KJ Sisterhood History

KJ SISTERHOOD: How We Began

The KJ Sisterhood was started by Mrs. Gertrude Lookstein, of blessed memory. She said in an interview, just two months before her passing, that “KJ needed someone to pull it together. It needed socialization and so I began by starting the Sisterhood. I also started our women preparing and caring for Shiva houses….I was part of a community whether for solace or to lend a hand here or there...”

Many years later, the Sisterhood inaugurated an annual Gertrude Lookstein Award, whose first recipient was her daughter-in-law, Audrey Lookstein.  It was our way of honoring Mrs. Lookstein’s memory and emphasizing the important contributions of the KJ Sisterhood.

What We Do 

The Sisterhood continues Mrs. Lookstein’s initiative of preparing a Shiva home, including the first meal; contributing to KJ programs and activities, such as the communal Sukkah, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts; sending a welcome package to new members; and funding any unsponsored Shabbat kiddushim.

Who Benefits From Our Programs

Money raised through Sisterhood programming supports social action projects that benefit families and individuals in our community and around the world. The causes we have supported charitably in the past include: the Community of Sderot, Dorot, Hatzolah, the Israeli Defense Forces, Magen David Adom, Project Ezra, Sharsheret, the Jacques & Hanna Schwalbe Mikvah,  UJA, and of course, The Ramaz Scholarship Fund, among many others.  

How To Get Involved

We would love to have your participation. You can co-chair an event or offer your home as a venue, or simply come to an event to be with friends and meet new people. If you would like more information on how to get involved, contact any member of the Sisterhood Executive Committee at sisterhood@ckj.org.

Carla Tanz, President

Abby Doft, Treasurer

Marylene Friedman, Secretary