seven- branched menorah

In this week's Torah portion we read of the building of the seven- branched menorah for the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. This symbol has become the symbol of the State of Israel and a huge version of it stand in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem. If you have ever seen the graphic symbol of the Reform Movement, it, too, is the same seven- branched menorah, albeit a contemporary version of this well known image. Its symbolism is that the Reform Movement is made up of many shining lights which together illumine the Jewish world.

The Reform Movement, however, is more than the Union for Reform Judaism, an organization representing 900 congregations. Reform Judaism includes many organizations. It includes the schools which train rabbis, cantors, educators and synagogue administrators. It includes NFTY, our national youth group movement; the Nation Federation of Temple Brotherhoods; and what, in 1913 when it was established, was called The National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS). Since 1993, NFTS has been known as the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ).

WRJ now represents more than 75,000 women in over 500 women's groups in North America and around the world. With a mission to ensure the future of Reform Judaism, WRJ works to educate and train future sisterhood and congregational leadership about membership, fundraising, leadership skills, advocacy for social justice, and innovative and spiritual programming. Through the YES Fund (Youth, Education, and Special Projects), WRJ provides support to rabbinical students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, to the youth programs of the Reform Movement, and to programs benefiting individuals the world over.

At Or Chadash, we have been blessed with the diligent work of our Sisterhood and all its members. Some of you may know that Debbi Longenecker announced that her presidency concludes at the end of this term. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her hard work and her efforts at strengthening our community. We look forward to honoring her in the future.

This Shabbat we read of the menorah - a symbol that reminds us that Judaism is made of many lights. Organizations, though, are nothing more than the collective work of individuals, who, one by one, share their light with all of us. We are indebted to those who have given of themselves for the sake of our community. I appreciate the many lights each of you bring to Or Chadash.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman