CHAI LINES
The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region
May 17, 2024 - 9 Iyar 5784
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Welcome!
As members of a WLCJ affiliated sisterhood or as a WLCJ Individual Member, you also belong to the International Northeast Region (INR) of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and we are happy to be able to send you our bi-weekly region newsletter we call “Chai Lines”! Please read and enjoy!
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From our Region President
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Dear Friends:
The crisp spring air of early May welcomed us as we gathered at Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Toronto, where our region’s Spring Conference was held with the theme "Hand in Hand and Heart to Heart." Welcoming 42 esteemed delegates, the event marked a long-awaited return to in-person connections and camaraderie, since our last conference in 2019. As we embraced each other warmly during registration and lunch on Sunday, the sense of reunion and shared purpose permeated the air, setting the tone for an enriching experience ahead.
We were deeply moved by the words of our first speaker, Rakefet Ginsberg, CEO and Executive Director of the Masorti Movement in Israel. Through the magic of Zoom, she was able to share inspiring tales of resilience and community strength amidst the ongoing crisis, igniting a flame of hope and solidarity among all those present.
Following the initial moments of connection and inspiration, our conference continued to unfold with a diverse array of enriching sessions and discussions. While our Affiliate Presidents engaged in fruitful conversations with Women’s League Consultant, Deborah Bruce, exploring strategies to navigate the ongoing challenges within their sisterhoods, other delegates delved into sessions focused on Tikkun OLAM projects led by Noreen Kasman. Additionally, Corinne Hammerschlag led an insightful presentation on environmental conservation, equipping attendees with practical strategies to protect our planet. Doreen Bornfreund then spearheaded a Membership Workshop, sharing invaluable insights on recruiting, retaining, and engaging our members, ensuring a strong and vibrant community for years to come. As the day progressed, each session fostered a sense of empowerment and collaboration, reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact both within our own affiliate sisterhoods and beyond in our communities.
The afternoon continued with poignant narratives as our Israel Emissary/ shinshinit, Sharon Bruce, shared her personal journey and experiences in Toronto, offering a unique perspective that resonated deeply with attendees. The day reached its spiritual peak with a moving healing service led by Aviva Chernick, guiding us on a journey of introspection and mindfulness. As evening descended, we gathered for a sumptuous catered dinner, sharing laughter and stories, strengthening the bonds of camaraderie forged throughout the day. In a heartwarming tribute, we honored those affiliates who reached significant milestones, celebrating their dedication and contributions to our Conservative synagogue community.
The pinnacle of the evening was our Installation ceremony, generously written by Lois Silverman, which seamlessly intertwined our conference theme. After fervently thanking our outgoing INR Executive Committee & Board we enthusiastically welcomed the incoming Executive, Board, and President Linda Boxer, on their upcoming term starting on July 1, 2024. Grateful for the opportunity, I expressed my heartfelt thanks to every member of my Board, reminiscing on the highlights of my administration over the past three years. Linda Boxer also shared her aspirations and dedication for the future. I would like to thank the Board and Conference Committee for their beautiful gift of a Yad (Torah Pointer) designed by Emanuel. I will cherish it always.
Following Installation and in commemoration of Yom Hashoah, we were honoured to host esteemed guest speaker Kathy Kacer, an award-winning Toronto author renowned for her poignant Holocaust literature for young readers. The evening concluded on a sweet note with a delicious dessert reception generously sponsored by the Beth TIKVAH Women, fostering a feeling of camaraderie among those attending.
The conference's second day began with a soul stirring Shacharit service, where the harmonious voices of our women elevated our spirits in prayer. Rabbi Jarrod Grover captivated us with a poignant yet heartwarming tale commemorating Yom Hashoah v’Hagvurah, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Following breakfast, Rabbi Jennifer Gorman, National Director of Outreach and Programming for CJPAC, ignited our passion for political engagement, emphasizing the importance of active participation in democratic processes. The morning continued with a lively Torah Fund Mega Quiz, led by our dedicated Torah Fund VP, Linda Boxer, testing our knowledge of Torah Fund’s long history. Renowned journalist Ellin Bessner then shared insights into her illustrious career and the influential role her community-minded family played in shaping her journey. After a satisfying lunch, I presided over my final Open Board Meeting, deeply touched by the overwhelming positivity and friendship that permeated our discussions. As we bid farewell to cherished friends, tears mingled with smiles, marking the end of a truly unforgettable conference experience filled with learning, connection, and heartfelt moments.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our Conference Co-Chairs, Adele Weinstein and Rivy Blass whose leadership ensured an unforgettable and enriching experience. A special acknowledgment goes to our dedicated Conference Committee for all their help as well. Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to our Conference Consultant, Deborah Bruce, whose sage advice, and guidance were invaluable throughout the planning stages and the event itself.
I am truly grateful for the collaborative efforts that made this conference a resounding success and look forward to helping Linda build on this momentum for future events in INR.
Todah Rabah to all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Marilyn
P.S. We were so busy and having such a great time that we only have a few photos. But see below for a couple of photos from INR's Spring Conference.
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REGION MATTERS:
Ya’asher Koach to the Beth David Women in Toronto on their delightful Sisterhood Shabbat which took place last week. Every aspect of the service in the synagogue’s Main Sanctuary was perfectly executed, from the Chazaniyot, to Torah readers, Haftarah, and Torah honours. The poignant and moving sermon was given by Doreen Bornfreund and the Sisterhood sponsored an elaborate and delicious Kiddush Luncheon for the entire congregation. I would also like to thank Beth David Women for giving both myself and Deborah Bruce, our Conference Consultant, the honour of Opening the Ark.
Continuing the tradition of the past few years, Beth Tikvah Women inToronto had a very successful Mother’s Day Plant Sale. As a fundraiser, they purchased beautiful 1-gallon potted Begonias at a discount, and sold them to the congregation, making a substantial profit.
See in the newsletter below how to order your WLCJ 5785 Calendar Diaries which are again available in pocket size and planner size. Orders will ship within 1-3 business days once the order and payment are received.
Also, in the newsletter below are the amazingly varied programs offered by Women’s League to ALL its members. They are designed for YOU so please consider joining a program that speaks to you and your personal interests.
Shabbat Shalom,
Marilyn
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From our Torah Fund Vice President | |
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Announcing
Our 2023-2024
Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh
Campaign
All the people of Israel are responsible for one another
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Who knows Torah Fund? We played a Q&A game at the Conference and prizes were awarded for correct answers. All the questions were gleaned from the webpages of Women’s League and Torah Fund.
For example: National Women’s League of the United Synagogue of America establishes an education fund to assist the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), with each member asked to contribute at least…
Q. Was it $6.11 annually, the Hebrew numerical equivalent of the word Torah or was it $18.00 annually, the Hebrew numerical equivalent of the word Chai.
A: The year was 1934 and the answer is $6.11
Another: 2001-2005 The Women’s League Educational Pavilion project at JTS is undertaken and completed, having raised more than $1,400,000. On the fourth floor of Kripke Tower, the pavilion features a state-of-the-art, high-tech lecture hall and educational and meeting facilities. Configured for distance learning, the pavilion provides access to students across the world.
Q. It is complemented by a series of original art works by which Israeli artist? Marc Chagall? Avner Moriah? Bracha Lavee?
A. It’s Israeli artist Avner Moriah, with the theme Women in Jewish History. Bracha Lavee is the artist who designed the newest Torah Fund ecards.
Everyone was a winner because everyone received an Israeli flag to raise when they had an answer, and correct answers were rewarded with a pick of a fidget toy. Of course, the real winners are the students at the five institutions of higher learning which are aided by Torah Fund.
We announced the new Torah Fund Theme for 2024-2025: Am Yisreal Chai – The Jewish People Live. This theme was selected to show our support of Israel during these troubled days. Pins bearing this slogan were designed by an Israeli artist and will be made in Israel; a gift to those who make donations of $180 or more.
Don’t forget about the current campaign: Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All Israel is responsible for one another, which continues until June 30th. Our region is doing well. Let’s keep up the good work.
Online giving is available in both countries. In the U.S.: Donate to Torah Fund (jtsa.edu) In the U.S., send Torah Fund cards using this link: https://torahfundecards.jtsa.edu/ In Canada, you must start your online donation with the ecard platform. Purchase an ecard for $5, and then you may add an additional amount. Here’s the link: https://torahfundecards.jtsa.edu/canadian/
Paper cards are available from your local Torah Fund chair. Chairs may order more supplies from the Torah Fund Office. Remember that cards must be pre-paid prior to shipping.
Consider joining the Torah Fund Legacy Society. As with donations to the current campaign, all bequests, large and small, are welcome. Beyond our lifetimes, we can make a difference in the Conservative/Masorti movement. More information can be found at: Torah Fund Legacy Society - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu)
Let’s not forget about the special campaign called Creating New Spaces, which will equally fund two important projects: A “Women’s League Study Space” in the new undergraduate residence hall at The Jewish Theological Seminary, and a special course of training for rabbinical students at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, entitled “Women’s League Institute on Gender Bias and Harassment. How wonderful it will be to reach the goal of $200,000 in this fiscal year.
Your support is appreciated. Thank you. Merci, Todah Rabah.
Am Yisrael Chai,
Linda Boxer
INR Torah Fund VP
INRTorahFund@gmail.com
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This week at Women's League:
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Pre-Order WLCJ 5785 Calendar Diaries | |
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Calendar Diaries are available for pre-orders. All orders will ship on or after the first week of June.
Pocket Size = $11.00
Planner Size = $26.00
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Special Programming for WLCJ Individual Members | |
Wednesday
May 29, 2024
7:30pm ET
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Let's Talk! WLCJ Individual Members' Virtual Meeting
The second in a series of virtual events to create connections.
Open to Individual Members ONLY.
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This will include a presentation by Women’s League Individual Member Yael Gotthart, a graduate student in Montreal — Does Hip-Hop Music and Culture Fuel Antisemitism Among Youth?
WLCJ leaders will bring you news, note upcoming events, and answer questions.
Future virtual meetings will keep the conversation going, as Individual Members build connections with one another. Bring your ideas about topics that interest you.
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Thank you for being a WLCJ Individual Member. If you haven't yet renewed for the 2023-2024 year, you'll be prompted to do so as you register for this event.
WLCJ Membership Chair:
Doreen Bornfreund, dbornfreund@wlcj.org
Individual Membership Co-Chairs:
Susan Farber, sfarber@wlcj.org or
Vivian Leber, vleber@wlcj.org
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WL Kehilah: Button Art Tree of Life | |
Thursday
May 30, 2024
8:00pm ET
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Jody Glass
glass.jody@gmail.com
WL Creative Judaic Arts Chair
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Join Jody Glass, our Creative Judaic Arts Chairperson, to create your own Tree of Life with buttons.
You have 3 options:
Order a full kit to create similar to sample pictured - $20.00 includes postage.
Order supplies with no buttons - $15.00 includes postage.
Purchase your own supplies – a supply list will be emailed upon reviewing your registration.
This is a wonderful opportunity to create an heirloom by using those buttons that family members have passed down.
Kit orders must be received by May 21, 2024, to arrive in time for the class. The class will be recorded for those that can’t join us but would like to do the project.
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Criminal Justice Reform: Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof | |
Please join us to hear three experts speak about criminal justice reform. They will relay their experiences working with the legal system, and will provide their ideas on transforming the processes. Our speakers include an activist who, with decades of experience volunteering in the prisons, is committed to ending mass incarceration; a member of the Brennan Center working on bail reform; and a Measures for Justice researcher, who performs data analysis to drive reform.
Featured speakers are:
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1. Robert Lankin
Title: My Jewish Position on Ending Mass Incarceration
Biography
Inspired by four decades of volunteering by visiting Jewish incarcerated men at a nearby prison, Bob Lankin has become an activist for criminal justice reform, ending mass incarceration, and creating a safer, sounder society. Bob has been an active member of the Jewish Community for six decades, serving his synagogues and Men's Clubs.
Bob has been a member of the Pennsylvania Bar since 1976, serves as a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Corrections Committee, is active in the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Domestic Affairs Committee of the Jewish Community Relations Council and is a member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society.
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He has spoken to attorneys at Gratz College, spoke at and ran programs for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, numerous synagogues, and dozens of service clubs...
continue reading
2. Speaker TBA
Title: Bail Reform
The Brennan Center for Justice
“As an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization, the Brennan Center conducts rigorous research to identify problems and provide in-depth empirical findings and compelling analyses of pressing legal and policy issues. (They) also pioneer and champion policy solutions, such as automatic voter registration and small donor public financing.”
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3. Kayla Macano
Measures for Justice
Title: The Importance of Using and Understanding Data to Drive Reform
BIOGRAPHY:
Kayla Macano is a Senior Research Associate with Measures for Justice. She joined MFJ in January 2022, following her tenure with the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Rochester Police Department, where her knowledge of policing and data analysis informed several local research and evaluation projects.
In her current role, Kayla serves as research lead on MFJ’s Commons Police pilot project, overseeing data management, assisting in the development of a codebook and standard operating procedures, and collaborating with partner agencies. In addition to supporting police data transparency efforts, Kayla collaborates with MFJ’s research leadership to engage the public around criminal justice data and gather additional insight for project metrics.
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Laurie Silverblatt
lasilverblatt@gmail.com
WLCJ Resolutions and Public Policy Committee Chair
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Sunday
June 9, 2024
7:00pm ET
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Heddy Belman
hbelman@wlcj.org
WL Sustainability Co-Chair
Corinne Hammerschlag
corinneh@rogers.com
WL Sustainability Co-Chair
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WLCJ has partnered with the Conservative Movement's one-of-a-kind webinar series, Weeks of Learning and Doing.
The Masorti Environmental Sustainability Initiative (MESI) of the Conservative Movement is leading a Weeks of Learning and Doing webinar series, taking place throughout the Omer (between Pesach and Shavuot). The webinar content is inspired by the concepts of Head (learning), Heart (spirituality), and Hand (action/advocacy). The series offers topics about the environment, Judaism and spirituality, food, greening your synagogue, and climate change that educate, inspire, and motivate. This series is free and open to all WLCJ members.
You may register to one or all of the webinar series. The one WLCJ is administering as a joint program is June 9th: Helping to Ensure a Healthy World: The Mitzvah of Yishuv Ha’olam. Join Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, co-author of a Teshuvah (Jewish legal responsum) called "On the Mitzvah of Sustainability” to explore *the* foundational mitzvah for caring for the world - though most of us have never heard about it. Learn about what the mitzvah says about how should a Jew live and what Jewish Law (Halakhah) teaches and requires in the critical matter of environmental sustainability.
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Sunday-Tuesday
July 28-30, 2024
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Women’s League for Conservative Judaism – committed to developing skilled and dedicated leaders – invites you to attend an inspiring Leadership Institute that will expand your skills as a leader and enhance your knowledge as a Jewish woman while strengthening your connection to Women’s League, your Sisterhood Affiliate, your community, and Klal Yisrael.
Join International President Julia Loeb at our next LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE on JULY 28-30, 2024 AT CONGREGATION BETH DAVID SISTERHOOD,
SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE?
A multi-day workshop that will enhance your personal style of communication with interactive exercises and role-playing. Discover tips and techniques for using language that motivates, stimulates and encourages women to volunteer.
An opportunity to network with other women, master goal setting, time management and team building. Learn the secret of keeping yourself challenged.
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WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS?
The Leadership Institute’s unique format allows participants to build a personal program to expand Jewish knowledge and leadership skills.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
$299 includes materials, programming, and meals. This fee does not include hotel or transportation to Congregation Beth David Sisterhood or transportation to Saratoga, CA.
Registration for the hotel starts at $139 + tax per night double occupancy. Click here to reserve a room in the Leadership Institute room block at the Marriott Aloft Cupertino.
The learning and sense of community created during the Institute comes both from the shared experiences during the formal program and the unstructured time together at the hotel. To facilitate this, we strongly urge local participants to stay with the rest of the group at the hotel.
Your Region, Sisterhood Affiliate or your Rabbi might have scholarship money to help cover these costs. Don’t forget to ask!
Register by JUNE 24! Space is limited and fills up quickly.
The leadership Institute team,
Margie Miller
Debbie Lempert
Illene Rubin
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Debbi Lempert
dlempert@wlcj.org or
Margie Miller
mmiller@wlcj.org
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Women’s League Partnership | |
Women’s League has now become a partner with the Neve Shalom Sisterhood Loom Room program. Each time someone comes to weave as a referral from Women’s League, we have the opportunity to share this incredible experience with them (and Women’s League also receives a referral fee). Whether you come to weave yourself or have our volunteers weave the item after you have designed it, you will take enormous pride and joy and satisfaction in your performance of hiddur mitzvah. It will be a seminal moment in your life. | There is also a Women's League Hiddur Mitzvah Google Group. If you want to join the group, please email Esta Lichtenstein, WLCJ Communications Chair at elichtenstein@wlcj.org to be added. | |
For the past 80-plus years, the Torah Fund Campaign of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, the dedicated philanthropy of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, has been supporting scholarships and programs in the worldwide Conservative/Masorti institutes of higher Jewish learning, The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, Schechter Institutes of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem,
Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires, and Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam.
The 2023-2024 / 5784 Torah Fund General Campaign is Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh, All the people of Israel are responsible for one another. Arevut, responsibility, will be visible on our new, silver heart-shaped charm which can be worn as a pendant or pin.
The WWOT, the Weekly Words of Torah, each week through the end of June 2024, will delve into the idea of arevut, responsibility.
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Parashat Emor - May 18, 2024
The name of our Torah reading this week, Emor, means speak. God tells Moses to speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron. There are many different instructions that Moses will be sharing, as God’s messenger to both the priests, and to B’nai Yisrael, the children of Israel. The ultimate goal is the pursuit of holiness, which was the name of last week’s Torah reading, Kedoshim. Leviticus chapter 21, verse 6 states, “They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God; for they offer the Lord’s gifts, the food of their God, and so must be holy.” We need to be holy in all we say; all we do and all we eat. Every interaction should be done for the goal of bringing holiness and Godliness in our daily lives. Therefore, let us all think before we speak -
Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Am I the one to say it? What are the Intentions and Impact?
Is it Necessary, Now?
Is it Kind?
Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh - All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.
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Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
9:00 am PT
10:00 am MT
11:00 am CT
12:00 pm ET
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A virtual background is available for Makom Yachad!
DOWNLOAD HERE
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A virtual service for our WLCJ Sisters to recite Mishaberach, the Prayer for Healing, recite the Psalm of the Day, study and recite Kaddish together.
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? |
Let Us Pray - composed by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
VIEW PRAYER
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Women’s League's got talent — Join the communications team! Positions need to be filled! | |
Are you fluent in Zoom? Can you spotlight a speaker? Start the recording? Set up breakout rooms? Do you know how to let people in from the waiting room? Or would you like to learn more about how to use Zoom’s moderating features? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions we need you! | |
WLCJ is looking for volunteers to help run Zoom for our Region conferences and Women's League programs. Hours vary and are flexible. Please reach out to Esta Lichtenstein with any questions or to sign up.
Questions?
Esta Z. Lichtenstein
WL Communications Chair
elichtenstein@wlcj.org
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Promising Programs
How will these ideas fit into your sisterhood/affiliate schedule?
1."Blast From The Past", a good idea for Jewish Heritage Month in May. Could be done in any size Sisterhood. Encourage attendees to bring in a piece of Judaica and share its history. Attendees share their family history, where their ancestors came from...
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Jill Tomar
jill.tomar@gmail.com
WL Programming Co-Chair
Toby Maser
tmaser@wlcj.org
WL Programming Co-Chair
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Sandy Blumenthal
Consulting Services Chair
sblumenthal@wlcj.org
Anise Parnes
Consulting Services
Vice Chair
aparnes@wlcj.org
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Women’s League for Conservative Judaism sponsors Mothers of Olim, a group founded prior to the emergence of Zoom. Initially the members helped each other ship packages to their children who had made Aliyah, immigrated to Israel. With the dawn of Covid and Zoom, Mothers of Olim became a lifeline to women around the globe when we weren’t permitted to visit... continue reading |
Renee Seal
BubbyRenee18@aol.com
Mothers of Olim Chair
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Our ongoing WLCJ Inclusion Committee is looking to expand. The purpose of our committee is to make our members aware of the great strides in Inclusion in our Sisterhood affiliates and synagogues. Our Women’s League Inclusion Committee is working towards expanding the culture of our synagogues to create an environment that makes all of us, no matter our unique identities and needs, feel welcomed and embraced in our Jewish community. We work to initiate programs with and support programs for the Inclusion committees in your synagogue/Sisterhood affiliate to make all underserved communities feel seen and encourage improvement of Inclusion practices and policies. If this interests you, please contact Karen Winer.
Karen Winer
karen.winer@comcast.net
Inclusion Co-Chair
Vicki Isman
vicki.isman@gmail.com
Inclusion Co-Chair
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From the Seminaries We Support | |
Resources found on our website | |
Hillel International Scholarships for Jewish Students | Learn more
Nefesh B'Nefesh | Learn more
Announcing the new Yuval Yisrael summer program for teens | Learn more
Women's Study Group with author, Naomi Graetz | Learn more
MERCAZ USA | Give
Women's League Google Groups | Learn more
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INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism | | | | |