Spotlighting Women of Solel

I have been fortunate to have some great women to work with. If Women of Solel can add a positive dimension to the synagogue we are happy

The above quote is from Jayne Temple in an e-mail exchange with me after her Women of Solel Committee report to Solel’s 2023 AGM. As I continue to spotlight the teams and groups that make Solel the kind of Synagogue that we are proud of, I too am happy that our Women of Solel add so much to our community.

Women of Solel started planning this year’s programs and initiatives with an opening meeting and dinner in October 2022 at the Apricot Tree Café. In addition to breaking bread together, the eleven members, including two recent recruits, discussed ideas for new programs and initiatives. Here are a few examples of their achievements.

• In June they led a guided walk of the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens to see and appreciate the magnificent display of Rhododendrons during the peak season of bloom

• In July they sponsored a very well-attended private guided tour of the Benares Historical House in Clarkson that was followed by a picnic lunch

• For the Food and Stories event they made egg roll wraps and stamp cookies on the new stove in the Solel kitchen and shared family recipes and personal stories.
• For the Seeds of Hope Chili project they held two cooking afternoons, making huge pots of chicken chili, packaged in large ziplock freezer bags and delivered to feed the homeless around the GTA.
• Women of Solel participated in Ontario’s Charitable Gaming Corporation (formerly Bingo) sessions to support various organizations in Mississauga including Erinoakkids, Heart House Hospice, Pathway Breakfast Club, and Our Place, Peel. In addition, these funds have also helped make Solel’s services more accessible by supporting the recent upgrading of our worship technology and sound systems (I will be spotlighting the work of all Solel’s gaming participants in a future blog).
• During the COVID lockdown, always creative and flexible, Women of Solel adapted their strategy to provide Zoom programming to members. Sessions included presentations on strength and stretching, resume preparation and interviewing skills, estate planning, and preventative pet care.
• Most recently, Women of Solel have been exchanging ideas with Solel’s Mitzvah Committee. With the help of Marlene Tash, they identified three priority tasks: cooking, baking, and delivering food for the holidays; preparing and delivering food for people who are sick; and driving people to medical appointments and on errands.
• And we all enjoyed the beautiful and meaningful Rosh Chodesh service, the first of the month of Iyar lead by Women of Solel

As you can see Women of Solel have a huge impact on both our synagogue experience and the greater community. I hope many readers of this blog will become inspired to support and engage with this caring and enthusiastic team. As we start the celebratory year of our 50th anniversary, I cannot think of a better way of being part of a committed group of friends while also fulfilling the mitzvah of tzedakah. Our board greatly appreciates their engagement.

John

P.S: If you would like to be part of this great team or hear more about what Women of Solel is planning for the next year, please reach out to Jayne Temple.

Filed under: President's Message

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