhood. Daughters who have joined the adult community following their bat mitzvah also are eligible for membership. For information about membership, contact Doris Davidson, Membership Chair, or any of our officers.

As affiliates of WRJ, our chapter has a collective voice that carries weight. While each woman is important as an individual, as a Sisterhood we are even stronger and our presence can be felt in many areas. Our chapter needs you, and we believe that you need WRJ as well. In our challenging and stressful society, it is important to have people to laugh with and to appreciate and support one another in our congregation and in our community.

Hotlinks:

WRJ National Organization: https://www.wrj.org/our-community/about-wrj WRJ SE Region: WRJ Southeast District - Home https://www.wrjsoutheast.org YES Fund: YES Fund | Women of Reform Judaism (wrj.org)