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How Your Women's Group Aids Temple of the Arts

It is important to know that the Women's Group of Temple of the Arts is still in its fledgling state.  A small group of women met a few times and tossed around ideas to see if this undertaking could become a reality.  Basically, in January 2011, the group started and I, athough a new member, albeit one with many ideas and enthusiasm, became the first President.  Adrian Grant offered to be my VP, Beth Rothschild my Treasurer and Megan Harwick, my Secretary.

At this time, we have approximately 20 paid-up members, with others willing to join after the Summer.  Most of our members have exciting careers and we are extremely lucky to have them, athough their volunteer time is limited.

We are constantly looking for new members.  The yearly dues are $36., commencing in May. Any Temple congregant is welcome to join at any time.  We are especially excited about our young members, some in their twenties.  And we really would love to have some forward thinking high school girls join our group.  We are all women together and the age is of no importance.  We are just looking for great ideas and high energy.

At this time, the most important action that we have undertaken is the monthly Shabbat Service "Meet and Greets."  Arlene Ruby-Leviton and Jeannine Sefton have been handling these evenings since their conception.  The soirees have met with great accolades.  Members call the Temple Office in advance of the evening, make a reservation to attend, and then enjoy wine, cheese, and so much more.  And the most important part of the Meet and Greet, a new sense of Temple Family is acquired.

I would say that the TOTA WG's main goal is to promote the warmth and a feeling of community that is so needed at the Temple.  The Women's Group welcomes people who arrive for Shabbat Services and appraises them of all that the temple has to offer.  As Havurot Chairperson also, I am in the throes of forming Havurot Groups (Friendship Circles), based on common interest.  These are sponsored by the Women's Group.  

So far, we have tried four Havurot, but only the Mah Jongg Havurah and Book Club Havurah seem to be flourishing.  As soon as I have more people signing up at the Welcome Table or contacting me by e-mail, I will be able create more groups.  People are so busy and involved today, that it is difficult for people to commit.  But it only takes about eight people to get a group going!  Again, any age is welcome, but one must be a Temple member.

We all look forward to your joining our exciting group of multi-talented women.

Warmly,

Cynthia Berchan

Temple of the Arts Women's Group

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MEET CYNTHIA BERCHAN, our Temple of the Arts Women’s Group President

As a relatively new member of Temple of the Arts, I wanted to quickly get involved.  I joined the Women’s Group and soon took on the role of President. I am forming various Havurot (friendship circles based on common interests) that many of you have requested.  Having previously held this position at another synagogue, I can vouch for it being a thoroughly satisfying endeavor; many temple members developed lasting friendships through common interests.  For more information, please contact me at cynthiaberchan@att.net.  

LETTER FROM ADRIAN GRANT, Temple of the Arts Women’s Group (TOTAWG)VP

Temple of the Arts is more than just the place we go for extraordinary, moving and highly inspirational services for the High Holidays, once a year.  It’s more…SO MUCH more these days! GET INVOLVED and really BECOME part of the Temple of the Arts (TOTA) community.  The newly formed TOTAWG is a creative group of women who are striving to make your temple feel like a second “home.”   The TOTA sisterhood is also responsible for future fundraising events, so if anyone has innovative and thought provoking ideas they’d like to bring to the table, come one, come all!