News from Your Friends of the International Northeast Region of WLCJ

Chai Lines
International Northeast Region
Women's League
for Conservative Judaism

Networking to Engage, Enrich and Empower
Conservative Jewish Women

August 17, 2018 Volume 3, Issue 6

IN THE REGION FAMILY

Mazal Tov to

Bette Siegel, Past NYS Branch President, on the engagement of her daughter

FROM THE REGION PRESIDENT--JOAN LOWENSTEIN

In the Torah portions of the last few weeks, we read of our People's journey into the land of Israel. God provides very specific instruction for this journey and beyond. We as women in this day and age are continuing to follow God's instructions and continue on this journey. In a previous article, I mentioned that my personal journey into Women's League began when my daughter was born. However, it really began far earlier, in my youth.

I was born and raised an only child in Syracuse New York by a very wise and loving single mother who taught me to be active in many aspects of Jewish life--from regular attendance at Shabbat services, Junior Congregation, and religious school, as well as becoming a bat mitzvah to participating in Kadima and USY and experiencing Camp Ramah. It was expected of me and demanded of me to participate in and live the life of a Jew. As a teen I served on the board of my local USY chapter, attended continuing religious study in confirmation class and our local continuing education religious school for post b'nai mitzvah. In short, I was active and involved in many ways.

All of this led me to a life of volunteerism where I frequently found myself being a "leader" in both my religious and secular life. In college I served as the president of the "Order of Diana," a female offshoot of the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. In my professional career, I served on the board and as president of the Syracuse Claims Association.

It was then a natural progression when my daughter was born in 2003 to become even more active and involved in Jewish life. My first position on my local Sisterhood board was as Ways and Means Vice President. I then progressed to the position of Sisterhood President. As Sisterhood President, I served on the Board of our Congregation, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Syracuse, NY. I found and continue to find these positions most fulfilling as I volunteer in any capacity I can.

Over these years I also participated in Women's League in any way I could, attending Leadership Institute, which at that time was being led by Margie Miller and Carol Simon; how lucky for me to be trained by not one, but two, future Women's League International Presidents! I also attended Shelly Goldin's z"l OMI (Organizational Management Institute), soaking up the experience and knowledge of the amazing leaders of Women's League. I found myself inspired and eager to attend many programs, conferences and conventions.

As the president of our amazing region, I hope to inspire you to also continue on your personal journey and to become more and more involved in your local Sisterhoods, in our region, and in Women's League. There are many and varied ways in which you can accomplish this.

In this week's WWOT (Weekly Words Of Torah) included below, Rabbi Ellen Wolintz Fields, the Executive Director of Women's League for Conservative Judaism, appointed on May 1, 2018, writes about the phrase "Justice, justice you shall pursue." Rabbi Wolintz Fields discusses the many and varied ways we can "further our understanding of the verse" and goes on to elaborate that we can "be a positive role model and activist". She continues that we "can promote this activism in many different ways - through letter writing, phone calls, or even everyday conversations. There are definitely many different ways to perform acts of tzedakah. For those of us in Women's League, we can contribute to Torah Fund, our $100 for 100 campaign or our 1918 Society. We can also do this not just by giving money. We can donate books, clothes, food, pet food, or even blood during the year. And, in our Sisterhoods, we can bring someone new to an event, or make sure that a newcomer to a Sisterhood program feels appreciated and welcomed."

There are so many ways in which Women's League provides assistance for us to pursue these goals, from our region's Sisterhood Support VP, Toby Maser, to Leadership Institute to personal visits from myself and other Region Executive Committee Members. WLCJ also offers personalized training for your Sisterhoods, Distance Workshops, and a host of other opportunities.

I hope to see you when I visit and at our conference on June 2& 3 ^,2019, at Beth David in Toronto.

Please feel free to contact me at INRPresident@wlcj.org if you need help, want to tell me about a specific event or program, or even just to say "hello."

SHABBAT SHALOM

Joan

INRPresident@wlcj.org

FROM THE EDITOR, LOIS SILVERMAN

I'm reposting this article I wrote for NY State Chai Lines many years ago:

When a child goes off to college, we see time passing and we worry what we
are losing. But remember that what we have given our children will help them achieve adulthood.

We have given and still offer:

wings to soar above the mundane and roots to anchor them in the best of
our traditions;
a home which shelters and nourishes;
love that is shared, non-judgmental but guiding to higher mitzvot;
strength to be strong, but not unbending;
joy to have and to share;
an appreciation all people around us;
a caring of the natural world around us;
the quest for knowledge;
the curiosity and creativity to see the new in the old;
AND
health and Shalom

An echo of these feeling is found in the short ceremony for parents of children leaving for college composed by the United Synagogue.

Lekh Lekha--A Ceremony of Going Forth

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.--Hodding Carter

As students receive aliyot to the Torah, the following prayer is offered:

May God who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless __________ as they embark on this significant and transforming journey. Give them strength to meet the challenges which lie ahead and the wisdom to choose well at every junction. May their heritage and tradition be the signposts which guide them on their way. Give them the courage to ask questions, seek knowledge and better our world. "Lekh lekha me-artzecha-Go forth from your land," God told Abraham, "Go forth from your native land, from your father's house, to the land which I will show you...VA-avarkheka...and I will bless you." May, __________, too, always feel God's presence.

Parents recite the following:
We have given you roots and wings. Take them, with our love, and use them well.

[Hebrew]
May Adonai bless you and guard you.
May Adonai show you favor and be gracious to you.
May Adonai show you kindness and grant you peace.

Students recite T'filat HaDerekh [Prayer for the Traveler]:

[Hebrew]

May it be your will, Adonai our God and God of our ancestors, to guide us in peace, to sustain us in peace, to lead us to our desired destination in health and joy and peace, and to bring us home in peace. Save us from every enemy and disaster on the way, and from all calamities that threaten the world. Bless the work of our hands. May we find grace, love and compassion in Your sight and in the sight of al who see us. Hear our supplication, for You listen to prayer and supplication. Praised are You, Adonai, who hears prayer. Amen.

Shabbat Shalom

LOIS

lsilverman@wlcj.org

SAVE THE DATE FOR INR CONFERENCE 2019

INR SPRING CONFERENCE

June 2 & 3

at Beth David, Toronto

FROM WOMEN'S LEAGUE FOR

CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

Networking to engage,
enrich and empower
Conservative Jewish Women

Shabbat Message:

"Why Do I Volunteer?"

By Rita Wertlieb,WLCJ Past President

Before I moved into our home in 1972, I did not consider myself to be a "joiner." Being literally dragged by my late sister-in-law, of blessed memory, to a sisterhood event opened my eyes to the significance of belonging to a sisterhood and, ultimately, a synagogue. Since that very first sisterhood meeting, I never once looked back! Belonging to my sisterhood helped me to grow both as a leader, but, more importantly, as a confident Conservative Jewish woman. Even though I was raised in a home where volunteering for Israel played an important role, it was not a particularly observant home. Oh, we celebrated the High Holy Days and Passover, but that was about it. So, I consider myself to be very fortunate to have made lifelong friends who took me under their wing and educated me about the importance of becoming not only a leader, but a more observant Jewish woman. Along with my mentors, having the opportunity to learn from my late, beloved Rabbi Leonard Cahan, z"l I began to change my life. I learned the history of our ancestors, how they survived the many challenges that lay before them, the meaning of many of the holidays we observe, and why the laws of kashrut are relevant even today. Through his guidance, I also gained the confidence to become an adult Bat Mitzvah. It was a growing experience that took many years.

Once I became the president of my sisterhood, something I never dreamed would happen, I attended my first Women's League convention. Spending five days at the Concord Hotel with 1200+ women from all over North America, Mexico, and Israel was the most impressive experience of my life! The women who served as leaders at this convention were the most outstanding I had ever met. The impression they left on me has stayed with me for these many years. Many of the friends I made during that convention are still my treasured friends today. Having the opportunity to learn from the then-Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary was extraordinary and helped me understand the importance of supporting our seminary and rabbinic schools through the Women's League Torah Fund campaign. The experience of attending a Women's League Convention is one that you will never regret! I hope that you will all take advantage of this opportunity by attending our convention in 2020.

Once my term as sisterhood president was completed, I was asked to join our then-"Branch" board. I never hesitated in taking advantage of this opportunity. It was then that I was asked to become a Women's League Trainer and, ultimately, a Consultant. From then on, I served as Vice President and Treasurer before becoming the Branch President. From where I began in 1972, to ultimately serving as the 20th President of Women's League in 2010, has been the most worthwhile journey of my life. Not being afraid to take that next step or accept each opportunity that came my way taught me to be confident, even when I secretly might have been a bit afraid. By becoming a volunteer, I have gained a wealth of knowledge, a large network of friends and colleagues, and I have enhanced my self-esteem and level of confidence in a way I never dreamed of: Women's League for Conservative Judaism will always remain as a most meaningful and important part of my life.

My Shabbat message to each of you is to put your fears aside and accept each opportunity as it comes your way. The old adage that you will always receive more than you give is absolutely true! I wish each of you happiness, good health, and peace in 5779.

Shabbat Shalom!

A Special Thank You

Mercaz/WLCJ Essay Contest co-winner Genna Wolinsky sent us this kind letter and the accompanying photos from her Israel program. Learn more about the annual contest, and read the winning essays here!

Dear MERCAZ and the Women's League for Conservative Judaism,

I would like to start off by saying thank you so much for helping me be able to go on the best trip of my life and allowing me to have such incredible experiences. Before I got to Israel, my group and I travelled to Prague, Germany, and Poland. In Prague, I got to see the incredibly beautiful city and was able to go to amazing synagogues that have been used for hundreds of years. In Germany, we went around Berlin where we got to see various Holocaust memorials such as the Topography of Terror, as well as the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. Being able to see sites that I've only read about in history textbooks was truly an experience like no other. In Poland, we were able to go to some of the major concentration camps such as Majdanek, Auschwitz and Birkenau. While walking through these places was definitely difficult, I felt that it truly was both a humbling and important experience. After Poland we finally ventured to Israel! My group and I had an incredible time there. We did so many interesting things, and some of my favorites include: doing an archaeological dig, riding camels, staying overnight in a Bedouin Tent, hiking Masada, going to the Dead Sea, snorkeling, kayaking in the Jordan River, and eating lots of shawarma! Doing all of these events with the incredible friends that I made is something I'll never forget. We also were able to learn more about the current political landscape of Israel when we listened to two ladies speak, one who was a government official belonging to the Likud party, and one of whom was a left-wing activist, and it was very interesting to see the two different perspectives on Israeli affairs. We were also visited by Neil Lazarus who gave us a rundown of how the political situation in Israel came to be, and I feel like I know a lot more now having had these experiences. So, again, I want to express my gratitude for your help in letting me go on this incredible trip and I appreciate so much how you help me and others like me have the experience of a lifetime.

Yours Truly,

Genna Wolinsky

Study With Scholars: Rabbi Sherre Hirsch

Join Women's League for the exclusive opportunity to learn from prominent Jewish thinkers and educators! These sessions will be held via Zoom online conference calls and are open only to Women's League members.

Wednesday, September 5, at 8 p.m., Eastern time with Thresholds and We Plan, God Laughs author Rabbi Sherre Hirsch here.

Call-in information will be e-mailed to all registered participants. Questions? Contact

Barbara Ezring at bezring@wlcj.org.

Space is limited.

Sherre Hirsch is a rabbi, author and spirituality expert dedicated to empowering individuals to be their own most trusted spiritual guides.

She currently serves as Hillel International's Senior Rabbinic Scholar, focused on developing a culture of wellness and spirituality on 550 campuses worldwide. She is also the Spirituality Consultant for Miraval Properties, where she organizes retreats and leads workshops focused on grief, healing and spirituality.

Hirsch launched her rabbinic career as the first female rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles's largest and oldest conservative synagogue. During her eight-year tenure on the pulpit, she was instrumental in the founding of Friday Night Live and other nationally-recognized innovative programming. Since then, she has published two books with Random House - We Plan, God Laughs: What to Do When Life Hits You Over the Head, an Amazon top 100 in all books, and Thresholds: How to Thrive Through Life's Transitions to Live Fearlessly and Regret-Free - a Vanity Fair "Best Type." She is the co-founder of NotAlone, a mobile app empowering 18-24 year-olds to connect consciously and enhance their social, emotional well-beings. Hirsch also served as the Spirituality Consultant for Canyon Ranch Properties for 15 years.

Hirsch's modern approach to ancient Jewish wisdom and relatable framework for spirituality has made her a sought after speaker, teacher, consultant, counselor and national media contributor. She is married to Dr. Jeffrey Hirsch and resides in Los Angeles with her four children, foster son and rescued dog, Latke.

WWOT - Weekly Words of Torah: Parashat Shoftim

To inspire, guide, engage, enrich, and empower Conservative Jewish Women

By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director, Women's League For Conservative Judaism

Enter any Jewish attorney's office, and you will most likely see some sort of artistic rendition of the verse Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof -- Justice, justice you shall pursue ( Deuteronomy 16:20) from this week's Torah portion, Parashat Shoftim. One of the most fundamental Jewish values is justice. We are taught to do all that we can to pursue justice by acting justly and treating everyone fairly and equally. The Torah also teaches us that, through tzedakah, charity, which comes from the root tzedek to protect the most vulnerable from the schemes of the most powerful. When we give tzedakah, we are acting justly.

What can we do to further our understanding of the verse, "Justice, justice you shall pursue?" One thing is to teach ourselves to always give the benefit of the doubt, wherever possible, rather than judging others quickly. Another way to pursue justice is to be a positive role model and activist, and to not stand idly by when we see an injustice like bullying taking place. We can promote this activism in many different ways -- through letter writing, phone calls, or even everyday conversations. There are definitely many different ways to perform acts of tzedakah. For those of us in Women's League, we can contribute to Torah Fund, our $100 for 100 campaign or our 1918 Society. We can also do this not just by giving money. We can donate books, clothes, food, pet food, or even blood during the year. And, in our Sisterhoods, we can bring someone new to an event, or make sure that a newcomer to a Sisterhood program feels appreciated and welcomed. Let's all find our own ways to pursue this justice and really make a difference!

WWOT, Weekly Words of Torah will be a brief paragraph prepared weekly by our new Executive Director, Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, presented in our "This Week @ Women's League." WWOT will provide meaningful thoughts related to the Weekly Torah Portion, an event on the Calendar, a Prayer, or something of Jewish interest, to inspire, guide, engage, enrich, and empower Conservative Jewish Women. If you have any particular interest in future topics, or want to send Rabbi Wolintz-Fields an email, you can contact her at ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org. Read previous Weekly Words of Torah here.

This Year's Torah Fund Pin!

Atid means "future" in Hebrew. As Women's League for Conservative Judaism enters its second century, Torah Fund begins its 77th year, and the State of Israel enters its 71st year. We look forward with joy to our future together with you, our sisterhood members and supporters of Torah Fund.

When the classical rabbinic texts speak of the future using the word atid, it usually appears in the phrase "le'atid lavo," which means "in the future to come." By this, they mean either the day when the Messiah will come, or olam haba, the afterlife. Israelis, referring to this life, are known to say with optimism, "Yesh atid," which means "there is a future!"

How do you envision your future? Your personal future, the future of your family, the future of your community, of the United States, Canada, and Israel? When you dream of a bright future, is it in the next world or this one? The seminaries of the Conservative/Masorti movement, which we support through Torah Fund, are doing the great work that helps us navigate our future together, as one people. Our sisterhoods provide the social and educational networks - the extended family - that help us go forward into our future, as Jewish women, with confidence.

The 5779 Torah Fund pin envelopes the Hebrew word for "future" (atid) with a stylized Magen David. It represents our wish for a distinctly Jewish future, for ourselves as individuals, for our families, and our communities.

Donate to Torah Fund here!