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During these very busy times of the High Holy Days, Chai Lines will be be published on a limited schedule. Look for your next issue of our region newsletter on Friday October 28, 2022.

In the interim, please be on the lookout for special programming publications regarding our upcoming region program with Author Maggie Anton on November 2, 2022! 

And as always, view current ongoing WLCJ programing in your weekly WL Week and on the WLCJ website at www.wlcj.org.

Dear Friends,

Did you know that this year, on Monday, October 10th, the first day of Sukkot and Canadian Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated together? Interestingly, the two holidays have similar themes.

In Hebrew, Sukkot means Booths or Huts and is called Chag HaSukkot (the “Feast of Booths” or the “Feast of Tabernacles”). A Tabernacle is a fixed or movable habitation, typically of light construction. Chag HaSukkot commemorates the days when the Israelites lived in huts (sukkot) for 40 years, while wandering in the desert following the Exodus from Egypt. 

“Certainly, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month there shall be the Feast of Booths to the Lord to last seven days (Leviticus 23:33)…You shall live in booths seven days… in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. (Leviticus 23:42)”

The Torah also refers to this holiday as Chag ha’Asif (“Feast of the Ingathering”) when fruits and grains were gathered at the harvest’s end. Sukkot was the last of the three pilgrimage festivals (Shalosh Regalim) when God commanded the Israelites to make a holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year – at Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot. “…the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in the results of your work from the field (Ex 23-16)”.

Again, we read in the Torah: “You shall observe the festival of Sukkot for seven days when you gather in from your threshing floor and your wine vat. (Deuteronomy 16:13)”

Sukkot and the harvest are inextricably tied to one another. The ancient Israelites were farmers who wished to thank God for all their produce and brought portions of their harvest to the Temple as offerings of thanksgiving. They would live in temporary dwellings or booths when travelling far from their homes. For the ancient Israelite, the sukkah would have conjured up feelings of joy and thanksgiving to God. That is why the sukkah was - and still is - a fitting symbol for the holiday that bears its name.

When we look at the origins of Thanksgiving Day in Canada and the United States, there are some differences. The early settlers wanted to offer prayers of thanks to God. In Canada, however, the first recorded thanksgiving meal occurred in 1578 when the English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a special meal to thank God for granting them safe passage through northern North America, in what is today the Canadian Territory of Nunavut. Later, Thanksgiving was celebrated as an autumn celebration showing appreciation for a bountiful harvest. It wasn’t until 1957 that the Canadian government officially declared that Thanksgiving would occur on the second Monday in October. Today, the tradition of Thanksgiving is primarily a time to gather the family and celebrate the harvest and delicious food of the season.

Everyone seems to know the story of the first American Thanksgiving in 1621, which was celebrated by the Puritans who settled in New England. The Puritans were well versed in the Bible and knew that Sukkot, meant the “Feast of Tabernacles” and was a harvest holiday. It has been suggested that the early Pilgrims, who came from Holland, may very well have lived among, and been influenced by the many Sephardic Jews whose ancestors had fled from Spain to Holland during the Inquisition. There is evidence that they fashioned the first Thanksgiving after the Jewish custom of celebrating the success of the year’s crops and since their lives were dependent on nature, on rain and on sun, they expressed their gratitude by way of a feast.

Although Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday, it wasn’t until 1939 that President Franklin Roosevelt set the official American Thanksgiving Day to occur on the fourth Thursday of November.

In general, Thanksgiving celebrations for Canadians or Americans are similar. Although Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays of the year in the United States - with huge parades and cross-country travel for family reunions - it is decidedly lower key in Canada. Both involve families or friends coming together to eat turkey and celebrate the harvest and both watch much contested and beloved football games. In recent years Canadians have even participated in November’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. I suppose the bargains are just too hard to resist, especially with the ease and availability of online shopping.

In the end, no matter how, when or where you celebrate, I would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a Chag Sukkot Sameach!

Marilyn Cohen

Region President

inrpresident21@wlcj.org

Read more about this book by following this link:

The Choice: A Novel of Love, Faith and the Talmud

Paperback now available! Buy the e-book at:

https://payhip.com/b/XBOmh

Check out Maggie's Blog to see what she's up to

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

Our 2022-2023 Chazak v'Ematz Campaign

Be Strong and Courageous

Women’s League is a proud supporter of Reverse Tashlich. Here in Buffalo, the event was, however, sponsored by the Jewish Federation and Hillel. I was there, with others from my shul, to represent the Conservative/Masorti Movement and Women’s League. It was held on Unity Island, adjacent to Lake Erie. A group of maybe 50 people, young and old, gathered together to remove trash from this little Island to keep it from spoiling the waterway. What does Reverse Tashlich have to do with the Torah Fund Campaign? We had to be strong and courageous to gather recyclables into one bag and trash into another. We found beer and whiskey bottles, socks and shoes, bottle caps and fast-food containers. We got brambles in our hair and aching backs from bending and collecting, but we made that corner of the world a bit cleaner. We will need to be strong and courageous to improve the environment, one Reverse Tashlich program at a time. We need to be strong and courageous to be sure our future rabbis, cantors, scholars, and teachers have a clean earth.

The 2022-23 Campaign is well under way. It was so nice to see lots of Torah Fund pins in person as services were nearly back to normal in my shul. The pins are a gift for donations of $180 or more.

This is the 80th year of Torah Fund. If you can make an additional donation in the amount of $80, it will be appreciated and well used as we support the educational opportunities in our five schools.

Learn more about Torah Fund visit:   www.jtsa.edu/torah-fund

Please utilize ecards to send cards to send greetings in times of joy or sorrow.

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

In Canada: Canadian eCards – Torah Fund eCards (jtsa.edu)

Our region crosses the border, but because eCards are sent via email, you should use the ecard website specific to your home country, even when sending cards to our sisters in the other country.

Paper cards are available from your local Torah Fund Chair.

May this new year bring you health and happiness.

Questions? Comments?

Contact Me!

Linda Boxer

INR Torah Fund VP

INRTorahFund@gmail.com

The Fashion Orphans

by Randy Susan Meyers & M. J. Rose

Reviewed by Ruth Borsky

The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers and M. J. Rose is a must read for today's feminist women who consider a happy ending resulting from their efforts to stay the course. 

This is a novel about two half-sisters, Gabrielle Winslow and Lulu Quattro, daughters of Bette Bradford, an aficionado of all things related to Coco Chanel.

Fashion Orphans is a smart and sophisticatedly written story that takes the reader through the crisis driven lives of the two sisters as they emerge from estranged to loving and caring following the reading of their mother's will. They are bequeathed an enormous collection of clothing and accessories by Coco Chanel. 

Their past relationships with their mother reveal reality rather than the distorted memories that they harbor. Bette seems to reach out to them from the "beyond", by chance, giving them warmth, ideals, and good advice.

The theme of transformation progresses, and many new and unexpected characters join the fray. They, too, contribute solutions to the many trials that the sisters must solve. The sisters not only reverse, develop and mature their feelings but grow to love each other as their families, friends and acquaintances are affected through their loyalty to Gabi and Lulu. 

Scroll down to see the WL Reads flyer below and register for the program featuring an interview with author Susan Meyers on Thursday November 17th @ 7:00 pm.

FJMC Affinity Groups Sports - Wednesday, October 19

@ 8:00 PM ET

Sherry Levin is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross holds a Bachelors Degree in English Communication. She was a highly recruited basketball player from Newton North High School . She was the first woman athlete to receive a full scholarship at Holy Cross. She is the all time leading scorer in points, field goals made and free throws. She was named to the Jewish All-American First Team from 1981-1984... 

Sharsheret: How to Best Support a Loved One Facing Cancer - Thursday, October 6 @ 8 PM ET

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. We all know someone who has faced a cancer diagnosis, and for someone facing cancer, support from friends and family is critically important...

Thursday, 10.20.22 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET

Workshop 1 - MiDor L’Dor: Transmitting Our Jewish Values to the Next Generation

How do we connect to the next generation to make Judaism relevant for today and tomorrow? We will explore the various settings of educating our children: formal, informal, and in the family and community.

Speakers:

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

Shira D. Epstein, Ed.D, Dean, William Davidson Graduate School of Education, JTS

Rabbi Nathalie Lastreger, Kehilat HaMinyan HaMishpachti, Kfar Vradim, Upper Gallilee

Amy Skopp Cooper, Director of the National Ramah Commission, US

Aliza Zeff, Director and Head of School, Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim

Sunday, 11.20.22 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET

Workshop 2 - MiDor L’Dor: Revering and Honoring the Generations Until 120

How do we maintain value and meaning in our lives at every age? We will discuss the importance of self-care, as well as ideas for caregivers, as we honor the generations that gave us our Jewish values.

Speakers: 

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

Rabbi Judith Hauptman, Professor Emerita of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture, JTS

Rabbi Miriam Berkowitz, accredited Hospital Chaplain/Spiritual Caregiver, Jerusalem

Rabbi Tracee Rosen, Hospital Chaplain, Phoenix, Arizona

Rabbi Judith Edelman-Green, Pastoral Caregiver and Educator, Kfar Saba

Sunday, 12.11.22 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 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

Creating Your Sisterhood  Archives

Thursday, October 27 @ 7:30 PM ET

Archives tell stories, document people, and are your recorded memory. They form an important part of your community, culture, and history. They can be a source of pride, awe, and understanding of who and what you are for future generations. They are how your sisterhood can Live for Ever!

This 7th session in the “How to Live Forever” series will present a Step-by-Step on how your sisterhood 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 can “live forever” by collecting, creating and sharing their history.

Recordings of past sessions are available on the Women's League website.

Young or old, active or inactive… 

Your sisterhood has a story to tell!

Avner Moriah Program - Monday, November 7 @ 7 PM ET

Women’s League is thrilled to share that we have partnered with internationally renowned Israeli artist, Avner Moriah, to bring a special evening of incredible art to our members! You will meet the artist and then have the opportunity to shop his website: avnermoriahprints.com using a discount code which was created just for our members. Each of you can enjoy a 20% savings off the entire website! This exclusive offer will not only allow you to get a sneak preview and to build excitement for the main event, it will serve as our trial run. 

DISCOUNT CODE: WL2022

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

WL Reads - Thursday,

November 17 @ 7 PM ET

WL Reads Co-Chairs,Merle Carrus and Susan Farber interview Randy Susan Meyers, author of The Fashion Orphans, on November 17th. Join us for an engaging virtual conversation about this novel and Ms. Meyers’ writing process.

The next WL Reads Dates are listed below. Click on the Date for more info and to register early. We hope you can join us:

• Sunday, January 8
• Thursday, April 27

Programming Idea of the Week

Three Muses, by Martha Anne Toll, is a love story that enthralls; a tale of Holocaust survival venturing through memory, trauma, and identity, while raising the curtain on the unforgiving discipline of ballet. 

About the Book: In post-WWII New York, John Curtin suffers lasting damage from having been forced to sing for the concentration camp commandant who murdered his family. John trains to be a psychiatrist, struggling to wrest his life from his terror of music and his past. Katya Symanova climbs the arduous path to Prima Ballerina of the New York State Ballet, becoming enmeshed in an abusive relationship with her choreographer who makes Katya a star but controls her life. When John receives a ticket to attend a ballet featuring Katya, a spell is cast. As John and Katya follow circuitous paths to one another, fear and promise rise in equal measure. Three muses: Song, Discipline and Memory weave their way through love and loss, heartbreak and triumph to leave readers of this prize-winning debut breathless.

Weekly Words of Torah

Parashat Ha’Azinu - October 8, 2022

This parashah consists of Moses’ final song to the nation, his farewell message. In it, he offers praise to God for all that God has done for the nation and exhorts the people once again to remain faithful to God.

He begins by calling both the heavens and the earth to give ear to his words. Praising God’s ways of justice and truth, Moses admonishes Israel for the way in which they have requited God.

He continues by recounting the history of the nation, how they were chosen by God, how God protectively cared for them, providing for all their needs. All this they repaid with their apostasy, worshipping foreign gods. This in turn provoked God’s jealous anger and threats of punishment....

Makom B'Yachad

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

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

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.

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

March 2, 2023.

For more information email: jewel@wlcj.org

Calendar Diaries are available in TWO SIZES. 

Pocket Size: 4x6in. Planner Size: 8.5x11in. Both available to ORDER NOW.

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

Learn with Us in the New Year

Nazis, WWII, and the Middle East + Janet Yellen's Rise to Power

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.

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.

You’ve seen how informative and inspiring Never Is Now is. So, we’d like to invite you to be one of the first to sign up for this year’s edition of the largest annual summit on antisemitism and hate — and save at least 20%!

11,000 people joined us virtually last year and we are excited to welcome thousands more this year as we come together in person on November 10 for Never Is Now 2022 at the Javits Center in New York City.

For more information and registration: Click here.

Click on the button to visit website for summer events:

INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism