JUNE 2026

PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES

From WMO Co-President Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger

Dear Friends,

As Memorial Day fades into the background, Independence Day looms ahead, and Labor Day is not far behind, it is time for summer to commence and vacations to be planned. Movies to watch, books to read and fun for all.

Please join WMO as we close this year with our Annual Meeting on Monday, June 8, at CMO. We have business to attend to, installation to occur, volunteers to recognize, a youth scholarship to present, and a year to review. So much has happened since July 2025 and so much is planned beginning in July 2026.

We hope you will join WMO to learn, discover, meet new friends, participate and enjoy. We have explored Tikkun Olam with programming and projects in social justice, social action, history, women’s health, Torah study, hiking, art, voting rights, Broadway and so much more! This past year we embraced holidays and CMO staff, heard from some amazing speakers, got to know each other a bit better, and have so much more to explore and participate in. We support each other, the congregation, and Israel. We are constantly learning and we are engaged in a wide variety of Mitzvah projects.

WMO’s purpose is to further the highest ideals of Reform Judaism, by promoting fellowship among our members, supporting and strengthening Congregation Mishkan Or, promoting education, religious and social action programming and furthering the mission of the Women of Reform Judaism, a collective voice and presence of women in congregational life. Come join us, share or discover your passion, and become part of a sisterhood that brings joy and shares our tears and laughter with one another.

I look forward to meeting you or seeing you soon.

Warm regards,

Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger

WMO Co-President

Note: WMO Co-Presidents Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger and Ronna Kaplan alternate sharing their perpectives in each newsletter. Questions or suggestions? Feel free to reach out to Jeannie and Ronna at jeannieCKMO@gmail.com and rskaplan1@gmail.com.

HIGHLIGHTS

** CELEBRATE WMO AT CLOSING EVENT ON JUNE 8! (Register by June 1)

** HIKE IN METRO PARK ON JUNE 3.

** WANTED!!! BRIGHT IDEAS FOR FUNDRAISERS.

** JEWISH COMICS "ICONS IN INK" AT MALTZ MUSEUM ON JUNE 28.

** CONCERT AT MALTZ PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ON JUNE 28.

** KUDOS TO MITZVAH PROJECT VOLUNTEERS!

** TUNE IN TO 'JUST FOR THIS' PODCAST ABOUT WOMEN & LEADERSHIP.

** Click 'VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE' at bottom of newsletter to see all events.

THIS IS US

In each monthly newsletter, we introduce two members of WMO. This month, we would like you to meet Diane Lavin, pictured below left, and Ronna Sherman. Click here to read their stories.

END OF SEASON EVENT IS JUNE 8

6:30-8:30 P.M. AT CMO

IT'S A SWEET & SAVORY

DESSERT RECEPTION!

ACT NOW. DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS JUNE 1!

Join us for a special evening to celebrate the installation of our incoming board, honor our dedicated volunteers, and reflect on the many ways we support one another across generations. The evening includes a creative program culminating in a mitzvah for our community.

The cost is $18 per person. To pay by credit card, click HERE. Or you can pay by check*. The registration deadline is June 1. When registering, you can pay for guests and include their names.

*To pay by check: Make the check payable to "CMO" and write on the memo line "WMO June 8 event." Drop off or mail to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood 44122 with the following information: Your name, contact information, if you wish to sit with friends, if you are paying for a guest and their name.

** Please notify us if you have any dietary concerns.

Questions? Reach out to co-chairs Dede Young at dby806@gmail.com or Lindsey Walsh-Resnick at lindseymwalsh@hotmail.com for more information.

'Just For This' Podcasts

with Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch

"Who knows, maybe it is just for this moment that you find yourself in a position of leadership." -Esther 4:14

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch is the CEO of Women of Reform Judaism and host of the popular Just For This, a podcast that aims to inspire women in leadership to talk about women and leadership. Every week Rabbi Hirsch shares powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, according to the WRJ website. The women she interviews are from every walk of life who have stepped up to the plate. Please listen to this podcast! For the link, click here. We promise that you won’t be disappointed!

HEARTS AND HANDS

Join us to work on Mitzvah Projects!

If you can cut, paste, sew, knit, or crochet, we welcome your help!

Sharing proud moments

WMO and the Mitzvah Projects Volunteers congratulate Debbie Lavin for being the featured Silver Linings volunteer in the May 22 edition of the Cleveland Jewish News. Debbie shares her own story along with the intricate and loving process of creating dolls for children in WMO's Hello Dolly Factory. Click here to read the story.

A special thank you to Claudia Marmaros for delivering three baby blankets to CMO members in May.

Mitzvah volunteers are thankful for the thoughtful note they received from the Cleveland Sight Center after delivering Touch and Tell Books recently. The note states: “Your generosity enriches our classroom and makes a lasting difference in the learning experiences we are able to offer. We appreciate your dedication and the heart you’ve invested in this project.”

On May 11, child life specialist Allison Kneitel took 27 of the little pocket vests that were created by WMO volunteers to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. Currently, 20 kits created by our wonderful volunteer team on the April 26 Mitzvah Morning now are in the hands of our capable seamstresses!

WMO volunteers are proud of the impact and joy their mitzvah projects have brought not only to CMO members, but also to the community. Everyone is welcome to become a Mitzvah Project Volunteer. Upcoming sessions are as follows:

Hello Dolly Factory meets every Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at CMO.

The dolls are donated to Project ACT, which serves families impacted by homelessness in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

On Wednesday, June 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m., WMO and the Women of Fairmount Presbyterian Church will meet at Congregation Mishkan Or to create Alphabet Touch and Tell books for preschoolers at the Cleveland Sight Center.

Sunday Morning Mitzvah volunteers will meet on Sunday, June 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The group works on Number Books for the Cleveland Sight Center preschoolers, knitting or crocheting blankets for families impacted by homelessness as well as new babies related to CMO congregants, and making EEG Pocket Vests for the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Parents are welcome to bring their children to these sessions.

Questions?

For dolls, call Debbie Lavin, 216-970-5901.

For vests, call Laurenda Messer, 216-371-0298.

For Touch and Tell books and blankets, call Phyllis Berlas, 216-381-8738.

VIRTUAL BOOK & MOVIE DISCUSSIONS

All are welcome!

Zoom Book Discussions (all at 4 p.m.)

Tuesday, June 2, Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

No meetings in July or August.

Tuesday, Sept. 8, Good People by Patmeena Sabit

Tuesday, Oct 6, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Zoom Movie Discussion

On Tuesday, June 23 at 4 p.m. we will be talking about "Operation Mincemeat" on Netflix.

Send RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com to get the Zoom link. Enter "Book discussion" or "Movie discussion" on the subject line.

COME JOIN THE FUN!

You are invited to be a part of the WMO Fundraising Committee along with co-chairs Ann Markoff & Susan Shapiro. WMO’s new year is about to begin, and it would be wonderful to have you join us to design & implement a slate of fundraising projects!

To join us please contact:

Ann Markoff; markoff2@sbcglobal.net or

Susan Shapiro; shapiro70@aol.com

WMO TRADITIONS GIFT SHOP

Need a birthday, graduation, or Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift? Visit Traditions, the WMO gift shop, and browse our unique collection.

During the summer months, Traditions is open only before special events or by appointment by calling Iris Kane at 216-225-2327 or Ilene Kammer at 330-338-4849.

TAKE A HIKE!

Wednesday, June 3, 10:30 a.m.

Calling all walkers and hikers. Join us for an hour or so to enjoy time together in the great outdoors exploring the trails at the South Chagrin Reservation, Hawthorn Parkway, Bentleyville, OH. This is a beautiful section of the Cleveland Metroparks!

Bring your own brown bag lunch to partake with the group after the hike. We will meet at the Henry Church parking lot.

There's more afoot. Save these dates!

Summer promises to be a great time for walking and talking. Save the following dates for upcoming hikes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Don't forget to bring a brown bag lunch. Details on locations to be announced soon.

Thursday, July 9.

Tuesday, August 4.

Please contact Bev Jacobs with any questions or concerns at 216-390-0360 via call or text.

MALTZ MUSEUM EXHIBITION

“Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience”

Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Discover the powerful fusion of Jewish culture, history, and artistic expression through the lens of graphic storytelling in this dynamic traveling exhibition from the Center for Jewish History!

Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience examines a wide range of Jewish themes and identities in comics, recognizing the diverse roots that have contributed to this unique art form. The exhibition explores how the industry has evolved over the last century, tackling subjects from identity and the combating of antisemitism to the changing face of the medium itself.

The exhibition features original artworks, rare archival pieces, and historical artifacts spanning from classic newspaper strips to contemporary graphic novels, highlighting iconic characters, stories, and creators. Visitors explore five distinct micro-exhibits that capture historic moments in the medium, including The Jewish Origins of the Comic Book Industry, Fighting Fascism, A Brief History of Yiddish Comics, Sephardi Identity and Memory in Comics, and Mickey Mouse and Ashmedai: Hebrew Children’s Publications at a Momentous Time, 1945-48.

The Maltz Museum’s presentation of The Jewish Comics Experience includes a new section focusing on Cleveland’s rich history of comic book creators and artists – CLEVELAND: HOME OF HEROES!

This program is free to WMO members and includes a light brunch with bagels, muffins, and fruit. Non-members -- join now (click here to join) and your dues will be good through June 2027.

RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com and put "Comics" in the subject line.

Please note: Space is limited to the first 100 people who register.

Gala concert to feature CMO cantors

Sunday, June 28 at 6 p.m.

Maltz Performing Arts Center

1855 Ansel Road, Cleveland, OH 44106

The community is cordially invited to a gala concert presented by the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) and Guild of Temple Musicians (GTM) at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 28 at the Milton & Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center.

Mishkan Or Cantors Vladimir Lapin, Kathy Sebo, and Sarah Sager will be singing in the concert along with cantors and Jewish musicians from across North America.

This is the opening concert and one of the highlights of ACC/GTM's annual convention being held in Cleveland this year. The convention theme is "Amplifying Our Roles" which emphasizes the important community work of Jewish musicians that "reaches far beyond the Bimah," organizers said.

Tickets are $36 with all proceeds going to ACC/GTM. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Those who find the cost an obstacle may email Cantor Lapin, who will provide a ticket. He can be reached at VLapin@mishkanor.org.

"The concert is open to the community, and I truly think it’s going to be a beautiful and memorable evening," Cantor Lapin said.

Reaching across generations

Seeking ideas on new program

The leaders at Ganon Gil Preschool, CMO’s early childhood center, are in the early stages of planning a new program called Grand Friends.

This program is designed to bring together our wisest demographics - our older adults with a wealth of experiences and stories to tell – with our young children, who approach the world with zest and curiosity. Ganon Gil Assistant Director Aaron Sutton, who is exploring interest in this proposed program, said that there is so much the bookends of our community can learn from each other.

“I've heard tales of other Grand Friends programs where these relationships extend well beyond graduating from preschool,” Aaron said. “Mentorship, companionship, reciprocity, and respect are just a few components of this win-win arrangement, strengthening our CMO/Ganon Gil community.”

Aaron said these intergenerational relationships could take shape and flourish through activities, conversations, stories, collaboration, and maybe a laugh or two.

Please note that adult participants will be required to fill out a medical form.

If you are interested in learning more about this pilot program, please contact Aaron directly at asutton@mishkanor.org. You will be added to communications on future developments. The planning collaboration is set to begin during the summer. Any suggestions, ideas, or thoughts on Grand Friends are welcomed and appreciated during the planning period!

JOIN WMO TODAY!

Did you know that your membership supports our educational, spiritual, social, cultural, and social action/ justice programming and projects?

Annual Dues are $50 and may be charged by clicking on this link:

https://mishkanor.shulcloud.com/form/wmo-26/27-membership.html

To pay by check, make out your check for $50 to “Congregation Mishkan Or” and put “WMO annual dues” in the memo line. Be sure to include your address, phone number and email. Mail it to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or drop it off at the front desk.

If you join now, your membership will extend through June 2027!

Membership questions may be directed to Janice Hirshon (jchirshon@gmail.com or 508-667-0195) or Maureen Ordman- Fike (rainslicktwo@yahoo.com or 440-221-8514).

Photo Policy

Women of Mishkan Or regularly takes photos of members during events and shares some of them in our newsletters, on our Facebook page, and with local media. If you do NOT want your photo published, please contact Enid Yurman at enid.yurman@gmail.com and Ellen J. Kleinerman at ellen.kleinerman@gmail.com.

WOMEN OF MISHKAN OR TEMPLE FUNDS

The following funds help support WMO's Mitzvah projects and many stimulating, entertaining, enlightening, and thought-provoking programs. Please consider contributing to these funds when honoring or in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. Your generous donations are much appreciated!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ALEXANDRA AND JOSEPH BERGER MUSIC FUND is used for special music events, lectures, and other programs.
ARTHUR AND JOSEPHINE ELSOFFER FUND is used to purchase yarn and materials for our Mitzvah projects (lap and baby blankets and teaching dolls).
THE GLORIA FINE WMO TZEDAKAH FUND in memory of Gloria Fine will be used to enrich and enhance WMO events as needed.
ILEEN KELNER FUND supports Women of Mishkan Or special projects.
JOANNE LEVY SCHOLARSHIP FUND is used for Scholarships and Leadership Training for Temple Youth.
THE RALPH AND SHEILAH ORKIN TOUCH AND TELL FUND supports the Alphabet and Number Touch and Tell books for preschool children who are visually impaired.
THE TWA TRIBUTE FUND supports Temple projects.
THE WMO B’NAI MITZVAH GIFT FUND is used to purchase gifts to be presented to all CMO members celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah.

Make your donation check out to "Congregation Mishkan Or," and write "WMO" and the name of the fund on the check's memo line. Drop off or mail to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio 44122.

WMO'S MISSION

Our Women of Mishkan Or (WMO) is an active group of women* who come together to further the highest ideals of Reform Judaism, by promoting fellowship among its members, supporting and strengthening Congregation Mishkan Or (CMO), and promoting education, religious and social action programming. This organization furthers the mission of the Women of Reform Judaism, a collective voice and presence of women in congregational life.

* WMO welcomes anyone who identifies as female, nonbinary, or gender fluid. WMO welcomes all who identify as Jewish or have a commitment to the Jewish community.

The monthly newsletters, weekly reminders, and other updates are designed, written, compiled and edited by WMO Communications/Marketing Co-Vice-Presidents Enid Yurman and Ellen J. Kleinerman. Send comments and requests to include your announcements in future newsletters to enid.yurman@gmail.com and ellen.kleinerman@gmail.com.