Lillian Burkenheim Silver

Lillian Silver 2023 headshot
VP of Philanthropy
Women of Reform Judaism

Lillian Burkenheim Silver is the WRJ Vice President of Philanthropy. She grew up in NFTY, engaged in the Reform Movement, and pursuing tzedek/justice. This laid the groundwork for a passion to empower people to learn, thrive, and act. Lillian was honored to receive the WRJ 2019 Women’s Empowerment Award. She is Past President of the Women of Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village, California, and Past Temple President. She has served as WRJ Pacific District Convention co-chair and currently is the Pacific District Secretary. As a WRJ North American Board member, Lillian has had the opportunity to serve on social justice, training, and marketing projects, and experience an amazing Mission to Israel with her girls: Chava and Renee. 

Four photos of people we met during the Civil Rights Journey trip
Social Justice

We Are, We Are, We Are, WRJ

Shari Carruthers
Lillian Burkenheim Silver
 December 2, 2022
In October 2022, 88 of us traveled from across North America to Atlanta to join other sisters on the WRJ Civil Rights Journey. Armed with articles, movies, books, and memories about the fight for racial equality in the 1950s and 1960s, we visited historical landmarks in Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. We found what we knew intellectually was no match for walking in the footsteps of those who were there and have continued to advocate and advance racial equality. As we kick off WRJ’s end-of-year campaign, we reflect on the impact of this trip and the work still to be done.
Leadership
B'haalot'cha

Parashat B'haalot'cha

Lillian Burkenheim Silver
 June 9, 2023

I was eight, sitting in my Hebrew class on a hot Tuesday afternoon after school. Cantor Wagner entered the room, sat down on the teacher’s desk, and took off his watch. He held it up and looked at each of us. The watch looked expensive to me. Holding it up...
Voices of WRJ

WRJ Voices: Va-y'chi

Lillian Burkenheim Silver
 January 10, 2020

Often, we are torn between our sisterhood leaders and programs of the past and what we believe is the future of WRJ. As is our practice, we revisit the lessons of Va-y’chi and are struck by the constant tension between the past and the hope for the future. 

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Voices of WRJ

WRJ Voices: Nitzavim- Vayelech

Lillian Burkenheim Silver
 September 15, 2017

Each year on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah and the morning of Yom Kippur, we read Parashiyot: Nitzavim and Vayelech. The parashah takes place on the very last day of Moses’ life.