If you are viewing Chai Lines on your smartphone,
consider a landscape orientation for easier viewing.
|
|
From the Region President |
|
Israel. It is in our blood. We all grow up praying about it, learning about it, and celebrating it. Some of us, or our siblings, or our children even make Aliyah and move there! I remember when I was young it was important to plant trees there and even now, it is still important to buy Israel bonds. But what about our other kinds of bonds? What about our human bonds?
It is an essential element of the mission of Women’s League to reinforce bonds with Israel by nurturing a real sense of ahavat Zion (love of Israel) among our members. To this end, we, as a region, have been “twinned” with two Kehillot (Congregations) in Israel. In this way, we are able to fulfill our mission to support the Conservative/Masorti movement in Israel, its synagogues and women’s groups. This week I wish to share with you a bit about Kehillat Netzach Israel located in Ashkelon, in southern Israel about forty minutes from Tel Aviv. While there are over 220 Orthodox synagogues in Ashkelon, Kehillat Netzach Israel, founded in 1967, is the only non-orthodox synagogue and they receive no government funding.
For children aged three to six, the congregation runs 5 TALI (Hebrew acronym for “Enriched Jewish Studies”) Kindergartens. Pre-Covid, Rabbi Gustavo Surazski (who was born in Argentina and ordained at our very own Torah Fund supported Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires) conducted weekly services with the children in the synagogue. Additionally, there is a day care program for children 3 months to 3 years old.
In addition to their mainstream B’nei Mitzvah program there is a special needs B’nei mitzvah program. Five years ago Netzach Israel formed a relationship with IVOW Montreal (Israel Victims of War) which sends B’nei Mitzvah aged Israeli children who have been victims of war for a one-month summer camp experience in Canada.
There is a chapter of the NOAM Masorti Youth Movement for kids aged 7 to 18, right up until they enter the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). NOAM participants are involved in building society & culture with a focus on tikun olam and promoting social justice in Israel.
The Kehilla organizes a special program of home hospitality and packages for Lone Soldiers and Member Soldiers. Fifty packages are distributed each year and they receive a special gift when they enter the army – as funds permit. A special Kiddush is also arranged each summer in honor of those soon to enter into military service and several Shabbat dinners throughout the year.
Various study groups are offered in both Hebrew and English. In fact, there is a weekly Parsha HaShavua study group that we have been invited to attend on Zoom! See below for more information. The Kehilla has a Tikun Olam Committee that stays in touch with those who may be hospitalized, visits the elderly, assists new immigrants and provides minyanim for shivas. During the pandemic they have been having Kabbalat Shabbat services on Zoom and in person Shabbat morning services for 20 people.
And of course, many of the women take part in Masorti Women’s Days of Study co-hosted by Women’s League, the Masorti Movement, and the Schechter Institute. There are two study days per year; one regional in February for the Southern Region and one for all of the women in Israel in June.
Our region has actually been twinned with Kehillat Netzach Israel for about twelve years now and many of you already know and love their Overseas Coordinator, Terri Davis who is originally from Brooklyn, NY and made Aliyah in 1980. Here she is pictured with some visitors from Ottowa, Canada:
|
|
So, how do we put this “twinning” into practice? Well, there are so many ways. When you plan to travel to Israel (obviously post-pandemic), contact Terri and visit the Kehilla. Or perhaps when women from the Kehilla travel to our region, we may invite them to our Synagogues for a service or to one of our homes for a Shabbat dinner.
We can also provide Terri with the contact information of our family members who are new olim (immigrants in Israel) and she can connect them with their nearest Masorti synagogue or just reach out and give them a call. Also, let Terri know if you have children or grandchildren traveling to Israel for school or summer programs and she will invite them to Ashkelon for a Shabbat.
As I mentioned above, Terri has invited us to join their Parsha HaShavua Study Group on Thursdays at 17:00 IT/10:00 am ET on Zoom. If you would like to join, email Terri at netzisrael@gmail.com.
We also know that Israeli government funding is overwhelmingly directed to Orthodox congregations. As long as this situation continues, Masorti/Conservative congregations rely, in part, on us.
On Canadian site: choose Fund: “Masorti Kehillot” and write “Netzach Israel” in message box
Feel free to just reach out and get to know Terri. She would love to share ideas and hear about your tikun olam projects, educational programs and more. She would be happy to “twin” our women in similar professions to chat with each other or anyone who just wants to chat with a friend in a Masorti Synagogue abroad. Email Terri at netzisrael@gmail.com or you can reach her on WhatsApp at +972 50-524-0984.
I wish, above all else, good health for you and your loved ones, and of course, a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat. Oh! And Happy Thanksgiving to our Sisters in the US!
Joan Lowenstein
|
|
Have you RSVP'd for Zentangle Yet??? |
|
Condolences to Janet Chippin on the loss of her father Michael Klingbaum z"l.
Janet is a member of Beth Tikvah in Toronto.
Condolences to Fran Shiovitz Hildebrandt and her husband, Tom,
on the loss of his mother, Doris Hildebrandt z"l. Fran is the current Central Great Lakes Region president.
|
|
Do you need help overcoming the challenges of implementing your Women’s League Shabbat experience this year?
Join us for a WL Workshop on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 3:00pm EST as we discuss the following topics:
-
The 2021 WL Shabbat materials including new Divrei Torah and readings showcasing our theme B’Yachad, Together.
-
Introduction of a new Women’s League program called HaChanah L’Shabbat B’Yachad, Preparation for Shabbat Together. This is a (pre)-Shabbat virtual Sisterhood program intended to build Ruach, spirit, within your Sisterhood by bringing your members together to welcome in Shabbat.
- Present Rosh Hodesh option, Sunday, March 14, 2021.
- Logistical concerns related to virtual or hybrid Shabbat services, ie: Zoom, streaming, partial in-person, and pre-Shabbat options.
- Creative idea exchange. Do you have a program already set but need implementation ideas? Come share your concerns and solutions with other Sisterhoods.
Note: Please share this invitation with all Sisterhood Presidents, WL Shabbat Chairs and Programming Chairs.
|
|
 |
Dana Sirkin
WLCJ Shabbat Co-Chair
|
|
|
|
Karen Winer
WLCJ Shabbat Co-Chair
|
|
|
|
Jews have always used humor to survive difficult times. When they came to the USA in huge numbers and had to fight to survive in a strange and hostile environment, they used this coping mechanism to persevere and thrive.
From the Yiddish Theater to the Borscht Belt, they created entertainment for themselves; however, it was only through the medium of television that they were given the opportunity to share their humor and comedy with the whole world and especially in the audience’s own living rooms.
Through film clips, this course will explore the history and role of Jewish entertainers in television from the beginning of the industry.
Beginning on Monday, January 11, 2021, at 3:00 PM ET we are pleased to offer a three session series entitled
Jews In Comedy, led by Lois Silverman.
The first session will be, The Beginnings 1948-1960.
Through film clips, this course will explore the history and role of Jewish entertainers in television from the beginning of the industry.
Participation in this program is a benefit of your membership.
|
|
|
Ellen Kaner Bresnick
Education Co-Chair
|
|
|
|
Julia Loeb
Education Co-Chair
|
|
|
|
Paula Shoyer Program - SAVE THE DATE:
Jan. 25 @ 2:30 PM EST
|
|
WLCJ is thrilled to have Paula Shoyer, known as “the Kosher Baker”, cook with us in celebration of Tu B’Shevat on Monday afternoon, January 25, 2021, at 2:30 PM (ET), Tu B’Shevat, is the birthday of the trees, so we will be highlighting plant-based recipes. Paula will be demonstrating three delicious recipes with us.
The author of The Kosher Baker, The Healthy Jewish Kitchen, The Holiday Kosher Baker, The New Passover Menu and coming out very soon, Instant Pot Kosher Cookbook, Paula has a degree in French pastry from Paris. She is also a freelance writer, cookbook editor, and social media influencer and has done cooking classes all around the world. Honored by Jewish Women International as a "Woman to Watch", Paula competed on Food Network's Sweet Genius and has appeared on TV over 44 times, including in Israel.
She is a favorite of WLCJ and has presented at several WLCJ International Conventions.
To make this a truly educational program, Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, WLCJ Executive Director, will teach us about the mitzvot of Tu B’Shevat and Julia Loeb, WLCJ Education Co-chair share her insight on vegetarianism.
The cost for this member’s program is $18.
REGISTRATION TO COME NEXT WEEK
|
|
SHABBAT MESSAGE
WHO DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR?
By Meryl Balaban, WLCJ International Executive Board Member and Membership Co-Chair
Hold up a mirror and who do you see? Of course you see yourself looking back. But do you see your father’s smile? Your mother’s nose or eyes? Or even further, do you hear yourself reflecting back your parents’ voices in the expressions you heard over the years and are now using yourself? When was the last time you truly looked into the mirror and saw your true essence - your character trait staring back at you?
During these past 8 or 9 months, like the rest of you, I stayed put in my home and immediate community. I spent each day sharing my home with my 37 year old daughter, her husband and 3 1/2 year old son. This time gave me quite a look at the woman and mother my daughter became. It gave me an opportunity to bond with my grandson as the two of us sat on the floor (don’t ask about getting up), played games, colored, painted and decorated our succah.
Yes, how fortunate I was to have this time. Have there been other times in my life where I didn’t recognize the opportunity and let the experience pass me by? The school concert when I didn’t go out for coffee afterwards because I had a very early appointment the next morning? The food shopping for my 98 year old mother when I didn’t hang out at her apartment afterwards just to schmooze because I had more errands to attend to?
I once had an opportunity to perform a mitzvah for a total stranger. I was waiting in a mall in Arizona to use the “family” restroom. Slightly ahead of me was an elderly man and his wife whom he was wheeling into the restroom. A few minutes later, the husband peeked his head out and asked if I would come in. I looked around to be sure he was talking to me before I walked over to the door. He explained that because of his wife’s stroke he has to help her in the restroom but was having difficulty getting her off of the seat, onto the wheelchair and pulling up her underwear at the same time. “Of course I’ll help,” I exclaimed and proceeded to enter the restroom. The couple was well dressed, probably having gone to church that morning. His wife’s hair was combed, and she had a beautiful smile. I introduced myself to her and told her how pretty she looked. I began to casually lift her underwear up and simultaneously moved her onto the wheelchair. With the help of her husband, the two of us were able to maintain his wife’s dignity to the best of our ability, had a special bonding moment that has remained with me over the years, and I was able to be of service to another human being. What an opportunity!
These moments don’t happen very often, or do they? In this new year (5781), and in the future, remember how you used your extra free time in 2020. Will the phrase, “I wish I had more free time” ever be spoken the same way again? Recognize the opportunities that come your way. Act on them and be thankful that you had that moment of chesed.
Meryl Balaban,
WLCJ International Executive Board Member
Membership Co-Chair
973-366-6668
|
|
Programming Idea of the Week |
|
BINGO
www.myfreebingocards.com is a website through which you can play BINGO virtually. The fundraising aspect of the program depends on how much you choose to charge your participants. My Sisterhood chose to do 3 cards for $10. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Determine about how many cards you will need, based on how many you’re giving for each person’s fee and the anticipated number of players.
- The program allows you to send the links to the cards by either entering the participants’ email addresses or by copying and pasting the links into individual emails.
- Encourage your players to print out their cards at home and to use candies, coins, or buttons as markers. Don’t let them write on the cards as you will be playing multiple games with the same cards.
- Set up a Zoom call and send that information along with the links.
- It is a good idea for you to keep track of who received which cards. They are numbered.
- The program has 100 calling sequences. Use a different sequence for each game played.
- If you have your players muted, have them unmute to call BINGO.
- Ask winners to give you the number of the card. You type it in and you’ll see their actual card pop up on your screen.
- The caller needs two devices: one for the game and one for Zoom. You could use one but it is difficult to swipe back and forth.
- Keep track of the winners.
- We sent electronic gift cards through Amazon so you don’t have to mail prizes.
- Caller should print out the fun bingo calls to keep it entertaining.
I know it sounds like a lot to keep track of but the website’s YouTube videos are really helpful and organization is key!
Grace Schessler
International VP WLCJ and Program Chair
|
|
Social Justice Blurb of the Week |
|
A Prayer for the World
By Rabbi Harold S. Kushner
Let the rain come and wash away
the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds
held and nurtured over generations.
Let the rain wash away the memory
of the hurt, the neglect.
Then let the sun come out and
fill the sky with rainbows.
Let the warmth of the sun heal us
wherever we are broken.
Let it burn away the fog so that
we can see each other clearly.
So that we can see beyond labels,
beyond accents, gender or skin color.
Let the warmth and brightness
of the sun melt our selfishness.
So that we can share the joys and
feel the sorrows of our neighbors.
And let the light of the sun
be so strong that we will see all
people as our neighbors.
Let the earth, nourished by rain,
bring forth flowers
to surround us with beauty.
And let the mountains teach our hearts
to reach upward to heaven.
Amen.
|
|
Psalms, Pirkei Avot and Kaddish |
|
Monday-Friday 12PM Noon ET; 11AM CT; 9AM PT; 10AM MT
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
Dial by your location:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York);
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose);
+1 647 558 0588 Canada;
+972 55 330 1762 Israel; +972 3 978 6688
No Psalm Study on 11/26 - THANKSGIVING
Want to sing, teach, help with technology and more during Daily Psalm Study and Kaddish? Click here to SIGN UP.
|
|
FINAL DAYS to get 40% discount on Pirkei Avot Lev Shalem |
|
|
|
As of, November 9th, we start learning Pirkei Avot. We will be learning one teaching, every day, of Pirkei Avot, for several weeks, until we finish. As Women's League members, the Rabbinical Assembly has generously given us a code to receive 40% off the book purchase. Order your book today by using WLCJFORTY.
This code will expire on November 25 (the day before Thanksgiving), so don't wait until last minute!
|
|
|
|
Be sure to enter code
WLCJFORTY at checkout to save!
|
|
|
|
|
Parashat Toldot / Shabbat,
November 21, 2020 - What would you have done if you were in Jacob's shoes?
In Parashat Toldot, Rebecca encourages her son, Jacob, to trick her husband, Isaac, so that he will be the son to get the birthright. Rebecca encourages her son Jacob to deceive her blind husband, and also trick her son Esau. On so many levels, this was bad parenting and showed a flawed character - favoritism; deception; placing a stumbling block before the blind. Do you think that tricking Isaac and Esau was worth it? Was Rebecca wrong in what she did? Can tricking, lying and deceiving ever bring about a positive result? Which parent do you choose to follow, and which parent do you choose to deceive? Have you ever been in such a situation, where following one person directly harms and hurts another? What would you have done if you were in Jacob’s shoes?
|
|
Stay Connected with WLCJ Groups |
|
|
WLCJ American Mothers of Olim GoogleGroup
WLCJ has googlegroups that benefit many of our communities. There is a group for sisterhood presidents, for Judaica shop chairs, and Women's League Reads.
A lesser known group is for American Mothers of Olim (Children who have made aliyah to Israel). With more people staying in place and travel being put on hold, there has been renewed interest in this group. Women's League members are invited to participate.
Interested? Contact Ellie Kremer,
Israel Committee Chair
|
|
|
|
Join the WLCJNet
WLCJNet is the Sisterhood without Walls. This is a site where each member of Women’s League can share ideas, exchange opinions, and get suggestions. We share stimulating ideas for programs, fundraising ideas, and ways to grow our membership. We may need some suggestions for holiday recipes or places where we or family members can stay while traveling. We share information we learn in our Jewish community. We grow together and learn from each other. The WLCJNet is open every day except Shabbat and Jewish holidays. We welcome new members.
To join the WLCJNet, please send an email to Sherry Lynn Rubin at slrubin@wlcj.org.
Please send your name, name of sisterhood, location of sisterhood, and email address, and you will be added to the WLCJNet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posting the WL Week on any Social Media? |
We want to advise to our WL members to please NOT post the exact zoom links on social media. We hold all of these events exclusively for WL members and sharing it publicly defeats the purpose. If you know of anyone that is not a member but wishes to join a program, refer them to join WLCJ. |
|
Congregation Torat El, Oakhurst, NJ |
|
There is no charge for this event but registration is required.
|
|
We are excited that four institutions of the Conservative/Masorti Movement -- the Rabbinical Assembly, USCJ, The Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies -- have created a joint initiative to offer high quality adult education opportunities to all those interested in participating.
ScholarStream is an exciting series that will give individuals and communities the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading scholars and engage deeply with our texts and traditions.
For more information on the ScholarStream, please click here to
|
|
B’Yachad Together: Spirited by American Jewish University.
Over 165 conversations and 55,000 registrations – B’yachad Together: Spirited by American Jewish University – continues to deliver original content designed to captivate, ignite and advance ideas, spark thought-provoking dialogue and debate, and capture the insights of faculty and friends.
For more information on B'Yachad Together spirited by AJU, please click here to REGISTER or READ MORE.
|
|
The Whizin Center for Continuing Education is pleased to present our mid-fall lineup of classes and learning opportunities, delivered in an ONLINE format.
We wish continued good health and safety to the entire community. We will be updating our offerings and classes on an ongoing basis. Be sure to visit our website to learn more.
For more information on the Whizin Center for Continuing Education, please click here to REGISTER or READ MORE.
|
|
|
The Wholeness of a Broken Heart; The Power of Interfaith Alliances; What Happened to Moses's Family?; and More |
|
|
|
For more information on JTS news and events, please click here to
|
|
|
|
Become a Member/Renew
Your Membership to Mercaz
|
|
The new membership year begins July 1, 2020. There are two ways you can become a supporter of Mercaz:
IN THE US
IN CANADA
|
|
To purchase your
WLCJ Calendar Diary
2020-2021,
please click on the link below or
to download the order form,
email Razel Kessler
|
|
Continue the love
We are continuing to collect fleece blankets and t-shirt shopping bags for The ARK as our Social Action Project for Convention 2020. If you have any questions or have already completed fleece blankets and/or t-shirt shopping bags, please contact Edna Schrank eschrank@wlcj.org or 847-651-2231. Please ask Edna on where to send them. If you need the directions, please click on the appropriate link:
UPDATE: On Veteran’s Day, November11, 2020, Rachel Ferber and I presented 56 blankets and 89 t-shirt bags to Jamie Brocker, head of The ARK Food Pantry...
|
|
Women's League for Conservative Judaism |
|
|
|
|
|
|
