On April 19, 2020, the Ahavath Achim Sisterhood will commemorate its 100th Anniversary from 4 to 7 in the afternoon with a celebration of our past, present and future at our synagogue on Peachtree Battle Avenue.
The symbol of our Sisterhood is of the Four Matriarchs: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. They symbolize strength and grace, open to new challenges, new paths and opportunities, while embracing Jewish heritage and tradition and encompassing the total synagogue community. We are an active part of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, an international organization.
The first mention of a Sisterhood at Ahavath Achim Synagogue was in 1920 when the synagogue was located on Washington Street. The minutes of the first meeting were taken in Yiddish and recorded in a black spiral notebook. Dues were $2 per member, paid semi-annually. It was the roaring twenties, and the population of Atlanta was approximately 200,000 people. Atlanta and the Sisterhood have grown up together!
For 100 years, the focus of the Sisterhood has always been the education of the children of our synagogue. Our focus has expanded to include adult education, community involvement and social action. Sisterhood has offered hospitality to soldiers during WWII, collected furniture for Holocaust survivors, recorded readings for the blind, translated books into Braille and helped settle Russian immigrants to our area. We are active participants in Habitat for Humanity builds, the Hunger Walk, Backpack Buddies for elementary school children, Back to School supplies for victims of sex trafficking, education of recent immigrants, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
The Sisterhood has embraced the technology of the 21st Century and adapted its programming to meet current needs. We sponsor annual educational programs for our congregation about cancer and other health related issues. We provide scholarships for summer camping experiences and leadership training for our students. Sisterhood Shabbat, a service lead entirely by our women, is a highlight of the year. Monthly book group discussions and study sessions with the rabbis are enjoyed by our members, and our younger members have special interest meetings three times a year.
Ahavath Achim Sisterhood is the heart and soul of the Ahavath Achim Congregation!
For more information on Ahavath Achim Sisterhood Centennial Celebration please contact: Betty Behr – behr.betty@gmail.com or Susan Hart Sandler – susanhsandler@gmail.com.
Written by Sisterhood Member Donna Newman
