Sisterhood of

The History of Our Sisterhood

Did you know? Sisterhood has been a part of the Temple Emanuel community since the very beginning!

Initially known as the Ladies Sewing Society, Temple's first auxiliary was founded in 1874 along with the Temple Emanuel congregation. The group donated the carpet and furniture for the first temple at 19th & Curtis. During the early years, the group sponsored a fair each December to raise money for additional items for the new building.

In 1913, members of our Ladies Auxiliary, as it was known at the time, traveled to Cincinnati to help organize the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS). Our group affiliated as a founding member and became Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel. Emma Sigmund was the first  Sisterhood president.  Another Sisterhood leader, Rachel Schwartz, led Saturday afternoon Bible classes that were inspirational to many members; ever since, Sisterhood honors her memory by recognizing Temple's outstanding female confirmand each year with the Rachel Schwartz Award. 

In the following decades, Sisterhood held "dormitory teas" or card parties to raise funds for the erection of a dormitory at the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati (still known today as the Sisterhood Dorm). Our organization was also a primary supporter of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), and the Jewish Braille Institute (JBI, now JBI International). Through its connection with NFTS, our Sisterhood advanced the role of women in Jewish life, as many of our members took a place in the leadership of the Reform Movement.

Congratulations to Beth Huerta, 2026 Sisterhood Volunteer of the Year 

Beth Huerta has been a wonderful, enthusiastic, and joyful addition to the Sisterhood Board for the past four years.  As a volunteer, Beth has made a significant impact to the Sisterhood by contributing her time, talents, and passions in multiple ways. 

Beth has consistently raised her hand to help with everything from stuffing envelopes for our annual membership drive and volunteering in our Judaica Shop to adding her considerable insight and nonprofit experience to our Bylaws committee. As the Chair for both Sisterhood's Honey from the Heart fundraiser and annual Women's Seder, Beth exemplifies leadership by taking on tasks with an efficient, no-nonsense attitude while also embracing her co-volunteers with a warmth and a grace befitting her Southern roots. 

One Board member offered the following tribute: "Beth has demonstrated exemplary leadership of the Seder planning committee for the last two years, which resulted in increased attendance and consistent positive feedback from attendees. Plus,  Beth's leadership style has empowered the committee members to use their respective skills and talents to make the Seder meaningful, spiritual, and inclusive for all." 

An Atlanta native with two grown children and four grandchildren under age 7, Beth's life is full with family adventures as well as weekly games of Mah Jongg and Canasta with friends. She says Temple Emanuel is a special place and she is grateful to be a member of such a forward-thinking synagogue. 

Thank you, Beth, for all you do for Sisterhood and the Jewish community!