SUBJECT: Sisterhood Monthly Newsletter- September 2026
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER- SEPTEMBER 2026
Message from Our Sisterhood President
Sisterhood has hit the ground running! Our first event of the year was both beautiful and engaging. A heartfelt thank you to Lisa Miller, Rivkah Morris, and all our service leaders and presenters for leading such a meaningful Sisterhood Shabbat service. We also extend immense gratitude to our incredible catering crew, Vikki Silvis and Lynda Markowitz, for creating a wonderful menu that brought over 70 of us together for Shabbat dinner, topped off with a delicious ice cream Oneg.
As we settle back into our routines after the summer, we have an exciting lineup planned for the coming months. I hope you will find time to connect, participate, and share in our community—be sure to check out the upcoming activities below.
Many thanks are also due to our generous High Holiday donors and sponsors:
Holiday & Bimah Flowers: Thank you to Joanie block, Susan Chizeck, Nation Cohen, Marilyn Guzick, Gayle Hill, Marchia Hoppestein, Rona Kesselman, Esther Miller, Carol Rosen, Shari Rosen Schmidt, Ann Rowley, Elaine Sharf, Linda Steinberg, Evelyn Utay, Joy Weinstein, Leah White and Elissa Wolff.
Yom Kippur Flowers: A special thank-you to Nathan Cohen and family for sponsoring our Yom Kippur flowers.
Break the Fast: Deep gratitude to our generous contributors: Katie Babin, Nancy Barenblat, Harriet Berenstein, Susan Chizeck, Rhonda Duchin, Marilyn Guzick Rona Kesselman, Eileen Kessner, Lynda Markowitz, Lynda Moidel, Rivkah Morris, Magdi Olah, Carol Rosen, Helen Kalmans Roth, Ann Rowley and Elaine Scharf.
(If I have inadvertently left off your name, please let me know! There is still time to contribute if you would like to support the meal.) We know Vikki and Lynda are already hard at work preparing a delicious, beautifully presented spread for all of us.
Speaking of breaking the fast: our Intra-Continental Region is hosting a Zoom class on how to make authentic homemade bagels! The session will be led by Caryn Landes, a professional caterer from San Antonio. Be sure to register and join this fun cooking demonstration (details below).
As we approach our holiest day of the year, I would like to share these meaningful words from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks:
“YOM KIPPUR is the holy of holies of Jewish time, when we give an account of our lives. We reflect on what has happened to us and what we plan to do in the coming year. The single most important lesson of Yom Kippur is that it’s never too late to change, start again, and live differently from the way we’ve done in the past. Hashem forgives every mistake we’ve made as long as we are honest in regretting it and doing our best to put it right. Even if there’s nothing we regret, Yom Kippur makes us think about how to use the coming year in such a way as to bring blessings into the lives of others by way of thanking Hashem for all He has given us.
And finally, If I don't have the opportunity to personally ask for your forgiveness for anything that I have done wrong or harmed you, please accept my apology and grant me forgiveness.
Wishing all l’shanah tovah tikateivu v’teichateimu "May you be inscribed and sealed [in the Book of Life] for a good year".
G’mar Chatima Tova,
Rhonda
Sisterhood Shabbat Dinner
Sisterhood Membership 2026-2027
JOIN TODAY FOR THE 2026-2027 YEAR – NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS
We hope we can count on you to join us this year. We invite you to get involved and make a difference! Please complete both the membership form and the volunteer interest form.
We have a new option this year to purchase a program bundle which includes 7 events throughout the year, over $100 in value for 20% off:
Just like last year, we’re excited to offer a dedicated Social Play area! This fun, relaxed option was a favorite for those who love Mah Jongg but aren’t quite ready to dive into tournament play.
For every donation of $25 to Beth Torah Sisterhood, you will receive an entry into the drawing for an electronic mah jongg table.
Raffle Prize description: Automatic Mahjong Table with 2 Sets of 152 Tiles (36mm), Folding Mahjong Table with Wheels Suitable for American Mah Jongg, including 4 player racks. Valued at approximately $950. Note: Table comes unassembled with online tutorial available for set-up.
Raffle drawing will take place at the end of the 8th Annual Esther Cohen Mah Jongg Tournament on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Congregation Beth Torah, 720 W. Lookout Drive, Richardson 75080. You do NOT need to be present to win. We will notify the winner if not present. Table will be shipped to your home.