Who We Are

We are volunteers who actively support BIJ. We are open to everyone regardless of age or synagogue affiliation. We encourage you to attend any or all of our events and meetings. New BIJ members are extended a free Sisterhood – The Women of BIJ membership for one year. Please feel free to call any of the officers and committee chairs to get help, ask questions, offer your services, or share your special talents. We love ideas and participation from everyone.

Our Mission Statement

Sisterhood-The Women of BIJ  is a sharing and caring group of women working to maintain a Jewish way of life, supporting the goals of the congregation by providing a forum for fellowship and friendship; coordinating social, educational and spiritual programs where women can gather together to learn and grow; and welcoming and supporting the needs of women of all generations. 

What We Do

• Support the BIJ Religious School
• Participate in congregational celebrations of the Jewish Holidays
• Sponsor Friday Night Feasts and host refreshments at Saturday morning Kiddush
• Give gifts on the occasions of Bar and Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation
• Sponsor an annual luncheon outing to a local restaurant for residents of the Jewish Home
• Develop a social calendar of fun and educational programs which support our BIJ community
• Host creative hands-on events such as Incredible Edibles, Hanukkah Fair, and Family Game Night
• Fund the annual Rabbi Morris Scholarship to help families with college costs

Meetings are scheduled monthly. Attendance at these meetings is not a prerequisite to being involved, yet we do need a quorum to vote on issues, and encourage your participation.  If you are interested in joining us or have any questions, please contact Sisterhood@bij.org.

Rosh Chodesh Group for Women Begins Anew

Rosh Chodesh, is the name for the first day of every month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the birth of a new moon.  A time to “sound the trumpets”.
 
The connection between Rosh Chodesh and women dates back to the times of the Bible. According to a tradition recorded in the Midrashic work Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer, the women refused to participate in the sin of the Golden Calf. They were rewarded with Rosh Chodesh.

Both B’nai Emunah and BIJ Sisterhoods have had Rosh Chodesh groups in the past. We are so excited to begin anew jointly.  All women in the BE and BIJ communities are invited to join our new Rosh Chodesh monthly Zoom group led by Rabbi Elisheva Salamo. We will begin with themes based on women’s ritual and take suggestions thereafter. 

Participation in the monthly zoom group is free, and donations to the Youth Awards and School Fund to support the joint religious school are greatly appreciated.

Monday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

2/15/2021 Topic:  Candles
3/15/2021 Topic:  Challah 
4/12/2021 Topic: Mikveh
5/10/2021 Topic: Jerusalem

https://zoom.us/j/94580315709?pwd=NVhMYzd5Y3ZDVFJJK2xqSGZxZll3UT09

The Rabbi Herbert Morris Scholarship Application Information

Sisterhood–The Women of BIJ is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for its annual Rabbi Morris Scholarship.  Rabbi Herbert Morris served BIJ for 32 years, from 1962 to 1998, and had a strong commitment to education.  To honor his memory, Sisterhood created the Rabbi Morris Scholarship in 2004, administered by longtime congregant and former educator/college counselor Diane Ehrlich.  Currently Sisterhood is offering this award in the amount of $500.  Prior to Covid, the award has been presented at a dinner event in the spring or early summer.  We anticipate making the announcement on Zoom this year.  Deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.

Applicants must be children or grandchildren of members of BIJ or members of the Congregation in good standing who have returned to school. There are three different applications –one for high school seniors, one for students presently in college or graduate school, and one for adults who have gone back to school. These scholarships may be used at any accredited 2 or 4 year college/university or at any accredited trade/technical/vocational school.  To access the applications, go to www.bij.org/registration. Directions for submission are on the applications.

We want to thank all those BIJ and Sisterhood members that gave donations to the Rabbi Morris Scholarship. Without your gifts, we would not be able to give to as many deserving students.

Adult Application for the Rabbi Morris Scholarship

College Student Application for the Rabbi Morris Scholarship

High School Student Application for the Rabbi Morris Scholarship

Annual Hanukkah Fair

This year, due to Covid-19, we will not have our annual Hanukkah Fair.  We hope to be back with you again next year.  The Fair is the perfect opportunity for you to get a head start on gathering your holiday gifts and decorations. The event features local artists displaying high quality handmade works; a fun art studio to make your own art; food and drink; and live music by local jazz band.

Event Photos

Jewish Home Luncheon, April 2016, at Tam’s Chinese Restaurant in Pacifica

Afternoon Tea, August 2016 (including a “best hat” contest)