NJ Jewish News on-line | Red Bank professional to head Conservative group

Ann Goldman of Red Bank has been appointed the new executive director of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism, the largest synagogue-based women's organization in the world.

She will work with WLCJ leadership and professionals, along with the leaders of other Conservative organizations, to develop an agenda that she hopes will expand and enrich the role of women in the Conservative movement.

"The league's programs and projects are geared toward education, religious observance, support of the Israeli state, public policy, and advocacy," Goldman told NJ Jewish News. "There are many women who are minimally engaged with their synagogues who are looking to step up and increase their participation, but they need a compelling reason to do so.

"WLCJ provides the resources for women to expand their knowledge and commitment to Judaism, participate in contemporary issues, and support Jewish ideals on a worldwide basis."

The league, which was founded in 1918, also is undergoing a period of growth and change, Goldman said. It is participating in the Conservative movement in a more proactive way, especially through its educational processes, she said.

"Women lay leaders have become more energized, and they are willing to work harder than ever to create a stronger sense of self," said Goldman. "As a result, there is a feeling that women are creating and leading new, vigorous educational programs while they continue to study the future needs and direction of Women's League."

In addition, there is a growing awareness of the impact of women's voices on the world stage, she said.

"There is a strong sense that Conservative Jewish women are represented on the world stage and on the Jewish stage," said Goldman. "There is also a sense of celebration of women's voices in these new venues, and it's a positive, empowering experience for individual women and women's organizations."

As part of increased community outreach efforts, the league is expanding its development of political education materials for its affiliated sisterhoods, broadening training sessions for lay-driven leadership, and examining areas in which the Conservative movement's female leadership wants to expand, Goldman said.

"These changes are necessary to meet the changes in Jewish society and the growth of women within that society," she said. "They are acknowledgments that the league's mission is growing and changing with the times."

Goldman's passion for Judaism has been reflected in her life and career choices. She grew up in a Conservative Jewish home in Brooklyn (one of her grandmothers was a member of the American Jewish Congress), and received a bachelor's degree in education from Goddard College and a graduate degree in special education from Columbia University.

Before moving to Monmouth County eight years ago, she was the director of professional development and school services for the Commission on Jewish Education of Palm Beach County in Florida.

"I can't pinpoint exactly when my feelings about my religion became so strong and committed," Goldman said. "But somewhere along the way, something deep inside me woke up, and my devotion has increased over the years. I think tikun olam is a big part of how I feel — my interest in education was always about improving people's lives. That has led to a path of fulfillment in my own life."

She also feels committed to Israel.

"It's my responsibility — my obligation," said Goldman. "I'm here for a purpose, and part of that purpose is to try and make the world a better place. One person can make a difference, but that involves an awareness and acknowledgment of different views and different belief systems. I've been incredibly lucky to know my direction and then to find a career that is in alignment with it. I've been on the right path — it found me and I found it."

Goldman and her husband, Dr. Fred Stone, a pathologist at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, live in Red Bank with Goldman's three children, Mikah, 26, Eli, 19, and Adam, 16. She and her husband are members of Congregation Brothers of Israel in Long Branch. Goldman is also a member of Temple Beth Ahm in Aberdeen.

"I think my family is very aware that this is an exciting time for the Jewish community," said Goldman. "I think we will be hearing new ideas and a fresh take on many of the issues surrounding our communities. Jewish women have always played pivotal roles in our families, congregations, and the greater community.

"Women are especially good at thinking divergently and formulating action plans," she continued. "I believe that women will be increasingly visible in re-energizing the movement."