Sisterhood Events

Torah, Learning, Connecting: Sisterhood Shabbaton Retreat

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:00:55 -0800

Sisterhood is hard at work planning our first Shabbaton Retreat for the weekend of February 20 through 22, 2009 at the Shalom Institute in Malibu. We are looking forward to hosting many of our members and friends for a women-only weekend of relaxation, conversation, laughter, prayer and relaxation (we think the relaxation part bears repeating).

What makes a Shabbaton different from another weekend getaway is the emphasis on stepping deeply into holy time, where the prayer and Torah of Shabbat doesn’t get diluted by our usual concerns or habits; what makes a retreat unique from other weekend getaways is that we can focus, for 48 hours, on ourselves. Talk about luxurious!

Rabbi Miriyam Glazer, professor of literature at the American Jewish University, will be our scholar-in-residence leading musical, spirited prayer and in-depth Torah study. There will be opportunities for a guided nature walk, early morning yoga practice, and other thought-provoking and creative endeavors, and we’re “planning in” the fun with a pre-Shabbat cocktail hour, a Friday evening entertainment by Jewish storyteller extraordinaire Karen Golden and late night shmoozing and munching. There will also be ample free time.

The retreat price for Sisterhood members is $275, which includes room and meals Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and all activities. Non-Sisterhood members will also pay the $35 annual Sisterhood dues; non-PJTC members will pay $325.

Come with friends or come and make new friends; we hope that this is going to be the best Shabbat slumber party you’ve ever been to. For more information or to make your early reservation, please contact Judith Pettigrew, Judy Callahan, or the Temple Office at (626) 798‑1161 for more information or email sisterhood@pjtc.net.

PJTC Women’s Book Club: The Faith Club

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:00:38 -0800

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the PJTC Library. We will be discussing Women's League's pick for 2008, The Faith Club by Ranya Idiby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner.

A groundbreaking book about Americans searching for faith and mutual respect, The Faith Club weaves the story of three women, their three religions, and their urgent quest to understand one another.

After September 11, Ranya Idliby, an American Muslim of Palestinian descent, faced constant questions about Islam, God, and death from her children, the only Muslims in their classrooms. Inspired by a story about Muhammad, Ranya reached out to two other mothers to write an interfaith children's book that would highlight the connections between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. After just a few meetings, however, the women realized that they themselves needed an honest and open environment where they could admit—and discuss—their concerns, stereotypes, and misunderstandings. After hours of soul-searching about the issues that divided them, Ranya, Suzanne, and Priscilla grew close enough to discover and explore what united them.

A memoir of spiritual reflections in three voices, The Faith Club has spawned interfaith discussion groups in churches, temples, mosques, and other community settings. It will make you feel as if you are eavesdropping on the authors' private thoughts, provocative discussions, and often-controversial opinions and conclusions.

Pioneering, timely, deeply thoughtful, and full of hope, the caring message of The Faith Club will resonate with people of all faiths.

Our book club is registered with Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Go upstairs to Will Call and tell them you are with PJTC Women’s Book Club to receive a 20% discount coupon good only for the book selection. Please calendar the date, and join the discussion even if you have not finished the book. Let your voice be heard. RSVP to sisterhood@pjtc.net.

Sponsored by Z’havah, Sisterhood’s group focusing on the special interests of our younger women, offering help in blending Jewish community with today’s busy lifestyles.

Rosh Chodesh Celebrations (2008/2009)

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 19:30:24 -0800

Rosh Chodesh is a holiday for everyone, but women have a special attachment to the day. For at least 2,000 years, Jewish women have celebrated the appearance of the New Moon in their own way. It was a day on which women were free of family chores, a one or two-day vacation they honored every month. In some communities, women would gather to light candles, tell one another stories, and enjoy one another’s company.

Enjoy this tradition with other PJTC women as we bless the new moon and continue in our own personal search of spirituality. Most celebrations take place Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in a private home. Please contact the Temple Office at (626) 798‑1161 for more information or email sisterhood@pjtc.net.

Rosh Chodesh Celebrations for 2008/2009

Cheshvan — Thursday, October 30, 2008
Kislev — Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tevet — Thursday, January 8, 2009
Sh’vat — Thursday, January 29, 2009
Adar — Thursday, February 26, 2009
Nisan — Thursday, March 26, 2009
Iyyar — Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sivan — Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tamuz — Thursday, June 25, 2009
Av — Thursday, July 23, 2009
Elul — Thursday, August 20, 2009

PJTC Women’s Book Club: Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:30:42 -0700

Join the PJTC Women’s Book Club on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7:30PM Wohlmann Hall for a discussion of our next book Rashi’s Daughters II: Miriam by Maggie Anton.

Troyes, France, 1078. As Solomon ben Isaac teaches his lively and daring middle daughter, Miriam, the intricacies of the Talmud, he has no idea how far she will push the boundaries.

Emboldened by her knowledge and mourning the death of her betrothed, Miriam is determined to become not only the community’s midwife, but also its mohel — performing circumcisions. As devoted as she is to her chosen path, she cannot foresee the ways in which she will be tested and how heavily she will need to rely on her faith. And when a shadowy new suitor arrives in Troyes — an exceptionally learned and handsome young scholar who struggles with a secret that, if revealed, would expose them both to ruin — the formidable and independent Miriam must decide if they could forge a life together.

Our book club is registered with Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Go upstairs to Will Call and tell them you are with PJTC Women’s Book Club to receive a 20% discount coupon good only for the book selection. Please calendar the date, and join the discussion even if you have not finished the book. Let your voice be heard. RSVP to sisterhood@pjtc.net.

Sponsored by Z’havah, Sisterhood’s group focusing on the special interests of our younger women, offering help in blending Jewish community with today’s busy lifestyles.