Chai Lines
International Northeast Region
Women's League
for Conservative Judaism
Networking to Engage, Enrich and Empower
Conservative Jewish Women
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June 14, 2019 Volume 3, Issue 25
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FROM THE PRESIDENT--JOAN LOWENSTEIN
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This week we will be sharing excerpts from Marilyn Cohen's Torah Fund Presentation along with a link to her full presentation. Marilyn is extremely well versed when it comes to Torah Fund and we are lucky to have her as our Torah Fund Vice President.
In her presentation Marilyn of course touches on the five schools that Torah Fund supports, the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, the Schechter Institutes of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, the Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam, Germany. But Marilyn not only touches on these schools, she goes into great detail telling us about the different programs housed at each of these institutions.
Marilyn also provides information on students who have graduated from some of these schools and their paths and current endeavors. One such story is that of David Yedid.
"As a second-year rabbinical student at JTS, David Yedid who was a Wexner Scholar and a Davidson Fellow, was deeply shaped by his work as a field guide with New Vision Wilderness, helping young adults and teens to heal from the trauma of suicidal ideation, addiction, abuse, and mental illness.
Driven to expand direct-care opportunities for youth in distress, he is a founding staff member and rabbinic intern at BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy, a therapy and addiction treatment program for young Jewish adults. An avid Ramah-nik, Dave spent five summers at Camp Ramah in varied roles as a camper and staff member, and he takes this experience with him in this new therapeutic venture."
Marilyn also tells us of several successful Torah Fund programs that were held throughout our region. One such program is the "Tealess Tea:"
"They send an invitation to all families in their congregation. The invitation is extended in the form of a poem asking them to sit down at home and have a cup of tea with them (a teabag is enclosed with the invitation). They ask for a minimum of $18 which should be remitted in an enclosed addressed envelope. The sisterhood women get together to stuff the over 900 invitations over coffee and tea. This has proven to be successful and this sisterhood achieves their goal each year."
I hope this taste of Marilyn's presentation inspires you to click on the link below and enjoy reading it in its entirety. She certainly inspired all of us at conference!
Wishing you all a meaningful and peaceful, Shabbat!
L'Shalom
Joan
[
Editor's note: To view
Marilyn Cohen's Torah Fund Workshop at Conference 2019
,
click here
.]
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FROM RUTH BORSKY, REGION BOOK CHAIR
The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas is the current selection of Women's League's online book club, WL Reads. It is a multi-generational account of the al-Raqb family. It tells the story of not only the Muslim-Jewish student Joseph's ancestors, but is also an account of his unique family throughout the generations until today.
Throughout the book the plot centers around the protection and responsibility of the Ezra Scroll housed in the Cairo Synagogue.
There are many twists and turns as each al-Raqb family member guards the synagogue and discovers the Geniza and the mysteries surrounding it. The Muslim family members become acquainted with the Jewish holidays and observances as well as the leaders of the synagogue. As the novel unfolds, the temple families not only come to trust the Muslim al-Raqb family but "take in" each Watchman despite some inconsistencies.
The story of Solomon Schechter and two British philanthropic twin sisters is inserted into the story of the watchmen. These historical figures become involved in the safekeeping of the documents associated with the contents of the Geniza and the documents' transfer to Cambridge University, England.
It is an interesting read.
[Editor's note: WL Reads is open to all members-in-good-standing of a WL-affiliated sisterhood. To join WLReads, contact Lois Silverman at lsilverman@wlcj.org ]
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WL PRESIDENT VISITS WITH TORONTO WL WOMEN
Toronto women met our amazing WLCJ President Margie Miller for lunch on July 2.
(L to R) Top Row: Razie Jacobson, Leona Eligberg, Corinne Hammerschlag, Adele Weinstein, Fran Caine
(L to R) Bottom Row: Doreen Bornfreund, Ruth Shapiro, Margie Miller,
Rose Haspel, Marilyn Cohen
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MORE GOOD NEWS WANTED
Toot your own horn.
Tell us what is going on in your Sisterhood.
Tell us what is successful in your Sisterhood.
Email Lois Silverman, Chai Line editor, at
and she'll share your news.
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FROM WOMEN'S LEAGUE FOR
CONSERVATIVE
JUDAISM
Networking to engage,
enrich and empower
Conservative Jewish Women
"My Journey"
By Sue Taffet
WLCJ Vice President and Past Region President
When I undertook the responsibilities of the position of Region President, I compared it to a journey that we in the region were all taking together, for the good of all the women in our various local sisterhoods and communities. That we would travel together with a common purpose and motivation, with joy and laughter and support for one another. That we would uphold the goals and ideals of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism as we all grew together. We traveled together, studied and shared Shabbat prayers together.
We shared meals and celebrations together and joined with sisters from all over the country to celebrate our leadership and learn from each other.
As I took on the responsibilities as an International Vice President for Women's League, I found that I could continue my personal journey at a new level. Working with women from all over the country helping to grow our membership and share the importance of Women's League and its values to all of our sisters. We celebrated 100 years together, and we have now moved into a new century. We will still journey together and learn and share and support each other. We will continue to further ideals and goals of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism.
There is a story by Robert Fay that was shared with me that puts it all into words, especially as I travel by train to New York for WLCJ meetings when I can.
"Life is like a train...
Life is like a journey on a train...with its stations...changes of routes...and accidents!
At birth, we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believed they will always travel by our side.
However, at some station, our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on the journey alone...but not quite.
As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant, i.e. our siblings, friends, children and even the love of our life.
Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Some will move into another car for a while and come back. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they left their seats!
This train ride is full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hurts, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.
Success consists of having a good relationship with all our passengers...requiring that we give the best of ourselves because we are all on this ride together. The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way - love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are, including our seat if necessary. It's important because, when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty-we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life without us. I wish you a joyful journey for the coming years on your train of life. Reap success, give lots of love, and be happy. More important, be thankful for the journey."
As we enter the start of another new year in Women's League, celebrating the past 100 years and moving to the next, enjoy your journey. Share the love, and even your seat, with all you meet, and I thank you and Women's League for being a passenger on my train, making part of my life's journey so meaningful.
We counted 272 participants,
35 Masorti kehilot represented, and a staff of
18 this year, the majority with a Masorti connection.
Among the many highlights of this sharing, bonding, and learning experience:
For second time, the program invited two guest panelists: Rabbanit Jenny Rosenfeld, representing the Orthodox (she works as a full Rabbi in Efrat with Rabbi Riskin) and Rabbi Myra Hovav (a Reform rabbi with a kehlah in Beersheva). Together, they presented
"The Approaches of an Orthodox, a Masorti, and a Reform Woman Rabbi to "The Other" (LGBT, Ethiopians and other immigrant groups, Foreign Workers, Arabs, Christians, and Muslims). The class also included time for Q and A.
The panel was under the direction of Rabbi Diana Villa, who also gave the Masorti point of view. Prof. Alice Shalvi gave additional remarks.
"We had a few new lecturers: one, Osnat Ben Soussan, gave us a view into Sephardic music, especially pyutim, which she taught and sang. Both she and Prof. Dr. Rene Levine Melammed, considered one of the experts on Women of Spain, brought to light a woman who had been a Rosh Yeshivah in the 17th century in Kurdistan. Another new lecturer was Rabbi Irina Gritsevskaya, recently ordained by Schechter, who taught in Russian and English about a woman poet, Anna Akhmatova, who though she was an early feminist; she and her beautiful poetry were unknown to most of us.
There were classes focusing on spirituality in each round, including two classes by our long-time member of our staff, Rabbi Shira Israel, and also another new lecturer, the new Dean of of the new Schechter Dep't of Spirituality, Reb Mimi Feigelson."
See what 2019 participants are saying!
"Without doubt, it was wonderful. I was able to study Torah and (freely) nurse my baby."
"You renewed my soul"
Donate here to Masorti Days of Study, or send checks to Women's League made out to "Women's League for Conservative Judaism."
Please indicate the name of the program you are donating to in the memo line of the check (i.e. "Masorti")
Introduction to Mishnah Berakhot
Chapter Two: Shema - Listen, Part Two, with Rabbi Cheryl Peretz
Looking for ways to immerse yourself in Jewish study and text? Women's League for Conservative Judaism has just started a new program to enhance, enrich, and engage our Conservative Jewish Women in the 21st Century:
The next session will be
Chapter Two: Shema - Listen, Part Two with Rabbi Cheryl Peretz on
Thursday, July 11, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern time.
Call-in information will be sent upon registering - Please refrain from joining the call until FIFTEEN MINUTES before the session. This program is open to REGISTERED individual Women's League and sisterhood members ONLY.
Not a member yet? Become an Individual Member here!
Make sure to register for all individual sessions in order to take the full course.
Next Leadership Institute
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
- committed to developing skilled and dedicated leaders - invites you to attend an inspiring
Leadership Institute
that will expand your skills as a leader and enhance your knowledge as a Jewish woman while strengthening your connection to Women's League, your sisterhood, your community, and Klal Yisrael.
ENDEAVOR
- Network with other women. Master goal setting, time management and team building. Learn the secret of keeping yourself challenged.
DISCOVER
- Enhance your personal style of communication with interactive exercises and role-playing. Discover tips and techniques for using language that motivates, stimulates and encourages women to volunteer.
The Leadership Institute's unique format allows participants to build a personal program to expand Jewish knowledge and leadership skills.
Our next Leadership Institute will be held July 28-29, 2019
in New York City.
The Leadership Institute will begin at 11:00 a.m.
The Jewish Theological Seminary
3080 Broadway
New York , NY 10027
On Monday, we will meet at the Women's League office, entrance at 61 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027.
The full cost of the course will be $199, which includes meals and snacks. Accommodations on Sunday night will be at the Days Hotel Broadway, 215 West 94th Street, New York, NY 10025 at an additional cost of $111 per person, double occupancy (single room is $222).
Scholarships are available
E-mail Razel Kessler at rkessler@wlcj.org for the scholarship application. Contact Mimi Pollack, Chair for more information and /or for any questions at
Scholarships are available through Women's League and your Region. Requests for stipends can also be made to your Sisterhood and your Rabbi.
WWOT - Weekly Words of Torah
Parashat Chukkat 5779
To inspire, guide, engage, enrich, and empower Conservative Jewish Women
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director, Women's League For Conservative Judaism
Parashat Chukkat begins with a discussion of the laws related to the Red Heifer, the Maftir portion read on Shabbat Parah. Parashat Chukkat continues with a discussion about rituals and laws about purification. Miriam and Aaron die. The children of Israel complain about not having water. As a result, God tells Moses to talk to the rock and, instead, Moses hits the rock, and water comes out. During their journey, the Children of Israel come into conflict with the King of Edom, who does not want the Children of Israel to pass through his land. There are recounts of battles the children of Israel had with the Cannanites, Amorites, and Og, the King of Bashan.
The Chesed idea related to Parashat Chukkat is the concept of water conservation. A legend states that, when Miriam was present, there was a well, which sprang up with water. This was a way that she was rewarded for watching her brother Moses when he was placed in a basket in the Nile River. Once Miriam died, the well vanished, and the children of Israel no longer had water, and they complained. Judaism teaches us that we are stewards of the planet Earth, "to work it and protect it" (Genesis 2:15). This Shabbat, in relation to Miriam's death, and the well of water that sprang up whenever Miriam was present, let us each strive to do an act of chesed, kindness, to help conserve water. For example, we can all take shorter showers, or turn the water off when we brush our teeth. Do not see the use of a dishwasher as lazy, or a luxury: it actually is a way to conserve water. Washing dishes by hand uses more water than running a dishwasher. It has been estimated that an efficient dishwasher uses half as much water, saving close to 5,000 gallons of water a year. Check leaks in your faucets in your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, utility rooms, and also toilets. Anywhere there are faucets, pipes, or hoses, there could be a leak, and repairing the leaks equals conserving water.
Thank You for Your Contributions!
The following have donated recently to Women's League and its many initiatives.
Donate here, or send checks to Women's League made out to "Women's League for Conservative Judaism."
Please indicate the name of the program you are donating to in the memo line of the check (i.e. "Masorti").
All contributions are welcome.
Masorti WL Days of Study
Temple Beth Sholom Sisterhood, Cherry Hill, NJ
Kol Ami Sisterhod, Tampa, FL
Southern Region
Save the Date!
WLCJ Convention 2020
Sisters Journeying Together
Sunday, July 12 - Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Schaumburg, Illinois
(Suburban Chicago)
We look forward to seeing you there!
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ANNOUNCING TORAH FUND PIN FOR 5780/2019-2020
Announcing the Torah Fund theme and pin for 5780/2019-2020!
Chesed means "kindness" in Hebrew. The word can also be translated as "lovingkindness," to convey th
e deep love that animates Jewish acts of kindness, done without thought of reward.
The Bible has numerous examples of
chesed, such as Abraham and Sarah welcoming three strangers to their tent in the heat of the day; Abraham's servant's prayer for a wife for Isaac, answered by Rebecca who offers water to him and to his camels; and Ruth, who shows loyalty and kindness to Naomi, adopting her religion and peoplehood, after Naomi has experienced great loss. The rabbinic tradition enacted many laws to formalize our commitment to kindness, making
chesed one of the three central pillars of Jewish life, as Shimon HaTzaddik taught: "The world rests on three things, on Torah, on service of God, and on deeds of kindness" --
(
Pirkei Avot 1:2).
The 5780 (2019-2020) Torah Fund pin depicts a heart surrounded by three circles, one larger than the next. This symbolizes the heart of kindness, which Jews enact in ever-widening realms of generosity: from family, to community, to the larger world; from North America, to Israel, to the world; or from sisterhood, to region, to the larger world of Women's League for Conservative Judaism. And as it is said in Psalm 89, may we build a world of kindness.
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NEED HELP?
HELP IS AVAILABLE ON THE WLCJ WEBSITE.
Programs, membership ideas, education material, and more available at wlcj.org
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