Updates and Information

In 2018, NCJW celebrates 125 years of making change happen. The not-so-secret ingredient to our success has always been our outspoken, daring, savvy, and strong activists across the country –– people just like you.

To celebrate 125 years of progressive achievement are collecting 125 stories (at least) about the people in our NCJW family who have inspired and connected us. 

Want to tell your story? Answer the questions on this form, upload a photo, and click submit. The first 125 people who submit a story will receive a complimentary NCJW gift. National will be posting all of the stories in the months leading up to Washington Institute, so keep an eye out for them!

Our ability to make change depends on you and you are AMAZING! Thousands of you take action when asked –– you call your senators, participate in rallies, and organize in your own communities. All of this makes NCJW strong, and your membership is an important part of our continuing success. This is a new year, a new beginning, and a new chance for you to  join NCJW . If you are already a member, invite a friend to join you — and to join us.

Our hearts ache. We are sad. We are angry. And as we continue to grieve, we come together and commit to combat anti-Semitism and hate.

Our community is shaken, but not surprised by this violent attack; systemic anti-Semitism and white supremacy have existed for centuries. We are inspired by the many acts of community healing both in Pittsburgh and across the country.

“In times like this," said Paula Garret, NCJW national board director and former president of Tree of Life synagogue, “it is incredibly soothing to have the support of my sisters in NCJW and to witness the outpouring of love that is coming our way from Jews and non-Jews alike. While I mourn the deaths of my fellow congregants, I take solace from the support we, in Pittsburgh, have received.”

When you are ready, we hope you will join us and shift your grief into action. The Jewish community has long resisted hate in all its forms. 

Below are some helpful resources:

A Special Thank You from 

NCJW's Luggage for Freedom Project

We wanted to thank our hard working new and returning volunteers, who participated in our Pack & Delivery Day on Sunday, October 21st. We were able to pack 170 suitcases and 125 backpacks on Sunday and deliver the items to A Safe Place, WINGS, House of Peace, PADS, YWCA Evanston, CAWC Greenhouse, Catholic Charities, and Lake County Haven. 

We know from the feedback we receive every year that the donations from Luggage for Freedom are invaluable to providing a sense of dignity and hope to so many woman and children - and this project would not be possible without all of you.

And thank you to all those who donated sheets and towels - and those that brought Ziploc bags on Sunday!!  

We also want to extend our appreciation to the following groups and businesses in our community for their support and donations: Alpha Chi Omega - Northwestern, American Hotel Register Company, Congregation Or Shalom - Quilting for Tzedekah, Heinens in Bannockburn, Jewel-Osco in Deerfield and Highland Park, Kaehler Luggage, The Kindness Connection, Lakeshore Recycling Systems, Northbrook Woman's Club Foundation, North Shore Movers, Piero’s Pizza, Ross's in Highland Park, Staples Inc., Uncle Dan’s Outfitters, and West Ridge Center - Highland Park Park District. 

Thank you very much for your efforts - we really appreciate your hard work!    

Nora and Pam 

   

Luggage for Freedom Needs your Support to Keep Running!! If you would like to make a monetary donation to Luggage for Freedom, send your donation to: 

National Council of Jewish Women/Luggage for Freedom

5 Revere Drive Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062

or

https://ncjwcns.org/lff-donate/

NCJW Chicago North Shore Board Meeting

Join the NCJW CNS Section Board at one of our bi-monthly board meetings. Get involved and learn more about our section. Each board meeting will focus on a different topic. Help shape NCJW for the future. Board meetings are open to all NCJW Chicago North Shore members and guests. For location information, email [email protected] .

Board Meeting Schedule:

Board meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am. This year, we are holding our April board meeting in the evening. If you've wanted to get involved but daytime meetings don't work for you, this is your chance to become a part of the oldest, progressive, Jewish women's organization in the US!

November 7, 10am - Chicago

December 5, 10am - Northbrook

January 9, 10am - Highland Park

February 6, 10am - Chicago

March 6, 10am - Location TBD

April 10, evening meeting - Northbrook

May 1, 10am - Highland Park

NCJW “Evening Salon Series”, 2018-‘19

NCJW’s Salon Series is a monthly, evening discussion group (7:30-9:00 pm), meeting at Salon members’ homes or private rooms in restaurants (northern suburbs and Old Orchard) and facilitated by Salon members. Every month features a new current events topic with educational source material links emailed directly to participants. Topics include a wide variety of progressive, feminist and social justice issues. There is no fee to attend your first two sessions. Join NCJW at your third session and you become a member of the Salon! Our upcoming Salon dates are November 8 (Mid-term Election Results) and December 13 (Central American “caravan”).

Click here for the complete 2018 – 2019 Salon Series calendar and an NCJW membership link.

For more Salon information contact either Donna Fishman or Robbie Schreiber at [email protected] .

 

NCJW Salon calendar: 

ENRICH (Educate-Nurture-Reach-Instruct-Coach-Help)

NCJW Chicago North Shore is organizing a group of committed volunteers who like working with elementary school children and want to help them with academics with emphasis on reading and math. Understanding that volunteers may travel we are looking for volunteers who can commit to at least one late afternoon time per week 3:30- 5:00 p.m. for a minimum of a 4 months or a school semester. We would love to find volunteers who could commit for a 9-month school year. It is not necessary to speak Spanish to participate in this worthwhile program. All tutoring will take place at the Nuestro Center in Highwood.

For information, contact: Joan Zahnle [email protected] or Barbara Dolinger [email protected]

Get out the Vote!

Are you interested in volunteering to register first-time voters? Are you interested in helping our newest American citizens fulfill their first privilege of citizenship immediately after their official Oath Ceremony? Here’s your opportunity to do both! The “Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Right” (ICIRR) organization needs volunteers to offer one hour of time to help register these newest U.S. citizens at downtown Chicago locations. Shifts are available any of five days a week, either 10:00 am or 1:00 pm. No formal registrar training needed, just an interview with ICIRR’s Volunteer Coordinator downtown.

For more information, email [email protected].

Take Action: Things YOU Can Do

Learn more about transgender justice

Support immigrant families

Speak out against the latest attack on our federal courts 

Protect survivors – reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act  

VIEW MORE

Silent Witness Stories

The Silent Witness Exhibit of Illinois honors those who have died from acts of intimate partner violence. The Exhibit consists of life-size female figures, each bearing a shield telling the true story of an Illinois woman killed as a result of domestic violence. The figures provide a powerful visual impact to raise awareness of the tragedy and loss we all suffer when lives are taken senselessly through domestic violence. Groups may use the Exhibit for outreach, education and fundraising programs.

The Silent Witness Exhibit has been viewed in Illinois by thousands of people in dozens of venues since it was launched in 1997 by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chicago North Shore Section. The Silent Witness Exhibit of Illinois is part of the National Silent Witness Initiative, start ed in 1990 in Minneapolis. 

Click here  for more information about hosting the Silent Witness Exhibit.

Each Month in the NCJW E-News, we will highlight a Silent Witness Story, so that the victims of domestic violence will never be forgotten.

Kathleen Savio

Bolingbrook

March 1, 2004

Kathleen became the third wife of Drew Peterson, a Bolingbrook police sergeant, in May 1992, two months after the divorce of his second wife. In 2001, she received a letter accusing Drew, age 43, of having an affair with Stacy Coles, a desk clerk at a nearby hotel. Amid the bitter divorce, Kathleen sent a letter to the Will County state’s attorney’s office saying she feared Peterson might kill her. The divorce was final in October 2003, after which he married Stacy. On March 1, 2004, Kathleen was found dead in her bathtub. It was ruled an accidental drowning but changed to homicide in November 2007 after her body was exhumed. The previous month, Stacy was reported missing and has not yet been located. Peterson was charged with murder in Kathleen Savio’s death May 2009. The high profile trial ended in a first-degree murder conviction September 6, 2012. 

It’s that time of year again — the health care marketplace is open! 

Despite many threats of repeal, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is still the law of the land and today is the first day of enrollment! From November 1 to December 15, you can enroll in a health care plan through the  insurance marketplace  that will start on January 1. 

The high cost of health care coverage has kept as many as 48 million Americans out of health insurance. Thanks to the ACA, affordable, high-quality, comprehensive health care coverage is within reach. But thats not all. The ACA also ensures: 

What’s more, access to health coverage is a reproductive justice issue — we all deserve to have the resources we need to make our own decisions about our health, families, and futures.

JUF Government Affairs Committee*

"The 2018 Elections: What Happened and What Does It Mean?"

Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

JUF Building, 30 South Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois

With Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief, Chicago Sun-Times

Register online for the discounted price of $13 (admission is $15 at the door). Kosher lunch will be served at 11:45 am.

Communicating About the Courts*

Chicago/Kent College of Law,

565 W Adams Chicago, IL 60661

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Registration Fee: $15 

Join Courts Matter Illinois for a training on how to communicate about the courts more effectively. Experts will walk through the best language and messaging to use when talking about the courts, its cases, and its importance. Whether you want to hone your message to your constituents, or just finally get through to your neighbor, this is the training for you! 

* This program is not sponsored by NCJW Chicago North Shore and is listed here as a courtesy to our members who may be interested in attending.

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:

Make a Donation

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. 

Purchase a Tribute

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.

Purchase a Necklace

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] .