MIDWEST
DISTRICT M'KESHER
מְקֶשֶׁר
April 2020 | Nisan 5780
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A Message from Michelle Scheinkopf
WRJ Midwest District President
Greetings!
I hope this M’Kesher finds all our WRJ Midwest District women, their families, and friends well and out of harm’s way. For those employed in an essential service industry and needing to leave the security and protection of home, thank you for your service and please stay safe.
The global population’s new normal as a result of the virus and sheltering in place orders have given rise to disruptions in personal routines, the loss of jobs, the letdowns of anticipated plans, and the lack of in-person connection with friends and family. We here in the Midwest have been deeply disappointed that we are not able to gather together and attend our district Kallah at OSRUI or the WRJ Fried Women’s Conference in Phoenix. In our immediate future, with Passover near, the age-old question of “How is this night different from other nights?” never rang truer!
How do we take these setbacks and challenges and pump up our resilience to make a crisis manageable? How to turn the reality and necessity of physical distancing into an "out of the box" meaningful experience? This has been utmost on the minds of the staff at WRJ and for us in the Midwest District. After much thought and adept pivoting by our WRJ leaders, you will be happy to learn that we will be able to gather virtually for the Fried Leadership Conference on Friday, May 1. You can find all the details in the WRJ section below.
For us here in the Midwest, I asked several district women to join me in creating virtual programming for our community. It didn’t take long for the Kesher Connections Committee (KCC) to take flight! I want to thank Rozan Anderson, Karen Dillon, Denise Fogel, Sheri Frisque, Diane Kaplan, Linn Ullenbrauck, and Zabe Williams. These women have been hard at work bringing us a remarkable array of virtual programming.
Here's what's planned for the coming weeks. Find the flyers and registration information in the WRJ Midwest section in this newsletter.
- The Women of Passover
- District Schmooze sessions
- Kesher Connection Shabbat; Interactive program with the coauthors of Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope and Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House.
- WRJ Midwest Havdalah Service with Sally Frank and song leader Lizzy Scheinkopf
These are but a few of the programs being planned. Keep an eye out for e-blasts from the District with updated information and registration links.
The reality is that this new normal may be in place for several more weeks or even months. Any ideas or suggestions for programs, please let us hear about them. With the dedication of the Kesher Connections Committee providing us with schmooze hours and meaningful, spiritual and uplifting programs, I have no worries that during these days of physical distancing, we will not lack for a sense of Midwest community.
L’Shalom and Chag Sameach Pesach!
Michelle
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Midwest District Women’s Journey to Israel with WRJ
By Janet Buckstein and Rozan Anderson
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In late February (yes, before COVID-19 made such travel impossible), four women from Midwest District participated in the WRJ 2020 Women’s Journey to Israel. Rozan Anderson (Temple Beth El, Madison, WI), Janet Buckstein (Makom Solel Lakeside, Highland Park, IL), Judith Friedman (Temple Israel, Minneapolis, MN), and Danielle Bermann Oviatt (Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion, Oak Park, IL) joined 27 other women from throughout North America.
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Hosted by WRJ President Susan Bass and led by our Da’at (Arza World Travel) tour educator Shari Robins and spiritual guide Rabbi Lisa Silverstein (also our yoga leader), the theme of the trip was culture, food, and wine, with a whole bunch of music and spirituality, social good, and bonding tossed in! Among the atypical spots we experienced were a graffiti tour of bohemian Tel Aviv, a wine tasting at the Tulip Winery (committed to employing adults with special needs), a stay at the Carmel Forest Spa (considered the top spa in the Middle East), a tour of the Ein Hod artist community, a visit (and dance lesson!) at the Vertigo Dance Village at Kibbutz Netiv Halamed (a community for developmentally and cognitively disabled adults), and active participation in an art workshop at the Kol Ha’Ot Art Gallery in Jerusalem.
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We also were able to see WRJ philanthropy (YES Fund grant recipients and those who have received other financial support throughout the years) in action.
- At the Leo Baeck School in Haifa, the Israel Reform movement’s flagship school that provides educational opportunities and community service for a diverse (Jewish and Arabic) population, we heard from girls who have attended their summer camp (winner of the WRJ 2020 Choice Grant) and had lunch with several of their high school students.
- We celebrated Kabbalat Shabbat with Kehilat Beit Daniel, with services led by Rabbis Meir Azari and Galia Sadan and dinner with members of their community.
- We had lunch with year-in-Israel rabbinic and cantorial students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem.
- We prayed at the Kotel with Women of the Wall, where three from our group chanted Torah (including Rozan!), and all of us joined with sisters from all over the world.
- We learned in educational sessions with speakers: Rabbi Gilad Kariv (Executive Director of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism) and leaders who are striving for increased religious pluralism in Israel (Anat Hoffman, founder of Women of the Wall and Executive Director of IRAC; Laura Wharton, Jerusalem City Counselor; and orthodox activist Tehila Friedman-Nachalon).
We saw a lot and heard a lot (and ate a lot!)… but what seems most incredible now is the spiritual journey we took. Here is what will stay in our hearts forever:
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Rozan:
This was my 4th trip with WRJ in 7 years, and it was awesome! I loved the focus on the arts and food, along with the usual powerful opportunities to see WRJ’s work firsthand and meet with our Movement partners. Certainly a highlight for me was chanting Torah with Women of the Wall at the Kotel. This was my first time – ever – chanting Torah, and, though I was borderline terrified as I started to prepare, when the time came, I was ready and well-supported by all of my friends from around the world. WOW has only been able to smuggle in a Torah 6 times, so I figure that I’m one of fewer than 24 women in the history of the world who have ever read from an actual scroll at the Kotel. Such an honor! I certainly hope you’ll consider joining me on a future WRJ trip!
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Janet:
Many of you know I love “power shopping” and this trip was no exception! The artist-crafted necklace I purchased at Ein Hod and beautiful earrings at Yvel will serve as a permanent remembrance of this trip. I also made incredible friendships with new sisters and deepened my relationships with those I knew, but only through WRJ Board work. But I must say that the experience of praying at the Kotel will be in my heart forever. As we left, we sang Ozi V’zimrat Yah (My Strength Balanced with The Song of God will be My Salvation) and were joined by many men and women who had not been with us at the wall. I know that whenever I hear that I will relive this moment.
WRJ has Israel missions about every two years. We’ll be there… hope you will join us!
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Critical Issues – Reproductive Rights
by: Marilyn Glazer, WRJ Midwest District Advocacy Chair
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During this time of shelter in place and an overtaxed health care system, it's important to remember those that need advocates. In the area of reproductive health and rights, access to health care; contraception, abortion, and routine services may be considered
non-essential or “elective,” and thus de-emphasized with critical consequences.
Life is sacred in Judaism.
Banning potentially life-saving medical procedures and interfering with a doctor’s decision-making runs contrary to the Jewish commandment to protect life. This cohort brings together Jewish communities to pursue reproductive health and rights together.
For nearly 85 years, WRJ has been a leading advocate for reproductive rights and health, adopting more than a dozen resolutions affirming a strong and vocal stance and mobilizing its members to speak out for the rights of those who are pregnant to exercise moral authority over their own bodies. WRJ was among the first in our Movement to call for access to information about contraception in 1935 and for abortion reform in 1965. On the matter of abortion, WRJ stated: “We believe that the right to choose on the matter of abortions is a personal decision based on religious, moral or cultural values and beliefs; it should not be determined for others by special interest groups whether religious or otherwise, nor should government be the enforcing agency for their points of view” (1977).
This guide is intended to help Reform sisterhoods, congregations, and individuals mobilize and advocate for reproductive health and rights in their own communities. The suggested list of actions below was written to help kick start your communities’ advocacy around reproductive issues.
Action Opportunities
The actions below are not intended to be an exhaustive list of ways to make change, but rather serve as a guide or starting point. After determining with your community where your priorities lie, feel free to think creatively about the types of actions you would like to take.
- Abortion Access - Recently, we have witnessed unprecedented efforts by states throughout the U.S. to severely restrict or ban abortion. While the overall number of anti-abortion bills introduced in U.S. states thus far in 2019 is essentially the same as in 2018, the nature of the recent bills is more harmful and restrictive than anything introduced previously.
- Comprehensive Sex Education - Comprehensive sex education includes information about sex, sexuality, relationships, contraception, and condoms. Sex education is directly linked to reproductive justice. Without it, individuals cannot make informed decisions about their bodies, sexual activity, or futures.
- Federal Legislation - Learn more about how the Women’s Health Protection Act and EACH Woman Act work in tandem to promote abortion access and affordability.
- Community Action - Work together as a community to support reproductive justice.
Educational Opportunities
Federal, State, and Local Partners
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU is a leading civil liberties organization and works actively on reproductive rights. The ACLU’s website contains updates on some of the major reproductive rights cases and pieces of legislation around the country. ACLU also has statewide chapters.
- Center for Reproductive Rights: The Center for Reproductive Rights is the only global legal advocacy organization dedicated to reproductive rights, with expertise in both U.S. constitutional and international human rights law.
- Guttmacher Institute: Guttmacher is a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States and globally. Their website is an excellent resource for graphics, maps, and other visual devices to track reproductive rights across the globe.
- NARAL Pro-Choice America: NARAL is one of the leading organizations fighting for reproductive rights. Both NARAL’s national office and its 22 state affiliates actively monitor state legislation and are great resources for education and advocacy.
- National Women’s Law Center: NWLC is a leader in advancing gender equity through litigation and policy initiatives. In addition to providing helpful resources on reproductive rights, NWLC is a helpful tool in learning more about pay equity, gender-based violence, and other women’s rights issues.
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund: PPFA has great educational information as well as resources for action on a federal and state-wide level. The “State News” section of their website provides useful information to track legislation in your state, as well as how to become connected with local Planned Parenthood chapters.
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WRJ Fried Women's Conference (FWC) 2020
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WRJ's Fried Women's Conference (FWC)
is reimagined this year as a
virtual conference
. Hundreds of attendees will tune in on Friday, May 1, to hone their leadership skills and deepen connections with other women, receive tools for intergenerational programming, and learn more about WRJ's advocacy work. Participants will leave feeling empowered and rejuvenated, and with the support of the WRJ community, be better prepared to guide their own women’s groups and serve as leaders in their communities. We are proud to open this virtual conference to any identifying woman who would like to attend, free of charge.
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FIRST-TIME CONFERENCE ATTENDEE WEBINAR
First-time conference attendees should
register to attend
a special webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 8 pm ET called "
WRJ 101: The What, Why, and Who of Women of Reform Judaism
" to learn more about WRJ, who we are, what we do, and the resources available to you as a member. It's the perfect opportunity to gain even more from your experience on May 1 at WRJ's Virtual Fried Women's Conference.
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Get a glimpse and feel for WRJ's 2020 Israel trip during this recently-recorded program. Participants from the trip shared their life changing experiences. Learn about the vision of the trip, the musical components, hear personal testimonials, and see some of the beautiful pictures to get a glimpse and feel of this experience. You will also have the opportunity to hear about the March 2, 2020, elections from the WRJ 2020 Israel tour guide.*
*In order to view these webinars
you need to have access to Yammer
.
Yammer is an online platform where women discuss issues important to them. WRJ Board Members, sisterhood/women's group presidents, and leaders are invited to sign into Yammer. If you do not have access to WRJ's Yammer, contact Heather Lorgeree, Manager of Programming and Affiliate Services at
leadership@wrj.org
.
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Reproductive Health & Rights Campaign
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You can make a difference in the lives of all women locally, statewide, and nationally by opening the links below and becoming more aware and empowered to further the cause of WRJ's Reproductive Justice Campaign:
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The WRJ Incubator Grants initiative was launched in 2015 as a way to inspire and enable “outside the box” programs and provide new ideas for all
WRJ sisterhoods
.
Applications are now open for the 2019-2020 Incubator Grants
.
WRJ is allocating Incubator grants of $500-$2,500 to WRJ sisterhoods/women’s groups to fund unique and creative programs that promote one or more of the WRJ 3 Ss: Sisterhood, Spirituality, and Social Good. WRJ is looking specifically for programs that encourage Tikkun Olam, promote Reform Jewish values, create caring communities, and/or cultivate spiritual or personal growth in its participants. Sisterhoods/women's groups must be in good standing with both WRJ and with their districts. For more information, please read the
2019-2020 Incubator Grant FAQs
.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2020, or until funds are depleted.
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WZO Election Update
Cheryl Stern,
WRJ Board member and Midwest District Area
Director
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With the help of our WRJ sisters, their friends, and families, we
are able to make waves across the country and the globe.
In this yea
r’s election, Vote Reform/ARZA and Reconstructionist Movement garnered 31,500 v
otes.
Coming in first place, we remained
the largest Zionist Organization in the United States and should not be taken for granted. Here are some more points to put this into perspective:
- We came in first place with nearly 10,000 votes more than the second place slate. In comparison to the last election in 2015, we increased votes by nearly 50% with 10,000 new voters. This is especially impressive because we came in first place in 2015. This proves that our people care deeply about creating a Jewish, democratic Israel that values pluralism, equality, and freedom.
- Over 120,000 people voted in this election. This is more than double the voter turnout of the 2015 election and the highest number of votes in the 30 years of history for this election. The overwhelming increase in voting is a very positive sign! It reflects the increased awareness of importance of the World Zionist Congress and the National Institutions in Israel to American Jews. This is crucial to the future of Israel.
- Vote Reform/ARZA is now positioned to lead a powerful progressive block in the World Zionist Congress.
We could not be more pleased with how WRJ responded and engaged. With our success, we look forward to continuing our activism, mobilization, and joint work on behalf of Israel and the values we hold so dearly.
Todah Rabah!!
Cheryl Stern
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Click the link to watch this webinar on Youtube!
(Yammer access required)
(Yammer access required)
Click the link to watch these webinars on Yammer!
Click the link to watch this webinar on YouTube!
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click below for more information
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Join on us April 13 or 15 for our District Schmooze! These screenshots were taken on April 1 at our last schmoozes!
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click ads for more information
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LEADERS WANTED!
JOIN THE 2020-2023 WRJ MIDWEST DISTRICT BOARD!
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If you are a member in good standing with WRJ (individual or sisterhood/women’s group member), you are eligible for a Midwest District position. Terms of office are from October 17, 2020 until March 2023. Job descriptions are available at:
What You Should Do
Fill out the application link below. You will be able to submit it right on the form. Applications are due Monday, May 11, 2020.
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WRJ Midwest is on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out!!
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Sisterhood/Women's Group News
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Need help publicizing your next event?
Please send a pdf flyer to your
Area Director
and we will try to include it.
Materials must be received by the 15th
of the month.
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Did your sisterhood/women's group have a recent event that you would like to share with other women from our district? If so, please send pictures with a sentence or two about the event to Michelle Scheinkopf
mscheinkopf@gmail.com,
and it will appear in the next M'Kesher.
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Click the WRJ Midwest District Convention 2020 logo to the left
to view the full convention Save the Date flyer
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A gift to the Midwest District is a wonderful way to recognize, remember, or honor the special people in your life: your sisterhood/women's group board, your president, your district leaders, your mother, daughter, sister, friends, and other family members. You can even honor your clergy! Make a gift to WRJ Midwest District to say “thank you,” “happy birthday,” or congratulations,” or to send get well wishes or condolences. An acknowledgement will be emailed to each person whose email address
is provided.
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Yom Huledet Sameach
(Happy Birthday!)
to our Midwest District Board Members and Alumnae
April:
May:
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Mazel tov to Sara Anson, Co-Sisterhood President of Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, and husband Doug on the arrival of their son Benjamin Noah Anson on March 9. Notes of congratulations may be sent to Sara, Doug, and big sister Evelyn at 5127 N Berkeley Blvd, Whitefish Bay, WI, or email
sara.marie.317@gmail.com
.
Mazel Tov to WRJ Midwest District Past President, Bylaws Revision Chair, and Kallah Co-Chair Marcy Frost and husband Mark Ratner and
former WRJ Midwest District Board and Alumnae Association Member Marlen Frost
on the birth of their granddaughter and great-granddaughter Cora Wolf Kreisman, born on March 25. Proud parents are Joseph Kriesman and Allison Wolf. Joseph is the son and grandson of Marcy and Marlen. Notes of congratulations may be sent to:
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Condolences to Karen Schwartz, WRJ Midwest District Chicago Metro Area Director, on the passing of her father, Seymore “Sy” Kozer. Notes of condolence may be sent to Karen at 313 Lakeview Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 or
kschwartz62@att.net
Condolences to Ruth Treisman, Sisterhood President of Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun, and her husband, Jonathan on the passing of her mother, Frances Rott. Notes of condolence may be sent to Ruth at 2701 East Beverly, Shorewood, WI 53211 or
Treisra@gmail.com
Condolences to Cynthia Miller, Co-President of Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood, on the passing of her mother, Betty Harrison Puchalski. Notes of condolence may be sent to Cynthia at
9221 Drake Ave #403, Evanston, IL 60203 or
millbook@yahoo.com
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As you are putting together your newsletters & e-blasts, please use these forms:
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(Thi
s is WRJ's Leadership form)
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Having a WRJ speaker available for sisterhood services, installations, or to just help facilitate or conduct workshops is really easy to do. Just fill out this
form
and let us know what you are looking for. Do you know someone who has an area of expertise she might be willing to share? We are looking to expand our Speaker's Bureau, and we can only do that with the help of each of you. We look forward to your requests and wonderful ideas from each and every one of you.
Thanks!
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Contact: Ashley Burbul, M'Kesher Editor
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WRJ strengthens the voice of women worldwide and empowers them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values.
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