It's February, the frigid month when we warm our hearts with thoughts of love and … chocolate! We Jews have a special relationship with this delectable treat: ancestors of ours who managed to escape the deadly Spanish Inquisition took the secret of chocolate-making with them and spread it throughout the rest of the Western world. Join Sisterhood on Sunday, February 12th at 10 AM., and learn all about this intriguing history and many other tantalizing secrets as we celebrate Jews and Chocolate. Bring your own favorite chocolate stories and be prepared to sample all kinds of luscious goodies. This delicious program is open to all. In March, we'll be exploring another fascinating facet of Jewish history. On Wednesday, March 21st, Sisterhood is sponsoring a visit to the Emma Lazarus exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage at 36 Battery Place in Manhattan. Admission is free from 4 to 8 PM, and we'll meet in the lobby at 6 PM. All are welcome. Gail Levine -Fried is coordinating the program. Please call her at 718-338-6123 to let her know if you will be joining us. Watch this space and your mail for more information about the many great programs Sisterhood has coming your way. Plan to be with us for them all, beginning with Jews and Chocolate on February 12th. As beloved cartoonist Charles M. Schulz pointed out: "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

-Barbara Brett, Secretary

A warm and wonderful circle of friendship and caring is waiting to welcome you. It's Sisterhood of Union Temple. We are women of all ages and interests who find joy in one another as we come together to celebrate our heritage, to socialize, to share, and to learn. As a member of Sisterhood, you will also be adding your voice to our national organization, Women of Reform Judaism. Together we work for the benefit of Jewish youth and education, for the empowerment of women as advocates on issues of vital importance to Reform Judaism, and to perform the mitzvah of bringing hope and help where they are needed.

Sisterhood has a great year planned: stimulating guest speakers, exciting expeditions, and our fun-filled auction and holiday sales. In addition, there are our popular Rosh Chodesh Seders, celebrating women's many roles in life and in keeping our religion, culture, and people alive through the ages.

We look forward to welcoming you to all our programs. You'll find that they are very special times of warmth, friendship, and sharing. So be good to yourself. Add your voice, your heart, and your hands to ours as together we reach out to help our temple, our community, and our world.