Register for Women of Rodef Sholom
Events & Membership Below
It’s Time to Join or Renew your WRS Membership
We’re One Woman Short Without You!
An Invitation to Make a Difference!
Women of Rodef Sholom is more than an organization. We're a mishpacha - a family, a sisterhood - on a mission to build a supportive, engaging, and joyful community.
Prepare for an enriching journey filled with inspiration and wonder, as we explore the world, and, when we see a need, repair it (tikkun olam).
Our membership year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, so it's time to renew or join!
Choose one of these three easy ways to renew or join:
Renew directly with WRS online
Mail your renewal by printing out and sending this form, along with your payment, to the address shown on the form
Renew your WRS membership when you renew your Congregation Rodef Sholom annual membership.
If you have already renewed your membership, thank you for being a valued member of the Women of Rodef Sholom, because, without you, we are one woman short.
For more information, please contact WRS Membership membershipwrs@gmail.com
How to engage with WRS
The new fiscal year for WRS begins July 1. The WRS Fiscal Year & Annual Membership time period is July 1 - June 30th. Your annual membership applies to this period of time for the given year. Have any questions regarding your membership or Not sure if your Membership is up to date? Email the Membership VP: membershipwrs@gmail.com
Bring your unique skills to one of the standing committees in the new year by sending your contact information to wrs@rodefsholom.org:
Membership through recruiting new members and planning events for our beloved existing members
Planning fun and meaningful sisterhood activities through our Programming endeavors
Performing important tikkun olam (repairing the world) through WRS Social Justice work
Volunteering in our beautiful retail Judaica Gift Shop in the JCC, recruiting shop volunteers, or bookkeeping for our treasured shop
Raising critical tzedakah (charitable funds) relied upon by our sisterhood-, congregational-, and wider communities.
WRS Events, Groups & Learning
Join a Koffee Kibbitz at Your Local Coffee Shop
Tuesday, April 1 in southern Marin
Wednesday, April 2 in the San Rafael area
More information will be emailed to you.
RODEF REAL SPEAKER SERIES
Dr. Jen Gunter on Hormones and Women's Health: Changes Across the Lifespan
April 2, 2025
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Rodef Sholom + Virtual
Join us for an enlightening and engaging evening with Dr. Jen Gunter, internationally bestselling author and renowned expert in women’s health, as she delves into Hormones and Women's Mental Health: Changes Across the Lifespan.
In conversation with Rabbi Stacy Friedman, Dr. Gunter will explore the often-overlooked connection between menopause and mental health, shedding light on how societal and medical gaps impact women's well-being. She’ll unpack the myths and truths about how hormones shape our mental health from perimenopause to postmenopause and beyond, offering strategies for lifestyle adjustments, medical interventions, and key questions to bring to a healthcare provider.
Check the Congregation Rodef Sholom website for more information.
WRS Monthly Walks
Join your neighbors and others for
monthly walks in Marin.
Our fun and relaxed WRS walking group will be in Tiburon this month. We walk for about an hour on flat paths throughout Marin. WRS monthly walks are a great way to connect with other women and nature.
Dates and location
April 6 - 10:00am
Hamilton Field Bay Trail, Novato
May 4- 10:00am
Las Gallinas Ponds, San Rafael
The Walking Group will meet inside the Northgate Mall in front of Macy’s in the event of inclement weather.
Register by emailing to WRSwalkinggroup@gmail.com with your name, email address, telephone number, and city or zip code. We will send you details before the walk. We can't wait to walk with you!
WRS Book Group
Monday, March 3, 2025
7:00pm on Zoom
Goyhood
by Reuven Fenton
April 7 The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel by Kati Marton
May 5 Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
Please email to wrs@rodefsholom.org if you would like to receive WRS Book Club updates each month.
Join the Knitted Knockers at
Congregation Rodef Sholom
Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Email Alissa Ralston for more information.
Women's Weekend Retreat
April 4-6, 2025
URJ Camp Newman, Santa Rosa
Join other WRS members at this weekend retreat.
“From Strength to Strength: A Weekend to Recharge & Rejoice”
Care Package Gathering for Your College Student
Saturday, March 30, 2025
3:00pm-4:30pm
Connect with moms and grandmoms of college kids
to assemble Passover-themed packages to send
to your student away at school.
We have cards, supplies, and light snacks. You bring your warmth and spirit and take home a package.
All are welcome whether you have a student away or not.
So We Will Have Enough Supplies for All
Visit Our Award Winning Gift Shop
for All your Needs & Gifts
Sales staff needed in the WRS Gift Shop
Have you ever considered yourself behind the counter meeting folks coming into the JCC and helping someone find that special gift?
We need you now! Flexible shifts and a 20% discount on your purchases.
Thinking about it? Email our Volunteer Coordinator to find out more.
Gift Shop Hours:
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-3:00pm
Friday 11:30am-2:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-12:30pm
Beautiful acrylic Seder plate from the Israel Museum in Jersalem
We won Favorite Gift Shop in the North Bay and Favorite Jewelry in the North Bay in the J Weekly.
Shop online for a great selection greetings cards, shofars, honey dishes, host gifts and much more. If you order at the WRS website, delivery is available in Marin.
Place an order for pick up or delivery.
If you are shopping for a talit, you can make an appointment by email to come in to the shop, or if you don't see what you're looking for in the Gift Shop, please ask for assistance by email.
We will help you find just the right item, and your purchase will help fund the programs of the Women of Rodef Sholom.
WRS Member in the News
Renowned Poet Dinah Lang
Dinah Lang, a former board member of WRS, made significant contributions during the time she was active in Sisterhood.
She is also a renowned poet with 16 full-length poetry books and has served as the Poet Laureate of Vallejo, CA.
Recently, her poem The American Dream was selected to be part of the 2025 Lunar Codex, a collection of contemporary art, literature, music, poetry, and film, which will be sent to the Moon via NASA's Artemis partners as a time capsule for future generations.
Get Involved with WRS!
WRS Monthly Team Meetings
Board of Directors Meeting
Membership Team Meeting
Programming Team Meeting
Social Justice Committee Meeting
Meet Claire Mikowski
Member-At-Large
How long have you been on the board of WRS and what keeps you staying involved?
This is my first year on the Board of WRS.
What is your favorite memory from a Women of Rodef Sholom event?
Favorite memory is participating in Sisterhood Shabbat.
In one word, what does Women of Rodef Sholom mean to you?
Community
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I worked as a script consultant on a special project for Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. It was a series of shows for hospitalized children called “I Am, I Can, I Will.”
What is something that you do for fun?
I swim for fun, exercise and relaxation.
What genre of music or literature inspires you?
I love the poetry and stories of folk music. Great writing takes me to places I have not seen and tells stories of inspiring people. Creative fiction is my favorite genre.
Who is your favorite Jewish woman and why?
My favorite Jewish woman is my mother.
She was way ahead of her time in education, independence, professionalism, dignity, and honesty. Leah Mikowski taught me sachel (Common Sense) and compassion. I adored her.
Meet Jeanette Rosen
Member-At-Large
What genre of music or literature inspires you?
I love just about every genre of music! I love music that makes me want to dance like R&B, New Orleans jazz, and Brazilian funk; music with evocative lyrics and beautiful harmonies like Celtic folk and bluegrass; and music that takes me on a journey of emotion or consciousness like Ethiopian jazz, Afropsychedlic, and the Grateful Dead.
Who is your favorite Jewish woman and why?
My mother in law Barbara has been a second mother to me. I lost my own mother as a young adult, and Barbara stepped in with love, acceptance, encouragement, support, and constructive correction when needed. Her energy and drive to be a force for good in the world is impressive and inspiring. From political organizing and civic activism to sponsoring an Afghan refugee family through HIAS, she puts her values into action. Her calendar is always packed with travel, volunteer commitments, and social gatherings, but she always finds time to help a sick neighbor, reach out to extended family, or otherwise care for and connect with others. I think Eshet Chayil was written for her!
How long have you been on the board of WRS and what keeps you staying involved?
I joined the WRS board this year and I am still learning about all our wonderful programs and events. From social justice work, to warm and light-hearted social events, to support for our religious school, to creative programming for seniors, to events and outings that engage with Jewish culture, there truly is something for everyone.
What is your favorite memory from a Women of Rodef Sholom event?
WRS recently co-sponsored the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra Songs of Truth concert featuring songs written by Jewish musicians imprisoned during the Holocaust. The program was incredibly powerful and moving, but my favorite part was volunteering to work the WRS-sponsored reception after the concert. From laughing in the kitchen with other amazing WRS women, to schmoozing with the musicians and guests that attended, it was a lovely day of connection and community.
In one word, what does Women of Rodef Sholom mean to you?
Sisterhood.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge baseball fan. Go Giants! I attend as many major and minor league games as I can during the season. I also spend way too much time studying player statistics and following minor league prospect development.
What is something that you do for fun?
I have always loved music and dancing. If I am ever in need of a spiritual lift or a change in mood, even a few minutes of dancing— with or without music— usually sets me straight.
WRS needs an Event Promotion Coordinator
Want to be More Involved?
WRS is looking to fill this position with someone who has good technical skills,
wants to know about WRS events in advance,
and will be in touch with all board members.
Interested? Email to wrspresident@gmail.com
World Zionist Congress Election
The 2025 election starts March 10!
The World Zionist Congress is the Parliament of the Jewish People all around the world (of the 500 delegates elected, 145 are from the United States). Our votes have a direct impact on how Judaism is practiced in Israel and how much funding our Reform Movement in Israel receives. The voting is only every 5 years.
By VOTING REFORM in the World Zionist Congress election, we can support our Reform Movement in Israel and our Jewish values of gender equality, pluralism, and tolerance.
Voting will be between March 10-March 14, 20205
Vote at www.zionistelection.org
Register and VOTE REFORM. Voting is open to all over the age of 18 who identify as Jewish.
Learn More about Women of Rodef Sholom's
Social Justice Activities
Current information for these organizationsis available on their websites.
Click on the link to each website.
The Women of Rodef Sholom is a proud member of the Women of Reform Judaism and WRJ Pacific District(WRJ PD). Sign up for the WRJ PD's weekly "Chai Line." WRJ “Advocacy Matters” Newsletter. Sign up here
Read about Rodef Sholom's Social Justice Activities & Other Events
Follow Link below to the MOC Website
Visit the Religious Action Committee Website through Link Below
Looking Back...
KOZY KIBBUTZ
February 13,2025
We were pleased that so many of you were able to pivot when rain canceled our in-person Kozy Kibbitz on February 13 and joined our virtual Kibbitz instead! Thanks to Immediate Past President Angela Giacomini for leading our wonderful discussion about Tu BiShvat and the beautiful nature that surrounds us.
Enjoying the SENIOR OUTREACH Tu BiShvat
February 5,2025
Please see photos to the Left
