B’nai Mitzvah
Judy Gottesman, Jackie Grossman, Alicia Lieberman, Ruthanne Ranz Appell, Esther Stone and Andrea Zanko
In the fall of 2024, six ladies — a psychotherapist, a UCSF professor, an architect/physical therapist, a musician, a librarian and a genetic counselor, ranging in age from 73 to 90 years — decided to undertake the preparations for a shared b’not mitzvah.
We were extremely fortunate to have Sander (Sandy) Stadtler agree to be our wise, caring teacher; hence our name became the “Ladies of the Sand” as we crossed the desert with our guide. The year was spent in study and meaningful discussions about life and death and moral clarity. Our diverse experiential and spiritual lenses raised questions, and we debated and we compromised — always with respect, a sense of humor and an appreciation for the values of others.
We committed with our hearts and minds, and on Nov. 8, 2025, we became b’not mitzvah in front of our Kol Shofar community filled with family, friends and congregants. It was a glorious day, with tears of joy and happiness. The Ladies of the Sand forever became Sisters of the Sand — and we will always treasure the divine experience and the magic of that day.