OCTOBER 2026

PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES

From WMO Co-President Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger

Dear Friends,

WHEW! We made it through the High Holy Days and can take a few days to enjoy the CMO Sukkah during Sukkot. It is suddenly fall weather (sweater-weather!) here in Cleveland and as the leaves begin to turn colors, my calendar is bursting at the seams with meetings, activities, events, etc. It is the beginning of the busy time of year that is fun, exciting, exhausting, over-stimulating, family-centered, and seems to go by in the blink of an eye.

WMO is part of the national Women of Reform Judaism (a part of the Union for Reform Judaism) and its three guiding principles—sisterhood, spirituality and social Justice. WMO embraces and encourages these pillars in all that we do. So, with that in mind, October brings lots to consider. There are many activities on both the WMO fall calendar and the CMO fall calendar. So please be sure to check newsletters to get a glimpse of all that you can participate in.

I am starting with this week's Rosh Chodesh on Wednesday, Sept. 30 and looking forward to Rosh Chodesh on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. In between, there are so many choices. Please join when you can. There is the Congregation’s Community Shabbat Service on Saturday, Oct. 3 and the Congregation’s Shabbat B’Yachad Service on Friday, Oct. 9. WMO members have their monthly book and movie discussions, as well as the fall sessions of Torah study with Diane Lavin. There is a fall hike on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m. and an informative Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 9:45 a.m.

Please know that if you are new to Cleveland, new to Sisterhood and new to Congregation Mishkan Or, you are always welcome. We hope you find new friends, new opportunities and “new to you” experiences. Please find me and introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you. By-the-way, November and December are also jam-packed with events, activities and “new to you” experiences!

Sincerely,

Jeannie

WMO Co-President

Note: WMO Co-Presidents Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger and Ronna Kaplan alternate sharing their perpectives in each newsletter. Questions or suggestions? Feel free to reach out to Jeannie and Ronna at jeannieCKMO@gmail.com and rskaplan1@gmail.com.

IN THIS ISSUE

** Click here to join or renew WMO membership for 2026-27.

** Spotlight on Social Justice. Voter information.

** Torah Study begins Oct. 8.

** Visit with famed High Jewelry designer Megan Piccione on Oct. 14.

** Take a hike with WMO on Oct. 20.

** Breast health panel discussion on Oct. 25.

** Rosh Chodesh on Oct. 28.

** Hearts and Hands Mitzvah Projects.

** Book and movie discussions.

** Visit Traditions Gift Shop.

** WMO 2027 Mah Jongg League cards on sale. Click here for B&W order form.

-- Click 'VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE' at bottom of newsletter to see full newsletter --

THIS IS US!!

Every month, WMO shares stories about members in our ever-growing group. Today we introduce Pat Singer and Lindsey Walsh-Resnick. Click here to see their stories.

PEEK INTO WORLD OF ELEGANT JEWELRY 

Join WMO on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., for a visit with Megan Piccione, famed designer and creative director of Megan Piccione High Jewelry. She will give us an intimate look inside the world of haute couture jewelry–from concept and design to creation and manufacturing of the one-of-a-kind jewelry in her private, Cleveland, father-daughter atelier. See how expert work is done on jewelry for some of the world’s biggest stages.

Megan will take guests behind the scenes of the recent Met Gala where she designed for model and activist Lauren Wasser and styled jewelry for high-profile celebrities and events. She plans to share what really happens before the cameras start flashing during an evening of design, diamonds, craftsmanship–and a little Hollywood glamour!

RSVP is REQUIRED. Space is limited! Reserve your seat early by emailing Janice at jchirshon@gmail.com and put "Couture Jewelry" in subject line. Location of this event will be revealed when your RSVP is accepted. 

CELEBRATE ROSH CHODESH

Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m., Rosh Chodesh continues with Rabbi Yael Dadoun.

There will be some exciting changes! For the first few months of this year, Rabbi Dadoun said the group will explore a powerful new curriculum from the Tell Institute, founded by acclaimed author Dara Horn.

Rather than focusing on antisemitism itself, the program takes an approach that author Horn calls pre-bunking, helping us build a strong, confident sense of our own Jewish identity before we ever encounter misinformation. Rabbi Dadoun said that she is excited to share this fresh approach to learning and explore this work together.

The next Rosh Chodesh is Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.



We would appreciate your RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com. Put "Rosh Chodesh" in subject line. Feel free to bring a friend!

HEARTS & HANDS

Join us to work on Mitzvah Projects!

 We welcome you to help cut, paste, sew, knit, crochet



WMO volunteers are proud of the impact and joy their mitzvah projects have brought not only to CMO members, but also to the community. Upcoming sessions are as follows:

Hello Dolly Factory meets every Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at CMO.

The dolls are donated to Project ACT, which serves families impacted by homelessness in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Wednesday Touch & Tell - Oct. 21 at 9:30 a.m. WMO and the Women of Fairmount Presbyterian Church will meet in CMO's Commons area to create and to assemble Touch and Tell Alphabet and Number books for preschoolers at the Cleveland Sight Center.

Sunday Mitzvah Morning - Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at CMO in the commons area. A variety of projects will be in the works, including the Little Pocket Vest Team, who will be assembling kits for seamstresses.

Questions?

For dolls, call Debbie Lavin, 216-970-5901.

For vests, call Laurenda Messer, 216-371-0298.

For Touch and Tell books and blankets, call Phyllis Berlas, 216-381-8738.

VIRTUAL BOOK & MOVIE DISCUSSIONS

All are welcome!

Zoom Book Discussions (at 4 p.m.)

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, The Briar Club by Kate Quinn 

Tuesday, Dec. 1, Whistler by Ann Patchett 

Tuesday, Jan. 5, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

Zoom Movie Discussions (at 4 p.m.)

Tuesday, Oct. 27, Irena's Vow available on Netflix.

Tuesday, Nov. 17, Steel Magnolias available on Netflix.

Send your RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com to get the Zoom link. Enter "Book Discussion" or "Movie Discussion" on the subject line.

WMO's Social Justice Committee is exploring opportunities to embrace Tikkun Olam to help the community at-large and provide information about upcoming events. The General Election is Nov. 3! Click here for detailed information on issues, candidates, early voting, rides to the polls, and much more.

The deadline for voter registration is Oct. 5. County Boards of Elections and the Ohio Secretary of State offices are open until 9 p.m. on that day for those who need to register at the last minute.

Early in-person voting at your county Board of Elections office is Oct. 6 to Nov. 1. Applications for mail-in ballots are in the mail. The deadline to return an application is Oct. 27. Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning on Oct. 6. Completed mail-in ballots must be received by your county Board of Elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 3).

Interested in getting involved with the committee? Text Maureen at 440-221-8514, or Lindsey at 216-577-9725.

Attention: Mahj players!

Women of Mishkan Or is taking orders for the 2027 Official National Mah Jongg League cards. For more details, click here.



Click here to print out your order form in B&W.

A Lifetime of Love

Diane Lavin will resume Torah Study classes, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 8. The nine-session series on “A Lifetime of Love,” explores dimensions of love through three of our festival texts: The Song of Songs, The Book of Ruth, and Ecclesiastes. The first celebrates physical attraction, the second exalts loyalty and compassion, and the third explores the search for meaning in life.

This series will be offered both in-person and virtually at different times -- 9 a.m. for the Zoom option and 11 a.m. for the in-person session at CMO.

Diane said she is very excited to engage in this series with you! RSVP to jchirshon@gmail.com and enter "Torah Study" in the subject line.

Plan ahead! Here is the Torah study schedule:

For 2026 - Oct. 8, Oct. 22, Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17.

For 2027 - Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 4.

The Power of Knowing: Breast Health Conversations

Sunday, Oct. 25

Mark your calendar for a special program being brought to you on Sunday morning, October 25, by Cleveland Clinic and the Women of Mishkan Or! Join experts from the Cleveland Clinic during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for an important panel discussion focused on early detection, genetic testing, and empowerment. Hear from medical specialists and inspiring survivors who will share their personal journeys.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 25

Time: 9:45 - 11:45 a.m. (Panel discussion starts at 10:15 a.m.)

Location: Congregation Mishkan Or

REGISTER HERE. Note: Advance registration is requested, as seating is limited.

Questions: Email Lisa Garofoli Rizzo at garofol@ccf.org

WMO TRADITIONS GIFT SHOP

Traditions at CMO is ready to help you find the perfect gift for upcoming holidays, birthdays, and Mitzvahs. We have challah covers, cutting boards, kiddish cups, unique jewelry, and so much more. Shop Traditions on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. when Limmud is in session and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. or call Iris Kane at 216-225-2327 or Ilene Kammer at 330-338-4849 for a personal shopping appointment.

HELPING HEARTS & HANDS WELCOME HERE, TOO!

Looking for an opportunity to share your love for Mishkan Or's library? We have a few for you to choose from!  Whether you want to be front and center or work behind the scenes, in person or from home, regularly scheduled or by special appearance, we have a way for you to get involved.

Click here for information about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

---Jane Rothstein, Librarian & Archivist, jrothstein@mishkanor.org. 

RENEW WMO MEMBERSHIP or JOIN TODAY!

Did you know that your membership supports our educational, spiritual, social, cultural, and social action/ justice programming and projects? 

Annual Dues are $50 and may be charged by clicking this link:

https://mishkanor.shulcloud.com/form/wmo-26/27-membership.html

To pay by check, make out your check for $50 to “Congregation Mishkan Or” and put “WMO annual dues” in the memo line. Be sure to include your address, phone number and email. Mail it to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or drop it off at the front desk. Join today for a membership that goes through June of 2027.

For membership questions contact Janice Hirshon (jchirshon@gmail.com or 508-667-0195).

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TRIVIA NIGHT WITH CMO BROTHERHOOD 

      Don't miss Trivia Night with CMO Brotherhood on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. This is sure to be an evening of fun and friendly rivalry as teams compete to show off their troves of trivial knowledge. Put together a team or come as you are and we’ll match you up with other know-it-alls! It’s sure to be an entertaining evening. More details coming soon.

CELEBRATING CHANUKAH

Mark your calendars for Shine Your Light at the Women of Mishkan Or's Chanukah Party on Monday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

The party will be at Congregation Mishkan Or. More details to follow very soon.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE!

Would you love to help by serving on a WMO committee? Here is your opportunity! Click HERE to sign up.

WOMEN OF MISHKAN OR TEMPLE FUNDS

The following funds help support WMO's Mitzvah projects and many stimulating, entertaining, enlightening, and thought-provoking programs. Please consider contributing to these funds when honoring or in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. Your generous donations are much appreciated!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• ALEXANDRA AND JOSEPH BERGER MUSIC FUND is used for special music events, lectures, and other programs.
• ARTHUR AND JOSEPHINE ELSOFFER FUND is used to purchase yarn and materials for our Mitzvah projects (lap and baby blankets and teaching dolls).
• THE GLORIA FINE WMO TZEDAKAH FUND in memory of Gloria Fine will be used to enrich and enhance WMO events as needed.
• ILEEN KELNER FUND supports Women of Mishkan Or special projects.
• JOANNE LEVY SCHOLARSHIP FUND is used for Scholarships and Leadership Training for Temple Youth.
• THE RALPH AND SHEILAH ORKIN TOUCH AND TELL CHILDREN'S FUND supports the creation of Alphabet and Number Touch and Tell books for preschool children who are visually impaired and EEG Pocket Vest kits for children being monitored for epilepsy.
• THE TWA TRIBUTE FUND supports Temple projects.
• THE WMO B’NAI MITZVAH GIFT FUND is used to purchase gifts to be presented to all CMO members celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah.



Make your donation check out to "Congregation Mishkan Or," and write "WMO" and the name of the fund on the check's memo line. Drop off or mail to Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, Ohio 44122.

WMO'S MISSION

Our Women of Mishkan Or (WMO) is an active group of women* who come together to further the highest ideals of Reform Judaism, by promoting fellowship among its members, supporting and strengthening Congregation Mishkan Or (CMO), and promoting education, religious and social action programming. This organization furthers the mission of the Women of Reform Judaism, a collective voice and presence of women in congregational life.

* WMO welcomes anyone who identifies as female, nonbinary, or gender fluid. WMO welcomes all who identify as Jewish or have a commitment to the Jewish community. 

The monthly newsletters, weekly reminders, and other updates are designed, written, compiled and edited by WMO Communications/Marketing Co-Vice-Presidents Enid Yurman and Ellen J. Kleinerman. Send comments and requests to include your announcements in future newsletters to enid.yurman@gmail.com and ellen.kleinerman@gmail.com.