LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS

Happy Pesach!
One of the themes of Passover is liberation. Every year, at the Seder, we  re-tell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom.  Lest we get too comfortable in our current situation and ignore the social injustices happening in the world, we are told several times in the Haggadah to "remember that we were once slaves in Egypt." 

Today, around the world, there are still millions of slaves - people who are held against their will - either through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor - so that the slaveholder can extract a profit.  In the past eight years, more than 18,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S. have been reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.  Last year, Ohio ranked number 6 in the number of calls. It is the most vulnerable segments of our population - former foster youth, undocumented workers, runaways - who are most at risk for this exploitation. 

It's hard to believe this is really happening in our own country and in our state!  So what can you do to help?

Educate:  scroll down to our advocacy section in this month's Bulletin and print out the NCJW supplement on trafficking that can be incorporated into your Seder this year. Or print it out here: CLICK here to print

Additionally, here are some other actions you can take to support the movement to stop human trafficking:
  • Join NCJW/Cleveland's Stop Human Trafficking committee.  For more information, contact chair Elaine Geller at elaine1818@roadrunner.com.

  • Advocate for better treatment of victims. They are not criminals!  It is the traffickers who are the criminals and our justice system needs to reflect this.  To learn more about this issue, contact Elaine. 
  • Purchase "fair trade" goods - products that have not been produced by child or slave workers. Wishing everyone a meaningful holiday celebration.
All my best,
Becky  

Are you looking for some new Passover Recipes? NCJW/Cleveland has collected
many exciting recipes at our Passover Tasting Events each year. 
PROGRAM & EDUCATION
Esther Spott, Vice President

KISS ME KATE!  
If you need to brush up on your Shakespeare, take a trip back in time to the 
Elizabethan Age at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's All-City Musical, "KISS ME KATE".  The talent is amazing and the performance will make you proud to live in our city!  
Date:                Wednesday, April 20
Time:               10:00 a.m. (Student Matinee) 
                        Please arrive at 9:40 for ticket distributio n.
                        (Carpool or take the RTA)
Location:         Ohio Theater,1511 Euclid Ave. 
Cost:                $10.00
RSVP:              Call NCJW office 216-378-2204 ext 101 by Mon., April 12
  Note: Space is limited. 
Chairs:             Lynn Kleinman & Rochelle Solomon

NCJW ARTIST BIO SERIES  
Join us for a fascinating lecture and slide presentation by Felicia Zavarella Stadelman.
 
Andrew Wyeth : " It takes a very long time to get to know Andrew Wyeth as a man and even longer to know him as an artist. He's a cover-up kind of guy in life and in art. The key to understan ding him is to know the Wyeth Dynasty,  a family of artists that goes on for generations."  
Date:                Tuesday, April 26 
Time:                10:30 a.m.
Location:           Beachwood Cleveland Clinic, 26900 Cedar Rd. (Conference rooms at west side                             entrance to building. Complimentary valet parking at Cedar Road entrance.
                        Please tip generously.
Cost:                $10 member, $15 non-member after April 19
RSVP:               NCJW Office, 216 -378-2204 Ext. 101   
Co-Chairs:        Laurie Biales, Judy Weingold, & Ellen Young  
Note: Pre-paid reservations are required.  Space is limited. No walk-ins, please!

THE MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT (TMTP)
The Song Is You! Concert and Cabaret Series  
Following the sellout performances of Bernstein on Broadway, TMTP is once again offering a $4.00 discount to NCJW members for tickets to the next multimedia concert, Behind the Musical, The Fantasticks.   
Date:                  Sunday, May 1
Time:                 3:00 p.m.
Location:           Notre Dame College, Regina Auditorium, 4545 College Rd, South Euclid
Cost:                 $4 discount off of regularly priced $25 ticket
Liaison:            Claire Biel  
Tickets may be purchased by phone. Call the TMPT box office at 216-245-8687 and identify yourself as a member of NCJW.    For more information CLICK HERE for TMTP's website

STROLL THE CIRCLE!  GUIDED WALKING TOUR  
University Circle and the revitalized Uptown neighborhood have created quite a buzz. Now is your chance to get a close-up view of the exciting transformation taking place in Cleveland's cultural center. NCJW is offering a guided walking tour followed by lunch at 12:30 at Michelson & Morley restaurant in the new Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU's student union, at 11038 Bellflower Rd.  There is parking available at the public lots and garages.  
Date:               Wednesday, May 4
Time:              10:45 a.m.
Location:        Tour meets: University Circle Inc.,10831 Magnolia Dr.
Cost:               No charge for tour.  Lunch at your expense
RSVP:             By April 28 to Ann Eland, am2m@aol.com
Chairs:            Ann Eland & Susan Kahn

JERRY GRAHAM IS COMING TO NCJW
Back by popular demand and just in time for the 2016 election, political expert Jerry Graham will be presenting two exciting sessions. On May 9, Electoral Dysfunction  will explore how we nominate and elect our president.  On June 6, Looking Into that Cloudy Crystal Ball asks the question "who will we be calling president-elect on November 9th?"
 
For those of you who have heard Jerry before, you know this will be a sell-out program. Come to one or both sessions but you must pay by the deadline.
Dates:             Monday, May 9 and Monday, June 6
Time:             10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location:        Beachwood Cleveland Clinic, 26900 Cedar Rd. 
                      Conference rooms A&B,  at the west entrance of the building.
Cost:              $10 per session - members (deadline May1);
       $15 per session - non-members (after May1)
RSVP:            NCJW office 216-378-2204 ext.101
Chair:             Loramae Simkoff  
Note: Space is limited.  Pre-paid reservations required. No walk-ins, please!
(Complimentary Valet Parking is available at the Cedar Rd. entrance - please tip generously.)

THURSDAY AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP  
Date:                Thursday, April 7 
Title:                My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrente
Time:               1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Location:          Beachwood Branch Library on Richmond Road
Chair:               Susan Kahn
RSVP:              If you are new to the group, call 216-378-2204, ext. 101 
                        or email  lhayzlett@ncjwcleveland.org   
Led by moderator Amy Rosenfield, the discussion is open only to NCJW members.  There is no fee to participate, however we collect an optional ($5 suggested)  donation per session for our moderator.    
 
Future dates and book selections:
May 5               True Grit by Charles Portis
June 2              My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

SUNDAY BOOK CLUB  
Title:                T he True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy
Date:                Sunday, April 17th
Time:               10:00 a.m.
Location:          Panera, Harvard Square
RSVP:               goldd@ccf.org 
Chair:               Denise Gold
THRIFTIQUE
Abbe Froimson, Manager

WE HAVE SEATS AT THRIFTIQUE SHOWROOM
And we need more!!!
Please donate your chairs and other furniture
Call Karen or Abbe 216-378 2264 -- Free pickup 
ADVOCACY
Roberta Herman, Vice-President
 
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE  
Kudos to all who participated in our Understanding the Issues program on Infant Mortality  in February. Thanks to you, and a generous grant, we were able to donate over $950 to Hillcrest Hospitals Safe Sleep Program. With that donation, Hillcrest will be able to provide more than 135 Halo Sleep Sacks to needy families.
 
Crib bumpers are one of the risks to safe sleeping!  They should not be sold, although many stores do so.  Please sign the following petition to ban crib bumpers:  
 
Please join us this spring to keep abreast of legislation in Ohio concerning women's health care. Also help us plan a Candidates' Night with other Advocacy committees to inform attendees of a candidate's stance on various issues before it's time to vote.  
 
For more information, contact Cyndy Fellenbaum, cfellenbaum@gmail.com; Laura Kuntz, laurajkuntz@att.net; or Dana Trau, danatrau@gmail.com
 
Since our successful 1,000-Person Action in February at Fairmount Temple, Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) has been taking action. Did you know that we work to bring change to four important concerns in Cleveland, listed below?  And that as members of NCJW, you automatically belong to GCC?
 
Criminal Justice: if you attended the February Action, you know that NCJW and GCC have brought our concerns about policing, overcharging, racial profiling, and a host of unfair issues to our County Prosecutor. We will meet and report on progress or problems back to GCC members.
 
Education Team: NCJW / GCC members met with CEO Eric Gordon of the Cleveland
Metrop olitan  School District. He is very generous with his time and counts on GCC to support his work. Right now, we are conducting a listening campaign. Do you volunteer or know someone who teaches in a Cleveland School?  Have you heard students, teachers or parents express a problem or concern? Our next Education meeting will be in May. Please email Lynn Kleinman, at  lekchoral@aol.com,  with these concerns.
 
Gun Violence Team: If you wrote a letter to a mayor or police chief in your community, GCC would like you to help contact and remind these officials of their pledge to Not Stand Idly By. In addition, GCC is staging regular protests to highlight Atlantic Guns on Northfield Rd. For more information,  email Susan Reis at  sixreis@gmail.com .
 
Health Care Team: This team is researching the physical results of poverty. If you are a health careworker or know someone in the health care field, urge them to ask their patients if they have been affected by poverty in their lives. GCC and NCJW know of so many resources for victims of poverty.  
Please contact Paul Sobel,  Pmsobel@gmail.com, if you would like to help.
 
GCC is for all of us. Our membership brings power for change!
 
FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE  
We have worked diligently to extend our Self-Esteem curriculum from a one-time class to a four-week program.  We are piloting this curriculum with the foster kids in the Independent Living program at BeechBrook.  We have also committed to work once a month at the Renee Jones Empowerment Center to teach self-esteem with both the women and the foster youth that have been trafficked.
 
Building on our successful activities with the Sullivan-Deckard Scholars at CSU during the winter break, we plan to reconnect with them during Spring Break.
 
In addition, one of our subcommittees is continuing their research on potential housing opportunities for homeless youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
 
Join us!  Contact one of our co-chairs, Jeannie Citterman Kraeger, jeannieck@aol.com or Marilyn Oif, maroif1@yahoo.com

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION - OPPOSE HOUSE BILL 48  
Along with other Ohio Gun Violence Prevention groups we ask you to join in sending a clear message of opposition to House Bill 48.This bill would permit concealed carry of firearms in many locations where it is currently prohibited. The bill was passed by the Ohio House and now awaits action in the Ohio Senate.
 
Places of worship are next . They were included in the original bill, then removed as a co mpromise to move the bill forward. But the bill's sponsors have made it clear: if HB 48 passes, faith communities will be the next target.

1. On Tuesday, April 5 please call, email, or write your Ohio State Senator to express your opposition.   To identify your own senator and/or find contact info you can use this link:  Your Senator

2. Please send a message of opposition also to Gov. John Kasich. Here is a link to contact info: Governor Kasich


3. Please send a message of opposition also to committee chairman Sen. Bill Coley
Here is a link to contact info: Senator Coley

For helpful talking points about the bill, use this link: Highlights 

Thank you for supporting this important effort to keep Ohio safe from guns everywhere.

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES
The Culture of Poverty: A Tale of Two Clevelands  
Join us for an exploration of the issues of poverty. Hear these dynamic speakers who  will  share their knowledge and experience with us. Learn with us about this critical issue in our community. What are the issues for today and for the future? 
Date:               Thursday,  May 19
Time:               Registration 6:30 p.m., Program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location :        Point East, 27500 Cedar Rd., Beachwood
Cost:               $10 members, $15 non-members 
                      ($5 goes toward membership if you join that evening)
Speakers:        Rev. Richard Gibson, St. Elizabeth Baptist Church
                       Amber Donovan, Metrohealth & Open Table
                       Richey Piiparinen, Center for Population Dynamics at CSU
                       Rabbi Alan Joseph - Gesher
Chair:             Cindy Glazer
RSVP:             NCJW office 216-378-2204 ext. 101
COMMUNICATIONS
Leslie Resnik, Vice President

SHARE, SHARE, SHARE  
Everything we need to know about communications these days we learned in Kindergarten:  Share with your friends ... and with those you hope to have as friends.
 
Sharing is what Facebook is all about.  Not what you're eating for lunch (who cares) or where (well maybe, if it's a new Cleveland restaurant), but the important issues of the day and events worth reading about.
 
We are constantly updating NCJW/Cleveland's Facebook page with important news you can use - from Purim recipes to member profiles to the importance of bills before the Senate and the House protecting women, children and families.
 
Please become a friend of NCJW's Facebook page and visit weekly as we are constantly uploading good, sometimes funny, always informative information... and share with your friends!  That's the most important function of the social media phenom...when you share on Facebook you engage a LOT of people.  And you make your Kindergarten teacher happy!
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Barbara Shane, Vice President

Thank you!    To all of you who made a financial gift to the NCJW Annual Fund.  Your generosity makes it possible for our organization to accomplish its goals and to initiate new efforts to make a difference in our community. If you haven't already done so, there is still time to make a donation.
 
Reminder: Another way to support NCJW is by purchasing note cards and tribute cards sold at the office.  Do you want to celebrate a special birthday?  Send a thoughtful thank you?  Or make a memorial or honorary donation for a special person?  Call the office (216-378-2204, ext.101) if you'd like to set up a tribute fund. 
 
As always, if you have any information or thoughts regarding our fund development for NCJW, please do not hesitate to contact me at BShane@roadrunner.com

TRIBUTES Click Here
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Debbie Joseph, Vice President

A NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:  SORTING KIDS' BOOKS  
During the past year, Little Free Libraries, now Cleveland Kids' Book Bank, has placed thousands of books in the hands of low-income children through 50 Little Free Libraries, installed in Cleveland neighborhoods.  In February, Cleveland Kids' Book Bank expanded capacity, establishing a 7,000 square-foot warehouse space as a centralized community repository for collecting and distributing books to low-income children. They recently received their first shipment of 40,000 books.

Cleveland Kids' Book Bank would like help sorting these new and gently used books.  We will be among the first to partner with this organization and it is very exciting to imagine so many books getting into the hands of children who otherwise wouldn't have them!  Come join us on NCJW's "sorting morning"!
Date:                 Thursday mornings, beginning April 14
Time:                10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location:           Cleveland Kids' Book Bank, 3635 Perkins Avenue, Cleveland
Contact:             Debbie Joseph at josdeb@aol.com  
 
JUDAIC OUTREACH SEDER AT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES 
Judaic Outreach will be holding a traditional Seder at Jewish Family Service for 25-30 Special Clients.  We need many cooks to help prepare the dishes.  You will be doing a mitzvah by cooking for and serving people who are often forgotten or alone.
Date :                Friday, April 15
Time:               11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location:          JFSA, 24075 Commerce Park, Beachwood
Contact:            Shelly Friedman at 440-247-7900 or 440-463-2309
   
SHARE WHAT YOU WEAR: ANNUAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENS  
If you know a teen who is looking for a fun and rewarding way to make a difference, tell him/her about NCJW/Cleveland's Share What You Wear program. SWYW engages teens who aid children, in need of clothing and school supplies, to start off the school year in a positive way!  We collect gently used children's clothing and school supplies all year in anticipation of the big August event! Please join us Tuesday, April 12 with your interested teen!
Date:                 Tuesday, April 12
Time:                 6:00 p.m.
Location:           NCJW Warehouse H, down the parking lot from NCJW office
Contact:            Debbie Rosenthaldebbierosenthal@yahoo.com
                        or Jill Braunjill.braun@me.com
 
NCJW'S HIGH NOTES PERFORMANCE "LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE"  
Come see what everyone is smiling about!  The High Notes perform around the city, spreading light and laughter as they go. 
Date:                 Tuesday, April 12
Time:                4:30 p.m.
Location:          Warrensville Apartments, 1500 Warrensville Center Rd.                                Cleveland Heights
Chair:               Lynn Kleinman, lekchoral@aol.com
MEMBERSHIP
Amy Zlotnik, Vice President

Welcome to our new Life Members
Marcia Coven         Nadine Resor

We regret to inform you of the passing of:
Hope Adelstein      Irene Knipper       Rita Miller
DESIGNER DRESS DAYS
Wendy Elconin and Michele Kaminsky
Co-Vice Presidents
 
LET'S STRIP... OUR CLOSETS!  
With winter's wrath behind us, DDD needs us to purge our closets of the coats, sweaters, dresses, pants and furs that we were forced to wear throughout this cold siege.  NCJW's friendly warehouse staff will take your donations (jewelry too) five days a week.
 
While you are spring cleaning, remember Thriftique.  We accept all types of household items, 
in working condition.  Thinking about volunteering at Thriftique?
Call Becky at the NCJW office at 216-378-2204, ext 105.
 
Please drop off your items at the NCJW Main Office/Warehouse located at: 
26055 Emery Road, Warrensville Hts.
Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
**We supply the tax deduction form. 

NEED A FREE PICK UP FOR FURNITURE?
CALL ABBE TODAY AT 216-378-2264
NCJW/Cleveland | 216-378-2204 | NCJWCLEVELAND.ORG
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