NCJW April 2019 News and Events
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Following along with NCJW Washington Institute 2019
On Sunday, April 7, hundreds of NCJW members and supporters around the country - and around the world - will visit Washington DC to learn from experts, strengthen advocacy skills, connect with activists, and storm Capitol Hill!

For those who can't join us in DC, you can follow along as we advocate in DC and then help us advocate here at home!

  • Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We will be posting and live streaming our training and advocacy!
  • NCJW, Inc. will livestream the plenary sessions. Be sure to like them on Facebook.
  • Get informed about the issues we will be lobby on at Washington Institute 2019 Day on the Hill:
  1. Supporting the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA, HR 4/S 561)
  2. Supporting the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH Woman) Act
  3. Ensuring the integrity of judicial nominations
  4. Supporting the Background Check Expansion Act (S 42)
  • Ask Questions about these issues on our Facebook Page and we will do our best to get them answered!.
  • Watch your inbox for information on in-district legislative visits, lobby days, and legislative workshops in the Chicagoland area!
Event Calendar
4/1: 93Queen Screening
4/3: Being Mortal, film and discussion
4/4: 93Queen Screening
4/7: 93Queen Screening
4/11: Soup Kitchen at First Methodist
4/11: Women's Salon
4/17: NCJW Board Evening Meeting
4/23: NCJW Policy Committee Call
4/28: You Be the Judge - Western Suburbs
4/29: Mother's Day Basket Packing Day
4/29: NCJW City Salon

5/1: NCJW Board Meeting
5/4: Anybody's Daughter Community Forum
5/9: Women's Salon
5/22: Resources for Ensuring Your Choices

SAVE THE DATE:
June 11 - Annual Installation Celebration
Tributes
An NCJW Chicago North Shore Tribute is a thoughtful way to acknowledge a life event while supporting NCJW’s many valuable projects. You may purchase an individual tribute or packages of tribute cards.

To purchase Tributes visit

Recent Tributes
To: Solar Family
In memory of Eugene Solar
From Barbara & Gordon Cohen

To: Carol and Marty Levine
In memory of Judith Levine
From: The NCJW CNS Board

We Need Your News!
Whether you are celebrating a simcha or sharing your sorrow, your NCJW friends want to know! Email  [email protected].

Member News

Condolences to Life Member Carole Levine on the loss of her mother-in-law Judith Levine

May her memory be a blessing
Get Involved with NCJW Chicago North Shore!
Make Mother's Day Special for Victims of Domestic Abuse
  • For 125 years, NCJW, Inc has worked to develop and pass effective public policy to address intimate partner violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to ensure increased emphasis on prevention, accountability for perpetrators, and resources and justice for survivors. Locally, NCJW Chicago North Shore has worked to amplify our national advocacy as well as provide opportunities for community service to help area victims of gender-based violence.
  • To that end, the NCJW Chicago North Shore Mother’s Day Project specifically supports to area domestic violence shelters – the Downers Grove Domestic Violence Shelter run by the Family Shelter Services of Shore. These Shelters serve women and their children who are victims of domestic violence by providing housing, meals, counseling and other personal essentials. Women are taught job skills and employment before they move into their own apartments. It has become our tradition to show our support for these women who have been threatened by violence and abuse by giving them each, a very special Mother’s Day basket.
  • For each donation of at least $18.00, we will send a Mother’s Day card to your mother, aunt, daughter or anyone else you choose. She will know that in her honor, NCJW delivered baskets and best wishes to the women at the shelter – a double mitzvah. Or, you may wish to send a card in memory of a loved one – and their memory shall be a blessing. Click here to donate by April 29, 2019. If you prefer to donate by check, please contact the office at 847-853-8889 or email [email protected].
Use Your Skills (and learn new ones!) and Become an NCJW Leader
  • Help Needed: NCJW Board Secretary - The NCJW Board Secretary plays a critical role in fostering communication and ensuring proper management and utilization of our organizational records. The Secretary sends out the notice of upcoming Section Board meetings and collects and disseminates Board reports. The Secretary is also responsible for accurately and efficiently taking minutes during Board meetings as well as preserving a copy of the minutes and reports in the Section archive. Email [email protected] if you think you might be interested.
  • Help Needed: NCJW Treasurer - Our NCJW CNS Board Slate is almost compete but we still need a treasurer! No need to be an accountant or bookkeeper; just basic computer proficiency and attention to detail! With help from section staff, the Treasurer is charged with overseeing the management and reporting of our section's finance by ensuring the propriety and accuracy of financial transactions related to section operations, overseeing the budgeting process, preparing board reports, and monitoring cash flow. Email [email protected] if you think you might be interested.
Tell Congress to pass the Dream and Promise Act of 2019
  • For the first time, a single bill would provide a path to citizenship to Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. Immigrants in these programs have had their lives upended when President Trump ripped away their legal statuses. Many have gone to college, own homes and businesses, pay taxes — and have US citizen children or families.
  • Until the Dream and Promise Act is passed, over a million of our neighbors face the threat of the deportation and family separation every day. All people deserve to live lives of safety and security, regardless of their immigrations status. Click here to urge Congress to pass this life-changing legislation!
The American public does not support discrimination
  • But in America, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals face discrimination at every turn. An individual may lose their ability to earn a living or provide a home for their family because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. There are workplaces that refuse to hire LGBTQ employees, landlords who refuse to rent to same-sex couples, and doctors who refuse care for transgender patients. This discrimination is worse for LGBTQ people of color. 
  • Given the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on the LGBTQ community, the Equality Act, which strengthens federal protections against LGBTQ discrimination, is needed now more than ever. All people deserve to live free from discrimination and fear, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Click here to tell Congress to support the Equality Act today! 
NCJW Chicago North Shore
Upcoming Events Highlights
The film 93QUEEN follows Ruchie Freier, a no-nonsense Hasidic lawyer and mother of six who is determined to shake up the “boys club” in her Hasidic community by creating Ezras Nashim, the first all-female ambulance corps in NYC.
  • April 1, 7:00 PM: Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster Street, Skokie
  • April 4, 3:00 PM: Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
  • April 7, 5:00 PM: Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob (SVAJ), 8825 E Prairie Rd, Skokie
Screenings will be followed by Discussion and Skype Q+A with Director Paula Eiselt. All screenings are open to the public and are complimentary admission. NCJW Chicago North Shore is a Community Partner of the event.

Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being 126 E. Chestnut Street Chicago
Join NCJW, Skyline Village Chicago, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and JourneyCare for a series of life-affirming conversations about living and dying well. Attend one program or all three. Dates are below and additional details will be available at https://ncjwcns.org/DTK in January. All programs are on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30pm.
  • April 3: Being Mortal, film and discussion about quality of the end of life.
  • May 22: Resources for Making and Implementing Your Choices.
  • June 19: Death Over Tea. Small group discussions about living and dying well.

April 11, 7:30 pm: Morton Grove
Please join us for an informative and exciting Salon discussion on gun violence with special guest speaker Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention Initiatives, Archdiocese of Chicago. Please RSVP to [email protected] and you will be emailed the host address and readings.
Thursday, April 11, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
First United Methodist Church
516 Church Street, Evanston
Help to prepare and serve a meal to those in need. Volunteers are needed to shop for groceries, bake, prepare and serve food. Cash donations for food are also needed. NCJW members and a limited number of children, ages six & older, may volunteer. Contact Lauren at [email protected] .

Sunday, APRIL 28, 3:00-5:00
Congregation Beth Shalom of Naperville
772 W. 5th Ave., Naperville
Join National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore for an exciting interactive workshop on how the federal courts work with an opening presentation on judicial nominations and the selection process by Courts Matter Illinois.
  • Play the part of a federal judge on a panel.
  • Deliberate & decide religious rights and voting rights cases.
  • Discussions facilitated by local legal experts.
Admission is free. Refreshments provided. Reservations required. Click here to Register.

June 11, 2019, Time TBD
Wildfire Restaurant, Glenview
Celebrate with our NCJW friends and supporters as we thank our out going board and welcome our incoming board. More Information will be available on our website in Spring 2019.
Add these events to your calendar today!
Other Items of Interest
NCJW at Planned Parenthood
Illinois Lawmakers, Planned Parenthood and other organizations fight to reverse Trump administration Title X gag rule
On March 1, NCJW was so please to stand with Planned Parenthood, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Robin Kelly, Danny Davis, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Bill Foster. and Mike Quigley, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and other organizations as we fight to reverse a recent Trump Administration rule to withdrawal federal funding for health care groups that provide abortion services and support.


Watch your inbox for upcoming volunteer opportunities with Planned Parenthood.
NCJW Kicks Off City Salon!
On March 25, the NCJW City Salon had a lively discussion on immigration at Hopsmith Tavern in Chicago. The next city salon is scheduled for the evening of Ap ril 29 at a Chicago location to be determined. Come and hear a summary of NCJW's Washington Institute as well as ways to take action at home on the issues we lobbied on in DC: voting rights, EACH Woman Act, judicial nominations and background check expansion. For more information or to RSVP email [email protected].
NCJW March Lunch and Learn
On March 20, 23 NCJW members and supports gathered at Curt's Cafe for a delicious and informative lunch and learn with Sandy Williams, Domestic Violence Residential and Community Services Director for the YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Ms Williams spoke about the different services that the YWCA offers to victims and survivors of domestic abuse such as housing, support services and community education and training.
Watch your inbox for upcoming lunch and learn programs as well as community service opportunities with the YWCA.
News from National: NCJW Announces New CEO!
It is my distinct pleasure to announce that  Sheila Katz  will be joining NCJW this summer as our new Chief Executive Officer to lead our organization into the future and build on our 125-year legacy of turning progressive ideals into action. Sheila will come to NCJW after 12 years with Hillel International, where she was named the youngest-ever vice president in the organization’s history. 

Now more than ever, in today’s polarized political climate, we need a feminist movement rooted in Jewish values that will improve the quality of life for women, children, and families. Through her deep experience giving a voice to young activists and developing innovative approaches to critical problems in the Jewish community, Sheila has her finger on the pulse of today’s women’s movement and will work with us to move our advocacy work forward in Washington, D.C. and across the country.

With her proven track record of community organizing, digital engagement, and coalition-building, Sheila will work alongside NCJW’s 90,000 members and supporters nationwide to advance its signature advocacy initiatives ensuring a fair and independent judiciary, reproductive freedom, civic engagement, and empowering women across Israel. 

During her tenure at Hillel, Sheila launched MitzVote, a non-partisan voter engagement campaign, co-founded “Ask Big Questions,” a national initiative focused on building civil dialogue, and served as a steering committee member for the White House Campus Interfaith Challenge during the Obama Administration. 
 
She is also currently the co-chair of the executive committee for the Safety Respect Equity Coalition, which is working to address sexual harassment and gender discrimination in Jewish workplaces and common spaces. She has dedicated countless hours helping to empower sexual assault survivors, including as a rape crisis counselor, serving on the board of the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, and working closely with Vice President Biden’s “It’s On Us” initiative focused on bystander intervention. 
Sheila will succeed Nancy Kaufman, who came to NCJW in 2011 as the organization’s very first CEO. Nancy fought tirelessly to advance social and economic justice for marginalized communities, and has boldly led us during some of the country’s most challenging times for women. We look forward to honoring Nancy, and celebrating NCJW’s 125 years of making change happen, at our Washington Institute next week. 
 
Warmly, 
 
Beatrice Kahn, President 
‌
Support NCJW
Chicago North Shore has several new ways to support our section. As always, you can make a one time donation or purchase a tribute (links are below), but we now also have a lovely, hand-crafted necklace you can purchase for yourself or for a gift. Net proceeds from the sale of each  necklace   supports NCJW's mission.

You can also support NCJW as a Sustaining Advocate.   Complete and print this form    and mail it to our office, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062 and your scheduled monthly donation will ensure the viability of Chicago North Shore for generations to come. Your support makes it possible for NCJW to create meaningful social change for women, children, and families in the US and Israel. Make a difference for women, children, and families by giving a generous gift to NCJW through a variety of options:

Put your dollars to work immediately by making a fast, secure online donation. Become a Major Donor by making a donation of $500 or more. 

Honor a family member, colleague, friend, or loved one by giving a gift to NCJW. A handwritten NCJW tribute card with a message of support, celebration, or sympathy will be sent to the honoree or the family of the person you wish to remember.

Canadian jewelry artist Hilary Druxman has handcrafted a beautifully designed necklace and has partnered with NCJW Chicago North Shore to bring her design to our members and supporters. Overlapping triangles come together to form a star, reflecting our belief in advocacy and action. Each necklace costs $44 ($40 + $4 sales tax) and can be shipped anywhere in the US. Net proceeds from the sale of each handcrafted sterling silver necklace support our mission.

NCJW is recognized as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Contributions to it are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law. 

Create a Legacy!
Want to ensure NCJW's legacy for years to come? Are you a life member and want to extend your support in perpetuity? Have you thought out a bequest to NCJW?
Click here    for a sample form. It's that easy!

Already have a bequest to NCJW?  Please let us know that you put us in your will so we can acknowledge you!! Email    [email protected] .