Our Sisterhood

 
 Our Sisterhood’s roots go back to 1838 when a group of women (principally Sally Lopez and Penina Moise) organized a school to teach the congregation’s children about Judaism and Jewish heritage.  This group was called The Society for the Instruction of Hebrew Doctrine.  The Beth Elohim Sunday School became the second Jewish Sunday School in America.  In 1844, a more formal women’s group was created to allow women a greater role in congregational and community life.  Thus began The Hebrew Ladies Sewing Circle, the first organized Sisterhood in America.    Our affiliation with the Union of Reform Judaism began November 2, 1873 and our affiliation with the Women of Reform Judaism December 5, 1916.   With names reflective of their times – Temple Guild, Sisterhood – the female members of this congregation have stepped forward to provide support in immeasurable ways, from a simple meal for a bereaved family to ongoing support for our Religious School, from a small gift for a new baby to significant Capital Campaign contributions.  Our members have been instrumental in the founding of the Charleston Ladies Benevolent Society, as well as the local chapters of Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women.    

  Our affiliation with the Union of Reform Judaism began November 2, 1873 and our affiliation with the Women of Reform Judaism December 5, 1916.   With names reflective of their times – Temple Guild, Sisterhood – the female members of this congregation have stepped forward to provide support in immeasurable ways, from a simple meal for a bereaved family to ongoing support for our Religious School, from a small gift for a new baby to significant Capital Campaign contributions.  Our members have been instrumental in the founding of the Charleston Ladies Benevolent Society, as well as the local chapters of Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women.    

 We raise money through dues, Chosen Treasures Gift Shop and special events. 

  We purchase equipment & small wares for Temple Kitchen. We also purchased our new High Holy days books. We sponsor our Sukk-Out with Brotherhood. and monthly Onegs and Bimah flowers. We have made donations to the Temple Restoration Fund and the Cemetery Restoration Fund. We partner with the Social Action Committee to provide outreach to the community. We help to provide Judaica through Chosen Treasures. 

 We provide annual donations to our Religious School and Temple youth groups. We provide funds for Camperships to Camp Coleman. We provide B'nei Mitzvah and Confirmation Gifts and welcome gifts to our new babies. 

 We have special interest programming. We honor a member each year with a Woman Who Makes A Difference Award. We have a special Matriarch event that honors the women for enhanced membership donations. We have a yearly Women's Seder, a Sisterhood Shabbat, and a Paid up membership event. We also provide for Leadership Development. 

 We provide meals to Sherman House, Jewish students at the Citadel and Hope Lodge. We do joint programming with Temple and other community organizations.