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Greetings from your newly installed Region President. I was honored to represent the ICR region along with Denise Mosk.
The Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ) gathered recently for its convention, bringing together sisterhood leaders, educators, clergy, and lay volunteers from across North America and beyond. The multi‑day event celebrated the strength of Conservative Jewish women, highlighted innovative programming, and reaffirmed WLCJ’s mission of education, service, and spiritual growth.
Among the most meaningful moments of the convention was the presentation of the Jewels in the Crown awards—national recognition bestowed upon sisterhoods that demonstrate exceptional achievement, creativity, and commitment in their programming and community engagement. This year, ICR’s Sisterhoods proudly earned a number of these distinguished honors.
A Celebration of Excellence
The Jewels in the Crown award recognizes sisterhoods that excel in areas such as:
- Torah study and Jewish learning
- Social action and community service
- Support for synagogue life
- Leadership development
- Innovative programming
- Engagement of diverse generations of women
ICR stood out for its consistent dedication to meaningful programming and its ability to bring women together in ways that strengthen both the synagogue and the broader community. Judges noted the sisterhood’s blend of tradition and creativity—ranging from holiday workshops and social justice initiatives to intergenerational events and educational programs that deepen Jewish identity.
A Moment of Pride for ICR
Representatives from ICR attended the convention and accepted the award on behalf of the entire sisterhood. The recognition was met with heartfelt applause, as fellow delegates celebrated the hard work and passion that ICR’s women bring to their community.
Leaders expressed gratitude to the volunteers whose energy fuels every program, as well as to the synagogue community that supports and participates in sisterhood initiatives. The award serves not only as a national acknowledgment of excellence but also as inspiration for continued growth and innovation. The following Sisterhoods were awarded The Jewels in the Crown:
Tifereth Israel Women’s League, Des Moines, IA
Congregation Beth Shalom Sisterhood, Overland Park, KS
Temple of Aaron Sisterhood, St. Paul, MN
Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Amoona, St. Louis, MO
Congregation Brith Shalom Sisterhood, Bellaire, TX
Congregation Shearith Israel Sisterhood, Dallas, TX
Congregation Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA
Congregation Agudas Achim Sisterhood, Austin, TX
Congregation Beth Torah Sisterhood, Richardson, TX
Looking Ahead
The WLCJ convention emphasized the importance of connection, learning, and leadership—values that ICR’s sisterhood embodies daily. With the Jewels in the Crown award now proudly added to its accomplishments, ICR looks forward to expanding its programming, welcoming new members, and continuing to enrich Jewish life through service, study, and community. The honor is a reminder that when women lead with purpose and creativity, they truly become the jewels that illuminate the crown of Jewish communal life.
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