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Sisterhood
The Sisterhood of Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex was founded in 1920 as the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish
League of Caldwell, with the stated purposes of philanthropy and entertainment. By 1934, members began to volunteer as
Sunday School teachers, established a confirmation class, founded a Jewish library, the first of its kind in Essex County,
and made Jewish ceremonial objects and books accessible to Jewish families in the community. Soon they voted to re-name
their organization the Sisterhood of the Jewish League of Caldwell, an independent organization, incorporated through charter
in the State of New Jersey. They continued their work for the synagogue, enhancing and supporting the congregations activities
but began to take a more active role for change and progress. They affiliated with the National Woman's League of America
(now the Women's League for Conservative Judaism) and continued to fight for better education for their children and for
themselves.
With a continued focus on youth, Sisterhood awards partial scholarships to participants to the annual August USY encampment.
The Sisterhood spearheaded and founded a nursery school, which has succeeded beyond all expectations and established a Senior
Adult Lounge to give voice and place to our most senior members. Sisterhood is responsible for the annual Purim Carnival, the
Yom Kippur Break Fast, and Sukkot Luncheon, sees to the beautification of the Bima on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach and
Shavuot, maintains a Judaica Shop for the benefit of all congregation members and co-sponsors the Rosh Chodesh Group and the
annual Women's Seder.
Sisterhood is represented on the congregational board of trustees, the adult education committee, the board of education,
the Youth Commission, and the social action, budget and ritual committees.
Sisterhood is affiliated with the Women's League for Conservative Judaism,
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Masorti movement.
To join or for more information, contact President Beverly Gutterman, bevinus@aol.com.
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