Voices of WRJ: Ki Tavo

by Susan Pfeffer This week’s Torah portion is Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8), which means “When you enter.” In this parashah Moses tells the people of Israel that after they have settled in the land that God gave them, they should bring the first fruits of their orchard to the Holy Temple and declare gratitude for all that God has done for them. The instructions for bringing the First Fruit say that when the Israelite comes to the sanctuary he should identify himself historically, as in this familiar quote: “A wandering Aramean was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, few in number; and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous” (Deuteronomy 26:5). Thus the Israelite has a ‘script’ for how to express his gratitude. Sometimes in life we need exact directions for how best to serve and to express gratitude. WRJ provides this guidance for its members—it gives women many avenues to serve. We get a ‘script’ from WRJ, help and guidance to become effective leaders. Everyone can have a role in WRJ, even children of wanderers. How does this Torah portion apply to me? My father brought our family to America from a communist country (the former Czechoslovakia) where we were not allowed to practice our religion. In fact, growing up I didn’t really know that I was Jewish or what it meant to be Jewish. One of the first things I did after joining Temple Israel in Memphis, TN, was to enroll in an Exploring Judaism class to learn about my heritage. I also didn’t know anything about sisterhood. A friend asked me to join and become involved. My involvement started slowly—first cooking in the Temple kitchen, working in our Judaica shop, and helping with sisterhood mailings. These were activities that were well established in our sisterhood, and so I had a ‘script’ to follow. I liked what I learned about our sisterhood, about all the things sisterhood did for its members, our temple, the Memphis community, and the greater community. I also learned about WRJ and all that it does worldwide. Eventually I was asked to join the sisterhood board where over the years I held many positions: project chair, recording secretary, treasurer, vice president, and finally president. Serving as sisterhood president was hard work, but I never imagined what a rewarding experience it would be and how much I would get out of it. It was truly a blessing and a privilege. I have learned many things along the way. I grew spiritually and broadened my horizons in many ways. Our sisterhood and WRJ have become a very important part of my life, and have helped me develop into a leader. I was privileged to attend District Biennials, retreats, the WRJ Fried Leadership Conferences, and WRJ Assemblies. Along the way I have met many wonderful women and formed new friendships, not only with women from our sisterhood but also with women from our WRJ District and from around the world. I continue to grow and learn, and to serve WRJ as a WRJ Southwest District Area Director and on the WRJ Board of Directors. Our sisterhood and WRJ have helped me get involved in Jewish life and practice my religion. Just like the Israelite I am grateful to have the opportunity to present my ‘first fruits’ of gratitude. Susan Pfeffer is a WRJ Board member and WRJ Southwest District Area Director. She is also a Temple Israel Sisterhood past president in Memphis, TN.