YES Fund Grantee Fights for the Rights
of Women to be Seen
by Orly Erez-Likhovski
Director of the Israel Religious Action Center
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"I have been fighting gender segregation and the exclusion of women for 18 years since I joined the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC). The attempts to treat women differently and prevent them from enjoying equal rights are incomprehensible in a democratic state. WRJ has stood by IRAC in the struggle for a more equal, just, and pluralistic Israel. Together, we will make this vision a reality."
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Dear Friends - As we look ahead to 2023, the increased need for WRJ’s innovative programming is at an all-time high. As we connect together in person again, we are bringing speakers and leadership resources to women’s groups around North America. The difficult economic and political challenges we are facing are increasing the need for a safe space to worship, discuss, and lift up our core Jewish values. And we know the fight for abortion access, pay equity, civil rights, and gender equality, especially in Israel, is just getting started. With your support of our end-of-year campaign and allocating your gift to the campaign or where it is needed most, we will continue to meet these areas of concern head-on. Thank you! | |
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Parashat Vayishlach
Jane Taves, WRJ Vice President of Engagement
Temple Beth El Sisterhood in Madison, Wisconsin
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How many family rifts have we witnessed in our lives, over far less serious wrongs than those suffered by Esau, and how often are the family members unable to find this forgiveness? And in our larger world, how many conflicts are we witnessing between nations, political beliefs, religions, and even streams of Judaism? Forgiveness and reconciliation are in short supply right now. What can we learn from the decisions that Esau makes in this parashah?
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Tell your Senators to pass the Assault Weapons Ban! | |
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This month marks 10 years since the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Gun violence continues to plague our communities, with countless people suffering the loss of loved ones and the resulting trauma. We mourn those lost to gun violence and hold in our hearts the bereaved families, friends, and communities.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, the Reform Movement will observe Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat on December 9-10. As we mourn the victims and survivors of gun violence, we honor them with action. This summer, the House of Representatives passed the assault weapons ban, but the Senate has yet to act. Urge your Senators to pass the assault weapons ban today.
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Film, Fiction, and Fine Wine Presents The Most Likely Club
With Elyssa Friedland
Thursday, December 15
8:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm PT
Their yearbook superlatives confirm it: Most Likely to Win the White House, Cure Cancer, Open a Michelin-Starred Restaurant, and Join the Forbes 400. At their milestone high school reunion, a group of friends makes a pact to finally achieve their superlatives - one way or another! Join author Elyssa Friedland in discussing her new novel, "The Most Likely Club."
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Jewish Indigenous Relations Through Creative Arts
This Weekend!
Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa invite you to the unveiling of a commissioned artwork that symbolizes Temple Israel's Land Acknowledgement and a conversation between Marsha Lederman and Carey Newman about their reflections on being second-generation survivors of the Holocaust and Residential Schools. These programs and supported in part by a WRJ YES Fund grant. The artwork unveiling and speaker event can be live-streamed.
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HUC-JIR Presents:
Zionism in Seminary Education
Thursday, December 15
4:30 pm ET | 1:30 pm PT
In the second of two sessions in honor of the legacy of the Jewish Institute of Religion and its 100th Anniversary, Jewish seminary leaders, including HUC-JIR’s president, will discuss Zionism, seminary commitment to Israel, and Jewish peoplehood.
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