Each year a committee of former recipients and Sisterhood members choose a Woman of Valor.  This year's honor goes to a well-deserving Sherry Harris.

Born in Memphis, TN and raised in Milwaukee, WI, with 2 younger brothers, Sherry attended Hebrew school for 5 years.  Although she wanted to be a Bat Mitzvah, at the time this was not customary. With the help of Rabbi Bentley, Sherry now studies along with 3 other congregational women to become B'not Mitzvah in May, 2009.

Teenage years saw activities like temple youth group, Pres.of the BBGs, AZA Sweetheart and high school clubs. As camper and counselor, she was "turned on" to the Jewish way of life. From high school, she attended the U. of Wisc.and graduated from Prospect Hall Secretarial School to become a legal secretary in Milwaukee.

Sherry met her late husband, Burt, on a trip to New Orleans. They married in 1965 and Sherry moved to New Orleans, where Burt practiced law as a trail attorney. She continued to work as a legal secretary and they raised 2 sons, Keith and Shepard.

During their 30 years in New Orleans, Sherry and Burt were very active in Cong. Gates of Prayer. Sherry's activities included Sisterhood President (Local and regional levels) of NFTS (now WRJ), SW Council UAHC (now URJ). She is a proud holder of Gates of Prayer Sisterhood's Golden Merit Award, Brandeis Women's Committee Irma Isaacson Memorial Award and honorary life-time memberships in Nat'l Council of Jewish Women, Brandeis and WRJ.

In 1995, taking early retirement, they sold their home, moved into a motorcoach and set about to see America, to find a place to spend their golden years. Their first visit to Hendersonville and Agudas Israel Synagogue (then on King St.) found them in the welcoming arms of Anne (of blessed memory) and Morris Kaplan.  Although they continued their search, Hendersonville quickly rose to the top of the list, as it met all their criteria.

Sherry moved here in late Dec., 1999.  Making friends and becoming active in the synagogue, she served in numerous capacities as committee chair or officer on the Board of Trustees and Sisterhood. Her accomplishments include co-coordinator of Sisterhood's successful outreach project "Touch of Judaism" event and AIC's first ever "Shabbat Across America/Canada Service and Dinner". She is also active in the community on such projects as Bounty of Bethlehem, Hands-On Children's Museum, Head Start Reading Program, Pardee Hospital Interfaith Chaplaincy Assoc. and the first Women Build Special Project with Habitat for Humanity.

As loving mother to Keith and Shepard, she has embraced her daughters-in-law, Debbie and Beckie, and spends quality time as Bubbie spoiling her 5 grandchildren - Jessica, Emily, Avital, Solomon and Abraham.

We are very proud to present this award to Sherry Harris, a woman who is caring, compassionate and giving.  She has devoted her time, effort and leadership to Agudas Israel and Sisterhood.  Sherry is deservfing of the honor to be called "Woman of Valor."  Mazel tov, Sherry!

The Shabbat Service is conducted entirely by Sisterhood women, followed by an elaborate Oneg.  Below are photos of past events.