Sisterhood

The Sisterhood of Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex was founded in 1920 as the Ladies Auxiliary 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 rename 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 congregation’s activities but began to take a more active role for change and progress. They affiliated with the National Women'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 of the annual August USY encampment. The Sisterhood spearheaded and founded a nursery school (CAI's Early Childhood Center), which has succeeded beyond all expectations and established a Senior Adult Lounge to give voice and place to our most cherished senior members.

Sisterhood is responsible for the annual Purim Carnival; the Yom Kippur Break Fast; and Sukkot Luncheon; sees to the beautification of the Bimah 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.

The women of Congregation Agudath Israel have plenty to say! Join Sisterhood, get involved and be part of a vivacious, engaging, intelligent group of women. Please email Sisterhood President, Sharon Hammerman, with any questions you may have.

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