Newsletter October 2018

WHO IS FIGHTING FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE? FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND WHY! Tuesday, October 16, 7:00 PM Special Venue The New Shul* 7825 E Paradise Lane, Scottsdale Meet the women who are leading the fight in Arizona and learn how their work is impacting our community. You won't want to miss hearing from these courageous leaders who are fighting for our reproductive health care rights and freedom - service providers, reproductive justice advocates, clergy and state activists. *Directions: The New Shul is located at the SE corner of Paradise Lane and 78th St. Paradise Lane is 1 block south of FLW Blvd, west of Greenway-Hayden Loop. See map at thenewshul.org . Please carpool. Guests are welcome.

Upcoming Events General Meeting at The New Shul TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7 PM Reproductive Justice Election Day TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018 General Meeting at Temple Chai TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Violence against Women Game Night MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

STATE PUBLIC ADVOCATE Carol Consalvo 480-860-8887 consalvo@cox.net ARE YOU READY TO VOTE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 6, 2018? Before you can vote on November 6 th you need to be registered to vote in Arizona by October 9 th . If you have moved or have changed your name, please make sure you are able to vote. Maricopa County sends out a card before the primary elections to confirm that the information on the voter rolls is correct. If you received the card and checked that your information is correct you don't have to do anything. If you didn’t get the card and you are not sure of your status, please go to: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/ or CLICK HERE If you want to change any information to your records go to: https://servicearizona.com/voterRegistration?popularclick or CLICK HERE If you want to receive a mail-in ballot go to: https://recorder.maricopa.gov/earlyvotingballot/earlyvotingballotrequest.aspx or CLICK HERE Voting is a privilege. More than that, voting is a right in America. Would you give up any of your rights? Why give up this one? Most of our members do vote, but I’m sure you know some people who don’t. Remind them that every vote counts. In the last election less than 50% of eligible voters didn’t go to the polls. The results were really close because our country is deeply divided politically. Do the numbers and you’ll see that only about 25% of the American people actually voted for the government we have today! If you have any questions, please contact me at consalvo@cox.net and I will help you navigate through the system.

PROGRAM VICE PRESIDENT Ellen Widoff ebwidoff@gmail.com This year, our programs focus on aspects of REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH and JUSTICE because our lives depend on it! Every meeting will provide opportunities for our members to use our Jewish values to bring about positive change. Civia Tamarkin, our Action Vice President and writer/director of the film Birthright:A War Story, kicked off our September meeting by warning us that we are living in a time that poses the greatest threat to women’s privacy, health and bodily autonomy in more than half a century. Our members and supporters volunteered to help get out the vote -- our first line of defense -- to overturn the legislative restraints in Arizona and across the country. Our October 16th meeting at The New Shul at 7:00 PM will feature a panel discussion entitled: Who is Fighting for Reproductive Justice? What they are Doing and Why! You won’t want to miss hearing from these courageous leaders who are fighting for our reproductive health care rights and freedom - service providers, reproductive justice advocates, clergy and state activists. Our November 27th meeting at Temple Chai will discuss all aspects of Violence against Women and how it affects our health and autonomy. Find out just how pervasive this issue is and what we can do about it, through the lens of the medical community, victims, advocacy and shelter professionals. “When I marched in Selma”, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “my feet were praying.” It is our turn now to follow in his footsteps.

NCJW AZ PRESIDENT Susan Schesnol 336-215-7777 president1893@ncjwaz.org OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH Domestic Violence is one of the many causes NCJW continues to champion. The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. For the past 125 years we have been dedicated to the practice of Tikkun Olum (Repairing the World) and Lo Ta’Amod Al Dam Reichah (Do Not Stand Idly By.) Domestic violence affects every American. It harms our communities, weakens the foundation of our Nation, and hurts those we love most. It is an affront to our basic decency and humanity, and it must stop. In October we acknowledge the progress made in reducing these shameful crimes, embrace the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse, and recognize that more work remains to be done until every individual is able to live free from fear. Because of domestic violence women and children are deprived of a loving home, legal protections, or financial independence. They live in fear for their safety. Here are some frightening statistics: Nearly two out of three Americans 15 years of age or older knows a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault. Domestic violence homicides claim the lives of three women every day. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Young people between the ages of sixteen and twenty four experience domestic violence at the highest rates. There are many causes of domestic violence. One is low self-esteem, which we know starts when females are young; younger than you may think. Hopefully you and all you hold dear are safe from domestic violence. However, if you know of or suspect any victims, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline immediately at 1.800.799 SAFE (7233).

FUNDRAISING VICE PRESIDENT Judi Gross fundraising@ncjwaz.org NCJW is about fun, hard work, and commitment. We are volunteers who dedicate ourselves to the community. We are supporters who give money to ensure we can continue our efforts. We are one strong central voice to speak out and advocate for women, children, and families. The EVENT you are NOT going to attend this year? Once a year we ask you to support NCJW by making a financial contribution to our Non-Event. We know you take pride in the services we offer to our local community and that you want to participate in furthering our goals. So watch for our 2018 Non-Event invitation in the mail. We ask you to be generous. 20th Annual Potluck Game Night, December 24. This is always a fun and delicious evening. Again it will be held at the McDowell Center. The cost is only $18 for members and $25 for non-members and features a 50/50 raffle. Theater Parties are in the planning stages. These are always entertaining and a great social experience for our members. Watch for announcements in upcoming Newsletters. Tribute Cards are always available. Your personalized, handwritten message is just an email away. You can arrange for credit with Lynn Greenberg or purchase a package to send yourself. Remember, we have the original all-purpose card and our new celebratory card. Contact me or Lynn at tributecards@ncjwaz.org if you have questions about these options.  Extravagant Raffle at the Awareness Luncheon in February 2019. The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival in February is one of our most successful fundraisers. When you purchase tickets or a subscription through NCJW we receive a small portion of the cost but the price to you is the same. Last but not least. We now have an opportunity to advertise in this electronic Newsletter. Watch this space! Thanks for all you do for NCJW/AZ.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! NCJW AZ strongly encourages you to VOTE in the General Elections If you are on the Permanent Early Voting List , early ballots are to be mailed on October 10, 2018. Please return your ballot as soon as possible to make sure your vote is counted. In-Person Voting at the polls is November 6, 2018. Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election is October 9, 2018. CLICK HERE For the Arizona Voter's Guide to the 2018 Ballot Measures presented by The Arizona Advocacy Network Foundation & The League of Women Voters Education Fund Voter's Guide CLICK HERE BE SURE TO VOTE YOUR ENTIRE BALLOT … EVERY VOTE MATTERS!

MEMBERSHIP VICE PRESIDENT Lin Katzenstein membership@ncjwaz.org “A Faith in the Future. A Belief in Action” These words have been at the heart of NCJW’s commitment to action, social change and Jewish values for more than 125 years. Your participation is critical to keeping Jewish women in the forefront of social justice in these challenging times! Help sustain NCJW’s presence in the Valley of the Sun which enables us to: Be a progressive voice for women, children and families Advocate for the rights, freedoms and well-being of all Provide stimulating programming around important issues Help vulnerable residents in our community Effect change locally, nationally and in Israel Offer social activities and cultural events. So join or renew today! Mail your check for $54 payable to NCJW AZ to: NCJW Arizona 14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 111-228, Scottsdale AZ 85260 Sincere thanks to members who have already renewed for 2018-2019. National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and NCJW AZ are registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations and do not support political parties or candidates.

PROFICIENT 4TH GRADE READERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AND ECONOMICALLY SUCCESSFUL ADULTS! You can help K-3rd grade children read with VELLO Vello is a 1-on-1 online tutoring program that makes volunteering easy. It connects passionate professionals with kids in their community for 30 minute guided reading with super simple screen sharing and audio. Please Volunteer Reading is the foundation of a successful education. Vello volunteers support kids learning to read, so they can read to learn. A little of your time can go a long way in supporting students who are working hard to read at grade level so they can do well in school and life. Vello makes it easy The Vello program was designed to fit seamlessly into the lives of passionate professionals. Volunteers easily connect with students in an online tutoring environment, empowering them to make a real difference from any device, anywhere. Sign up to make a difference Contact our NCJW member leading this project, Hanna Kaplan at hankaplan@gmail.com .

NCJW TRIBUTE CARDS FOR ANY OCCASION! Make someone's day! Send a handwritten message of support, celebration, or sympathy. You can choose either the traditional NCJW card or the new "celebration" card. It’s a thoughtful way to express your sentiments while supporting NCJW. All $5 contributions will be listed here unless you request otherwise. We can mail individual cards for you or you can purchase packets of cards. Send your check to NCJW AZ, 14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Ste 111-228, Scottsdale AZ 85260 For more information contact Lynn Greenberg a t tributecards@ncjwaz.org

BUNNY’S CORNER Bunny Berkowitz 480-621-8422 fbunnyb@cox.net PUEBLO NORTE VOLUNTEERS: Members are always needed as facilitators for various games in the Assisted Living section -- days and times will be determined by the volunteer and Pam, the events director. Can you donate one half-hour a month? Visit with the residents in Healthcare, any day or time. Contact Bunny Berkowitz at fbunnyb@cox.net or 480-621-8422 for details, questions and hopefully with the date(s) you are available.             DONATIONS NEEDED: HOPE PHONES will responsibly recycle or refurbish all mobiles, from old and broken to the latest smart phones, and create communication networks for health workers serving millions in fifteen countries. Hope Phones receives the value of each recycled phone to purchase new mobile technology for the field. Takes a little longer to do, but you’ve been really generous to this program. EYEGLASSES: Any and all to be given to the Lions Club for recycling. Bringing a can or box of food, soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, diapers or even a single toothbrush to our next meeting to be passed on to the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank and you will be doing a Mitzvah. NO PROGRAM CAN SUCCEED WITHOUT MEMBER PARTICIPATION. THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OR ALL OF THE ABOVE .

INTEREST GROUPS Try one or more of these groups that meet regularly or the “Out and About” day trips and events. Watch future Newsletters or email notices of these special outings. Have an idea for a new group that you would like to start? Contact membership@ncjwaz.org. These groups meet weekly: Afternoon Canasta - Wednesdays from 1-3:30PM. Want to learn a fun game? This is not your grandmother’s canasta. Contact Lynn Greenberg hoshanaraba46@gmail.com Evening Canasta – Mondays from 6:30 -9:30PM. Contact cheri829@gmail.com Mah Jongg– Thursdays from 11:00AM to 3:00PM Contact Hedy Grimaldi gramamela@gmail.com Mah Jongg – Wednesdays from 6:30PM. Contact Netta: mahjpaj001@gmail.com Knitwits & Happy Hookers - Fridays from 1-2:30PM in the craft room at Pueblo Norte (7090 E. Mescal) We create blankets for Project Linus, a national organization that provides love, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill or traumatized. Contact fredapine@gmail.com These groups meet bi-weekly or monthly: Writing Group – Stretch your creativity. We meet every other Friday at Pueblo Norte from 2:30 to 4:00PM. Contact hankaplan@me.com Book Group – First Monday of each month at 1:30PM in the BJE Library at the JCC. New members are welcome! For information or to be put on the mailing list, contact bftarquinio@hotmail.com Movie Mavens – Second Wednesday of the month, around 4:00PM, October through May. All members are welcome. See the movie as a group, then go out for a bite to discuss the film. Email goes out announcing the movie. If interested contact Carol cjkl@cox.net Done in a Day Mitzvah - Volunteer opportunities that occur throughout the year. Watch for details. Contact membership@ncjwaz.org

TRIBUTES AND CELEBRATIONS

RABBI JOHN LINDER & FAMILY In memory of your mother Celia Linder Carol & Joe Consalvo JUDI GROSS & FAMILY In memory of her mother Sarah Prager Francine Ebersman, Claire Bickel, Jo-Ann & Phil Mullen, Nancy Chidel, Paula & Eric Weitzenberg, Hannah & Lisa Kaplan & Freda Pine, Myra Baum, Ellen Widoff, Cari Lefkow, Paula & George Eckstein, Andrea Fillers, Ann & Mike Sherman, Paula Schulman, Margo & Sandy Blumenfeld, Sydell Ukeiley, Linda Feldman, Sherry Comerchero, Beverley & Norman Lane, Beth & Haley Magerman, Joel & Olivia Finkel, Andrea Markowitz, Linda Mack Ross, Yvette Goldstein, Leta Witzer, Diana & Joel Schmidt, Ruth Silon, Zera Lipitz FREDA PINE Speedy recovery Nan Rubin

EILEEN SILL & FAMILY In memory of Bob Barbara & Burt Mannis KAREN FELDMAN & FAMILY In memory of father Stanley Press Ellen & Joe Widoff, Claire Bickel, Carol & Joe Consalvo, Paula Schulman, Sondra Mesnik, Sherry Comerchero , Arlene Mayer JEFF KIRSHNER & FAMILY In memory of Ivan Kirshner Paula Schulman HEDY & RALPH GRIMALDI In honor of grandson Ethan becoming a Bar Mitzvah Bonnie & Sheldon Levitt RUTH SILON AND ZERA LIPITZ In memory of step-sister and step-daughter Marcia Lipitz Bunny Berkowitz, The Board, Judi Gross, Connie Wolf, Carol Consalvo, Hannah Kaplan & Freda Pine, Diana & Joel Schmidt, Lynn Greenberg

FREDA PINE Happy 98th birthday Barbara London, Susan & Jeffrey Schesnol, Carol & Joe Consalvo, Diana & Joel Schmidt JACKIE PARGAMENT & FAMILY In memory of her father Albert Waldman Bonnie & Sheldon Levitt RIVKO KNOX In honor of receiving Timothy J. Schmaltz Leadership in Advocacy Award from Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition The Board BERRY SWEET Wishing her a speedy recovery Connie Wolf JEN KRAHAM In memory of mother Sonja Claire Bickel MORT BERKOWITZ Wishing him a speedy recovery Susan and Jeffrey Schesnol

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018-2019 President - Susan Schesnol - president1893@ncjwaz.org V.P. Fundraising - Judi Gross - fundraising@ncjwaz.org V.P. Membership - Lin Katzenstein - membership@ncjwaz.org Co-V.P. Programming - Ellen Widoff, Debbie Jacobs State Policy Advocate - Carol Consalvo consalvo@cox.net   Recording Secretary - Jan Stearns - minutes@ncjwaz.org Treasurer - Francine Ebersman - treasurer1919@ncjwaz.org Database Manager - Rita Walton Newsletter - Sondra Mesnik - bulletin@ncjwaz.org Directors at Large - Bunny Berkowitz, Claire Bickel, Paula Eckstein, JoAnn Mullen

Who We Are ... What We Do The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

National Council of Jewish Women Arizona Contact: membership@ncjwaz.org www.ncjwaz.org