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PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
From WMO Co-President Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger
Dear friends,
We seem to be experiencing a “fake Spring” here in the Cleveland area. Fingers-crossed that we receive the real thing as Passover is almost here. Although I am reminded that in years past, we have had snow as late as May 1!
WMO has been quite busy in the last month and I hope that many of you were able to participate in some of the various activities. My personal favorite was cookie decorating with Luna Bakery providing fabulous cookies, instructions, and assistance.
The cookies were yummy and the fun and creativity was amazing.
In the next month we also have exciting activities planned. We look forward to many of you joining us on Sunday, April 12, for the first-ever WRJ/WMO Day of Action with U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown as the keynote speaker as well as a phenomenal panel of experts who will provide additional information in breakout sessions. Please plan to join us – it will be spectacular!
Additionally, for those in need of some relaxation and recharging (who isn’t!), the WMO Retreat at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Rabbi Elle Muhlbaum will be joining us all day. WMO is planning additional activities in the late spring and early summer, so please stay tuned – I look forward to seeing or meeting many of you soon.
One more item to share! Co-Presidents Ronna Kaplan and Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger accepted the Or Ami Silver Award from Women of Reform Judaism President Karen Sim at the Heartland District Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana (see photo above). This award was presented to the Women of Mishkan Or, for the Fundraising and Membership event in March 2025, WMO Challah Bake and Post-Passover Challah Sale.
Warm regards,
Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger
WMO Co-President
| | Note: WMO Co-Presidents Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger and Ronna Kaplan alternate sharing their perpectives in each newsletter. Questions or suggestions? Feel free to reach out to Jeannie and Ronna at jeannieCKMO@gmail.com and rskaplan1@gmail.com. | | |
** DAY OF ACTION REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 3.
** PICK UP COOKIE ORDERS AT TEMPLE ON APRIL 10.
** WMO RETREAT SIGNUP DEADLINE IS APRIL 15.
** MOTHER'S DAY PLANT SALE ORDERS DUE ON APRIL 17.
** WMO CLOSING EVENT IS ON JUNE 8.
** EXCITING NEW PROGRAMS PLANNED! SEE 'SAVE THE DATE' SECTION BELOW!
** Click 'VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE' at bottom of newsletter to see all events.
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THIS IS US
In each monthly newsletter, we introduce two members of WMO. This month, we would like you to meet Ellen Klein, pictured below left, and Ann Markoff. Click HERE to read their stories.
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WEEKEND OF REJOICING AND SINGING
Phyllis Berlas to be recognized at CMO Shabbat Service
Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m.
Phyllis Berlas, a WMO honorary board of directors member and Mitzvah Project co-chair, will be honored at the April 17 Shabbat service when she will receive the Lev Tov Award from the Heartland District of the Women of Reform Judaism. WRJ's Lev Tov Award honors one special woman in each sisterhood who exemplifies friendship, caring, leadership, and love. This is the first year for this WRJ award. WMO Co-Presidents Ronna Kaplan and Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger nominated Phyllis for the award and will present it to her on April 17. Phyllis exemplifies a "good heart" in all she does for our sisterhood and congregation.
The April 17 Shabbat service is part of a musical weekend of song and celebration when CMO's adult choir, Koleinu, will join in worship under the leadership of Cantor Kathy Sebo. Several WMO members lend their voices and musical talents to the choir.
On Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m. Koleinu members will join the Spring ChoralFest along with the debut performance of the newly formed children's choir, Zamiraynu. The fest is being presented by Mishkan Arts.
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* CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE DAY OF ACTION EVENT *
NOTE: DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, APRIL 3
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PAUSE, REFLECT, RECHARGE: A WMO RETREAT!
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
2600 S. Park Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
(RSVP DEADLINE IS APRIL 15)
Join WMO sisters on Saturday, April 25 at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes for a day of quiet reflection. A variety of activities are planned to ease the demands of everyday life. Learn strategies to support emotional well-being for all ages, enjoy a delicious lunch, immerse yourself in a guided nature walk, and end the afternoon with a beautiful Havdalah service. We are thrilled to have Rabbi Elle Muhlbaum with us for the entire day to share her wisdom, warmth, and spiritual guidance.
Cost: $18. Register early as space is limited. Registration closes on April 15.
Link to register is https://mishkanor.shulcloud.com/form/wmoretreat
HELP US PURCHASE ITEMS FOR THE RETREAT MITZVAH PROJECT
In the spirit of Tikkun Olam, retreat attendees will be putting together self-care kits for women and children to be donated to Women Safe, a group that provides emergency shelter and support to survivors of domestic violence. An Amazon wish list has been set up to purchase items for these kits. PLEASE consider a donation even if you are not able to attend the retreat. Click here for the Amazon link for self-care kit donations. (Please note that the gift donations through Amazon are going to the address of Jeff and Anna Boardman who are collecting the items for our group. Purchase deadline is April 17.)
Parking is limited at the Nature Center, so please consider carpooling. For a map of legal street parking click here.
NOTE: The retreat is open to WMO members only. Not a member? No worries. Join WMO now and your membership will extend to June 30, 2027. See below for how to join.
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Broadway is back. Join us!
Arnold Hirshon
Thursday, April 23
1-2:30 p.m.
Congregation Mishkan Or
WMO is bringing back Arnold Hirshon with one of his popular Broadway musical programs, Western People Funny (Broadway musicals set in foreign lands). Arnold, a lifelong theater fanatic, has enjoyed speaking to WMO on several occasions! He is the Vice Provost and Lindseth Family University Librarian Emeritus at CWRU.
RSVP by April 22 to jchirshon@gmail.com and put "Broadway" in the subject line.
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HEARTS AND HANDS
Join us to work on Mitzvah Projects!
If you can cut, paste, sew, knit, or crochet, we welcome your help!
Hello Dolly Factory meets every Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at CMO. The dolls are donated to Project ACT, which serves homeless families in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
Sunday, April 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m. is the next session for Sunday Mitzvah projects.
The group works on Number Books for the Cleveland Sight Center preschoolers, knitting or crocheting blankets for homeless families as well as new babies related to CMO congregants, and making EEG Pocket Vests for the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Parents are welcome to bring their children to these sessions.
On Wednesday, April 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m., WMO and the Women of Fairmount Presbyterian Church will meet at Congregation Mishkan Or to create Touch and Tell Alphabet books for preschoolers at the Cleveland Sight Center.
Questions? For dolls, call Debbie Lavin, 216-970-5901.
For vests, call Laurenda Messer, 216-371-0298.
For Touch and Tell books and blankets, call Phyllis Berlas, 216-381-8738.
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VIRTUAL BOOK & MOVIE DISCUSSIONS
All are welcome!
Zoom Book Discussions (all at 4 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 7, we will discuss Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser.
Tuesday, May 5, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Tuesday, June 2, Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
No meetings in July or August.
Tuesday, Sept. 8, Good People by Patmeena Sabit
Tuesday, Oct 6, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Zoom Movie Discussion
On Tuesday, April 21, at 4 p.m., we'll discuss Swedish Connection, available on Netflix.
On Tuesday, May 26, at 4 p.m., we will discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures, coming to Netflix on May 8.
Send RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com to get the Zoom link. Enter "Book discussion" or "Movie discussion" on the subject line.
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WMO TRADITIONS GIFT SHOP
Need some retail therapy? Visit Traditions, the WMO gift shop, and your spirits will be lifted! You will find jewelry, mahjong swag, holiday items and so much more!
Traditions is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. when Limmud is in session, Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment by calling Iris Kane at 216-225-2327 or Ilene Kammer at 330-338-4849.
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Lend a helping hand to CMO's Caring Community
We need your culinary skills!
A home cooked meal lifts our spirits. It says, "We care, we support you." The Transplant House of Cleveland (THoC), is a housing resource for individuals who are waiting for and recuperating from an organ transplant.
CMO's Caring Community provides a dinner for up to 50 individuals at THoC each quarter. We need more volunteers to continue this mitzvah. Individuals sign up to cook a part of a predetermined meal in their own home and deliver to a specific location (often CMO).
The next dinner is Wednesday, April 22. If you are interested in helping with this mitzvah please contact Maureen Ordman-Fike by email, rainslicktwo@yahoo.com, or text/phone, 440-221-8514. No ongoing commitment is required.
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WMO CLOSING EVENT:
WHERE GENERATIONS BLOOM!
Mark your calendars for WMO's closing meeting on Monday, June 8 from 6:45-9 p.m. at Congregation Mishkan Or. The theme is Where Generations Bloom to be celebrated with a lovely dessert reception. The cost is $18 per person.
Signup and other details to come soon.
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Rosh Chodesh, Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. at CMO
Back by popular demand! Brought to you by the 18th of Iyar, 5785! Please join the Women of Mishkan Or on Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. as Rabbi Yael Dadoun leads us in this year's Rosh Chodesh celebration of Lag b’Omer. Weather permitting, we’ll be outside in the Atrium with a traditional Lag b’Omer fire! S'mores, anyone?
Rosh Chodesh is a ritual that presents an opportunity for women to gather, spend quality time together and study. Join Rabbi Yael Dadoun as she shares her enlightening perspectives on women and Judaism.
RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com and put "Lag b’Omer" in the subject line.
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Join us for 'Hora' film & Israeli dancing
Sunday, May 17, 2-4 p.m.
CDFF viewing studio & office
3½ N. Franklin Street
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
(Only 39 seats available)
WMO invites you to join a field trip to Chagrin Falls for a special viewing of the documentary "Hora," which was shown during the annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in 2025.
CDFF viewing studio is located at 3 1/2 North Franklin St., Chagrin Falls.
After the movie, we'll get on our feet and engage in Israeli dancing led by Nomi from Ketzev Israeli Dance Troupe of Cleveland.
Public parking lot is located off of West Washington Street, in back of the CDFF office.
RSVPs close on May 11 or when the 39 seats are filled. Send to jchirshon@gmail.com and put "Hora" in the subject line.
About the documentary "Hora"
Just 100 years after the creation of the local hora dance, we go back to the great dream that began then and continues to this day. It is a legend telling the story of the formation of the folk dance movement through the voices of those who were once stars of this world. They reveal the women who brought with them styles, movements, and a variety of ethnic dances that helped shape the concept of culture - East and West - transforming it. "Hora" combines vivid archival footage with artful animations, interviews with choreographers and dance teachers, and present-day footage from dance rehearsals, festivals, and performances. It connects the past with the present as the dances are passed on from one generation to the next. Can these traditions survive our modern times, or are they doomed to become a relic?
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Our Sisters' Keepers
Our Sisters' Keepers will hold its quarterly meeting on Sunday, May 3 from 2-4 p.m. at the Orange Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH, 44124.
The topic will be: Pilgrimage is a part of many faith traditions. Let's share what is considered a pilgrimage in our faiths, how to prepare for it both spiritually and logistically, what happens during the journey and what are the expected and, for those who have done a pilgrimage, unexpected results.
Our Sisters’ Keepers is a women’s interfaith group started in 2017 by women from the Muslim Association of Cleveland East in Richmond Heights and East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirtland. It now includes members of numerous Muslim, Unitarian, Jewish, and Christian faith groups in northeast Ohio as well as unaffiliated individuals.
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Strong and Changing: A Woman’s Guide to Aging Well
Wednesday, May 20
7 p.m. at Congregation Mishkan Or
Join us for an engaging and empowering evening focused on women’s health and aging! From menopause to bone and brain health, to understanding medications, we’ll explore the changes our bodies experience—and how to navigate them with confidence.
Bring your questions! There will be plenty of time for an open Q&A with experts.
This timely and important program is one you won’t want to miss!
The experts include:
Ann Konkoly, MSN, APRN-CNM, MSCP, the Founder of Kultivate Women’s Health, a private practice in Beachwood.
Jean Marino, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in menopause, sexual health, and vulvar disorders.
Samantha Buckholtz, a Certified Nurse Midwife specializing in the care of women from their birth years through perimenopause and menopause transition as well as women's sexual health.
RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com and put "Women's Health" in the subject line.
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JOIN WMO TODAY!
Did you know that your membership supports our educational, spiritual, social, cultural, and social action/ justice programming and projects?
Annual Dues are $50 and may be charged by clicking on this link:
https://mishkanor.shulcloud.com/form/wmomembership
To pay by check, make out your check for $50 to “Congregation Mishkan Or” and put “WMO annual dues” in the memo line. Be sure to include your address, phone number and email. Mail it to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or drop it off at the front desk.
If you join now, your membership will extend through June 2027!
Membership questions may be directed to Janice Hirshon (jchirshon@gmail.com or 508-667-0195) or Maureen Ordman- Fike (rainslicktwo@yahoo.com or 440-221-8514).
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Photo Policy
Women of Mishkan Or regularly takes photos of members during events and shares some of them in our newsletters, on our Facebook page, and with local media. If you do NOT want your photo published, please contact Enid Yurman at enid.yurman@gmail.com and Ellen J. Kleinerman at ellen.kleinerman@gmail.com.
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WOMEN OF MISHKAN OR TEMPLE FUNDS
The following funds help support WMO's Mitzvah projects and many stimulating, entertaining, enlightening, and thought-provoking programs. Please consider contributing to these funds when honoring or in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. Your generous donations are much appreciated!
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- ALEXANDRA AND JOSEPH BERGER MUSIC FUND is used for special music events, lectures, and other programs.
- ARTHUR AND JOSEPHINE ELSOFFER FUND is used to purchase yarn and materials for our Mitzvah projects (lap and baby blankets and teaching dolls).
- THE GLORIA FINE WMO TZEDAKAH FUND in memory of Gloria Fine will be used to enrich and enhance WMO events as needed.
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ILEEN KELNER FUND supports Women of Mishkan Or special projects.
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JOANNE LEVY SCHOLARSHIP FUND is used for Scholarships and Leadership Training for Temple Youth.
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THE RALPH AND SHEILAH ORKIN TOUCH AND TELL FUND supports the Alphabet and Number Touch and Tell books for preschool children who are visually impaired.
- THE TWA TRIBUTE FUND supports Temple projects.
Make your donation check out to "Congregation Mishkan Or," and write "WMO" and the name of the fund on the check's memo line. Drop off or mail to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio 44122.
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WMO'S MISSION
Our Women of Mishkan Or (WMO) is an active group of women* who come together to further the highest ideals of Reform Judaism, by promoting fellowship among its members, supporting and strengthening Congregation Mishkan Or (CMO), and promoting education, religious and social action programming. This organization furthers the mission of the Women of Reform Judaism, a collective voice and presence of women in congregational life.
* WMO welcomes anyone who identifies as female, nonbinary, or gender fluid. WMO welcomes all who identify as Jewish or have a commitment to the Jewish community.
| | The monthly newsletters, weekly reminders, and other updates are designed, written, compiled and edited by WMO Communications/Marketing Co-Vice-Presidents Enid Yurman and Ellen J. Kleinerman. Send comments and requests to include your announcements in future newsletters to enid.yurman@gmail.com and ellen.kleinerman@gmail.com. | | | | |
