The Sisterhood of Park Avenue Synagogue was the first officially recognized Arm of the Park Avenue Synagogue. Its members have a long tradition of service and leadership in our Synagogue and in the broader New York Jewish commnunity. In planning its program each year, the Sisterhood tries to balance the need for stimulating intellectual activities and the need for enjoyable social occasions. We believe that a rewarding Jewish life requires both continuous learning and the development of warm social relationships with the community.

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What type of organization is the Sisterhood?

The purpose of the Sisterhood is to provide a rich and varied program of educational, cultural, and social activities during the daytime for its members and for other congregants. These activities include:

• courses and lectures that enhance our understanding of ancient and modern Jewish thought;
• book discussions, museum visits, films, and lectures that explore our cultural past and contemporary issues affecting American Jews;
• Hanukkah parties, luncheons, and other events that allow us to meet with old friends and make new friends in a warm social setting.

Who belongs to the Sisterhood?

The members of the Sisterhood are a highly diversified group of women. Some have had careers in education, law, medicine, accounting, and business. Others have played an active role in the Synagogue and in Jewish organizations while raising their families.

What types of educational activities are sponsored by the Sisterhood?

Education is a high priority for the Sisterhood. We therefore sponsor a course in Contemporary Jewish Thought and Practice that meets on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 am. This course, led by either Rabbi Cosgrove and Rabbi Graetz relies heavily on group discussion on topics of a religious and philosophical nature. Our roundtable discussion also involves study and discussion of the works of noted Jewish thinkers such as Mordecai Kaplan, Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Martin Bruber. The Sisterhood also sponsors the annual “Vicki Wimpfheimer Memorial Lecture”. This lecture is designed to offer new perspectives on ancient and modern Jewish thinkers. A different speaker will give the lecture each year. Recent lectures covered the life and ideas of Maimonides and Spinoza, as well as the thoughts and ideas of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

What about the cultural and social activities?

There is something to interest everyone, when joining the Sisterhood, such as films, museum trips, book discussions and lectures by outside speakers. In the recent past, we viewed and discussed award-winning Israeli films and documentaries, including the beautiful film "Homage to Chagall", visited The Jewish Museum to view and discuss the Camille Pissarro exhibition, visited Temple Emanu-El and the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica, as well as hosted a festive Hanukkah party. We also talked with several acclaimed authors, and read some fascinating books. We’ve continued the very popular Daytime Book Discussion Group of P.A.S. This group examines both fiction and non-fiction books related to Jewish topics. We are also are proud to present our third year of the Sholom Aleichem Yiddish Club, open to all levels.

Does the Sisterhood participate in any charitable activities?

Yes, every year the Sisterhood raises money for charity. This money goes to a variety of Israeli and American-Jewish organization.

Are there more benefits?

Yes! Membership in the Sisterhood automatically brings you membership in the Metropolitan Branch of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. You will receive the League’s magazine Outlook, and invitations to events sponsored by Met Branch. These interesting events allow us to mix with women from other Conservative synagogues in New York who share our interest in Jewish affairs.

How do I join the Sisterhood?

The annual membership fee is $50.00 which will be billed to you at a later date. New members of Park Avenue Synagogue are entitled to free membership for a year. Please contact Sisterhood President Sherry Cohen at 212-988-4946, or the Synagogue offices with any and all questions!