In the US, donate via The Schechter Institutes,Inc.
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Shalom!
It's ADAR; Be Happy! But wait there’s more – literally. With Rosh Chodesh today and this being a Jewish leap year, we welcome Adar II. We can extend our happiness for two straight months – well beyond any joyous dates on the Jewish calendar.
But what does this happiness mean exactly?
Can happiness be summoned on demand? Certainly, modern life being what it is, the cacophony of news we witness every day, and now, with the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine spotlighted minute by minute in the media, can we miraculously shut down our mind’s video and Be Happy?
Happiness is… (Fill in the blank). It’s life’s puzzle.
Some say that our search for happiness starts with basics, like our diet. There’s magical comfort food: chicken soup, French Toast made with challah, sweet kugel, rugelach. A lot of these foods come wrapped with memories that bring comfort; but happiness? Not exactly.
We can look to books for an answer. There are enough books on happiness that probably, if they were placed side by side, could circle the earth. The advice is as different as each of us. For example, we’re told that if we tidy up our homes and get organized happiness will be ours. Or, if that doesn’t work, there’s a book on how to use post-it notes with inspirational messages placed strategically throughout our home. You do have to take time to read them throughout your day, and it certainly doesn’t make for a tidy home -- which is a problem. There’s the happiness project, where we analyze our feelings every minute. Or another that guarantees how to find happiness in 20 Easy Steps – get those walking shoes out! And so, it goes. It’s a library of babel with strings of letters that make no sense.
Happiness ultimately is very personal in nature and in terms of Judaism, it’s cultural. It’s not something possessed or purchased with a click on Amazon. It’s a deeper perspective. Pirkei Avot 4 offers an insight on the personal Jewish approach to happiness. It notes, “Who is rich? They who are happy with their lot.”
Perhaps, Adar is a time we should look at our lot in life, beyond the material and life’s challenges. Through this lens, as a Jewish Community and as leaders in our community, we can understand that our happiness is a basic tenet of who we are. We read about this in this week’s parsha, P'kudei. Here we follow the detailed last requirements that the Israelites fulfilled to complete the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, and then learned that G-d’s abiding presence was in their midst.
This realization, central to our lot, is knowing that G-d is always with us – among us – taking care of us. Dovid Rosenthal, a responder with Ask the Rabbi,(aish.com), commented that life may not always be easy or the way we’d like …but it is always with G-d.
As Conservative Jewish Women we can be calm amidst strife and life’s challenges. We can sustain our dynamic participation in the many programs not only that Women’s League offers but those within our remarkable CGLR -- Programs enabling us to engage, learn, and remain vigilant stewards of our heritage. This issue of The WAVE is over-flowing with information on these. Please take time to click on them and see all that they offer.
So yes, its ADAR and we are Happy as defined in a deeper context… we’re grateful to be able to be together… to be able to work together in service to our community… and to be able to make our lives a blessing.
Please, continue to pray for the safety and well-being of the people of Ukraine.
Shabbat Shalom,
Pam
Pamela Schlosberg
Central Great Lakes Region President
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)
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A Novel Idea - A Book to Explore
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It’s always a good time to pick up a book and read!
Naomi Ragen has recently released her latest novel, An Observant Wife. In this follow up to An Unorthodox Match, Ragen continues sharing the journey of Leah and Yaacov as they are plunged into the complex reality of their new lives together as Yaakov leaves his beloved yeshiva to work in the city, and Leah confronts the often agonizing restrictions imposed by religious laws governing even the most intimate moments of their married lives. Adding to their difficulties is the hostility of some in the community who continue to view Leah as a dangerous interloper, questioning her sincerity and adherence to religious laws and spreading outrageous rumors.
Happy Reading!
Renee Kaplan
CGLR Education/Programs/Books Chair
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Spotlight on: The Jewish Way…
The Torah is our most sacred text, providing guidance on how we live as Jews. Have you ever thought of it as a resource for leadership skills?
Our role as leaders within our Affiliate / Sisterhoods, CGLR, and Women’s League is unique. The heart of our leadership reflects a Jewish Way -- according to Jewish principles and values. To help us meet this challenge, we only have to look at the lessons of our ancestors that are at the ready for us to study in the Torah.
Here are two basic ideas that we have read in parashiyot recently.
Parsha, Yitro. No one can lead alone.
Here Yitro acts as perhaps the first Management Consultant. Yitro sees his son-in-law Moses leading alone. He counsels Moses saying that what he is doing is not good -- he will surely wear himself out if he continues at the pace he is keeping. He advises Moses to delegate his work and empower others to take part of the responsibilities.
We can’t lead alone. Leadership is truly teamwork. It's finding common ground among the diverse personalities of a team and using that to build a collective strength. Common ground is found in the why of what the team is doing. “Why” is a strong motivator to engage members. And then, take a step back and empower your members to act as a team.
Parsha, P'kudei. Provide opportunities for members to engage and
then celebrate their achievements.
As leaders we try to bring out the best in those we lead, build their confidence, and enable them to be successful. As Jonathan Sacks z”l wrote: Judaism doesn’t take a low view of human possibility
One of the best ways to activate possibility is through a project. This week’s parsha focuses on how the Israelites were given the opportunity to build the Tabernacle; they responded by creating something great. And Moses blessed them for what they accomplished with the work of their hands.
We have many opportunities to empower our members, inviting them to be a part of a project, having them” makes decisions, enabling them to realize a project “well done.” We also have the opportunity to say, “Thank you” for the work of their hands. Celebrate the achievement with pride and enthusiasm. This leadership will help to create the spirit of community. How good is that!
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Refreshed, Revised and Renewed |
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Visit our CGLR Website today! |
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Membership Chairs
Chat with
Gilda Schwartz
Sunday, March 6, 2022
12pm CT/1pm ET
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1980's Convention Project |
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Dear CGLR Sisters, Does anyone remember working on one of these panels for a WLCJ Convention is the 1980's? I am looking to identify panels made by Branches of CLGR- Central, Michigan, Ohio-Kentucky & Western Pennsylvania. Please email me if you know, Laurie B. Davis at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your help.
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Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships at the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes
of higher education.
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B’Yachad Together Again!
As of March 1, 2022, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism has updated its travel policy to allow its leadership to begin to travel for WLCJ business. I know many of the affiliates are going to be doing Zoom Torah Fund events (and I am happy to attend as many of those as I can), but those affiliates who are planning to do in person events and would like me to attend I will now do my best to be there. I look forward to being able to get to know as many affiliates as possible that I can during the rest of my term.
Spring is the height of our Torah Fund Campaign with many affiliates having their main event. At my affiliate, our Torah Fund event will be honoring our Associate Rabbi, Rabbi Benjamin Chaidell. He was ordained at JTS and a great supporter of Torah Fund. We have been lucky to have him at our synagogue over the last three years as a teacher and spiritual leader. We are honoring him to thank him for all that he has done during his brief time at Adath Israel in Cincinnati, Ohio. Whatever your event is or however you give to Torah Fund know that the funds that you raise is appreciated by all our future rabbis, cantors, and educators.
I hope everyone can begin to enjoy the spring weather.
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Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca Goldwasser
CGLR Vice President of Torah Fund
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Happy Hanukah • Debra Band Art; Mazal Tov • Debra Band Art; All Purpose Rainbow Design • Debra Band Art; Condolence Card, Psalm 23 • Debra Band Art
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What's Happening Around the Region |
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Baruch Dayan HaEmet
to
Margie Miller and family on the loss of her brother, Andrew Dobin.
The funeral will be private. Shiva information will be forwarded when available.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Margie at 6559 Turchino Drive Lake Worth, FL 33467 or [email protected].
May Margie and her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet
to
The Family of longtime sisterhood member Florence "Faye" Bernstein Rosenzweig who passed away on February 20. Faye was the matriarch of Congregation Ohave Sholom, Rockford, Illinois and its Sisterhood. She was a member for over seven decades. Faye was almost 98 years young at the time of her passing away.
May Faye's family and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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Whether you’re celebrating the joy of a simcha or remembering a loved one who passed away, please consider donating to our CGLR Leadership Fund today.
Your gift provides support for those women in our region who may need financial assistance to participate in one of our educational programs. We will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift.
Donations in any amount are welcome. There are two ways to donate:
- Click the “DONATE” button below. Then, please send acknowledgement information to: [email protected].
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You may send a check (Payable to Women's League for Conservative Judaism) to:
Pam Schlosberg
144 Whistler Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035
Please include: the occasion, your name and address plus the name and
address of the recipient.
Your caring will help keep our future strong - and we thank you!
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Central Great Lakes Region Board |
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Executive Committee:
President
Pam Schlosberg
Communications
Laurie B. Davis
Education
Fern Schwartz
Membership
Gilda Schwartz
Program
Robin Beth Lash
Torah Fund
Rebecca Goldwasser
Secretary
Sandy Carleton
Treasurer
Wanda Pitzele
Financial Secretary
Marjorie Maxwell
Parliamentarian/ IPP
Fran Hildebrandt
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Board of Directors:
Communication/
Social Media
Paula Ferguson
Communication/Website
Rachel Ferber
Education/ Israel
Membership Service
Cynthia Lerner
Member Support
Marlene Ostrow
Presidents Council
Laurie B. Davis
Program/Books
Renee Kaplan
Creative Judaic Arts
Lynda Abraham-Braff
Spring Conference Committee
Fern Schwartz
Carol Marcs
Barbara Unger
Fran Hildebrandt
Torah Fund Support Services
Andrea Heiger
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Nominating
Fran Hildebrandt
WLCJ Board Representing CGLR
Susan Farber
Rebecca Goldwasser
Fran Hildebrandt
Robin Beth Lash
Cynthia Lerner
Wanda Pitzele
Pam Schlosberg
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Women’s League Archives: Join Us in Our Quest!
Exciting things are happening with our Women’s League archives. The Board of Women’s League voted to permanently loan our archives to the Jewish Theological Seminary. This is fabulous since it will insure our historical items will be stored and catalogued properly and will be more accessible to our members as well as the public.
During the next few months, we will be transferring all of our archival material (and there is a lot) to JTS. And you can help! We want to make sure we have everything needed from Women’s League international, our branches and regions to tell our story. Do you have hidden away somewhere meeting minutes, branch/region directories, brochures, newsletters, event information, memorabilia, creative handcrafts? Photographs?
We are asking you to search through your files, albums and boxes of materials and gather them together. Please label the pictures with a date, what event, who the people are, and where are they. Please label other items with their story (if not told in the item). Then send it on to Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields at 627 Bowne Road, Ocean Township, NJ 07712. For questions, contact Cory Schneider.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Cory Schneider
Archives Chair and Consultant
Tel. 717-574-1807
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Shabbat Message- A Small Jewish World |
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Last week I had the honor of attending the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations’ (COP) 47th leadership mission in Israel. Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, WLCJ Executive Director and I were part of a delegation that represented 53 organizations with a single purpose of engaging with Israel. During the five days we met President Herzog, the Prime Minister, foreign ministers, members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors from other countries, the new US ambassador to Israel and other members of this government’s diverse coalition.
On the fourth day we visited the Gaza border and the new IDF’s Homefront Command headquarters. While waiting in line to use the ladies’ room the young woman soldier behind me noticed my tag. Sophia proudly told me that she was also Conservative and had about a year left on her tour of duty. We talked further and she told me she was from New Rochelle, New York and her family belonged to Beth EL Synagogue. Of course I asked if her mother belonged to the Sisterhood and she told me her mother had belonged for a long time. I quickly used my phone to look up her mom in the database and Jayne’s name was there as a longtime member of Sisterhood and Women’s League. At the end of the visit, Rabbi Ellen and I took a picture with Sophia to send to her mom so Jayne could see Sophia was well and safe. I also wanted to tell Jayne how impressive this young lone soldier was and that it was my privilege to meet her.
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When I returned to the database, Jayne’s email was not in her page and neither was her cellphone number. I could not email or text the picture so I wrote to a friend who belongs to that synagogue sisterhood. My friend, Judi wrote to the sisterhood president who wrote back to me with Jayne’s email. Finally, I could send the beautiful picture of Sophia to Jayne. Jayne wrote to me to thank me and I subscribed Jayne to all the Women’s League emails with her email address so she could receive this message and all the rest that come out.
If you receive this message you are subscribed but if you know someone who does not receive our messages, please reply with that woman’s name and email and we will subscribe her. Our information connects our members with valuable programming on the International level and the Conservative Jewish world. The world may be large but our Women’s League for Conservative Judaism world is small enough that Jewish mothers can share our children’s pictures from thousands of miles away.
Thank you to Sophia and Jayne Peister for giving me permission to share the story and the picture.
Shabbat Shalom,
Debbi
Debbi Kaner Goldich
WLCJ International President
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Parashat Pekudei Exodus 38:21-40:38
Haftarah: Ashkenazim: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21
Sephardim: 1 Kings 7:40-50 - March 5, 2022
In this last parashah of the book of Shemot (Exodus) we find a full inventory of the materials Bezalel used to make the mishkan (tabernacle), its furnishings, and the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. After doing everything that God had commanded, he brought the finished component(s) to Moses, whom God instructed to erect the tabernacle and anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. After he did so, a cloud rested on the tent by day and fire at night, only moving from that spot when the people had to move to a new location.
The events described in the haftarah occurred in approximately 952 BCE, when Solomon finished the work on the Temple, and held a dedication celebration on the holiday of Sukkot, beginning by bringing in all the treasure King David had collected for its functioning. While he himself led the community in offering innumerable animal sacrifices, the elders of the nation, at his command, brought up the ark, containing only the two tablets Moses had received at Sinai, and placed it in the Holy of Holies.
Next the tabernacle and all its vessels were transferred to their new, permanent home. Thus, Jerusalem became the religious center of the nation of Israel. The connection between the parashah and the haftarah is obvious. The centerpiece of both structures is the ark and its precious contents (Exodus 40:20, 1 Kings 8:9). God’s presence is manifested in both structures by the presence of a cloud (Exodus 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-11). The dedication of the mishkan culminates with Moses blessing the assembled nation (Exodus 39:43); similarly, Solomon also blessed the people at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:14). The absorption of the ark and, indeed, the entire tabernacle into the structure of the Temple signaled a continuity of worship to the people of Israel: what had served a nomadic people traveling in the desert became the foundation of the permanent structure serving a people settled in the land.
Unfortunately, we know today that Solomon’s Temple, as well as the Second Temple did not withstand the test of time. The sacred ark has been lost to history. Today each of us is called to make a place for the presence of the Shekhinah (feminine divine presence of God) within our soul.
submitted by
Rabbi Margie Cella
WLCJ Educator
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Makom B'Yachad
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday
12 PM Noon ET / 11 AM CT
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during
Daily Psalm Study, Pirkei Avot, and Kaddish?
All are welcome.
We have many available spots to fill.
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List of Educational Programs-Volume 2 |
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This is a revised version of the Educational Programs Booklet.
Dear Sisterhood Sister,
As you all know, during this time of Covid, planning our education programs can sometimes seem a little daunting. Our women are depending on us to create programs that are noteworthy in a virtual state as well as in a multi-accessible one or an in-person one. At the same time, these programs must be interesting, informative, and educational.
With all of that in mind, The Education Committee is sending you a second list of educational programs that were suggested by many of the women in our Sisterhood/Affiliates who have planned these wonderful programs for their Sisterhood Sisters. We hope that you will be able to use some or even all of these suggestions as you plan for the coming year.
As 2022 proceeds very quickly into 2023, we will continue to add many terrific programs that we hear about by sending you even more of these lists. We received such wonderful and positive feedback for the first booklet in this series, so how could we not continue to do this?
We have included contact information for each of these programs so that you can always reach a person who was involved in planning a particular activity. Each of these contact people is willing to help you, so do not be hesitant about calling them for any kind of guidance related to the program that interests you.
The first section of these delineated programs in the list are those education program suggestions related to existing sub-committees of the larger WLCJ Education Committee. The Chair people of these committees already created successful programming for last year. Many of our last year’s programs were recorded and are posted on the WLCJ website. You are welcome to use these recordings this year if you like as the basis of your programming this year. In addition, these committee chairs have already planned more programs for this year. Be sure that you schedule these upcoming programs into your individual Sisterhood/Affiliate calendars.
The second half of this packet has the descriptions of programs that were suggested by other WLCJ members. Some programs have been presented already; some will soon be presented. Those who described these programs would be very happy if you use their programs. Don’t be afraid to contact these members who are listed next to these programs for help and other suggestions as well. In addition, remember to contact your region’s Education Vice-Presidents for further help, if you need it. These WLCJ members were invaluable in suggesting these programs, so take advantage of their offers to help you!
This second part of the booklet is also divided into five more smaller sections with very specific descriptions of the sections and the programs in those sections. Our hope is that you can find the right kind of programs that fit your needs more effectively and efficiently through these section titles and divisions. In addition, do not forget about all of the programs that have been recorded and posted on the WL website already. There is a wealth of educational programming that is available for you and your Sisterhood/Affiliate.
Remember to send us more suggestions, and we will send them out through this coming year.
With many thanks in advance for your help with this,
Ellen and Julia
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Ellen Kaner Bresnick
Education Committee Co-Chair
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Julia Loeb
Education Committee Co-Chair
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International WOMEN'S DAY
Tuesday, March 8 7PM Jerusalem/ 12 noon ET
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Sunday, March 13th @ 2 PM ET
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WL Reads co-chairs Merle Carrus and Susan Farber will be interviewing Julie Zuckerman, author of The Book of Jeremiah.
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Questions? Contact
Merle Carrus
WL Reads Co-Chair
OR
Susan Farber
WL Reads Co-Chair
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Jews in Film - Monday, March 21st @ 3 PM ET |
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Jews in Film -
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - the Jewish Connection to Movie Musicals
Monday, March 21st @ 3 PM
Jews in Film, a Women's League education program; Somewhere over the Rainbow – The Jewish Connection to Movie Musicals of the 1930s.
Join Lois Silverman as she presents how Jews and their music have influenced American music and especially American musical theater. This truly American art form attracted the talents of the greatest songwriters of the pre-rock era who between them wrote the musical and lyrics for practically all the great musicals of the ’30s and ’40s.
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Pre-Passover Program-Thursday, March 24th @ 8:30 PM ET |
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Getting Our Heads [Back] Into the Seder: A Pre-Passover Program
When Purim passes, we throw ourselves into cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Let’s take some time to plan for the main event, exploring together ways in which we can enhance our seders.
This program is lead by Rabbi Margie Cella, WLCJ Educator.
Participation in this program is a benefit of your membership.
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Questions?
Contact Rabbi Margie Cella
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Social Media Workshop -
Sunday, March 27th @ 3 PM ET
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Questions? Contact
Lois Silverman
Communications Co-Chair
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Want to know more about how to set up a Facebook account for your Sisterhood or Region? Do you need a Sisterhood or Region Facebook page? We will walk you through the steps and also give you some tips and tricks to make your account and page safe and successful. |
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Sustainability: Today, Tomorrow, and L'Dor V'Dor - Tuesday, March 29th @ 7:30 PM ET |
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TUESDAY,
MARCH 29TH
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
KICKOFF EVENT
Questions?
Contact
Corinne Hammerschlag
Environment Co-Chair
or
Lymor Wasserman
Environment Co-Chair
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Key to Calendar
CGLR Events
WLCJ Events
Affiliate Events
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Sunday, March 6, 1PM ET
Membership Chair Chat w Gilda Schwartz, CGLR Membership VP
Sunday, March 6, 1:30PM ET
Congregation Beth Judea Virtual Mahj Tournament
Tuesday, March 8, 7PM Jerusalem/ 12pm ET International Women's Day
Tuesday, March 8, 7PM CT- Anshe Emet Protecting Women:Stopping Domestic Violence
Sunday, March 13, 2PM ET
WL Reads-The Book of Jeremiah by Julie Zuckerman
Sunday, March 13th, 10AM ET-
Congregation Shaarey Zedek TF Zoom Tour of Magical Machna Yehuda in Jerusalem
Sunday, March 15th, 7PM ET-
Congregation Shaarey Zedek TF Zoom From Concertos to Confections
Sunday, March 20, 7:30PM ET Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Torah Fund Donor Appreciation Program
Monday, March 21, 3PM ET
Jews in Film #3 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Monday, March 21, 7:00PM ET
Congregation Beth Shalom - Afterlives:Recovering the Lost Stories of Looted
Sunday, March 27th @ 3 PM ET-Social Media Workshop
Tuesday, March 29, 7:30PM ET
Sustainability Kick Off Event
Saturday, May 7, 10:30AM ET
Ezra Habonim Niles Township Jewish Congregation Sisterhood Shabbat
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Communication VP/ Wave Editor
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