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"The essence of America-that which really unites us-is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea-and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn't matter where you came from, but where you are going." - Condoleezza Rice
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NCJW Upcoming Events and Information
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Sorry for the delay but June and July have been busy months for NCJW! Our fiscal and programming year has wrapped up and we are starting to put our upcoming programs in order. Make sure to visit our website or watch your inbox for information as it become available.
We also tallied the responses from our newsletter poll and the vote was overwhelming that you prefer to have all your news in the body of the email. So we are returning to that format. But for those who prefer to have their enews as a pdf download, don't despair - we can have both!
Click here for a downloadable pdf of the enews!
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I joined NCJW Chicago North Shore in 2013 after being a national member for several years. I have always supported a lot of progressive causes but when I learned of NCJW, I found that it was a perfect match between my social conscious and my vision of social justice.
I had just moved to Illinois and felt that as a California transplant, my only connections were work-related and I wanted to meet people and find a positive way to make a difference locally and globally.
The highlight of my NCJW experience was meeting Congressman John Lewis at the 2017 NCJW National Convention. I believe so strongly in civil rights that I really hope that we can influence more people to get involved and take action.
~Tina Cantrell, NCJW Co-President
What is your NCJW Story?
Be featured in an upcoming issue of the Councillor? Email melissa@ncjwcns.org and share your NCJW story.
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Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet Synagogue
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
,
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Beth Emet Synagogue, 1224 Dempster, Evanston
Volunteers and Groceries Needed! Help shop, prepare and serve dinner and bag lunches. The evening is part of an ongoing collaboration between NCJW and Project Hamotzi to provide free meals to the area's homeless and working poor. NCJW members and a limited number of children, ages six & older, may volunteer. Contact Lauren at
labsler@att.net
.
Sisters of Story
Saturday, July 22, 2017, 2:00 pm
Ismaili Jamatkhana, 100 Shermer Rd, Glenview
In these difficult and dark times, let the power of storytelling illuminate our hearts. Three exceptional storytellers will share stories from their own faiths - Muslim, Christian, and Jewish - to transcend differences through shared belief in the power of compassion.
There is no charge to attend but registration is preferred.
Click here
or visit http://bit.ly/2rDikkE to reserve your spot.
We have lots of planning to do for our upcoming programming year. If you would like to join our programming committee or just sit in on a meeting or two, please email melissa@ncjwcns.org for details.
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NCJW Member News and Tributes
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Whether you are celebrating a simcha or sharing your sorrow, your NCJW friends want to know!
Keep NCJW informed of your life events: weddings, babys, graduations, b'nai mitzvahs as well as illnesses and grief. We are here to share with you....
Membership Renewal
Membership renewal season is upon us. Our NCJW Membership Year runs from July 1 through June 30. Annual membership entitles you to receive our section eNews, NCJW In Action updates, invitations to NCJW events, and State Policy Action Committee (SPA) updates.
Help us save time by renewing your membership online today at https://ncjwcns.org/membership. You can also mail your $50 membership dues check (payable to NCJWCNS) to our office:
NCJW, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062.
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Section Tributes support NCJW's advocacy efforts and community service projects. To order a tribute, visit
www.ncjwcns.org/tributes
.
To: Andy Amend
In honor of Andy Amend
From: Marilyn and Irving Naiditch
To: Cindy Wolfson
In honor of Cindy Wolfson for her many years of fighting for justice
From: Barbara Weiner
To: Bonnie Ribet
In honor of the birth of your granddaughter
From: JCAST Chicago Steering Committee
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If you haven't stopped by Encore lately,
you don't know what you are missing!
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Summer is the time for sidewalk sales! Don't forget to visit Encore at the Wilmette Sidewalk Sale and Summerfest - July 21 and 22. Great deals to be found. Encore needs small plastic shopping bags to use for purchases at the sidewalk sale. If you have a
ny to donate, please stop by the shop and drop them off. Any amount will be very appreciated!
Encore always has a wonderful selection of new and gently used items plus a well-curated designer section.Encore als
o has a terrific selection of household items from kitchen, to living room to dining room! This month, Encore is featuring this beautiful canister set. Encore has it for sale for only $80 but it is easily worth double. Stop by and
check it out!
Although we are in the middle of summer, it is never too early to start thinking about winter. Encore is looking for donations of WINTER clothing to feature in the fall when they hold their seasonal turnover. If you bring in a donation of a new or gently used WINTER clothing item and show the Encore staff this newsletter (either a printout or just on your phone) you will receive a
25% discount coupon to be used during our fall opening weekend,
August 17
, 18, & 19. The coupon may be used for one article of your choice.
Encore & More is NCJW's major fundraiser, supported by members and friends through donations of gently used men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories, jewelry, bric-a-brac, collectibles and small furniture.
We are always in need of donations of new and gently used items AND especially bric-a-brac, collectibles, jewelry of every kind and high-end clothing.
Donations are accepted Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. Deliver to the door at the rear parking lot off 11th St. Or, call for pickup at 847.853.8888.
Please note that if you are dropping off a donation or picking up materials at Encore, you may park in the back against the building provided your car flashers are activated. If you park without activating your flashers - you may be ticketed.
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NCJW Out and About!
2017 Installation Celebration
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We had a wonderful turnout at our annual Installation Celebration. Our keynote speaker Susan Gzesh was amazing! We learned so much and are motivated to take action! Here are some photos.
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Health care is a right – NOT a privilege.
Take action to #SaveOurCare! After weeks of closed door negotiations, the Senate health care repeal bill was unveiled – and it's a disaster for millions. Guess who loses most? Women, children, and low income individuals and families.
This Senate bill would constitute the cruelest cutback of the social safety net in US history. Do your part to stop it. Visit https://act.ncjw.org/last-call-to-protect-our-care to take action. If this bill passes the senate, 30,000 Illinoisans will be impacted--20,000 through Medicaid cuts and 10,000 through Title X.
After you contact your Senators, read this great Op Ed by NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman.
Murder on the Health Care Express
The demise of health care is going to look something like
Murder on the Orient Express
– everyone in the GOP takes a stab at it in the middle of the night and in the end no one knows who did it. The first wave of protest in response to the outrageous House bill ebbed completely, and only belatedly returned in the last week. Now we have a Senate bill just as bad, except this time after a Senate vote there will be no second chance. The time to fight back is now. Visit
http://bit.ly/2rZ92Eo
to read the entire post.
Intersectionality and Anti-Semitism
As many of you may know, NCJW CNS Board Member
Laurie Grauer and her friends were excluded from last month's Chicago Dyke March, an annual event attended by 1,500 queer women and allies in Chicago. Laurie was proud to carry a rainbow Jewish flag in the march, as has been tradition for her and her friends for a decade.
Organizers of the march identified the flag, confronted Laurie and her friends, and informed them the flag was “triggering marchers,” and demanded they fold up the flag and promptly leave the March, as the event was an “anti-Zionist, pro-Palestine event.” NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman thoughtful response from the NCJW Insider is re-printed below.
Where Does Intersectionality Stop and Anti-Semitism Start?
Where to begin? The uproar over the actions at the Chicago Dyke Collective March is hardly the first time that bottom line principles of allies haven’t meshed. And it is not only allies in this case, but different identities merged in the same person. I am a Zionist — one who supports the existence of Israel, albeit one who sometimes criticizes its government, just as I consider myself an American patriot and often criticize our government. I am also an ardent feminist. I advocate personally and professionally (on behalf of NCJW) for women in both Israel and the United States. I believe in a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East where Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace and security. And I refuse to yield my support for Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people in order to be an active feminist anywhere.
As Jews we believe we are commanded to seek justice anywhere and everywhere — in the US, in Israel, in the West Bank and Gaza or in the streets of Chicago. As progressive Jewish feminists, we must seek justice and acceptance and indeed love for those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender or queer, white or black, Mizrachi or Ethiopian, Palestinian or Israeli. But we expect to do it with our values of B’tzelem Elohim (we’re all made in the image of God) and K’vod Habriot (we all deserve respect and dignity) clearly intact. And we have to acknowledge that it will messier than we’d like. Click here to read the entire post.
NCJW Announces 2017 Israel Grant Recipients
On July 3, NCJW announced a new round of grants to nine Israeli organizations whose work is focused on women's empowerment, gender equality, and strengthening civil society in Israel. In addition, three scholarships were awarded to students at the NCJW Women and Gender Studies Program at Tel Aviv University. NCJW's Israel Granting Program (IGP) supports progressive grassroots, advocacy and education projects throughout Israel that work to improve the lives of women, children, and families.
"Since 1947, NCJW has been proud to partner with projects in Israel that support women's empowerment and equality," said NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman. "We believe in helping women succeed and lead - key elements in strengthening Israel as a democratic Jewish state with a vibrant civil society. Supporting innovative grassroots organizations that strive for these ideals is a privilege and a passion for the women of NCJW, whose members and supporters across the United States help raise funds for our Israel Granting Program."
Click here for the 2017 grantees
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The Silent Witness Exhibit of Illinois honors those who have died from acts of intimate partner violence. The Exhibit consists of life-size female figures, each bearing a shield telling the true story of an Illinois woman killed as a result of domestic violence. The figures provide a powerful visual impact to raise awareness of the tragedy and loss we all suffer when lives are taken senselessly through domestic violence. Groups may use the Exhibit for outreach, education and fundraising programs.
The Silent Witness Exhibit has been viewed in Illinois by thousands of people in dozens of venues since it was launched in 1997 by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chicago North Shore Section. The Silent Witness Exhibit of Illinois is part of the National Silent Witness Initiative, started in 1990 in Minneapolis.
Click here
for more information about hosting the Silent Witness Exhibit.
Each Month in the NCJW E-News, we will highlight a Silent Witness Story, so that the victims of domestic violence will never be forgotten.
Nermeen Sam
Tinley Park
December 19, 2012
Nermeen was the mother of four children and had recently been working at McDonald’s to earn money to help support the family. An Egyptian immigrant, she was a devout Christian, active in her church, who told friends her faith would not allow her to leave her abusive husband, Bahaa Sam, 47. She felt she had nowhere to go, according to a friend. Police had been called to the family’s home numerous times in the past eight years, at one time charging Bahaa with domestic battery and resisting police. Six months before her death, Nermeen was granted an order of protection for herself and the children. Bahaa was to undergo counseling and court supervision for a year. Bahaa beat Nermeen to death and left her body in the front yard, then sat inside with their youngest child, a toddler, until police came. Bahaa was charged with murder.
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Other Events and Items of Interest
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Reproductive Justice Action League
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, 719 South State Street, Chicago
Do you know someone who would be interested in learning more about reproductive justice? Are they passionate about protecting young people’s rights to make decisions over their bodies? Do they want to learn ways to take action in your community?
Youth leaders (16-22) of all identities and backgrounds are invited to apply to join ICAH’s Reproductive Justice Action League (RJAL) this summer! As part of RJAL, you will build your leadership skills, meet new people and make new friends, and work together to take action on issues that impact your lives. You’ll learn how to organize, advocate, and educate to protect your sexual health, identities, and rights through a public art and dialogue campaign that you’ll design!
As a member of the Reproductive Justice Action League you will:
• Participate in an 8-day training in the Chicago Loop
• Build your leadership skills
• Learn about reproductive justice issues with a focus on abortion access and choice
• Build community and work together to educate others
• Meet new people and make new friends!
Benefits of Joining:
• Participation stipend of $150, plus transit stipend and food provided!
• Childcare costs subsidized for young parents
• Safe space for youth of all identities
• Accommodations provided for people with disabilities (braille printing, Paratransit, etc.)
To Apply:
Complete and submit an application. Contact alyssa@icah.org with questions!
Upcoming Counter-Trafficking Webinar.
Catholic Relief Services and the University of Notre Dame, Center for Civil and Human Rights’ warmly invites you to our upcoming counter-trafficking webinar. Join in on Tuesday, July 11th at 9:00am EDT for a Facebook Live webinar to present the keynote address of Catholic Relief Services and the University of Notre Dame, Center for Civil and Human Rights’one-day action workshop to prevent human trafficking. The key-note address, “Introduction to the Optimal Life Course Conditions (OLCCs) Approach: What is the OLCC Approach, and how does it relate to efforts underway to prevent human trafficking?”, will be presented by Dr. Angela Reed, RSM, Coordinator of Mercy Global Action at the United Nations. Dr. Reed will present the OLCC approach, a preventative framework to reduce vulnerabilities to human trafficking. Invited responses and open discussion will follow, focused on deepening our understanding of the OLCC approach and of how it relates to current CRS and other trafficking prevention efforts. To access the Facebook Live video: Please click the link above to Catholic Relief Services Facebook page from 9-10:30 am EDT and the video will be live streaming at the top of page. *You can access the page even if you do not have a Facebook account.
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Chicago North Shore has several new ways to support our section. As always, you can make a one time donation or purchase a tribute (links are below), but we now also have a lovely, hand-crafted necklace you can purchase for yourself or for a gift. Net proceeds from the sale of each necklace supports NCJW's mission.
You can also support NCJW as a Sustaining Advocate. Complete and print this form and mail it to our office, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062 and your scheduled monthly donation will ensure the viability of Chicago North Shore for generations to come.
Your support makes it possible for NCJW to create meaningful social change for women, children, and families in the US and Israel.
Make a difference for women, children, and families by giving a generous gift to NCJW through a variety of options:
Make a Donation
Put your dollars to work immediately by making a fast, secure online donation. Become a Major Donor by making a donation of $360 or more.
Purchase a Tribute
Honor a family member, colleague, friend, or loved one by giving a gift to NCJW. A handwritten NCJW tribute card with a message of support, celebration, or sympathy will be sent to the honoree or the family of the person you wish to remember.
Canadian jewelry artist Hilary Druxman has handcrafted a beautifully designed necklace and has partnered with NCJW Chicago North Shore to bring her design to our members and supporters. Overlapping triangles come together to form a star, reflecting our belief in advocacy and action.
Each necklace costs $44 ($40 + $4 sales tax) and can be shipped anywhere in the US. Net proceeds from the sale of each handcrafted sterling silver necklace support our mission.
NCJW is recognized as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Contributions to it are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law.
Create a Legacy!
Want to ensure NCJW's legacy for years to come? Are you a life member and want to extend your support in perpetuity? Have you thought out a bequest to NCJW?
Already have a bequest to NCJW? Please let us know that you put us in your will so we can acknowledge you!! Email
melissa@ncjwcns.org
.
Support NCJW with your Purchases
Save Gas. Save Time. Raise Money!
Through iGive, Amazon smile and others, you can raise money for NCJW while you shop online. Use the links below and select NCJW Chicago North Shore as your charity of choice.
Every time you shop at any of the 1,000+ online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits NCJW Chicago North Shore Section. It's a free service, and you'll never pay more when you reach a store through iGive. In fact, smart shoppers will enjoy iGive's repository of coupons, free shipping deals, and sales. To get started, just create your free iGive account at igive.com.
You shop. Amazon gives. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support NCJW every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at
smile.amazon.com
and select National Council of Jewish Women Wilmette, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to directly to NCJW.
You shop; you save; they give
Here is a simple way to make a difference -- each time you search the web (Goodsearch) or shop online (Goodshop), Goodsearch will make a donation to your favorite cause. Just visit Goodshop and select NCJW Chicago North Shore as your charity of choice.
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