CHAI LINES

The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region

March 3, 2023 - 10 Adar 5783

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From our Region President

Dear Friends.

 

It’s the month of Adar and Purim is almost here! We will celebrate Purim this coming Monday night and Tuesday, allowing us the opportunity to turn our world topsy-turvy. We can try out new identities behind costumes, masks, and silliness. We can even try out different versions of Hamentashen as well.

 

This Shabbat, which is immediately before Purim, is called Shabbat Zachor (Sabbath to Remember). We read in Deuteronomy 25:17-19) “Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey, after you left Egypt - how…he surprised you on the march, when you were famished and weary and cut down all the stragglers in your rear… “…you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!” This verse is the source for the custom of drowning out the name of Haman (by tradition, a descendant of Amalek), with loud noise during the reading of Megilat Esther on Purim. But how is it possible to forget something if one is required to remember to do so?

 

I believe this statement suggests a deep psychological truth. Often, we need to forget a painful event and move on with our lives if we are to survive and thrive. Yet we also need to acknowledge and remember the lasting harm that has been done - the scars, fears, and doubts that will always remain. We act out this paradox every time we sound our groggers during the megillah reading. We need to listen carefully for the name of Haman so that we can drown it out with the loudest noise we can make! We also use the expression “Y’mach Shemo V’zichro (may his name and his memory be erased). This is one of the strongest curses in the Hebrew language and is used when referring to particular enemies of the Jewish people, like Haman, Hitler, or Eichmann. We try to remember and blot out at the same time. So, Purim, our silliest and joyful holiday, also contains within it a serious message.

 

However, I don’t want to be serious these days. Are we not told “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’shimcha” (When the month of Adar arrives, we should increase our joy)? You can listen to the song here:

https://www.zemirotdatabase.org/view_song.php?id=109

Let us imagine a more modern version of the story of Purim. What if Mordechai and Esther could have communicated with each other through their iPhones? They wouldn’t have had to send messages to each other through the eunuchs of the harem. They could have texted back and forth as they tried to interpret the evil plans of Haman. Instead of gathering at the king’s gate, they would have met up for a latte at Starbucks. And instead of a royal banquet, they would have taken selfies and posted them on Instagram with the hashtag #PurimPlans.

 

But the real standout moment would have been Haman's evil plot to exterminate the Jews. Instead of casting lots, he would have tried to launch a massive cyber-attack on the Jewish community, only to be foiled by Mordechai's superior hacking skills.

 

So let us remember, as we celebrate Purim with our iPhones, laptops and social media, the timeless message of the holiday: no matter the technology, the power of courage and community will always triumph over evil.

 

Be Happy It’s Adar! And Shabbat Shalom!


Marilyn Cohen

Region President

INRPresident21@wlcj.org


Region Matters:


I would like to bring to everyone's attention to the two amazing upcoming region programs we have planned. First is our Torah Fund Event featuring Cantorial Student Josh Ehrlich on Monday evening March 30th. Next is our second program with our Israeli "Sister" Kehillot - Israel Beyond the Headlines: The Israel we don't hear about. You can find additional information and registration information for both of these events in the flyers below.


Also, I would like to draw your attention to the fabulous programing that Women's League has to offer that is advertised below including a presentation on Jews in Film by our very own Lois Silverman, and of course... the Women's League Convention!


Read about all this and more below...

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

Around our Region...

From our Torah Fund Vice President


Our 2022-2023 Chazak v'Ematz Campaign

Be Strong and Courageous

We choose to celebrate Judaism! That’s what a fellow congregant said to me on the Saturday morning of The National Day of Hate. That’s why we had our ‘regulars’ and a few guests that Saturday morning. Our usual off duty police officer was aware of the threats. He assured me that nothing was happening in our town, but the police were on alert and patrolling more frequently. Even though it was a bit unusual that Saturday morning, we did choose to celebrate Judaism.

 

Isn’t that what we do for Torah Fund every day and with every dollar? We work to ensure that our future is bright and secure. We help support our future, rabbis, cantors, scholars, and so many others. We make a difference. YOU make a difference. Thank you for all your donations, large and small. For every ecard and paper card you send. For wearing your pins proudly. It all matters and helps us celebrate Judaism.

 

Canadian sisters, you can send ecards by clicking here: Canadian eCards – Torah Fund eCards (jtsa.edu) And once you do, you may make an additional donation of any amount.

 

US sisters, you can send ecards by clicking here: Torah Fund eCards – Send an eCard to a loved one. (jtsa.edu) And make donations by clicking here: Donate to Torah Fund (jtsa.edu)

 

As we celebrate Judaism, let’s also celebrate 80 years of Torah Fund and all it has accomplished. Please consider an extra gift of $80.00 for the 80th anniversary. All who do so will be recognized at the Women’s League Convention in July.

 

Let’s continue to ensure the future with gifts to the Torah Fund Legacy Society. Learn more here: Torah Fund Legacy Society - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu)

 

Join us on March 27th for a special evening with Josh Ehrlich, a senior at JTS’s H.L. Miller Cantorial School. You can read more about this region program in the flyer above.

 

Please make a Torah Fund Donation to your local affiliate in support of this program. If you have already made your pledge this year, please consider an additional gift to the New Spaces Campaign. Remember every dollar donated helps us celebrate Judaism.

 

Comments? Questions? 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

Special Program for Individual Members - Thursday, March 9 @ 8 PM ET

Where is God When We Need God Most? Comparing the Messages of the Purim and Passover Stories

 

Thursday, March 9 @ 8:00 PM ET

 

Open to Individual Members ONLY.

 

Please join the Individual Membership Committee of WLCJ for an evening with Rabbi Rachel Ain, Rabbi of the Sutton Place Synagogue in New York, NY.

 

Questions? Contact:

Individual Membership Committee:

Gail Goldfarb, gailgold1@comcast.net or

Mimi Pollack, mimipollack@comcast.net or

Jill Tomar, jill.tomar@gmail.com


Learn More & Register

Jewels in the Crown Returns to Convention 2023

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO:

MARCH 16, 2023!!

March 16th 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

WLCJ Convention 2023 Highlights

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

In the Torah Portion, Terumah: Exodus 25:1-27:19   God tells Moses to collect donated materials to build a dwelling place for God called the Mishkan or Tabernacle. God describes how to build all the things that will fill the Mishkan - the ark, table, menorah, and sacrificial altar, and the Mishkan’s walls and curtains.

The Shifra and Puah Maternity Center in Uganda was “built” in July 2018, due to the efforts of an Israeli nurse and midwife, Ilana Shemesh, who wanted to improve the maternal and infant mortality rates in Uganda.

 

Through donations, this center serves the women of Mbale and its neighboring villages and has a multi-denominational clientele and staff of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

 

All services provided by the center are completely free of charge to encourage women to come in for prenatal, birth and post-partum services rather than going through their pregnancies unassisted. The center is dependent on donations. That’s where we come in.

 

March 6th is the International Women’s Day, a National Holiday in Uganda. Help us support the women of Uganda and the work that was started in 2018. With your donation, or your Sisterhood’s donation, we can help maintain and improve the degree of health and wellbeing of the women and their babies of Abayadaya, Uganda.

 

Here is the recent category added:

 

  • $126.00, you can cover the costs of mosquito netting and Malaria treatment and medications - Pitocin, iron pills and infusion solutions; for all pregnant women to prevent stillbirths, prematurity births, and poor fetal growth for an entire MONTH.

 

Here are just a few other examples of what we can help cover with your donations:

 

  • $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

You can go to the Women’s League website, click on the Convention 2023 Special Project button at the top menu. From there you'll be able to donate by category or by amount. Thank you for your support of GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE.

 

Best,

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

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

Jews in Film - Monday,

March 20 @ 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 3; it will explore the post-war years—1946-1949:

Learn More & 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.

Health & Wellness - Thursday, March 30 @ 8:00 PM ET

End of Life Issues

Thursday, March 30, 2023, 8:00 PM ET

 

Hospice with Rabbi David Rosen and members of the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network (West Bloomfield MI)

 

Join Rabbi Joseph H. Krakoff, CEO of the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, Natalie Rosenfield, Director of Patient Care, and Rabbi David Rosen, Chaplain of JHCN.

Organization summary:

Our Mission/Purpose Statement: To ensure that no Jewish patient or family faces terminal illness alone. We help those we serve gain access to the needed resources compatible with their own Jewish identity, practice, and values...

Learn More & Register

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 were 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

Programming Idea of the Week

How to Run a Passover Seder with Rahel Musleah

Host by: My Jewish Learning

Monday, March 27, 2023,

11 AM ET/8AM PT

 

Join Rahel Musleah and My Jewish Learning to learn the ins and outs of the central ritual of Passover: the seder (order). Musleah will share Baghdadi and Bene Israel Passover traditions, foods, and melodies. Grow your confidence as you join us to demystify Passover.

 

Born in Calcutta, Rahel Musleah is the seventh generation of a Calcutta Jewish family that traces its roots to 17th-century Baghdad. Today, Rahel is a New York-based award-winning journalist, author, singer, speaker and educator. She is the author of Apples and Pomegranates: A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah

 

To register for this free event: Click Here.

Continue Reading & Learn More Programming Ideas of the Week

One Year Since The Start Of The War In Ukraine

On February 24, 2023, marks one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Masorti Olami, together with our partners at The Schechter Institutes, continue to closely monitor the situation, and support and assist our Masorti/Conservative community members both within Ukraine and in host countries around the world on a daily basis.

 

Currently, Ukrainian refugees are still being hosted by our generous communities and friends in Germany, Poland, Czechia, New York, Israel and beyond, and many more have made their journeys to safety, crossing many international borders. Our movement’s effort, led by Tehila Reuben, Deputy Director of Masorti and MERCAZ Olami and Rabbi Irina Gritsevsky, Director of Midreshet Schechter, are extremely vital in...

Learn More

Weekly Words of Torah

Parashat Tetzaveh – Shabbat Zachor - March 4, 2023


This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembrance, which is always the Shababt before Purim, because the Maftir portion, the final part of the Torah reading for this Shabbat, is taken from Deuteronomy 25:17-19, which discusses Amalek, who were Haman’s ancestors. The Maftir portion discusses Amalek, who attacked the Israelites, as they were leaving Egypt. The evil character in Megillat Esther, read on Purim, was Haman, who was a descendant of Amalek. The Maftir portion for Shabbat Zachor teaches that we should remember what Amalek did to us when we were leaving Egypt. We should not forget. I would assume that most of us want to be remembered as good people. What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered for? Let us be remembered for being strong and courageous women! Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!

More Weekly Words of Torah

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

 

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

Sign Up

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

Learn More

PrezNet

Join the WL PrezNet

Toby Maser

PrezNet Moderator


Email Toby: tmaser@wlcj.org

WLCJ-FJMC Inclusion Resource Book

Download the Inclusion Resource Guidebook
Learn More and Download Resources

WLCJ 5783 Calendar Diaries in Pocket & Planner Sizes

Mail-In Form for Pocket Size

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 For Planner Size

Jewish leaders at gathering of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations express concerns about judicial reform

Read Full Article

Knesset News, February 22, 2023

 

Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism: “I want my children to be able to come to Israel, and myself, and to pray where I want to pray. I have a love for Israel, I have a love for mitzvoth [Jewish commandments], and I want to be able to come here and know that perhaps I’ll have funding as a Masorti rabbi, equal with other rabbis. The largest group of Olim now are not Orthodox, they’re Conservative and Reform Jews, and we need a place for them too, because they’re not secular, they’re not Orthodox—they want to be observant, but the observant community here just pushes us away and shows no values of having any tolerance. I’m hoping you can show us where our place as Masorti Jews can be in this beautiful State of Israel.”


Masorti Conservative Leadership Statement

Worldwide Conservative/Masorti Leadership Statement on legislation that threatens Israel's democratic character

Sunday, February 19th, 2023

Since Israel's founding, the Conservative/Masorti movement around the world has been a major force in standing up for Israel when its safety, stability, and well-being come under threat. It is out of grave concern and our deep devotion to Medinat Yisrael that we are making our voices heard regarding the package of legal reforms proposed by Israel's new government.


Alarm regarding these reforms is being expressed by large segments of Israeli society, including the legal and business communities, academia, Masorti communities, and hundreds of thousands of protesters in Israel's streets. Among the most worrying elements is the so called “override clause” which would enable a simple majority of the Knesset to overrule Supreme Court decisions. This would eviscerate the already fragile balance of power between the branches of Israel's government.


Weakening Israel's highly-regarded judicial system would undermine the message we have proudly and successfully promoted for decades around the world that Israel is both a Jewish AND a democratic state. With the mounting global disapproval of the proposed plan, moving forward risks serious economic, diplomatic and strategic consequences.


What can be done? We believe that now is the time to identify a better path forward that guarantees the rights of all Israelis and preserves the State of Israel as the Jewish and democratic nation-state of the Jewish people around the world. In the words of Israel's President Isaac Herzog, "dramatic reform, when done quickly without negotiation, rouses opposition and deep concerns among the public... the absence of dialogue is tearing us apart from within.... This powder keg is about to explode. This is an emergency." It is in this spirit that we support the President’s call for freezing the entire legislative process in the Knesset and holding a dialogue between the government and opposition under his auspices.

 

We understand the extraordinary nature of a call by a global movement representing more than two million Diaspora Jews regarding an internal matter of the State of Israel. But our love for Israel compels us to action, just as it has in every past crisis the State of Israel has faced.

We call on all Jews worldwide to join us in making our voices heard at this historic juncture for Israel and the Jewish people as a whole. We are standing for and will always stand for a strong, vibrant and democratic State of Israel. Israel's future, resilience, and unity depend on it remaining Yehudit v'Democratit B'Dibur Echad - Jewish and democratic in one.


SIGNED,

MERCAZ Olami - The Rabbinical Assembly - Masorti Olami - Women's League for Conservative Judaism - Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs - MERCAZ Canada - Cantors Assembly - The Jewish Theological Seminary – NAASE: North American Association of Synagogue Executives - Seminario Rabínico - Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center - MERCAZ USA - Jewish Educators Assembly - Masorti Israel - The Schechter Institutes

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

Seaboard Region

Remembering the Holocaust through the Lens of Music, Art and Literature

Virtual Event

Sunday, March 12th

@ 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM ET

For more information/to Register:

Join Zoom

Pacific Southwest Region

Annual Conference and Torah Fund Study Day

Virtual Event

Sunday, March 12th

@ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM PT

For more information/to Register:

Register
Virtual Tribute Book

Southern Region

Southern Region Pep Rally for Convention

Virtual Event

Sunday, March 12th

@ 4:30 PM ET

For more information/to Register:

Register

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

Law vs. Narrative in the Talmud; Behind the Purim Sillines; and More

Learn More

Upcoming This Week! Celebrate Jewish Female Stories & Women's History Month

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

CATT (COUNTERING ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING)

March 9, 2023 (90 Minutes)

10:00 AM PT | 11:00 PM MT | 12:00 PM CT | 1:00 PM ET

Register

STB (STOP THE BLEED)

March 16, 2023 (60 Minutes)

10:00 AM PT | 11:00 PM MT | 12:00 PM CT | 1:00 PM ET

Register

For the past six years, Keshet and USCJ have worked together to deliver Keshet's Shivyon Project cohort for USCJ-affiliated synagogues

 

Keshet, in partnership with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), is launching the Shivyon Project cohort for USCJ-affiliated synagogues on February 28! The Shivyon project is a year-long cohort-based opportunity for synagogues that want to focus on creating organizational change in order to better support LGBTQ+ community members and staff. Through the Shivyon Project, a synagogue will gain access to in-depth education, practical training, coaching, skills, and knowledge to spark long-lasting change from congregational policies to the individual experiences of your community’s participants and staff. Check out Keshet's website to learn more and sign up.

 

If you have questions, please ask Fran Hildebrandt, fshildebrandt@gmail.com.


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

Young Professionals Poland Trip

Ramah Israel and Reshet Ramah are partnering to create a meaningful Poland experience for adults in their 20s and 30s. Please fill out the form below if you are interested in this opportunity. 

 

Dates organized by Ramah Israel and Reshet Ramah to participate in a Poland trip are:

 

  • August 20-27, 20023
  • December 24-31, 2023
  • May 19-26, 2024

 

If you are not in this age cohort, click here for information about another adult Poland trip led by Ramah Israel.

Poland Trip Interest Form

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.

Sign Up

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

Join/Renew in USA
Join/Renew in Canada

Valley Beit Midrash

Click on the button to visit website for additional events:

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INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism