Voices of WRJ: P'kudei

by Ellen Wagner This week’s torah portion involves the “Inventory of Donated Metals and Their Use” in the completion of the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-40:38). Moses is given specific instructions from God, and the Israelites carry out the instructions faithfully. While women are not directly mentioned in the parashah, their role in the creation of the Tabernacle is paramount. While the men construct the Tabernacle, the women’s feminine touch provides its soul, just as WRJ does in the Reform Movement. As we have learned, the women of Israel refused to donate their precious metals to the creation of the golden calf.  Here in Exodus, they freely share their gold, silver, and copper mirrors. It is believed that the women made the priestly vestments. The women displayed the attribute of faith when the men could not see a future. The women had hope and a sense of purpose. The women saw redemption and renewal in the creation of the Tabernacle. The women had a tangible sense of God’s presence among them and thus, God rewarded the women with the holiday of Rosh Chodesh (a day of rest). This parashah embodies many of the qualities of the Women of Reform Judaism. WRJ possess a clear sense of purpose and determination to achieve common goals. WRJ has faith in our women to create and perpetuate a legacy. WRJ's current goals are not that different from the goals of WRJ's founding members more than a century ago. WRJ may not be weaving vestments or building a dormitory, but WRJ is helping to meet the needs of Reform Jews in North America and around the world. Rosh Chodesh may be celebrated one day a month, but WRJ is celebrated every day of the week in our sisterhoods, congregations, and youth groups. WRJ provides grants through the YES Fund that benefit our rabbis and cantors, our youth in NFTY, and offer financial support for programs in Israel and in the Former Soviet Union. Upon visiting a synagogue for a Friday night service, it is common to frequently hear thanks from the rabbis and cantors to WRJ because without WRJ's scholarships, those individuals would not be in those positions today. And WRJ's contribution to NFTY as they celebrate their 75^th anniversary is a prime example of WRJ's continued commitment to the next generation. WRJ's efforts continue to change the lives of people in the Reform Movement for the better. WRJ continues to grow by participating in new programs such as PJ Library, a program that provides Jewish-themed books and music to interfaith and non-affiliated Jewish families with young children. Harold Grinspoon, the founder of PJ Library, says, “We are aiming to keep the Jewish heritage alive and strong for the next generation and generations to come.” On a local level, the fundraising efforts of WRJ sisterhoods helps to ensure the continuation of our synagogues and the Reform Movement. Very often, sisterhood dollars provide funds for items that are needed in synagogues and communities, whether it be a donation to a renovation project, the purchase of a piano, or cooking for the local shelter for the homeless. On a more personal level, WRJ sisterhoods are the venue for women to feel a part of a very special group, make lasting friendships, and work together for common goals. This is not very different from the goals of the women in biblical times. It is very clear that the Women of Reform Judaism continue to meet the needs of Jews everywhere and provide the soul that will perpetuate Judaism for future generations. Ellen Wagner is the WRJ Mid-Atlantic District President, a WRJ Board member, and a Past Sisterhood President and member of Congregation Beth Emeth in Wilmington, DE.