Chai Mitzvah Magic in Motion

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

It’s 1:30 PM and I’m going into my fourth meeting of the day. I’m so hungry that I can’t think. I am prepared to make this upcoming meeting go as quickly as possible by just answering questions, not adding any additional information. 

The meeting is with Anita Gordon, a group facilitator who is running a WRJ (Women of Reform Judaism) group. We are meeting to go over how to integrate the special WRJ materials, designed to focus on topics of interest to WRJ members, with the Jewish Journeys curriculum. Like all of the WRJ women I have worked with, she is intelligent, well organized, and thoughtful.

This group is the second Chai Mitzvah group at Temple Sinai, Pittsburgh. Anita couldn’t get into the first group, so she started this one. A great facilitator, Anita used techniques such as an opening ice breaker, and dividing her group of ten into two parts to discuss text and then return as a whole for shared conversation. For POP-portunities, she has some members of her group joining her in visiting a women’s shelter. Anita and I agree that every group facilitator (including myself) worries about forming a cohesive group. I think she is doing it very well! 

The topic we’re working on is Judaism and the Environment. We look at some of the texts and begin discussing them. Slowly, the Chai Mitzvah magic begins to work. 

Slowly, the Chai Mitzvah magic begins to work.

We both have lots to say about the topic, and before you know it, we are also talking about observations we have made in our lives, what is important to us, our children and grandchildren, and more. 

I no longer want to make this meeting end quickly. I love hearing what Anita is saying. I’ve made a new friend.

Thank you Chai Mitzvah magic!

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