CHAI LINES
The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
|
|
SISTERS JOURNEYING TOGETHER
Serving Conservative Jewish Women
in New York State, Ontario, and Quebec
|
|
LIKE OUR PAGE ON FACEBOOK |
|
From Our Region President
Joan Lowenstein
|
|
Dear Friends,
I find it hard to believe that I am entering the third year of my term as President of this great region. As the saying goes, “time flies when you are having fun!” And we definitely have some fun to look forward to this year. When I began this journey, I envisioned that it would be more in person than virtual, but it is fun nonetheless.
Have you RSVP’d for our very first Region Zoom Program which occurs this coming Tuesday August 11th at 7:00 pm? An Evening with Jennifer Rosner, Author of The Yellow Bird Sings. Please see the flyer for this event below and RSVP to Adele Weinstein at adelew@rogers.com. There is still time to get your reservation in - looking forward to seeing you all then! The Programming Committee continues its work behind the scenes to bring you interesting life stories and activities that we think you will enjoy.
The 2021 Conference Committee, headed up by Rusty Zackheim and Linda Steinhorn, is hard at work planning our region conference for April 25th and 26th, 2021 in Buffalo, New York so make sure you save those dates. As of now, they are planning both an “In Person” and a “Virtual” option so that we will be prepared for anything! Either way it is shaping up to be an exciting couple of days.
It is that time of year when you need to update the WLCJ website with your Sisterhood’s Position Listings and Financial Contacts as well as providing the Torah Fund office with the names and contact information for your Torah Fund Chairs. If you need help updating the WLCJ website, contact Toby Maser at Tobala@aol.com or 315-868-5560. If you need help updating your Torah Fund information, contact Marilyn Cohen at marilyncohen@bell.net or 416-518-1860.
|
|
I wish, above all else, good health for you and your loved ones, and of course, a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Joan
|
|
**Don't Forget to RSVP!! See You Tuesday!!** |
|
Zoom information will be provided when you RSVP
|
|
Shabbat Message: August 8, 2020
By Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields,
Executive Director
Gam Zeh ... This Too
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks have now turned into months, of sheltering in place, and social distancing, of virtual Shabbat Services, and the joy of Daily Psalms and Kaddish with our Women’s League sisters, I have been trying to reconcile two sayings that sound similar, but have different meaning: An Ancient Persian phrase Gam Zeh Ya’avor, This Too Shall Pass, and a Talmudic saying, Gam Zeh L’Tovah, This is also for the good.
Gam Zeh Ya’avor, This Too Shall Pass, is a phrase that appears in Persian Sufi literature, and has a Jewish version attributed to King Solomon. The folklore describes the wise King Solomon who wanted to challenge one of his ministers. King Solomon instructed his minister to find a ring that could make a happy person sad, and a sad person happy. King Solomon was sure that the minister would not succeed in this challenge. The minister travelled, and could not find any such ring. When he finally returned to Jerusalem, the minister went into a market in a very poor neighborhood. The minister saw a man selling some odd pieces of jewelry, and told the peddler what he needed--a ring that would make a happy person sad, and a sad person happy. The peddler handed the minister a ring, and the minister knew immediately that his search was over. The minister practically ran to King Solomon with his special find--a ring with the inscription, “Gam zeh ya’avor, This too shall pass.” King Solomon was immediately humbled, and congratulated his minister, for he had won the challenge. King Solomon realized that no matter how wise he was, and how much wealth he had, all was fleeting, for one day he would be nothing but dust. King Solomon was humbled, and the minister won the challenge, and today we have an incredibly powerful saying “Gam zeh ya’avor, This too shall pass.”
These words keep popping into my thoughts. This too shall pass, and we will go back to how the world was--being able to leave our homes whenever we want to; shaking hands; hugging; embracing; not having to worry that if we do venture out, that we have not forgotten a face mask. This too shall pass, and soon I will be on that 6:09 a.m. train to NYC, balancing myself while holding on for dear life on a crowded 1 Train to 116th Street.
Will we be able to see our days, like Nachum in the Talmud, Tractate Ta’anit 21a, who would say Gam zeh l’tovah “This is also for the good.” It is said that Nachum, Rabbi Akiva’s teacher, had many experiences, which looked to someone else as very bad things, such as illness, misfortune, suffering. However, no matter what happened, Nachum would say, Gam zeh l’tovah “This is also for the good.” Therefore, Nachum earned the nickname Ish Gamzu, the Gamzu man.
The pandemic will eventually pass. Eventually we will be able to socialize again, and travel freely on public transportation, without sweating behind our mask. At some point we will be able to enter our synagogues, and sit together in our pews, and we will be able to embrace each other with a hug and kiss. At some point, we will know that this too shall pass, gam zeh ya’avor, and perhaps with perspective we will be able to say, gam zeh l’tovah, this too is for the good.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
WLCJ Executive Director
|
|
Listen, Pray, Think: A Journey through Mishnah Berakhot :
Chapter 9 and Siyyum: Monday, August 10, 2020, 8:00pm EDT; 7:00pm CST; 6:00 pm MDT; 5:00pm PDT
(Siyyum, joyous celebration observed when a study group completes a tractate of the Talmud)
Building on the success of our yearlong study of Megillat Eikhah with a 300-participant Siyyum, a Completion Celebration, at Convention 2017, we planned to conclude our study of Mishnah Berakhot in Schaumburg, Illinois, with another Siyyum, at Convention 2020. Our plans changed.
Therefore, join us on Zoom, Monday, August 10, 2020, 8:00 pm, EDT. At that time, we will celebrate the completion of 18 months of learning the complete Tractate of Mishnah Berakhot when Rabbi Cheryl Peretz will lead us in our study of Chapter 9 and in a Siyyum.
We also recognize and thank our outstanding teachers: Rabbi Amy Levin, Rabbi Gail Labovitz, Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, Rabbi Pamela Barmash, Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Rabbi Chaya Rowan-Baker, and Rabbi Gesa S. Ederberg. With their teaching and support, we are reaching this momentous time in our study! Todah Rabbah, Rabbis! How blessed we are to have such wonderful scholars work with us!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 859 9622 2518
Passcode: 653105
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York), +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown), +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago), +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma), +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston), +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 859 9622 2518
Passcode: 653105
You can find the Mishnah Sheet related to her class by clicking HERE.
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields Ellen Kaner Bresnick Barbara Ezring
|
|
The U.S. Post Office Needs Your Help!
We depend upon an efficient and effective postal service. Expectations of prompt and reliable mail service is something we take for granted.
The upcoming U.S. election in November may depend heavily on the postal service because of mail-in voting. The new Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, has instituted changes that will directly impact the efficiency of the post office. These changes include elimination of overtime hours for postal workers and shutting down the sorting machines early, causing a huge backlog of mail to be delivered. Do you want your vote to sit in the post office past November 3rd?
It could happen.
What can we do?
MAIL A POST CARD
You can make a real difference for just 35 cents! Who you write to is up to you, but here are some suggestions:
- Drop a line to your Members of Congress asking them to support additional Covid-19 relief.
- Drop a line to Dr. Anthony S. Fauci with your comments on how he’s handling the pandemic.
- Drop a line to someone to let them know you are thinking of them.
- Start a Postcard Campaign in your sisterhood or synagogue to remind people to vote.
- Send a postcard to your local letter carrier c/o your local post office to express your support.
Your 35 cents will go a long way to support the post office and to do some good for our nation. Share the importance of a reliable post office with your sisterhood and synagogue.
|
|
Tell Your Congressional Representative to Support Additional COVID-19 Relief
The COVID-19 bill currently before the United States Congress contains provisions pertaining to Medicaid, nutrition assistance and non-profit protections. But without the advocacy of the members of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, there is no guarantee that relief to subsidize health and human services will be included in this bill. Congress must pass the financial assistance to protect the most vulnerable in our society. These funds are critical for the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (MFMAP), which ensures our health partners have the essential resources to support higher COVID-19 health staffing costs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps feed those who don't have enough to eat. Nearly 14 million children in the United States went hungry in June, as the economic fallout from the pandemic continues to batter families.
Please contact your local Congressional representatives and stand up for those most in need.
|
|
Weekly Words of Torah - Torah Study Together -
Parashat Eikev 5780 (Shabbat, 8/8/2020) -
How to Deal with Suffering:
Can We Make Lemonade Out of Lemons?
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director
|
|
For the past year, as a way to connect our 5780 (2019-2020) Torah Fund campaign, Chesed, with study of Torah, our Weekly Words of Torah (WWOT) went PC - Parashah and Chesed: each week, WWOT was a summary of the weekly Torah Portion, or Parashat HaShavuah, and Chesed ideas relating to some topics in the Parashah were proposed. The Torah Fund theme for 5781 (2020-2021) is B’Yachad, which means, “Together.” Our WWOT will now present ideas, thoughts and topics, to encourage people to together study and discuss the Weekly Torah Portion.
In our Torah reading this week, Parashat Eikev, God provided the Children of Israel with rules, and they are warned that if Israel follows these rules, they will experience great blessings, such as health, abundant produce and fertility. All of the enemies of Israel will be destroyed with God's help. Israel is to destroy all signs of their enemies, such as idolatrous worship. The second admonition to obey God's laws is then followed by a brief description of Israel's wandering in the desert. Despite the 40 Years of trials and
hardships, their clothing did not wear out, neither did their feet swell. Manna was provided for food. God would discipline the children of Israel,as a parent would discipline a child. Now that Israel is to enter the land of Israel, the people are cautioned to maintain their faith in God. Moses reminds them to give thanks continually to God for all of their blessings. The people should never assume that it is by their own hand that they enjoy the fruits of the land all that they have is from God, from this we learn to recite Birkat HaMazon, Grace After Meals. (Deuteronomy 8:10) By not following God's Commandments Israel will face doom. Moses reiterates to the Children of Israel their acts of
defiance, such as the making of the Golden Calf, complaining about the food and water, and the incident of the spies. Moses reminds the people how he interceded with God on their behalf. Because of Moses begging God, Israel is still able to enter the land of Canaan. Moses tells the people that all God wants is that Israel remain faithful to God's laws, worship God, and behave appropriately towards orphans, widows and strangers. Such acts will result in blessings and prosperity.
Parashat Eikev reviews many of the trials and hardships that the Children of Israel faced while journeying in the desert for 40 years. A topic to discuss together this week is - How can you Deal with Suffering: Can We Make Lemonade Out of Lemons? The trial faced while in the desert are called yisurin shel ahavah, chastisements of love. The Hebrew word yisurin has the double meaning of chastisement and instruction. Some teach that chastisements of love, yisurin shel ahavah, was God’s way of disciplining the Children of Israel. Many find this a very difficult concept to stomach and accept. I find it a difficult theological concept, and would suggest creating a discussion about this. I challenge the idea that we must become disciplined by enduring suffering. God suffers when we suffer and when we are punished.
Questions to ponder together:
- Must we suffer to become disciplined?
- Must we endure suffering to realize and appreciate what we have?
- How can we learn from the trials, challenges and sufferings we are faced?
- How do we recognize the silver linings in our trials, challenges, and suffering?
- How do we respond to the suffering in our life, and see it as opportunities to see blessings in our lives?
- How do we use these lemons to make lemonade?
- How can you apply these questions to the times we are living in now during COVID-19?
|
|
Sisters Journeying Together |
|
Continue THE LOVE,
We are continuing to collect fleece blankets and t-shirt shopping bags for The ARK as our Social Action Project for Convention 2020.
Your fleece blankets will be distributed to The ARK clients during Chanukah. They distribute hundreds so you blanket will be very much appreciated.
Your t-shirt shopping bags will be used at The ARK pantry and will be happily used by the recipients.
Please send your fleece blankets and t-shirt bags so that they arrive prior to Thanksgiving. This will allow enough time for organizing the distribution.
Thank you so much.
If you need the directions, please click on the appropriate link.
If you have completed fleece blankets and/or t-shirt shopping bags, please send them to:
Edna Schrank
1929 Fieldwood Drive
Northbrook, Il 60062
If you have any questions, please contact Edna Schrank eschrank@wlcj.org or 847-651-2231.
Thank you again.
|
|
Virtual Psalm Study & Kaddish Sunday - Friday 12 PM Noon EDT
VIRTUAL PSALM & KADDISH STUDY
WILL BE AT 12 NOON, EDT.
(11 AM CDT; 9 AM PDT; 10 AM MDT)
(And will continue at that time going forward)
The last Sunday of Psalms will be on August 2, and after that it will
be Mon -Fri, at noon going forward the week of August 10.
|
|
As it has become the new reality that people are not physically allowed to gather in large groups, and many cannot attend Services to say Kaddish. We do not want you to be feel alone, and want our sisters throughout the world to know that although we may not physically be together, we can come together virtually.
WLCJ has created an avenue for our WLCJ Sisters, to read and study a Psalm every day, and say Kaddish. Since Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 1 pm EDT, we have offered a Virtual Minyan for us to come together, to read and study a Psalm and say Kaddish. We will do this every day, but on Shabbat, and holidays.
This is a situation of Sha'at HaDichak, a pressing time, where things are different, and so as Mara D'atra of WLCJ, I am saying that since we cannot all be part of a physical minyan of ten, ten coming together via zoom will be a minyan. Since we are in different time zones, we will not have a full Service, but rather read and study a chapter from the Book of Psalms, and then say Kaddish. The chapter will be on your screen, as well as Kaddish - we just need ten together on the zoom.
The following is the call in information for each day and will continue every day, but Shabbat, and the holy days of holidays
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+972 55 330 1762 Israel
+972 3 978 6688 Israel
Debbi Kaner Goldich
WLCJ President
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
WLCJ Executive Director
|
|
Jewish Women in Film - 1980 and Beyond
To Join Next Zoom Meeting -
Monday, August 10, 2020 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Meeting ID: 890 8155 6104 Password: 514845
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York), +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown), +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago), +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston), +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose), +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma), +1 647 558 0588 Canada, +1 778 907 2071 Canada, +1 204 272 7920 Canada, +1 438 809 7799 Canada, +1 587 328 1099 Canada, +1 647 374 4685 Canada, +972 3 978 6688 Israel, +972 55 330 1762 Israel
Meeting ID: 890 8155 6104
Lois's film program from last week is on our website - Click here to VIEW.
|
|
Losses, Learning, Healing and Hope in Times of COVID
WLCJ Virtual Discussion with Psychotherapist Ruth Rosenblum
Tuesday, August 17, 8 pm EST
Psychotherapist Ruth Rosenblum will facilitate a virtual discussion on our abilities to cope with life's challenges and will offer methods and necessary tools to help reduce stress and create greater calm. The discussion will take place on Zoom on Tuesday, August 17, 8 p.m. (EST). Through facilitated dialogue and the learning of stress-reducing practices, participants will work together to improve a sense of well being during these difficult times.
Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, a certified meditation instructor and Wise Aging facilitator. She offers clinical services and programs, including weekly meditation groups, through Westchester Jewish Community Services.
Please join this discussion using the Zoom link below:
Topic: Health and Wellness
Time: Aug 17, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 876 8559 8663
Passcode: 442856
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York), +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago), +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown), +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston), +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose), +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 876 8559 8663
|
|
For more information on JTS news and events, please click here to
|
|
For more information on B'Yachad Together spirited by AJU,
please click here to
|
|
The High Holidays will be different than any we’ve ever experienced before. But with new challenges come new opportunities. In that light, the cross movement High Holiday Task Force is offering a comprehensive and continually updated list of resources, best practices, innovations, and ideas, please click here to READ MORE.
|
|
For more information on Women Vote, Women Lead: Celebrating a Century,
|
|
For more information on joining Ilana Kurshan for: "Torah As Panacea in Time of Pandemic", please click here to REGISTER and READ MORE.
|
|
To view past recordings and information on the JCPA,
|
|
To join the WEBINAR - When Causes Conflict: The Power of Leaning In on Black Lives Matter, Israel, and Fighting Hate. August 6th at 5PM ET, please click here to REGISTER.
|
|
Become a member of, or renew your membership to Mercaz
The new membership year begins July 1, 2020.
|
|
|
|
The mission of Mercaz is to support religious pluralism in Israel and to strengthen the connection between Israel and the Diaspora. That mission is as critical today as it ever has been. As Masorti Jews, we know how important it is to support religious and cultural pluralism, in Israel and in our hometowns.
In the beginning of 2020, Mercaz USA was the voice of worldwide Conservative Judaism in the U.S. as we campaigned for our slate in the World Zionist Congress election. We were delighted that we received almost 50% more votes than in the last election (2015), thanks to all of you who VOTED MERCAZ.
|
|
Throughout the campaign, we raised awareness about the vibrancy of Masorti Judaism in Israel – and the challenges Masorti communities and organizations face in gaining legitimacy from the Israeli government – in hundreds of communities across the country.
As we enter our new fiscal year this July, we ask that you continue to be our partner in fulling the mission of Mercaz. And, if you have never supported us before, this is a great year to become a part of our Mercaz community! There are two ways you can become a supporter of Mercaz:
Despite the many challenges ahead, we are optimistic and excited by our vision for how Mercaz can impact the lives of Masorti Jews in Israel, here in the U.S., and across the globe. We hope you will join us! With best wishes for a safe and joyous summer,
Marilyn L. Wind, President Sarrae G. Crane, Executive Director
P.S. Some synagogues provide a line-item on your congregational membership dues statement for ‘MERCAZ USA.’ If so, you can make your membership dues donation directly through your synagogue.
If you prefer to contribute membership dues by check,
520 Eighth Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10018
|
|
Women's League Calendar Diary 2020-2021 Order Now |
|
WLCJ American Mothers of Olim GoogleGroup
WLCJ Has googlegroups that benefit many of our communities.
There is a group for sisterhood presidents, for judaica shop chairs, and Women's League Reads.
A lesser known group is for American Mothers of Olim (Children who have made aliyah to Israel). With more people staying in place and travel being put on hold, there has been renewed interest in this group. Women's League members are invited to participate,
|
|
Love WLCJ!
Follow WLCJ on her Social Media Sites
If you aren't already following Women's League for Conservative Judaism on all her social media sites, now is the time to do so. It's a great way to keep in touch with the latest news and events. Here are WLCJ's links, including LinkedIn, which has recently been added to the website homepage.
Stay tuned over the next months for quick tips on how to help maximize WLCJ's impact on all her social media sites.
|
|
*Make sure you're getting the most out of Zoom.
If you haven't already done so, update your Zoom version 5.0 in order to access all Zoom programming. To update, visit the Zoom download center and press the big blue "Download" button. The update should take place automatically. A video to help video.
|
|
Please check wlcj.org under NEWS in the coming days for recordings of CONVENTION 2020 sessions and past programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
