Voices of WRJ: Chukat

by Debra Mayworm This week’s Torah portion, Chukat, from the book of Numbers, begins with ritual rules, including the “Red Cow” ritual and the laws of purification after contact with a human corpse. In the next chapter we learn of the death of Miriam. In the wilderness of Zin and on the first new moon, it states: “Miriam died there and was buried there.” Miriam,  who was a leader from a young age. She is the one who watched baby Moses as he floated on the River Nile and was brave and without hesitation approached the Pharaoh’s daughter, helping to save the life of Moses. Miriam, the prophet. Miriam is mentioned in five biblical books and was given the title of prophet. Miriam prophesied that a son born to Amram would redeem Israel and that son was Moses. Miriam, the singer and leader of other singing women. Miriam picked up a hand-drum and chanted for them: “Sing to Adonai, for He has triumphed gloriously, Horse and driver He has hurled into the sea” (Exodus 15:20-21). Miriam, who was stricken with snow-white scales, and Moses cried out to God saying: “O God, pray heal her!” Miriam was shut out of the camp for seven days and the people did not march on until Miriam was readmitted; they would not leave their beloved Miriam behind. Miriam, who was a leader in her own right and who has a well named for her. Miriam, who has always been a role model for me and Women of Reform Judaism. WRJ was formed as an organization that speaks for women and women’s issues and has worked for advancing the roles of women in Jewish life. We now have female rabbis and cantors who are strong leaders in the Reform Movement. I have also been encouraged by WRJ in my leadership journey, first as a sisterhood president, next as a WRJ Board member, and now as the WRJ Southwest District president. I have received encouragement and learned leadership skills from other WRJ leaders. WRJ has supported the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) and the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) as both train our future leaders. WRJ and the WRJ YES (Youth, Education, and Special Projects) Fund promote URJ Camps, supply scholarships for young women who attend URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, and inform our membership about the Campaign for Youth Engagement and PJ Library. By supporting our youth and rabbinic/cantorial students, we are creating future leaders and helping to ensure the continuation of the Reform Movement for our children and grandchildren. At many WRJ Assemblies, WRJ District, and sisterhood events I have danced to Miriam’s Song, written by our beloved Debbie Friedman, z''l.  I have danced with timbrels, just as Miriam and the women did as they passed to freedom and marched to the promised land. I have followed Miriam and other leaders, just as she had planned. In Orlando, Florida on November 4-8, 2015, WRJ will celebrate our 50^th Assembly. Plan to join us as we sing with praise and might and we are going to dance tonight. It will be a weekend, shared with your sisters, which you will always remember. Debra Mayworm is WRJ Southwest District President and a member of Congregation Emanuel Sisterhood in Denver, CO.