Women's Auxiliary/Sisterhood
The Women's Auxiliary was established on 7 January 1917 and included 13 of the community's most prominent women on the original executive. Their mission was to "further the spirit of Judaism in the communal, spiritual and home life of Hebrews of Sudbury and surrounding districts." The first president was Mrs. Hyman Ironstone. Monthly dues were set at $0.50 a month and the women met twice a month, usually at one of their homes for tea and bridge.
During the early years, the sisterhood group ran a number of activities, which included the annual Chanukah and Purim parties as well as dances and picnics at the lake. The indoor events were often held within the shul, but also took place at theatres and the local Orange Hall. The Purim party was always a grand occasion, with all of those attending showing up in costume. Prizes were awarded to those guests who had the best and most comic costumes. They would have musicians play, so that people could dance, and refreshments would be served to the guests. A raffle was often held as a way to raise money and gifts were given out to the winners. The annual picnic was also a favourite activity in town. Everyone who was available would attend and the women would serve beer, pop, ice-cream and watermelon.
All of the proceeds from these activities would be donated to a variety of causes and charities. For instance, the sisterhood would support the shul by paying for fuel, a portion of the rabbi's salary, cleaning, as well as the mortgage. In 1923, the women were able to pay off the mortgage by donating $500 to the synagogue. In addition, they also contributed funds to support destitute Jews in Palestine, the Ukrainian Orphan's Fund, the Montreal Maternity Hospital, the Red Cross, as well as many other worthy causes over the years. They also tried to support local Jews in need. When someone required a little money or a loan, they were willing to help them out.
