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Greetings,

In preparing my message for this issue, I recalled a D’Var Torah on Parashat Vayetzi I had seen some time ago. I would like to share just a bit of that with you. Written by Janet Sternfeld Davis of American Jewish University and posted in AJU’s “Our Torah” on November 3, 2013:

Gotta Get Out of Town .... Again

Vayetzei

Many of us have had Jacob moments, but luckily not a Jacob life. We've had to leave home in order to get on track. Sometimes home is not safe, or it's too safe to do the hard work of creating a life worth living.

What is a life worth living? What is the hard work required to become who we were meant to or could be? What specifically is the role of promises in how we develop our identities and our life narrative? What is the role of family, friends, adversaries, and God in our defining how we want to live, and creating a legacy we want to leave?

We have all left home at some point. But it is usually more than just a move and a change of address. A short time after my husband and I took our children and our dog and left Long Island to move to Herkimer, a new Sisterhood friend asked me to join her for a Branch meeting in Syracuse. Lois Silverman saw something in me and knew that somehow, I would just fit in. During that hour long trip, Lois proceeded to explain to me - what a Branch was and how it was part of an international Jewish women’s organization. I started to feel overwhelmed and wasn’t sure this was such a great idea. I think that Jacob probably had those same feelings leaving the home of his mother and father and going to hide at his uncle’s home, far from the brother he tricked and betrayed.

We walked into the social hall at Temple Adath Yeshurun, and a woman whom I had never met came right up to me. Joyce Goldberg was the Branch President and she greeted me as though I were the niece whom she hadn’t seen for quite a long time. Why would this woman, this Branch President, welcome me, the newbie, so warmly?

I hope that this is a similar experience many of you have had. Over the years, I have found that there are so many women in Women’s League who are warm and welcoming like that. Women who care, women who choose to help, women who hold each of us up and none are better than any others because of their positions. I can count sisterhood members, sisterhood presidents, those involved in their Region, and even International Presidents as friends. And over the years, they have encouraged me to take positions and portfolios that were way beyond my comfort zone. I have been a Branch President, Per Capita Chair, Region Budget Chair and even a WLCJ Vice President. But none of those positions compare to the two things I am doing now… and loving. I am a Women’s League Consultant, guiding Sisterhoods and Regions to adapt their needs and concerns to successes. And, currently, I am the moderator of the Women’s League PrezNet. I have nicknamed this group “The Kvetch and Kvell Club” because we are free to express our needs and the things that keep us up at night. We all brainstorm various ideas to turn those into actions that result in smiles.

Get out of Town… Again! Find out what Women’s League can do for you - but just as important - find a life that’s worth living, and in Janet’s words, “creating a legacy we want to leave.”

Toby Maser

INR US Treasurer

WLCJ Consultant

WLCJ PrezNet Chair

TMaser@wlcj.org

Friends,

Todah Rabah to Toby Maser for her amazing contribution to our Chai Lines newsletter. Her article brought tears to my eyes. We are so thankful that she is now Moderator of PrezNet, acting as sort of a mother hen as she encourages dialogue among our affiliate presidents in a safe, cooperative, and welcoming virtual setting.

I am really excited about our upcoming region program because it is a collaborative effort among four regions - our International Northeast Region, IntraContinental Region, Seaboard Region, and Southern Region. Please see our flyer below describing our virtual program with Seth Front on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 7:30 pm ET. This program promises to bring joy and laughter during the dark days of winter. It is free to all region members, thanks to the financial contributions of our four regions, and I hope to see you then.

Giving Tuesday was very successful for both Women’s League Masorti Days of Study and for Torah Fund’s ‘Creating New Spaces’ campaign. If you missed the opportunity to give that day, you can still participate by clicking on the links below in our newsletter. You can find links to donate to Torah Fund's 'Creating New Spaces' campaign in Linda's Torah Fund message below. A link to donate to Women's League Masorti Days of Study can be found in the Women's League section of this newsletter below.

Women’s League Convention is on everyone’s mind these days. I hope you are making plans to join me in Schaumburg, Illinois, from July 16-19, 2023. Full details about Convention should be forthcoming very soon. I am happy to announce our region has set up a Convention Scholarship Fund and I am hoping your individual affiliates/sisterhoods have similar financial incentives to help your own members. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new and old friends, hear fantastic speakers, revitalize yourself spiritually and learn from our dedicated Women’s League leaders. Convention truly is a time for “Sisters Celebrating Together”!

Please read below about all the amazing programs Women’s League has to offer. Take advantage of any of these programs which are a benefit of your membership in your affiliate or as an Individual Member of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. You will be glad you did.

Shabbat Shalom,

Marilyn

Marilyn Cohen

Region President

INRPresident21@wlcj.org

Can you Read? Type? Copy and paste? Do you download and save photos of your children & grandchildren? Do you email? Zoom? Then it is really that simple... If you have these basic skills, you can easily learn the rest! The programs that we use to publish the newsletter are not difficult to learn and we are here to train you and help as you learn! If you are interested and want to learn more please contact Marilyn Cohen at INRPresident21@wlcj.org.

Our 2022-2023 Chazak v'Ematz Campaign

Be Strong and Courageous

Lisa Paule, Torah Fund’s Director, has shared some wonderful news and I would like to take this opportunity to pass it along to you because we couldn't do it without you! Thanks to your efforts, and those of all our volunteers, we are going strong in our Chazak v'Ematz - Strong & Courageous campaign. We are delighted to share this update with you and appreciate all you are doing to help Torah Fund exceed expectations.

FUNDRAISING

Our numbers are terrific!

Chazak v'Emzatz general campaign, as of 11/30/22:  $504,177.00*

Compared to one year ago on 11/15/21:  $284,473.00

Compared to two years ago on: 11/10/20:  $272,489.00

*The current figure excludes ecard revenue for this fiscal year.

Creating New Spaces campaign, as of 11/29/22:  $4,938.00*

Compared to one year ago on 11/15/21:  $5,507.00

Compared to two years ago on 11/10/20:  $3,964.00

Total raised for Spaces to date:  $132,670.00

Balance left to raise for Spaces:  $67,330.00

*The current figure excludes donations for Spaces campaign made in response to our pitch eblast sent on 11/28 for Giving Tuesday.

As always, we would like to encourage online donations:

U.S. platform:  https://inspired.jtsa.edu/give/314821/#!/donation/checkout

Canadian ecards platform, where donors can give any amount with the minimum purchase of a C$5.00 ecard:  torahfundecards.jtsa.edu/canadian

If a donor wishes to make a donation with a credit card by phone, please call Sherrill Moss-Solomon at 212-678-8977. (Do not ever leave credit card information in a voicemail!)

•Gifts through an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

We welcome gifts from IRAs! Individuals aged 70.5 and older can make direct transfers totaling up to $100,000 per year from their IRAs to benefit Torah Fund. For inquiries on how to donate in this manner, please contact the Torah Fund director, Lisa Paule: lipaule@jtsa.edu

The International Northeast Region is one of three regions to cross the border. Each country has its own rules about tax receipts, but we all need to be mindful that December 31st is fast approaching. If you require a receipt, please submit your donations as soon as possible – or donate online. Each and every donation, large and small, makes a difference.

Stay safe and warm as the temperatures plunge.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Linda Boxer

INR Torah Fund VP

INRTorahFund@gmail.com

Click HERE to watch the recording

On behalf of Women's League for Conservative Judaism, WLCJ Executive Director, Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, presented a copy of With Strength and Splendor to each woman who earned her Doctor of Divinity, honoras causa. Pictured - Standing - Rabbis Amy Schomer Greenbaum, Amy Levin, Wendy H. Ungar, Michelle Faye Faudem, Amy Bardack, Lisa Gelber, Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields; Seated - Rabbis Carie Michelle Carter, Sara T. Paasche-Orlow, Andrea Lynn Merow; Jennifer Rachel Gorman. (Not pictured - Rabbi Julie Schonfeld) 

All of the #GivingTuesday Campaign will go to the “MASORTI WOMEN’S DAYS OF STUDY”.

Your #GivingTuesday gift to the Masorti Women's Days of Study has made a successful outcome. Every little bit helps. The Masorti Women’s Days of Study are wonderful educational experiences that have drawn hundreds of women from Europe, Central and South America, the USA and Canada, Russia, and Israel. Lectures have been presented by some of the most gifted teachers in Israel; languages have included Hebrew, English, Russian and Spanish. Before the pandemic, the only way to participate in this special learning was to be in Israel. Like previous years, anyone from anywhere can attend via computer! #GivingTuesday is when most of the funding for The Masorti Women’s Day of Study is raised and like past years, you did not disappoint. 

Although #GivingTuesday ended, we still accepting donations. If you haven't donated already or are in a generous spirit, please give to the “GIVING TUESDAY - MASORTI WOMEN’S STUDY DAYS”. Let’s open our wallets and open our minds!

As a THANK YOU, we promised to share a tribute video of all the #GivingTuesday donors and here it is...

Sustainability Program: Conserving our Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers in a Changing World

Join us on zoom to learn with Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, marine ecologist and world-renowned shark researcher, and raise awareness about the deep Jewish connection to water and reinforce the urgent moral imperative of water conservation.

Hanukkah Lighting and Paint & Sip - Thursday, December 22

@ 7 PM ET

Cut-off date to purchase Kits:

USA Orders: December 12th

Canadian Orders: December 8th

Join Women's League for our Annual Hanukkah Lighting! Followed by Paint and Sip with Nikki Fuchs Sausen. 

Registration for Hanukkah Lighting is FREE.

Participation for the Paint Night:

US Kit Pricing = $45.00

Canada Kit Pricing = $52.00

Kit fees cover: Canvas, Paints, Brushes, Apron and Shipping

Estimated Delivery Schedules:

USA Orders: USPS Priority Mail and are delivered within 2-3 business days

Canadian Orders: Deliveries are delivered within 4-7 business days.

Sichot Beyn Achayot: MiDor L'Dor / Conversations between Sisters Series - Sunday, December 11 @ 12:00 PM ET

Sunday 12.11.22 @ 12:00pm - 1:30pm ET

Workshop 3 - MiDor L’Dor: Taking the 100-Year Journey from Bat Mitzvah to Egalitarianism

How did the first bat mitzvah lead to the expanded roles for Jewish women, both in the synagogue and the community? We will explore how things have changed in the last 100 years and ponder what the next 100 may bring.

Speakers: 

Prof. Alice Shalvi, Founder of Women's Rights Movement in Israel and Israel Prize recipient for her contribution to education

Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz, JTS Chancellor and Irving Lehrman Research Professor of American Jewish History

Saralee Schrell-Fox, Educator and Chazzanit, Jerusalem

Rabba Dikla Druckman-Sherzer, Fuchsberg Jewish Center, Jerusalem

Avner Moriah

WLCJ FUNDRAISER

Thank you to Grace Schessler, WLCJ Vice President and Program Chair, for planning our amazing program with Avner Moriah! If you missed the program, you can watch the recording here:

This is a WLCJ FUNDRAISER and we thank Avner Moriah for contributing a percentage of all sales to WLCJ.

Please go to his website:

 http://avnermoriahprints.com/ and take a look at his beautiful collection. Discount code is valid until December 31st, 2022.

20% DISCOUNT CODE: WL2022

Watch Avner Moriah at JTS Women's League Pavillion video below (click on the image):

Programming Idea of the Week

Robyn Helzner’s Jews of the World Program

Did you know that China has one of the most positive Jewish histories in the world? In Kreplach & Dim Sum – Yes, There are Jews in China! Robyn shares this remarkable and uplifting story. You can view the trailer here. Robyn served as a Cantor in Hong Kong and officiated at the first bar mitzvah celebrated in Beijing.

And did you know that synagogues built by Sephardic Jews in the 16th century are still standing and in use in Dubrovnik, Split and Sarajevo? In Bridge to the Balkans – A Jewish Shelter from the Storm, Robyn introduces this little-known oasis of Jewish life through passionate songs, fascinating stories and captivating photos and video. You can view the trailer here.

These are just two of the many dynamic programs Robyn Helzner can offer your Sisterhood Affiliate. 

To find out more information or to book a program Click Here.

Weekly Words of Torah

Parashat Vayishlach - December 10, 2022

In this week’s Torah reading, Parashat Vayishlach, Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau, who he ran away from, fearing that Esau would kill him because Jacob tricked him out of his birthright. The night before their confrontation, Jacob struggles with a man, and he wakes up injured. The commentators wonder if Jacob truly struggled with someone who was physically there? Was it an actual person? Was it an angel of God? Or some say that perhaps Jacob was actually struggling with himself, in a dream perhaps? Whatever happened, after this wrestling match, Jacob winds up with the socket of his hip being strained. Have you ever endured a similar situation – where you needed to have a difficult conversation, or confrontation, or meeting with someone, and you felt like you were actually mentally, spritially, emotionally, or perhaps even physically wrestling with someone , or perhaps yourself? This account in the Torah should give us strength, that just as Jacob had to face one of his greatest foes, and could not sleep the night before, we too might find ourselves in similar situations. But we need to remember – Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!

Makom B'Yachad

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

12PM ET; 11AM CT; 9AM PT; 10AM MT

Join Zoom Meeting: 

https://zoom.us/j/630830287

Meeting ID: 630 830 287

Password: 875936

Special Program during Makom B'Yachad:

Friday, December 23 - Hanukkah

Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish?

Project Stock the Shelves

Your contribution will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors

If you’ve been shopping recently, you can’t help but notice how much the cost of food has gone up. Please consider contributing a Kosher item to your pantry collection this month.

Debbie Bettan

Social Justice Project Chair

dbettan@wlcj.org

Karen Block

Social Justice Co-Chair

kblock@wlcj.org

Ardis Wexler

Social Justice Co-Chair

judgeardis@aol.com

Jewels in the Crown Returns to Convention 2023

Jewels in the Crown is an opportunity for your Sisterhood to be honored for exceptional programming and participation.

See below for information and application.

*NEW* more options to fill out the application.

Application online version was created on Google Forms as an alternative.

Application and supporting materials must be submitted to Women’s League by

March 2, 2023.

For more information email: jewel@wlcj.org

WLCJ 5783 Calendar Diaries in Pocket & Planner Sizes

Calendar Diaries are available in TWO SIZES. 

Pocket Size: 4x6in. 

Planner Size: 8.5x11in.

Both available to ORDER NOW.

PrezNet

Join the WL PrezNet

Toby Maser

PrezNet Moderator

The cost for the weekly questions email and hard-cover book is currently $99. For more information and to receive a $10 discount click below:

Women's League for Conservative Judaism gets a donation by using the link.

Cory Schneider

Archives Chair & Consultant

Past International President

Administrator, Torah Fund Legacy Society

cschneider@wlcj.org

WLCJ App

We brought back the WLCJ App.

It's available for download on all devices (iPhone/iPad/Google Play/Android).

WLCJ Website

The Women's League website now is available in all languages.

Visit our website: www.wlcj.org

Censoring the Holocaust; Why the Book Endures; The Hollywood Blacklist; and More

Last Chance to Discover How the Holocaust Changed the Music World Forever

Schechter's Ongoing Hybrid and Zoom Courses

New Digital Torah Fund eCards Available NOW:

Send a greeting with ecards and support Torah Fund! Make your gift more meaningful by using our ecards for every occasion!

Dear Torah Fund Leadership Team,

During this 80th anniversary year for Torah Fund, all $80+ donations will be reported and recognized by the Torah Fund office. Please share with us any 80th anniversary events happening in your Region or sisterhood. Also, we would appreciate it if you would forward any invitations, flyers or articles to us so we can share the updates.

Margie and Rita

Co-chairs of the Torah Fund’s 80th anniversary

Margie Miller              Rita Wertlieb

Mmiller@wlcj.org     Rwertlieb@wlcj.org

WOW Merchandise

All prices include regular shipping (with tracking, 2-4 weeks). Express shipping costs an extra $20 per item.

2023 Holocaust Remembrance

Eva Wachsmann (being held second from the left) was born in Kosice Mesto, in the former Czechoslovakia on 22 March 1930. Here she is pictured with her family at the family home. Eva was nine years old when the Second World War began. She did not survive the Holocaust. She was murdered by the Nazis in the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi concentration and death camp. Credit: Yad Vashem Archives, Hall of Names

Calendar of Events at United Nations Headquarters January | February

10 January – 23 February 2023

Exhibition “After the End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps”

Europe emerged from the Second World War utterly broken, with millions of refugees scattered across many countries. The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) was created to resettle those displaced by the mayhem of the war and the Holocaust. The fragments from the past illuminate the work of UNRRA administrators, and chart how, in the aftermath of catastrophic loss, Holocaust survivors navigated their new lives in displaced persons camps. The exhibition is sourced with artefacts and documents from the archives of the United Nations and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, and draws upon the expertise of the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity at the Graduate Center—CUNY. The exhibition was created by the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme and Professor Debórah Dwork, together with the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Archives, the United Nations Archives and Records Management Services, and with generous support of Stockton University.

Opening event: Tuesday, 24 January 2023, 11:00 a.m. EST, Visitors Lobby, United Nations Headquarters

Registration will open soon...                                        Read more, click here.

The Nefesh B’Nefesh JNF 2022-2023 Ma'alot Grant Program

Go to this LINK for the Ma'alot Grant information. It has details about the application plus a special offer from Rabbi Paul Freedman. He will be delighted to call you if you wish more information.

Is your synagogue considering a Mission to Israel in 2022 or 2023?

Our colleague, Rabbi Paul Freedman (nina_f@netvision.net.il) can offer resources including offers from Masorti Movement, Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, and Nefesh B’Nefesh with its new Campus (located in the Kiryat Leumi, next to the Jerusalem Supreme Court). Some suggestions translate into budgetary reductions for your Mission especially with the NBN Campus.

New format for our EMagazine - Today’s Israel

Our EMagazine Today’s Israel, has a new format with fewer articles and an emphasis on photos. In this first issue there are three examples describing what Rabbi Paul’s partners, Nefesh B’Nefesh, Masorti and JNF are doing. Without their support, none of the above would be possible. We need your input with suggestions for future issues. Here is the Link. 

Don’t miss this new website – ExploringJudaism.org – where people like you can share personal and meaningful Jewish wisdom and reflection in addition to insight on practical living through the lens of Conservative/Masorti Judaism.

ExploringJudaism.org is a digital home for the Torah of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. While the name of this stream of Judaism was born well over a century ago, in the contemporary world Conservative Judaism is expressed through connection, community, and the creation of meaning.  This lens on Judaism is rooted in the idea that Judaism grows with us, that we’re guided by process, and that there is beauty in the balance.

Click on the button to visit website for summer events:

INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism