Volume II, No. 4 | May 10, 2020 (16 Iyyar 5780)
Jewish Life League Letter - News and Updates
The Matriarchs and Motherhood
Shalom,

It is Mother's Day today, a time when it is important to take a moment to reflect on how important motherhood is. Mother's Day is about recognizing the hard work and dedication a mother gives to her children and a time to appreciate the important role a mother has in our lives.

Being a mother involves love and compassion, honor, wisdom, trust, patience, inner strength, gratitude, curiosity, support, forgiveness tolerance, leadership, good humor, good judgment, education and dedication. And on top of all that - balance! The trait of "Chesed" (loving kindness) must be balanced with "Gevurah (inner strength) so the attribute of "Teferit" (truth) can be realized. An individual can then reach his or her greatest potential.

Recently, I came across a series on Aish.com: " Women in the Bible," by Dina Coopersmith. Wonderful series! There are ten classes. The first four classes provide an in-depth look at the character attributes of our Matriarchs. These are exceptional women. With the exception of Leah, the Matriarchs had serious trouble conceiving, a source of pain and anguish, particularly to Rachel.

These lessons have enormous value. We can build upon inner strength (Sarah's attribute) extend loving kindness to others (Rebeca's attribute) recognize the importance of G-d's relationship with us through His compassion (Rachel's attribute) and request His presence and guidance in our lives through prayer (Leah's attribute).

Aren't these among the most important character traits forming the foundation for an honorable life and virtuous person? I think so. By cultivating these attributes to a higher level in ourselves, we can reach our full potential.

Man or woman - mother or not - every life is significant and has value. You are capable of achieving your personal greatness every day, offering your unique knowledge, wisdom, talents and services to others. During the lingering COVID-19 crisis, there are many ways we can offer our services to others.

G-d bless everyone. Happy Mother's Day!

Bonnie Chernin, JLL Founder
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A Quiet Legend: A Tribute to My Mom on Mother's Day
My Mom died on January 17th 2005. This is the last photo taken of us together, Thanksgiving 2004. Yep, I sure still miss her. Here is the link to my article about her:

JEWISH VOICES FOR LIFE!

Please check out our latest video!

There are many Jewish leaders who defend the right to life, and It is so important that we hear their voices. In this video, I include a selection of important pro-life commentaries. The traditional and authentic Jewish position on abortion is that the unborn child is sacred and must be protected, unless the mother's physical life is endangered. Part 2 will be coming soon.
Rabbis Speak Out For Life!
“The freedom of parents to crush prenatal life, which now seems to be in vogue, will eventually lead to utter destruction, because it is only a small leap of logic from feoticide to infanticide, to getting rid of infants who may not fulfill our ideals of mental and physical health, or, eventually, ethnic and genetic respectability.”

"WHY MORAL PEOPLE NEED TORAH", by Rabbi Norman Lamm. The Jewish Center. Shavuot II, 5730, June 11, 1970.

Pregnancy Resource Centers Remain Open

In the midst of the COVID-19 national crisis, there are pregnancy centers that remain open. If you are pregnant and need help or know someone who is considering abortion, there are life-affirming options available. Please visit the following organization links:






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We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for our newsletter. We also welcome your feedback and pro-life article submissions.
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