February-March 2025

Reproductive freedom is a Jewish value!

We invite you to join us in honoring it!

Repro Shabbat offers us a chance to collectively pause and firmly root ourselves in Jewish values so we can strengthen our resolve to build a better world. Join us for the largest Jewish community event dedicated to honoring the Jewish commitment to reproductive freedom.

Repro Shabbat takes place annually when we read Parshat Mishpatim — the portion of the Torah containing verses used as the foundation of Judaism's approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice. 

Temple Israel's Friday night service at 6 pm will include relevant readings. A panel discussion with interfaith representatives will follow the service and cover such topics as religious laws and/or beliefs about life and personhood, when life begins, the value of a woman’s life, religious freedom as a constitutional right, etc. NCJW is sponsoring a pre-Shabbat Oneg at 5:30 pm and then a dessert nosh after the panel. Saturday morning's Torah study session at 8:45 am will focus on Parshat Mishpatim.

TI's Website Embedded Livestream

TI's Secure Livestream Web Channel

TI's Facebook Page

TI's YouTube Channel

We look forward to

celebrating reproductive freedom with you!

As part of NCJW’s celebration of Repro Shabbat (weekend of February 21-22), NCJW will be screening the documentary PLAN C. The documentary, filmed over 4 years, captures the work of the Plan C campaign and the work of activists and providers who began to mail abortion pills during the pandemic, in the face of crumbling reproductive rights and access across the United States.

"In the tough sociopolitical climate we are currently experiencing, this film comes in as a sign of hope.” -Rosa Parra, reviewer

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"Amid fear and turbulence of dire threats to abortion... the PLAN C documentary is a testament of hope and resilience. The profound sense of humanity permeating through the footage is gripping and heart touching, but the advocates’ pragmatic and resolute mindset keeps PLAN C from descending into a sense of hopelessness and instead becomes a statement of resilience.” - THE UTAH REVIEW

Registration is required by Wed., Feb. 26: RSVP HERE or email us at programs@ncjwlongbeach.org. You'll be informed of the address once you have RSVP'd. As usual, we'll gather at 6:45 and start the film at 7 pm. Call us at 657-235-2511 if you have any questions.

We are an integral part of the Long Beach Unified School District's Early Learning & Kindergarten Festivals, where we welcome families with children up to 5 years old, help them register and then find their way to several classes and agency giveaways. Come help us out at the next festival and enjoy saying hello to lots of cute little kids and their families! The location, Alvarado Elementary School, is at 1900 E 21st St., Signal Hill. Volunteer here or email communityservice@ncjwlongbeach.org.

Reserve your spot and help pack Abortion Comfort Kits for Planned Parenthood and Family Planning Associates clinics -- we'll make 400 this time! We have lots to do, and great speakers!

Don't forget to put Treasure Chest toys/books on your list!  NCJW has placed treasure chests in the clinics so kids will have something to do while waiting for their moms and to take on their journey home. Help us help them pass the time! These gifts need to be fairly small, and for kids under 8-9 yrs old.

Come enjoy wine, women, social advocacy, and community service! and snacks too! Don’t miss it — it will feel so good! The need continues! Join us in making a difference!

RSVP here or email us at communityservice@ncjwlongbeach.org by Sunday, March 9, since a list of attendees must be turned in no later than that date.

Many helping hands are needed, so join us in giving a "hug" to vulnerable children entering or in the foster care system, spanning ages infants and toddlers to high school! We pack for all these age groups. As always, we send huge kudos to Sara Silva and her team at Compton YouthBuild for keeping this project running so smoothly!



Snacks and drinks are provided, and we guarantee that doing good for others will feel wonderful!  It's also fun to connect with this group of caring volunteers.

Register here or email us at communityservice@ncjwlongbeach.org no later than Tuesday, March 11, so that we can submit the attendee list required by the Alpert JCC

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) – Greater Long Beach & West Orange County (NCJW – GLB & WOC) is offering scholarships to resident area Jewish students from donations made to our Tikkun Olam Fund and the Linda Calderón Memorial Scholarship Fund. We will accept applications until the deadline MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025 - 11:59 PM PST. Awards this year will range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the number of qualified applicants.

Applications will be placed in one of the following three review groups to ensure consistent comparators: (1) college and university applicants, (2) trade school applicants, and (3) high school senior applicants.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply here!

Thursday, Mar. 6: 2025 Community Action Fund Annual Event for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, registration opens at 10:30 am, luncheon is at noon. Join acclaimed Slate journalist and legal expert Dahlia Lithwick for an essential talk as she unpacks critical issues and the urgent fight to defend reproductive health care. Don't miss this chance to engage with a leading authority in the fight for reproductive freedom! Register here.

March 13 - 30: "Here There are Blueberries,” 2 pm and 7:30 pm shows at the Wallis Theatre in Beverly Hills. Based on real events, "Here There Are Blueberries" tells the story behind Nazi-era historical photographs—what they reveal about the perpetrators of the Holocaust and, ultimately, about our own humanity. Our member Deb Lelchuk's daughter is the Assistant Stage Manager for this show - congrats, Deb! Several of us are going to the Mar. 23rd show at 2 pm -- buy your tickets soon so we can meet each other there and go for a snack afterwards. More info about the play here. Contact Natalie Swit at programs@ncjwlongbeach.org if you have any questions.

HOW TO REACH US - CALL US IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION

Email us at info@ncjwlongbeach.org, call (657) 235-2511, or send mail to NCJW–Greater Long Beach & West Orange County, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815. Please add this contact information to your contacts list.