Remembering an Ayshet Chayl, Selma Weintraub (z”l) 

We share memories of Selma Weintraub (z”l), past national president of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, who passed away on July 24, 2024, at age 102.  

By Gloria Cohen, Past international president of Women’s League, 2002–2006 

I met Selma Weintraub in June 1986, when I went into Manhattan for the training of the branch presidents. Selma was completing her last term as president of Women’s League. As a “newbie,” I was excited, overwhelmed, anxious, and nervous. Selma sensed the tension, so she created a calm atmosphere and put us all at ease. She was enthusiastic, energetic, organized, and very friendly. You immediately felt comfortable in her presence. She took an interest in all the women of the class of 1986. 

I remember receiving a call from her in September of that year wishing me and my family a shanah tovah. As she was talking, I heard a chopping sound. I asked, “Selma, what is that noise?”  She answered, “Oh, I’m chopping the fish for yuntif.” 

As my involvement in Women’s League progressed, so did my friendship with Selma. She also became my “go-to person” through my Women’s League years. 

Although her formal education ended at 17, she never stopped learning. A good Jewish education was a high priority for her. 

Selma created ties with her grandchildren that she may not have seen frequently. She felt that giving gifts may be easier, but giving time is more significant. She would write letters regularly and share many conversations with the children and always ask them, “What did you learn today?” 

Selma was a true “organization” woman. She set many guidelines for working within groups. She would encourage women to set goals. She was wise in recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of individuals, and she would assign appropriate positions to the right woman so that she would not feel overwhelmed. She would teach and she would involve herself in what needed to be done while planning for the future.  Asking questions was always a top priority. Respecting other opinions and being sensitive to them was always important, as well as taking a firm stand on ethical and moral issues. She always stressed to learn from the past. Two modern cliches were her guides: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” and “Quitters don’t win, winners don’t quit.” 

In February 2011, Selma completed her book, Reflections On My Life. She dedicated the book to Morris “Tiny” Weintraub, her life partner for over 64 years. In her introduction she states: “Deepest gratitude to my devoted, caring, and cherished parents, Ida and Nathan Solomon, of blessed memory, who were my inspiration in writing my memoirs.” I miss her sage advice, her warm smile, and her endearing ways. 

By Razel Kessler, Former office administrator at Women’s League for Conservative Judaism 

My first memory of Selma was many years ago when I attended an archive workshop that she led at a Hudson Valley branch conference. She really got the participants inspired to bring back what they learned to their sisterhoods. I don’t remember if I realized at that time that Selma had been an international president of Women’s League.  Years later I had the opportunity to help her and the Women’s League archive committee in my capacity as office administrator. 

After her husband passed away, she eventually moved to the Hebrew Home in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, where many Women’s League members visited her. She brought her extensive doll collection which was put on display for all residents and guests. 

By Athena Carpousis Ellner, Past branch president Southern NJ, 1996–1998 

Selma Weintraub was a leader, mentor, teacher, and role model. She understood the strength in our “grassroots” Torah Fund campaign and our bonds as sisterhood women. I found her to be an excellent listener and advocate for creative innovations. During my many positions in Torah Fund, she was supportive of my ideas and work to restructure the Torah Fund team to spread the ownership of the campaign to more women. In keeping with the Women’s League format of having published guidebooks for our volunteers, I created the first published Torah Fund campaign guide. She may have appeared very petite standing next to her beloved husband, “Tiny,” but she was one strong determined woman.  May her memory be a blessing for all.