CHAI LINES
The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
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SISTERS JOURNEYING TOGETHER
Serving Conservative Jewish Women
in New York State, Ontario, and Quebec
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LIKE OUR PAGE ON FACEBOOK
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From Our Region President
Joan Lowenstein
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Dear Friends,
“Until the killing of black men, black mothers’ sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother’s son, we who believe in freedom cannot rest until this happens.”
Ella Baker, Civil Rights Activist.
I heard this quote when I was watching
Meet the Press
this past Sunday on NBC. Chuck Todd was interviewing Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of The Smithsonian Institution and Founding Director of The National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Bunch indicated that we are “at a moment of optimism but we are also at a moment of ‘we have been here before’” referring to the quote by Ms. Baker which she spoke over 50 years ago. Mr. Bunch did go on to say that he did, however, see differences in our current situation in that there are more people involved now and it is a more diverse group of people trying to fight for change.
And that group of people fighting for change is not just in the US. I found an article by Hannah Jackson dated 6/6/2020 titled “George Floyd protests: Anti-racism demonstrations continue across Canada,” published online for the Global News on June 6, 2020 and available at
https://globalnews.ca/news/7034472/george-floyd-protests-canada/
, which indicates that there were many simultaneous protests happening around my sisters to the north. I had previously been aware of simultaneous protests going on around the world, but not specifically in Canada. One thing that struck me when I read the article was that at a protest in Ottawa Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “put one knee to the ground and bowed his head.” I’m impressed, and a little bit jealous.
One of the thoughts that kept crossing my mind when the Coronavirus pandemic was first coming to light, was how I very frequently used to feel so blessed to have been born
after
all that my parents’ and grandparents’ generations had lived through. I was blessed because I did not have to experience things like the Great Depression, both World Wars, The Holocaust, polio and other terrible diseases and so much more. I was born during a time of modern medicine after all. We had penicillin, vaccines and other medication to keep us safe and healthy. Naively, I also thought I lived in a time of a just and equitable society, for the most part anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I was not blind to the injustices that still existed in the United States and the world. I just don’t think I realized how pervasive it was.
I am not usually one to use this platform to make political statements, and I don’t really think that is my intention now. But I do wish to say that it is my hope that from all of this, the Pandemic, the unnecessary deaths of people of color and the protests, I hope we as a country can do better this time. To say that it shook me to think that Ella Baker’s quote was from over 50 years ago would be an understatement. It is my hope that the time has come, finally, that the killing of a black mother’s son is as important to all people as the killing of a white mother’s son.
I wish, above all else, good health for you and your loved ones, and of course, a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Joan
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Zoom information will be provided when you RSVP
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Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet
It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Dr. J. Bernard Tonchin, husband of Dorothy Tonchin. May his memory be for a blessing and may Dorothy and her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
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From Women's League for Conservative Judaism
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The Women's League Virtual Convention
July 12, 2020 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM EDT
Although we are not going to “Journey” to Schaumburg, Illinois,
our 2020 Virtual Convention is journeying to you!
WHEN:
SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 10:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE:
In front of your computer, iPad, phone or laptop.
WHY:
The business of Women’s League must go on and
you do NOT want to miss a day of fabulous programming.
Be a part of our first-ever virtual installation ceremony.
Gowns optional, tissues mandatory!
Witness the transition to our new administration.
Mazal Tov to Margie Miller and Debbi Kaner Goldich,
their officers and boards.
The day will be free of charge, but your generous support of the
The Virtual Ad Journal will be featured during the convention on July 12 and continue on the Women's League website until the next convention.
Please consider recognizing our Incoming and Outgoing Executive Committee members and Jewels in the Crown award winning sisterhoods or anyone you wish to recognize, with an ad in the Virtual Journal. Your ad will honor them and will convey to them that their dedication to the Women’s League mission is truly appreciated.
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NEW!!
Convention 2020
NEW!!
Sisters Journeying Together
Virtual Ad Journal
Procedures for Canadian Donors
We have developed the following procedures to facilitate the placement and payment of virtual journal ads
from Canadian donors
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Go to the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism website at wlcj.org. Click the Donate tab in the upper right-hand corner (on pink strip).
Enter your donation amount in US dollars. Decide which journal category you are selecting. For the selected category, convert the amount expressed in Canadian dollars to US dollars based on the current conversion rate, which you can google. For example, if you chose the Supporter category for $180, at today’s conversion rate of .75, the US dollar amount you would pay is $134. Therefore, you should enter $134 where it says Donation amount.
Click continue.
Enter the information requested for email, name, address and phone.
Select email or other.
DO NOT select a fund.
DO NOT enter occasion.
This next step is very important: You must write Virtual Journal Ad in the details box. You should also indicate which journal category you chose and the conversion rate. Finally, you can include the text of your ad.
Enter your credit card information. We are unable to process Canadian checks. The only form of payment is VISA or MasterCard.
Check not a robot.
Click Process Donation
Thank you so much for your Virtual Ad. We sincerely appreciate your support of Convention 2020 and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism by taking a Virtual Ad. We look forward to seeing you on July 12, 2020.
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Shabbat Message: June 13, 2020
By Corinne Hammerschlag,
WLCJ Mentor
and Past Presidents Council Chair
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A Poem
Grass blowing in the breeze
Trees swaying to their own music
Watching the flowers do their dance of joy
The sun shining bright
In the heavens above
I see people in their difficulty
When will it all end
Birds flying high in the sacred sky
Home to their family
Twig by twig building a nest for the hatching eggs
The ocean roaring and waves breaking
On the shore
No worries or struggles as day turns to night
Stars in the sky
The moon and planets
They continue on their journey
Lessons in hope
The ants and beetles
Who crawl on the ground
Scurrying and busy
Teach us
Smell the roses
Like the trees dance
Lets sing like the birds
And dip our toes in the breaking waves
Shabbat Shalom
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Lois Silverman Offers Virtual Course #5
Jewish Women in Film, 1960-1967
Monday, June 15, 2020
3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT
Followed by Q & A
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1967 the year the first Baby Boomer came of age and changed the USA, and the Summer of Love
During these very difficult times why not learn more about Jewish women in the movies. with Lois Silverman.
Don't forget the popcorn! All are welcome ! Tell all your family and friends !
Please see zoom instructions below.
(Recordings of past sessions are available on the Women's League website,
wlcj.org
)
"When we view a film, we enter a new, often unfamiliar world," said Silverman. "If the film is well constructed, we become engrossed in how the inhabitants of that world react with each other. But when we study a film, we learn more about that world; we see how the inhabitants of that world interacted and why they acted as they did. To study film is a means of viewing history and studying it," explained Silverman as she described her upcoming course. Silverman teaches a film course at SUNY/POLY in Utica/Rome New York.
Lois Silverman
earned a B.A. cum laude and an M.A. in English Literature from Montclair State University, NJ. She has taught American and English literature, writing, and media studies as well as many adult education courses. Presently she is teaching film studies at SUNY/POLY (Utica/Rome). Having been sisterhood president of Temple Beth El, Utica, and NY State Branch President, she has also served as WL’s Program/Music Chair, Youth/School Chair, and is now Internet Services Chair. Lois has written many programs and publications for WLCJ
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 890 8155 6104
Password: 514845
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,89081556104# US (New York)
+13017158592,,89081556104# US (Germantown)
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)
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+972 3 978 6688 Israel
+972 55 330 1762 Israel
Meeting ID: 890 8155 6104
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SAVE THE DATE
Friday, June 19, 13:50-17:50 Israel Time
21st National Masorti Women's Study Day
“
Toward Moral & Ethical Betterment: Women's Voices:Text, MIdrash & Art
”
The study day will be gratis this year.
We would appreciate a small donation to cover our lecturers fees but it is not required in order to attend.
Prof. Alice Shalvi will give a short wrap up at the end of the program 10:30AM ET
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We are gratefully accepting donations towards this and future Masorti Women's Study Days
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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.
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Weekly Words of Torah goes PC Parashat Beha’alotekha (Shabbat 6/13/2020)
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director
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This week's Torah reading Parashat Beha’alotekha begins with a description of the menorah. The Levites become assistants to the Priests, the kohanim. The first celebration of Passover
in the desert is described and followed by the second Passover for those who are not clean at the time of the first. God has signs - the cloud and the fire, which help lead the people during the day and at night. The families of Israel complain again about food, and a fire breaks out. The council of seventy elders is established. Moses married a Kushite woman. Aaron and Miriam complain about this. Miriam gets leprosy. Moses prays to God to heal her. This week's Torah reading includes the words and the prayer that Moses said on behalf of his sister Miriam for her healing while having leprosy - “El na refa na la,” Please God heal her.
For a Chesed idea, let us focus on all those who are in need of healing in our community, and all those who assist in that healing process. Let us thank and pray for all those people who help those who are in need of healing, and those who are in need of healing. During this week, let us all write notes, and call all to those who have been ill recently, and also support their caregivers, and thank them as well.
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*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
.
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Daily Virtual Virtual Psalm Study & Kaddish Sunday - Friday 1:00PM EDT
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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 at 1 pm ET, and will continue every day, but Shabbat, and the holy days of holidays
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,630830287# US (New York)
+16699006833,,630830287# US (San Jose)
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
One does not have to pre-register, just call in.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Margie Miller
WLCJ President
mmiller@wlcj.org
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
WLCJ Executive Director
ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org
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Shavuot Yizkor
We are gratified that so many of you were able to take part in the
Shavuot Yizkor
service that was added to our daily Psalm Study and Kaddish last week. We thank those who already made the customary donation in memory of their loved ones.
Yizkor Donation
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Temple Beth Torah of Westbury, NY &
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism
Will be holding a Memorial Service
In memory of
EVELYN SEELIG, z"l
Past International President of WLCJ
Sunday, June 14, 2020 11:00 AM EDT
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The Zoom invitation is below.
For security purposes, please do not share on social media.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 817 3094 2107
Password: 236916
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,81730942107#,,1#,236916# US (New York)
+13126266799,,81730942107#,,1#,236916# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+972 55 330 1762 Israel
+972 3 978 6688 Israel
Meeting ID: 817 3094 2107
Password: 236916
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Women’s League’s MORE TIME FOR BOOKS series continues:
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Tuesday, June 16 at 3 PM to 4 PM EDT
#7 in the series:
Book Club Favorites
We'll explore time-tested and new Jewish-interest favorite books, in a discussion led by seasoned book club facilitator Rachel Kamin. If you lead or are part of a book club, you'll also take away tips for holding engaging book discussions and learn how to connect with authors.
Come prepared to share the best book that your group has read this past year!
To reach Vivian Leber, WL READS and Books Chair, write to
vleber@wlcj.org. If you lead a Sisterhood book discussion group this year or will do so for 2020-21, please send Vivian your name, sisterhood and location, and your email address, so that we may assemble a contact list.
On June 16, at 3 PM EDT:
Join with Zoom, Video or Audio
Meeting ID: 415 434 915
Password: 742170
or
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,415434915# US (New York)
+13126266799,,415434915# US (Chicago)
or
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 438 809 7799 Canada,
+1 587 328 1099 Canada,
+1 647 374 4685 Canada,
+1 647 558 0588 Canada,
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+972 55 330 1762 Israel, +972 3 978 6688 Israel
Meeting ID: 415 434 915
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Program Showcase for June
Congregation Har Shalom Sisterhood, Seaboard Region, had their final member and volunteer appreciation on Zoom. They secured a speaker who talked about staying positive during this time of being in quarantine and over 57 women attended via zoom. They had a toast and offered the recipe for an artichoke dip that was typically served at the event each year. Some people made it at home and had it during the talk!
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SAVE THE DATE - Tefillin Refresher
Monday, July 6 at 8 pm
Tefillin refresher class with Janet Kirshner Get ready for a Tefillin Shehechyanu moment at our virtual convention.
A recording of the original class is on the Women's League website under News.
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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,
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Women's League Calendar Diary 2020-2021 Order Now
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JTS Appoints Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz as Institution’s Eighth Chancellor
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June 1, 2020 — New York, NY
— The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), one of the world’s preeminent centers of Jewish higher education and the intellectual and spiritual center of Conservative Judaism, today announced that it has selected
Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz to be its eighth Chancellor. A renowned expert on Jewish American history with more than three decades of experience as a professor and institutional leader, Dr. Schwartz will be the first woman to lead as chancellor of JTS in the institution’s 134-year history.
Dr. Schwartz will assume her new role on July 1, 2020, as current JTS chancellor Arnold Eisen steps down for a year-long sabbatical before joining the ranks of the institution’s faculty full-time.
Full article.
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Cross Movement Events All Times EDT Unless Specified
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Times of Crisis and Possbility: New Online series with JTS Faculty and Fellows
Starting Monday, April 20th learn with JTS faculty and fellows in a series of weekly online sessions exploring pivotal moments in the Jewish experience. Attend one, some, or all.
The list of classes is below. All meet from 1:00–2:15 p.m. ET.
Zoom link sent in confirmation after you register
Mon June 15, 1:00-2:15 p.m. ET Click
HERE
Literature as Lifeline: What were Jews Reading and Writing in the Ghettos?
The Art of the Jewish Family: A History Of Women In Early New York In Five Objects
SESSION II: JUNE 1, SESSION III: JULY 6
High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors: Explore the intersection of Judaism, justice, and the arts as part of the JustCity/CityStage 2.0 online program, earning 1 college credit.
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Cantors Assembly
Every Friday 12:30PM EST
Getting Ready for Shabbat with Hazzan Mike Stein: Children’s Music Grammy Award winner Mike Stein helps to bring in Shabbat with music, puppetry and story-telling at 12:30 pm Pacific Time for children and adults.
Register
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Please check
wlcj.org
under NEWS for recordings of other past sessions.
Sisterhood Presidents' Chat click
HERE
Sisterhood Presidents' Zoom How-To's click
HERE
Lois SilvermanJewish Women In Film
All session now on our website
4th session Post WWII & the 1950s click
HERE
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