14
The Sisterhood under president Celia Tanzman, continued the theatrical tradition of the Daughters of Israel in 1952 when it was decided to put on a play under the direction of Dr. Moses Polowin, with Ruth Zatzman and Lillian Goldstein as assistants. The short plays "Overlaid", a Robertson Davies play and "South Persia", an adaptation of "South Pacific" from the Conservative United Synagogues, were presented on March 23, 1952. This presentation and its success laid the foundation for the establishment of the Jewish Community Players in December 1952.15
Cover of program for Sisterhood presentations of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
16
First page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
17
Second page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
18
Third page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
19
Fourth page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
20
Fifth page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
21
Sixth page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
22
Seventh page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
23
Eighth page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
24
Ninth page of program for Sisterhood presentation of Overlaid and South Persia, March 23, 195223 March 1952
Carleton Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
25
Certificate of honour presented to the Shaarei Zedek Sisterhood.13 May 1980
unknown
26
Though the Saint John Jewish community had been Orthodox since its inception, it was first suggested to the Sisterhood by Mrs. Guskin Levi of Fredericton in 1944 that they affiliate with the Conservative United Synagogues of America. The Sisterhood joined the Women's League for Conservative Judaism in 1947-1948. In 1952, president Rose Freedman wanted to find out if they could join an Orthodox women's organization. Questions were raised why they needed to change organizations after belonging to the League for five years. The decision was made to remain with the Conservative organization. Rose Freedman was appointed a regional vice-president of the Women's League's Eastern Canadian Branch in 1955.Despite continued concerns about Orthodox women belonging to a Conservative group, the Sisterhood retained its membership. A September 1957 visit by National President, Mrs. Louis Sussman of New York, who conducted a leadership training course, seemed to solidify the Sisterhood in the League. The Sisterhood presaged the eventual joining of Congregation Shaarei Zedek with the Conservative movement in 1959-1960. The Sisterhood has left and rejoined the Women's League a number of times. Since the Women's League is so centred in the United States and central Canada, it has been felt that the League has not been able to give them all they wanted in terms of support and useful programs for a smaller, Canadian community.
27
Combined Sisterhood Hadassah meeting1980
Saint John, New Brunswick
 |
 |
 |
 |