April - May 2023 Newsletter

APRIL - MAY 2023

Volume XXVI - Issue 4

Dear Friends,

After much consideration, I have decided that two years of steering our Brandeis Desert Chapter through a pandemic, loss of members nationwide, and a general membership malaise…it’s time for me to step down from the presidency.

I am pleased to be leaving on a high note. Our efforts to attract new members have been very successful. The attendance at our social gatherings has continued to grow and our latest Book and Author event was a sold-out smashing success.

In one of my first newsletters, I mentioned that I was starting my tenure with an Executive Board of exceptionally capable women. I’m so proud of the ladies who have given unstinting commitment during my two years in office. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of their names.

Vice President and Event Chairman, Beverly Ross, a remarkable artist, has beautified events with elegant flower arrangements and delightful place cards. Beverly never says, “no” when asked for help. Join us to honor her at our Woman of the Year Luncheon on Friday, April 28, 2023. See flyer in this newsletter.

Vice President, Carol Radin, has worked magic with the creation of exciting study groups for many years. Everyone wants to join our book clubs, our current

events and writing groups. Carol is a person whose brains and dependability are enviable. She’s one of a kind. Gail Fisher, smart and caring is our new study group chair.

Gail Minkow, the exceptional person who does our bulletin newsletters and flyers, could probably run the world if the job were available. Gail gives 100 percent to every job she tackles. I wish we could all bottle her energy.

Our Membership duties have been divided between Eleanor Blank and Barbara Friedman. These wonderful ladies had a most important job…the management of member applications and money. Kudos for a job well done.

Sandi Eichberg did a great job as recording secretary and Jean Carrus, as always, kept me informed of Roberts Rules of Order when I goofed. Thanks ladies.

It has been a real honor to serve. I’m truly proud to have been your president. I hope to see everyone for a hug at our Woman of the Year event.

Charlene Williamson

President, Brandeis Desert Chapter

Visit our website

Click for BNC Board

Don't miss out! Please join us in honoring our very special Woman of the Year, Beverly Ross. She does so much for our Brandeis chapter and helps to make all our events beautiful.

To make it easier to read the flyer, double click on it and you can enlarge it.

Don't forget -- men are also invited to our luncheons.

VISIT THE BRANDEIS BOOTH

AT ISRAEL 75!

Israel 75 is free of charge to attend but bring your shekels or dollars for the wonderful Kosher food that Chabad of Rancho Mirage will be selling. There will be music, mini "Ted Talks," Israeli Dancing, vendors and much more.

Palm Valley School is at 35-525 Da Vall Drive, Rancho Mirage.

For more information about Israel 75, click here.

Celebrating a birthday, milestone or looking for the best way to honor the memory of a loved one? Brandeis National Committee offers Tribute Cards from $10-$500. Your donation goes towards education opportunities, scientific advancements, and supporting the Brandeis Libraries.

To donate directly through the BNC Desert Chapter, CLICK HERE for the

mail-in form. You can choose to donate using a credit card through Brandeis,

by clicking the link within the form. That link will also provide information on other giving opportunities.

The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry

The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry will reinvigorate the Brandeis Library's mission to empower its community to become scholars, creators, and innovators through the creation of two interactive additions to the Library. The first will be the construction of a research archive of original letters, photographs, documents and family objects that shed light on the life and the lasting contributions of Justice Louis D. Brandeis.

The second addition to the Brandeis Library will be the creation of a new Judaica reading room in the library. This space will provide the Brandeis community with a place to engage with Jewish texts outside of the typical classroom and religious environments. By presenting Jewish texts in conversation with writings from cultural and religious traditions from around the world, the room will serve scholars and students alike.

Marlene Sorosky

Pictured above right: Members Charlene Williamson and Linda Bergman; Above left: Members Sandi Benjamin and Beverly Ross; Bottom right: Guests Diane Wagman and Norma Nelson

Our March Book and Author luncheon was a huge success. 90 guests enjoyed lunch, shopping for jewelry and kitchen items and hearing from our celebrity chef and former teacher of many in attendance, Marlene Sorosky.