As I was being installed so graciously by Cantor Zev Brooks at the Todah Rabah luncheon, my mind started thinking about what I would write for this article. I usually would look at the calendar to see what holidays were coming up. We all know about Tisha B’Av but what about Tu B’;Av. I never heard about it until Rabbi Berman was at TBE. He referred to it as a Jewish Valentine’s Day. I was curious about it so I asked Rabbi Mendelsohn how it was celebrated. According to the Talmud, Tu B’Av was a day of

celebration, where unmarried women would dress in white and dance in the vineyards to find a mate. Sounds more fun than J. date! Modern Israelis brought it back into observance with festivals of singing and dancing. What a difference from the somber mood of Tisha B’Av.

 

I bring the holidays up because the next one is a big deal, Rosh Hashanah. Women’s League has a major fundraiser with the New Year’s Greetings. Start thinking what you want to say so Becky can create the beautiful insert for the Tidings. We also have our holiday bake sale to go along with this holiday.

 

Don’t forget to pay your Women’s League dues as the new year starts in July. We’re going to try and come up with some new and interesting programs. We welcome all women and sometimes men!

 

It only seems right that I follow Barbara Erler as president because she is the reason I’m in Women’s League   at all. When I joined over 35 years ago it was called Sisterhood. Barbara asked me if I wanted to join and be on the board as refreshment co-chairman. The rest is history! I have had almost every position on the board and have many long-lasting friendships because of it.

 

I hope everyone enjoyed the Todah Rabah luncheon. Barbara really outdid herself this year. Mazel Tov to Barbie for receiving the “Woman of the Year Award!”

 

See everyone in shul!

Susan Baum