This year Purim coincided with International Women’s Day and many of us within the community of US women had a spring in our step as we celebrated with a Megillah Reading Led By Women, For Women. Over 60 women took part in leyning from the megillah in the various services – often held in shul - with over 400 women attending (often with their daughters) and there is already a buzz of excitement as they look forward to repeating the experience next year. Read our article on the first ever women’s reading held at Muswell Hill Synagogue to see what we mean.

February saw exciting developments within the world of US women.  Not only did we have the inaugural [annual] US Women’s Conference, but also we have been asked to engage with the community-wide survey and attend the open forums initiated by the JLC Commission on Women in Jewish Leadership. As one of the ways to address the gender imbalance in Jewish leadership, the Commission is encouraging women to become involved and stand for senior leadership positions in high profile organisations like the Board of Deputies. 

January seems to have flown by - it is hard to believe that it is already February and the days are begining to grow longer (albeit very slowly). With the birds starting to arrive it is also time to look forwards, to hope that we can put into effect the promises we made to ourselves at the turn of the year and to pray that our dreams and wishes will come true. The first step may be difficult, but as with most things, the path becomes smoother as we travel along it.