CHAI LINES

The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region

February 3, 2023 - 12 Shevat 5783

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From our Guest Contributor



Linda Boxer

INR Torah Fund Vice President

Dear Friends,

 

This picture is taken looking up and out from inside the sanctuary of my shul, Temple Beth Tzedek, Williamsville, NY. In the window on the right, can you see that last leaf hanging onto the tree branch? I love watching this scene, season after season, while we daven. Nature and prayer, together, bring me a sense of calm. I watch that tree in the spring, turn green with buds and in the summer, it is filled with full-sized leaves that wave in the breeze. A few months later, the leaves turn yellow and, one by one, fall from the tree. This photo was taken on a gray winter’s day. That last leaf is hanging on, showing perseverance. Isn’t that our story? We prosper when times are good and persevere when times are not.

Tu B’Shevat is the New Year for Trees, one of the new year celebrations we get to mark on our calendars. From My Jewish Learning, we can read that “Tu” is 15 in Hebrew and Shevat is the name of a month. It usually corresponds with late January to mid-February. The Torah states, “When you enter the land [of Israel] and plant any tree for food, you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden for you, not to be eaten” (Leviticus 19:23). The fruit of the fourth year was to be offered to the priests in the Temple as a gift of gratitude for the bounty of the land, and the fifth-year fruit - and all subsequent fruit - was finally for the farmer. This law, however, raised the question of how farmers were to mark the “birthday” of a tree. The Rabbis therefore established the 15th of the month of Shevat as a general “birthday” for all trees, regardless of when they were actually planted. Fruit trees were awarded special status in the Torah because of their importance in sustaining life and as a symbol of God’s divine favor. Even during times of war, God warns the Israelites, “When in your war against a city you have to besiege it a long time in order to capture it, you must not destroy its trees… Are trees of the field human to withdraw before you into the besieged city? Only trees that you know do not yield food may be destroyed” (Deuteronomy 20:19-20).

 

In the 21st century as we witness what havoc careless disregard to our environment has caused the earth and we work to be ‘greener’, all trees are special. They provide beauty and color, clean the air with photosynthesis, offer shade on a warm day, and, well, make me happy. From Shel Silverstein’s well-known story of The Giving Tree, we learn that trees grow and age and offer different uses at different points in their lives. Humans do that, too.

 

As members of Women’s League, we can choose to support the sustainability efforts and pay more attention to the trees around us. We can look at that last leaf on the tree and appreciate the strength and courage, Chazak v’Ematz, the Torah Fund theme for this year, it takes to persevere.

 

I remember the Dutch Elm Disease of my childhood. I remember my father transplanting trees from my grandparents’ farm to our yard, our block, and beyond. Trees remind me to respect our environment and afford me good memories of my father. It is fitting that his yahrzeit is the 16th of Shevat. It’s easy for me to remember - celebrate the new year for trees and light a candle to honor his memory the next day.

Thank you to Marilyn Cohen, INR President, for the honor of writing this week’s Shabbat message.

 

Shabbat shalom,


Linda Boxer

International Northeast Region Torah Fund Vice President

INRTorahFund@gmail.com

Two Upcoming Region Programs:

Click Here to Donate in the US
Click Here to Register
Click Here to Donate in Canada


Click Here to Register

Our programs are a benefit of your membership in your local affiliated Sisterhood/Women's Group or as an Individual Member of Women's League for Conservative Judaism

From our Torah Fund Vice President


Our 2022-2023 Chazak v'Ematz Campaign

Be Strong and Courageous

In my guest Shabbat message above in this issue of ChaiLines, I talked about Tu B’Shevat and trees. To expand on that article and talk about Torah Fund, let’s discuss planting seeds. A seed is a hope, a dream of something bigger to grow from that small beginning. Isn’t that what we do with Torah Fund? Our dollars, be they large or small gifts pooled together, allow us to support the students at our five Conservative/Masorti schools of higher learning. We have witnessed the escalating costs of higher education. The needs grow greater with each passing year. The need is ever present to educate our future rabbis, cantors, scholars, and educators to ensure that our future is growing, too. We plant trees to celebrate Tu B’Shevat. We make donations to ensure the future of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. Thank you for all you do to make that happen.

 

Save the date! On March 20th, we will have an opportunity to meet a senior in JTS’s H. L. Miller Cantorial School. Josh Ehrlich has an impressive resume – and he hasn’t even graduated yet. I hope you will join us. The program is a privilege of membership, but we strongly encourage donations to the Chazak v’Ematz general campaign or to the special Spaces Campaign to support Josh and other students. Each donation will benefit your own affiliate’s campaign. For more information, see the flyer in this newsletter under region programs.

 

As we talk of next generations, please consider an “after life” gift to the Torah Fund Legacy Society. Learn more here: Torah Fund Legacy Society - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu). The goal of 80 Torah Fund Legacy Society Members to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Torah Fund is in reach. If you are thinking about joining this special group, please reach out to learn more and complete the process.


Please consider an extra gift of $80 in honor of Torah Fund’s 80th anniversary. Giving is easy. Send your checks/cheques to your local Torah Fund Chair or use the online links.

 

In the US: Donate to Torah Fund (jtsa.edu)


Send an ecard to celebrate joys and sorrows:

Torah Fund eCards – Send an eCard to a loved one. (jtsa.edu)

 

In Canada, start with the ecard platform and add an additional gift: Canadian eCards – Torah Fund eCards (jtsa.edu)


It took a lot of time and effort to create the Canadian online platform. Our Canadian sisters are asked to make use of this option for online giving.


Remember to use the ecard platform from your home country, no matter where the recipient lives. Remember to enter the name of your own affiliate so proper credit can be given.


Paper cards are available from local Torah Fund Chairs.



As always, if you have questions or comments, please contact me.



Linda Boxer

INR Torah Fund VP

INRTorahFund@gmail.com

From Women's League:

We continue to update our website calendar on a regular basis. If you do not find programs on this newsletter, please go to the website calendar which is updated regularly: WLCJ Website Calendar

Farewell and Welcome - WLCJ Staff Members

Isabelle Luksza has moved on to a new employment opportunity and we wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. Isabelle worked as our Media and Data Coordinator at WLCJ. She will be missed.

Beverly Wachtel

Communications Coordinator

bwachtel@wlcj.org


Beverly Wachtel has been a member of Women’s League for over 30 years, serving on the International Board of Directors 2004-2010, as a Consultant 2006-2010, as the first Kol Isha Chair 2008-2011, and on the Convention Cabinet 2006-2009. She also has served on the board of her region, first on the South Shore Long Island/Brooklyn Branch starting in 2004 and continuing on the BQLI Region Board through the present time. She was the first Z’havah chair for SSLI/B and the first webmaster for BQLI, designing and creating the first website. She has served in every Executive Board position in Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre Sisterhood, currently serving as President, Membership VP and Torah Fund Chair, in addition to serving on the board of her synagogue. Additionally, she has been active in Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women. Professionally, she has transitioned to new roles several times, working as biller and front office staff in a medical office, in roles coordinating programs in the Jewish community including Melton Jewish learning and Connect-to-Care services, as Account Manager and Marketing Manager for IT Management and Support companies, and as Executive Assistant for the Dental Society. She has trained clients, staff and volunteers in various technologies including Zoom, Microsoft Skype/Teams, Constant Contact, and Google Forms, and has written about cybersecurity for business. She has written and edited content for websites, blog posts, promotional emails and marketing materials, and has prepared the content and layout for flyers, invitations and magazine format publications. Not surprisingly, she also uses her communication and technical skills in her volunteer roles. She returns to working in the Jewish community in her new role as Communications Coordinator on the WLCJ staff. Welcome Beverly!

Elizabeth Chavez

Media Editor

echavez@wlcj.org

Elizabeth Chavez is a current student at Penn State pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Media, Arts, and Technology. She is the daughter of our WLCJ Digital Content Manager, Karen Ballena. She joins WLCJ as our part-time Media Editor. She handles the editing aspects of all our Zoom recordings and uploads them on the members' database. Welcome Elizabeth!

Masorti Women's Days of Study - Wednesday, February 8 @ 10 AM ET

23rd Masorti Women's Days of Study

Inside and Out: Our Bodies, Ourselves in a Changing World:

Text, Literature, Music, and Spirituality

The three Masorti Women’s Days of Study are undertaking in the next few weeks. For more information, go to: https://www.masorti.org.il/WSDregion.

 

Donations are welcome to cover costs of lecturers.

Questions? Contact Diane: wleague@masorti.org.il

 

Click HERE for Bio of Lecturers Teaching in English


Learn More & Register
English Zoom Schedule
Full Schedule (All Languages)

Click HERE for Bio of Lecturers Teaching in English

Preview of ENGLISH sessions:

Wednesday,

February 8th

 

10:00 AM ET

Welcome, Prayer, Psalms and Song

 

10:20 - 11:35 AM ET

Our Foremothers:

Infertility Warriors

Feminist Response re Fertility 

Body and Agency:

IVF and Surrogacy

Modern Dilemmas? 

Rabbanit Shayna Abramson 

 

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM ET

Fat is a Feminist (and Jewish) Issue: Body Image and Food Addiction - A Jewish Feminist Perspective 

Rabbi Sara Cohen 

 

Women's Bodies as perceived by their fathers:

The incest laws vs. Lot's Daughters desire to continue the human race by sleeping with their father.

Modern Midrash 

Naomi Graetz

February 8 Register

Tuesday,

February 14th 

 

9:30 - 10:10 AM ET

Prayer psalm and song and greetings

 

10:20 - 11:35 AM ET

"Be Fruitful and Multiply" –Halakhic Methods to Deal with Medical, Personal or Gender Issues.

Rabbi Diana Villa

 

Are Women’s Prayers Different?

Channa's prayer in Bible, Talmud and Poetry. In memory of Hava Pinchas Cohen, poetess (died 2022)

Rabbi Dr. Sigalit Ur

 

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM ET

Fat is a Feminist (and Jewish!) Issue: Body Image and Food Addiction - A Jewish Feminist Perspective

Rabbi Sarah Cohen

 

Reflecting Externally what is Within Us: The Spiritual Integrity of Kippah, Tefillin, Tallit

Rabbi Amy Levin

February 14 Register

Monday,

February 27th

 

9:30 - 10:10 AM ET

Prayer psalm and song and greetings 

 

10:20 - 11:35 AM ET

"Be Fruitful and Multiply" –Halakhic Methods to Deal with Medical, Personal or Gender Issues.

Rabbi Diana Villa

 

Out of Isolation

via Guided Mikveh Immersion Visualization plus Immersion in the mikveh (optional)

Rabbi Haviva Ner David

 

Are Women’s Prayers Different?

Channa's prayer in Bible, Talmud and Poetry. In memory of Hava Pinchas Cohen, poetess (died 2022)

Rabbi Dr. Sigalit Ur

 

11:45AM - 1:00 PM ET

Jewish Women have Kept their Families Together in Difficult Times - Memoirs of Jewish Women

Dr Michal Fram Cohen

 

Kabbalah of the Body: Join Rabbi Sara Brandes as we explore the Kabbalist Tree of Life as an energetic map of the body

Rabbi Sara Brandes

February 27 Register

Preview of SPANISH sessions - Only Available on Monday, February 27th:

 

10:20-11:35 AM ET

La historia de la mujer e hijas de Lot en la literatura hebrea actual: escuchar sus voces acalladas en nuestro mundo cambiante. (Galit Hasan-Rokem; Yochi Brandes; Nurit Govrin; Rachel Elior)

Dr. Sara Strassberg Dayan

 

11:45a.m.-1:00 PM ET

"Sean Fecundos y Multiplíquense" – Métodos halájicos para lidiar con asuntos médicos, personales o relacionados con el género

Rabina Diana Villa

Registrese para el 27 de Febrero

Mishpachah: Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities - Thursday, February 9 @ 7:30 PM ET

Mishpachah: Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities. Building Bridges... Creating Community

 

Part 1 - February 9th from 7:30-9:00 ET:  Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities


This training is designed to familiarize participants with the basics of building LGBTQ+ equality and belonging. Join our co- facilitators, Jackie Maris (pronouns: she/her/hers), Chicago Education and Training Manager, Rakhel Silverman (pronouns: they/them/theirs), New York Education and Training Manager as we cover LGBTQ+ terms and concepts. Bring your questions and concerns with you.

Register

World Wide Wrap -

Sunday February 12

WWW2023 will soon be here – Sunday, February 12, 2023!


What are you waiting for?

REGISTER YOUR FJMC CLUB NOW!

Hoping the WORLD WIDE WRAP will be in-person for many of you. Of course, it can be done virtually if needed, and whether virtual or in person, FJMC has created an entertaining and educational WWW ’22 Videofor you to use! Download the video and have it on the ready during your Wrap program.

 

World Wide Wrap is co-sponsored by WLCJ and FJMC.


To Learn More about Tefillin: 

https://www.wlcj.org/programs/jewish-learning/tefillin/

Register

Jews in Film - Monday,

February 13 @ 2 PM ET

NIGHT AND DAY—

The Jewish Connection to the Movie Musicals of the 1940s

Lois Silverman, WLCJ Communications Co-Chair

 

In the 1940s the creation of Hollywood musicals was led by Jewish composers, directors, and writers. The creators included legends of musical theater including: Irving Berlin, Sigmund Romberg, Jerome Kern, the Gershwin Brothers, Rodgers and Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

 

Explore the Jewish contribution to the movie musicals of the 1940s, a decade of vast changes in American society and movie musicals...

 

Sign up for Session 2:

Learn More & Register

Our last session is listed below. We hope you can join us:

 

Session 3 will explore the post-war years - 1946-1949, Monday, March 20 @ 2 PM ET

WLCJ Open Board Meeting -Wednesday, March 1 @ 6 PM ET

EVERYONE WELCOME

 

All members in good standing are welcome to attend and hear about all our updates and exciting initiatives. All attendees will also be able to participate in our election of officers at this meeting.

 

Please join Women's League for Conservative Judaism on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 6PM EST for an open Board of Directors meeting. A RSVP is necessary to attend and obtain the Zoom meeting link. Looking forward to being with you,

 

Debbi Kaner Goldich

WLCJ International President

RSVP

Sisterhood Affiliates Workshop - Tuesday, March 14 @ 7:30 PM ET

Consulting Services Workshop 

presents: Hybrid Meetings— Why, When, Where... Especially How!

 

Are all your members ready for in-person meetings? If not, perhaps a hybrid meeting is for you. We will discuss etiquette and technical aspects of hosting a successful hybrid meeting as well as types of programs that work.

 

Presented by the WLCJ Consulting Services team.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Ravich at 

rravich@wlcj.org.


Register

How to Live Forever - March 23 @ 7:30 PM ET

Writing & Sharing Your Sisterhood/Region Story

We study history in order to learn from it and help make the best possible decisions in the future. Future generations will be grateful beyond measure to those who took the time to document the past and help set the stage for a successful future. Writing and sharing your history are one of the best ways your sisterhood and region can LIVE FOREVER!

 

This 8th session in the “How to Live Forever” series will present a Step-by-Step on how your sisterhood/region can tell its story and share its memories with past, current and future members and the community.

 

Join us for this workshop when Cory Schneider, Women’s League Archives Chair, presents a multitude of information and ideas on how your sisterhood/region can “live forever” by writing and sharing their history.

Learn More & Register

Recordings of past sessions are available

on the Women's League website.

Mishpachah: Going Deeper: LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns - Sunday, April 23 @ 7:30 PM ET

Mishpachah: Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities. Building Bridges... Creating Community

 

Part 2 - April 23rd from 7:30-9:00 ET: Going Deeper: LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns

 

This training will focus on equipping participants to be active allies to the LGBTQ+ community, specifically through language and pronoun-use. It assumes prior knowledge of the basics of LGBTQ+ identities and concepts, which will be covered in the first workshop. Rakhel Silverman (pronouns: they/them/theirs), New York Education and Training Manager, and Hannah "Hensch" Henschel, Associate Director of Education and Training (pronouns: they/them/theirs) will co-facilitate our discussion and answer our questions. 

Register

WL Reads - Thursday,

April 27 @ 7:30 PM ET

WL Reads co-chairs Merle Carrus and Susan Farber will interview co-authors, Alyson Richmond and Shaunna Edwards about their novel, The Thread Collectors. This book will appear in stores and online in August 2022.

 

For images and details: Alyson Richman | Shaunna Edwards | The Thread Collectors


This novel takes us to the Civil War period and two different women’s lives. Stitchery is a common activity, as well as their concern for soldiers during this tumultuous interval. Their threadwork connects their lives in New Orleans.

 

Join us for an engaging virtual conversation about this novel and how these co-authors, Ms. Edwards and Ms. Richmond collaborated to create this praiseworthy novel.


Register

WLCJ-FJMC Inclusion Resource Book

Learn More and Download Resources
Download the Inclusion Resource Guidebook

Programming Idea of the Week

America’s Jewish Women by Pamela Nadell

America’s Jewish Women uncovers what it has meant to be a Jewish woman in America by weaving together the stories of remarkable individuals—from the colonial matron Grace Nathan and her great-granddaughter, the poet Emma Lazarus, to labor activist Bessie Hillman and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In this groundbreaking history, we see how they and the scores of women—the wives, mothers, activists, and workers who appear in these pages—maintained their Jewish identities as they wrote themselves into American history. Defined by a strong sense of self, a resolute commitment to making the world a better place, and diverse notions of what being a Jew means, America’s Jewish women left deep imprints on their families, communities and the nation they call home...

Continue Reading & Learn More Programming Ideas of the Week

Project Stock the Shelves

Your contribution will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors

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.

Learn More

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

PrezNet

Join the WL PrezNet

Toby Maser

PrezNet Moderator


Email Toby: tmaser@wlcj.org

Weekly Words of Torah

Parashat Beshalach - February 4, 2023

 

This week’s Torah Reading, Parashat Beshalach, is the famous story of the parting of the Sea of Reeds. A midrash, rabbinic legend teaches that when the children of Israel were being pursued by Pharaoh and the Egyptian Army, and they reached the shore of the Sea of Reeds, Nachshon ben Aminadav made the courageous decision to jump into the waters, nearly losing his life. Only at the very last second did God interfere and split the sea after which the Jews were able to enter the waters and were thus saved from Pharaoh’s assault. No other Israelite, standing by, had the courage to take this unprecedented step. They waited until the waters were split before entering. He showed great courage, saving all of them and that it was they who were the cowards. Nachshon took a great risk by jumping into the waters, not knowing what would happen. So often in life, we also may need to take risks, not knowing what the outcome will be, but without doing something courageous, nothing may happen. May we all take Nachshon ben Aminadav as an example to be strong and courageous! Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!

Makom B'Yachad

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

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


For Zoom link, please email Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields at ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org.

 

Important Time Change:

Wednesday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 14 - Makom B'Yachad meets at 2 PM ET, so we can all join Masorti Women's Days of Study classes in the morning.

 

Special Program during Makom B'Yachad:

Tuesday, February 7 - Tu B'Shevat

Wednesday, February 22 - Rosh Chodesh

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

Sign Up

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.

Learn more & Order Online
Mail-In Form for Pocket Size
Mail-In For Planner Size

WLCJ Convention 2023 Highlights

WLCJ 2023 Convention Social Action Project: Our Shifrah and Puah Project - GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH

In Parashat Shemot, Exodus 1:1–6:1, is the story of Pharaoh, who enslaves the Jews in Egypt and orders the midwives, SHIFRAH AND PUAH to kill all Jewish babies. Pharaoh fearing the Jews will outnumber the Egyptians, commands his people to cast the Jewish babies into the Nile River. This forced Yocheved and Amram to place their baby in a basket in the Nile River. Moses, as he became known, becomes the future leader of the Jewish people and the rest is history.

 

The WLCJ Convention 2023 Social Action Project - GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH, is a project to support the Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center in Mbale, Uganda. This project exemplifies what it is to give the Gift of a Healthy Birth.

The Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center in Uganda births many Jewish babies each year. To enable this to continue our Social Action Project will raise money and help offset their expenses. As more babies are being born there, the need becomes even more apparent.

 

To initiate your support, we are designing a very easy way for you to help. There are many costs that need to be covered at the Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center. With your donation of:


  • $18.00, you can cover a woman’s cost to get an ultrasound during her pregnancy and to have her baby delivered at the Center.
  • $36.00, you can cover the costs of the sanitary napkins necessary after each delivery for an entire MONTH.
  • $72.00, you can cover the costs of the laundry service to keep the sheets, towels and gowns clean for each delivery for an entire MONTH
  • $108.00, you can cover the MONTHLY costs of supplying each mother with three sets of baby outfits and one blanket; otherwise, they only have rags to wrap their baby in.


These are just a few examples of what we can do with your donations. With your donation, whatever the amount, you will help greatly.

Please Donate Today

Look for more information to come and more ways to help our Convention 2023 Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center Project. Have a wonderful Shabbat and realize how important “GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH” can be to help those who need our help. The help we can give is truly of life-saving value.

 

Todah Rabah,

Shabbat Shalom                    

Ellen & Randy

Ellen Grossman

WLCJ 2023 Convention 2023 Social Action Project Co-Chair

elkie17@gmail.com

Randy Schwartz

WLCJ 2023 Convention 2023 Social Action Project Co-Chair

rschwartz@wlcj.org

Jewels in the Crown Returns to Convention 2023

Deadline to Apply - Fast Approaching!

March 2nd will be here before you know it! Put together your Jewels In The Crown application and send it in. For more information email: jewel@wlcj.org

Download PDF Fillable Application

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

Download WORD version Application

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.

Fill Out Application Online

Ongoing WLCJ Happenings

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.

Learn More

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


Visit Us

Upcoming Sisterhood/Region Calendar Events & WL Groups to Join

WLCJ Net

Want to join WLCJNet?

Contact Sherry Lynn Rubin,

Sisterhood Net Chair

slrubin@wlcj.org

Email Sherry Lynn

American Mothers of Olim GoogleGroup

Contact Ellie Kremer,

the WLCJ Israel Committee Chair

by text or email: 

ellieventnor@gmail.com

Email Ellie

More Sisterhood and / or Region programs

(in-person and virtual)available on:

WLCJ Calendar

Previous WLCJ Programming

Weren't able to join us? Visit our Youtube Channel for more videos. View our past recordings.

Visit Youtube

News from Seminaries WLCJ Supports

The Kabbalah of Tzefat; Why Creation Is Incomplete; Our Long Debate Over Israel; and More

Learn More

Learn How Hasidic Teachings Can Guide Us to Action, Courage, Conviction and Love

Learn More

Schechter's Ongoing Hybrid and Zoom Courses in Jewish Literature, Philosophy, Art and History

Learn More

Torah Fund

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!

Torah Fund eCards in USA
Torah Fund eCards in CANADA

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


Women of the Wall

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

Order Online

Additional Opportunities

This summer, the Supreme Court decision to reverse Roe v. Wade paved the way for states across the nation to pursue abortion bans and restrictions on birth control and fertility treatments.

But reproductive freedom is a Jewish value, and we’re not going to back down.

Keep the momentum going with us, and bring Repro Shabbat to your community this February 17-18, 2023.

Sign up now and be among the first to receive resources for your Repro Shabbat event!

Host as an Organization
Host as an Individual

Shabbat Across America and Canada - Friday night, March 3, 2023

The original unity Shabbat program, Shabbat Across America and Canada (SAA/C) is a community-based program that encourages synagogues, Jewish centers and their members to invite their friends, neighbors and co-workers to participate in a joyous Shabbat meal and experience.

 

Since its inception, SAA/C has attracted over 

1.1 million participants across North America and beyond.  

NJOP looks forward to helping you bring the gift of Shabbat to the people in your community. In joining SAA/C, you will be a participant in the biggest, boldest, continent-wide event unifying Jewish communities across North America. 

 

We look forward to your participation. 

 

Larry Greenman--Assistant Director

Florence Wiener--Hebrew Reading Specialist

Shifra Caruso--Regional Program Coordinator

Click HERE for more information and to REGISTER

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. 

Save the Date: September 10, 2023

6th Annual Reverse Tashlich

 

Add the largest Jewish Community Waterfront Cleanup to your 2023 programming. Register as a community or individual to stay up to date!

 

Introducing: The Repair the Sea App: Click HERE to Watch Video

 

Join our international community virtually on the Repair the Sea app.

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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.

MERCAZ USA & CANADA

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Valley Beit Midrash

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INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism