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From the Region President |
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We Zentangled! This past Tuesday evening about 55 of us gathered on Zoom and were led by the Creative Judaic Arts Co-Chairs from the Central Great Lakes Region of Women’s League, Lynda Abraham Braff and Marlene Deutsch in how to Zentangle. And we had a lot of fun. And it was very “Zen”! Check out the picture below of just some of us with our finished “Tangles”. If you were not able to join us, the program will be available on the WLCJ website under Region Programs in the near future. I hope you get a chance to check it out. |
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And your INR Programming Committee has been hard at work planning our next region program which will be held on Tuesday February 23rd at 7:00 pm. We will host an evening with Author Elizabeth Bettina who wrote It Happened in Italy, Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust. Please see the flyer below and get your RSVP in to Adele Weinstein at adelew@rogers.com.
Our Conference Committee is also hard at work planning our Virtual Spring Conference which will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021. Be sure to save the date! There is going to be some fantastic programming – something for everyone.
And finally, be sure to check out Marilyn Cohen’s Torah Fund update below. There are some exciting new developments.
I wish, above all else, good health for you and your loved ones, and of course, a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Joan Lowenstein
WLCJ International Northeast Region President
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FROM THE REGION TORAH FUND V.P. |
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Shalom Friends!
I hope you had a wonderful Hanukkah filled with family/friends contact (if only on Zoom), interesting educational programming, and delicious Hanukkah foods. After consuming my own fabulous (if I do say so myself) latkes, sufganiyot, and birthday cupcakes (it was my husband’s birthday), I’m sure I gained at least 5 pounds. But it was well worth it!
Torah Fund has been actively pursuing initiatives to make your Torah Fund giving easier and faster:
- New E-CARDS have been developed (see flyer below this article for details)
- The B’YACHAD PINS are being shipped this week. YAY!
- New e-blasts will be coming which will include videos and updates about our seminaries.
THE END OF THE YEAR is approaching! Torah Fund donors will want their 2020 tax receipts to reflect their donations so please submit any outstanding Torah Fund donations TODAY!**
INR is a unique region in that we encompass two countries with differing donation laws. As such, our donors in the US can access giving ONLINE as well as the new E-CARDS which are also ONLINE.
HOWEVER – our CANADIAN donors CANNOT DONATE ONLINE as our tax laws have very stringent requirements.
Therefore – Canadian donations (cheques or cash) should be sent to your sisterhood’s Torah Fund Chair who will include a Transmittal Form and send or deliver these to the
Jewish Theological Society 100 Elder St. Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
** PLEASE NOTE: Donors in the U.S. will receive a receipt for a contribution made in 2020 for all online contributions received by 11:58 p.m. December 31, 2020, and for any checks dated 2020. For donations by phone, please call Sherrill Moss-Solomon at 212-928-6560 (leave a voicemail) by December 30.
CANADIAN Torah Fund donors – in order to receive a receipt for a 2020 contribution, the envelope with your cheque, sent to Jewish Theological Society, must be postmarked by December 31.
If you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to contact me.
My warmest regards for a happy, safe and healthy secular New Year.
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Send a Greeting with Ecards and Support Torah Fund
We’re delighted to announce the debut of our new ecards platform. You’ll see familiar designs popular with Torah Fund donors, now available in this new format. Customize a card, and your recipient can receive it immediately—or whenever you specify. It couldn’t be easier! Input your personal message, choose as many recipients as you like (at $5 per recipient), and a receipt for your purchase will be emailed to you. Your transaction will be handled securely and efficiently, and revenue from the Torah Fund ecards will benefit our Torah Fund B’Yachad campaign.
Make your gift more meaningful by using our ecards for every occasion. Please stay tuned for other designs as we update our platform periodically.
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Shabbat Message:
Our Bond with Our Sisters in Israel
By Joan Lowenstein, WLCJ International Northeast Region President
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Israel. It is in our blood. We all grow up praying about it, learning about it, and celebrating it. Some of us, our siblings, or our children even make Aliyah! 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, all of our thirteen regions have been “twinned” with one or 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.
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In researching each of the twinned congregations for recent newsletter articles for the International Northeast Region, I had the pleasure of speaking with two lovely ladies in Israel. The first, Terri Davis of Kehilat Netzach Israel located in Ashkelon in southern Israel and the second, Marion Juster of Kehilat HaKerem in Karmiel in northern Israel. Terri is originally from Brooklyn, NY and made Aliyah in 1980. Marion is originally from the New York City area, and made Aliyah in 1979. Although these congregations have their similarities and differences, one thing they have in common is that they are each the only Masorti/Conservative congregation in their respective cities and they receive no government funding.
First, a bit about Kehilat Netzach Israel in Ashkelon. It is located about forty minutes from Tel Aviv, was founded in 1967 and is surrounded by over 220 Orthodox synagogues. They run 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.
In addition to their mainstream B’nei Mitzvah program there is a special needs B’nei Mitzvah program. Netzach Israel also has 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 - right up until they enter the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). NOAM participants are involved in building society and culture with a focus on tikkun olam and
promoting social justice in Israel.
Various study groups are offered in both Hebrew and English. The Kehila has a Tikkun 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.
When I spoke with Marion Juster about Kehilat HaKerem in Karmiel, I learned that she and her late husband (z”l) were among 15-20 families who founded the congregation in 1979. At the time there were more people than there were telephones and the median age was 19. Karmiel is situated about 40 minutes north of the city of Haifa and there are about 30 Orthodox congregations.
Kehilat HaKerem has about 80 member units currently. They are a small but active congregation. They hold Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning and Holiday services which are led by lay members, or by Rabbi Tsvi Landau or Rabbi Gil Nativ, who are both members of the congregation. During the pandemic they have been holding services outside on the patio, socially distanced, or Kabbalat Shabbat services on Zoom, before Shabbat, when necessary.
The congregation has an active Beit Midrash with 3-4 courses every week. There are at least 2-3 courses in Hebrew and at least 1 in English. There is a B’nei Mitzvah program which, during Covid, has transitioned to a Mincha program with just the families.
Their current building is located on land donated by the city of Karmiel, and the original building was given by a donor. Half of the building is used for a Kindergarten and half is used for the Synagogue. However, several years ago, they were able to expand so that they no longer had to move the chairs after services to hold Kiddushim.
Rabbi Nativ’s wife, Zivah, heads up the Special Needs B’nei Mitzvah program as well as leading an Advanced Hebrew course. Rabbi Tsvi Landau’s wife, Julie, is the current President of the congregation. And Marion herself is the Prayer Coordinator assigning and keeping track of those reading Torah and Haftorah.
And of course, many of the women at both Kehillot 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 and one for all of the women in Israel in June, coordinated by our WL Israel Liaison, Diane Friedgut.
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 and visit the Kehillot with which your region is twinned. You can find this information in the back of your WL calendar diary or on the WL website here. (If you are traveling outside the area of your regions’ twinned Kehila, contact Diane Friedgut at friedgutdiane@outlook.com or the Masorti office
for information on a Masorti/Conservative Kehila in that area.) And perhaps when women from the Israeli Kehillot travel to our regions, we may invite them to our Synagogues for a service or to one of our homes for a Shabbat dinner.
Also, I hope that you all donated on Giving Tuesday to Masorti Days of Study. If you gave $36 or more, that is your ticket to attend! Of course, it does not have to be “Giving Tuesday” to donate. If you would like to donate/attend, click here
and click on “Masorti Women’s Fund” where indicated.
We 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.
then find the name of the Kehilla with which your region is twinned
and click on it
then choose Fund: “Masorti Kehillot”
and write “your twinned congregation’s name” in message box
I wish, above all else, good health for you and your loved ones, and, of course, a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Joan Lowenstein
WLCJ International Northeast Region President
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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.
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Paula Shoyer Program - SAVE THE DATE:
Jan. 25 @ 2:30 PM EST
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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.
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Programming Idea of the Week |
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Virtual Ellis Island Tour
Michael Morgenthal is a licensed NYC Tour guide who has been leading tours to Ellis Island for nearly 10 years. He has roots on Ellis Island as his great grandparents came through from the Ukraine back in 1905.
About the Tour:
The virtual tour lasts about 90 minutes (although this can be shortened to suit your needs) and can be conducted through Zoom or other webinar platforms. (Michael uses Zoom – you can use his account, or you could use your own account if you have one).
It is a mix of video, still images, and Michael’s commentary throughout the program. There is also time for Q&A at the end of the discussion. Sisterhood members can share their family histories as well if they desire.
The tour is ready to go and Michael can schedule it at your availability.
The cost is a flat $250 fee for up to 50 people for each time the tour is scheduled. For each person above 50, it would cost an additional $10. He can accept payment via check, credit card, PayPal, Zelle or Venmo.
You may want to consider giving this tour as a “gift” to your Sisterhood in lieu of a paid up membership brunch, luncheon or dinner.
It is also an excellent program to do as a joint program with other Sisterhoods in your “neighborhood” whether that is locally or by Zoom so you can share the cost of the program.
Submitted by Ellen Wasserman
WLCJ Programming Team
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Psalms, Pirkei Avot and Kaddish |
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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
Want to sing, teach, help with technology and more during Daily Psalm Study and Kaddish? Click here to SIGN UP.
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COUPON EXTENDED!
40% discount on Pirkei Avot Lev Shalem
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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!
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Be sure to enter code
WLCJFORTY at checkout to save!
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Parashat Miketz / Shabbat
December 19, 2020
Do you remember your dreams? What are your dreams and aspirations?
In Parashat Miketz, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams rescues him from prison. Pharaoh’s wise men could not explain Pharaoh’s dreams. One commentary says that Pharaoh dreamed the interpretations also. Until Joseph interpreted the dreams Pharaoh only remembered the dreams he had, not the interpretations that he had also dreamed. Another explanation says that the magicians and wizards lost their wisdom, in order that Joseph would be called to interpret the dreams. Joseph not only interpreted the dreams, but he also gave advice to Pharaoh, so that the Egyptians could benefit from the future foretold in the dreams. In the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Berakhot 55b, Rav Chisda said, “An uninterpreted dream is like an unread letter.” Do you remember your dreams? Do you ever write them down? Have your dreams ever come true? Do you share your dreams with others? Many of us dream while we are awake - when we think about our aspirations and goals in life. My friend’s sister, who I have met over COVID via zoom, and she in turn has become my friend as well, recently shared that she is creating a list of all her goals, and everything she wants to do post-COVID. This list gets her through this period of being housebound, while living in California during the shelter in place. Have you thought about what you dream of doing after this period of COVID is over? What are you waiting for? Dream - aspire - think about what you want to do when this is all over.
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Stay Connected with WLCJ Groups |
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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
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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.
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Posting the WL Week on any Social Media? |
We would like to advise our WL members to refrain from posting exact Zoom links for our events on Social Media. It takes great care and hard work to provide these amazing programs specifically for our members. If you know of anyone who is not a member but would like to join a program, please refer them to join WLCJ, and take advantage of all we have to offer! |
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Social Media Blurb of the Week |
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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
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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.
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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.
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The Wholeness of a Broken Heart; The Power of Interfaith Alliances; What Happened to Moses's Family?; and More |
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For more information on JTS news and events, please click here to
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Become a Member/Renew
Your Membership to Mercaz
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The new membership year begins July 1, 2020. There are two ways you can become a supporter of Mercaz:
IN THE US
IN CANADA
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To purchase your
WLCJ Calendar Diary
2020-2021,
please click on the link below or
to download the order form,
email Razel Kessler
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Continue the love
We're 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.
UPDATE: My last delivery to The ARK, on December 1, 2020, of our fleece blankets and t-shirt shopping bags was a special moment. In total WLCJ members and families created 122 fleece blankets, 216 t-shirt shopping bags, and donated 58 reusable premade bags...
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Women's League for Conservative Judaism |
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