LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mindi Axner

Having just completed the Jewish season of introspection, I can't help but continue to self-reflect as NCJW/Cleveland prepares for the 13th Annual Lois Zaas Advocacy Lecture entitled Embracing Diversity Uncovering Hidden Biases.  I mplicit bias refers to attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions in an unconscious manner, according to the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. It's different from suppressed thoughts we might conceal to keep the peace and it's the opposite of explicit bias, which refers to attitudes or beliefs that we fully admit to.

Recent claims of overt and covert discrimination on college campuses and in policing raise the question: How does someone's unconscious reaction to people of a different race, religion or sexuality influence their judgment and behavior? In 2015, CNN asked psychologists and social scientists to explain how implicit bias manifests itself in everyday life. Many were reluctant to commit to an answer, because it's hard to rule out alternative explanations.

In other words, it can happen, but it's hard to prove.

"Some biases seem obviously wrong, like treating (equally qualified) people differently while hiring or granting promotions," said Calvin Lai, director of research for  Harvard's Project Implicit. "Everyday biases are hard to wrap our heads around because they're so much more personal, and you can point to other reasons."

We are fortunate to have Robbie Kaplan and Joseph Levin Jr. (see below for more information on them) coming to speak on this significant issue.  On a personal note, Robbie and I were friends throughout high school.  She always walked around school with the newspaper in her hands, reading articles in between classes and talking about social injustices, and it was then that I knew she was going to make a difference one day.  Arguing in front of the Supreme Court, Robbie challenged the Justices to look at marriage equality in a different way than it had been looked at before.

I look forward to seeing you at the Advocacy Lecture on November 17th.  In the meantime, I challenge you to try opening your mind and thinking about things in different ways.

Mindi 
HAVE YOU REGISTERED?

Annual Lois Zaas Memorial Advocacy Lecture:
Embracing Diversity - Understanding Hidden Bias  

How do you know if you have hidden biases?  
How can you help others in your family and our community to understand their overt and hidden biases?
Why are people willing to accept it or allow it to happen to others?     
                                  
Find out the answers to those questions and more from our expert speakers and terrific line-up of organizations at the Resource Fair.
Date:    Thursday, Nov. 17
Time:    6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Resource Fair; Program: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Place:   Temple Emanu El, 4545 Brainard Rd., Orange
RSVP:   Lisa at the NCJW office 216-378-2204, ext. 101, or  lhayzlett@ncjwcleveland.org
Free and Open to the Public

Speakers
Roberta Kaplan, well-known attorney for her representation of Windsor v US, the landmark Supreme Court case that paved the way for marriage equality in all 50 states.  She is now focusing her attention on Mississippi, and has won on the question of whether religious freedom means not serving LGBT customers.


Joseph J Levin, co-founder with Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center,  an organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and seeking justice for the most vulnerable of our society.  In that role, he has won over 50 major civil rights cases.  He recently retired from the SPLC as CEO and continues to serve the Center as an emeritus member of the board.

DDD
Jill Braun, Michele Kaminsky and Kelly Markowitz
Co-Vice Presidents

Thank you for a successful DDD!
Look for our results in the December Bulletin!!

ADVOCACY
Roberta Herman, Vice President

Reproductive Justice    
Please join us this fall to keep abreast of legislation in
Ohio concerning women's health care, plan a Grandparents/Caregivers event with a focus on preventing infant mortality, and brainstorm new ways to partner with
Pre-term to safeguard reproductive justice. For more information, contact Laura Kuntzlaurajkuntz@att.net or Dana Traudanatrau@gmail.com.

Save The Date - New Grandparent/Caregiver Event
Things have changed since some of us raised our children.  As infant mortality has become a major issue in Cleveland, it is important for caregivers to learn about all the new safety standards and ways to be supportive, but not intrusive. There will be a baby boutique; buy your holiday gifts here!  Expectant and new parents welcome too.  More information to follow.
Date:     Sunday, Dec. 11
Time:    9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Place:   Point East, 27500 Cedar Rd, Beachwood
Cost:    $10 Members; $15 Non-Members
$5 goes toward purchasing baby-safe Halos for needy families
RSVP:   Lisa at the NCJW office at 216-378-2204, ext. 101


Focus On Foster Care  
This umbrella committee has subcommittees for the following:
  • Self Esteem is presenting a four-week session for BeechBrook youth.
  • Housing for youth who have aged out of foster care continues their research into the possibility of NCJW involvement.
  • NCJW members will volunteer at the Annual Foster Care & Alumni Turkey Dinner on Nov. 5, 2016 as well as providing dessert and hand-knitted items. 
Anyone interested in joining or learning more can email Marilyn Oif at  maroif1@yahoo.com or me, Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger at  JeannieCK@aol.com
COMMUNICATIONS
Leslie Resnik, Vice President

IN THE NEWS ........

DDD
I hope you've all seen the fabulous Designer Dress Days publicity, especially the Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com articles featuring Michele Kaminsky, co-VP, DDD.   Click Here to see our gorgeous model in her DDD outfits.

Additionally, articles in Currents featuring Michele;  Cleveland Jewish News featuring Kelly Markowitz, co-VP, DDD; and  Beachwood Buzz featuring Linda Barnett helped draw new designer-label seekers. The 2016 event was its usual smashing success, raising the money we need to continue to bring positive changes to the lives of women, children and families!

Access to Abortion
Two important opinion pieces written by NCJW members Myrna Arlen Bloch, Susie Gordon, and Leslie Resnik appeared in the Plain Dealer (9/21) and the Cleveland Jewish News (9/30) about repeal of the Hyde Amendment, which limits access to abortion for Medicaid clients and others employed by the government.  This is a cause we must continue to fight for.  By keeping our opinions and our work in the news, NCJW heightens awareness of its work to better lives.
PROGRAM AND EDUCATION
Esther Spott, Vice President

THURSDAY AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP
Join the NCJW Book Group - it's a page-turner!
Books are for sharing and a lively discussion with friends can deepen your appreciation of current literature. The NCJW Book Group meets the first Thursday of each month, September - June. 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. 
Date:     Thursday, Nov. 3
Time:    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place:    Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library on Richmond Road
Title:     City of Secrets by Steward O'Nan
Chair:   Susan Kahn
Upcoming Dates / Titles:
December 1 - Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
To join, please send your email address to lhayzlett@ncjwcleveland.org 

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE ARTIST: NCJW ART BIO SERIES  
Join us for another fascinating lecture and slide presentation by Felicia Zavarella Stadelman.  November features artist  Alphonse Mucha: Unforgettable images of enchanting women, streaming hair and flowing fabrics. Mucha's work epitomizes the Art Nouveau Movement. He felt that art should serve as language to the viewer.
Date:     Thursday, Nov. 10
Time:    10:30 a.m.
Place:    Point East Condominium Party Room, 
              27500 Cedar Rd, Beachwood
Cost:     $10 member, $15 non-member after November 3
RSVP:   Lisa at the NCJW Office, 216-378-2204 ext. 101
Co-Chairs: Laurie BialesJudy Weingold &  Ellen Young
 
Pre-paid reservations are required.  Space is limited. No walk-ins, please!

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2016
WHAT HAPPENED?
WHY DID IT HAPPEN?
NOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN?  
Join us when we welcome JERRY GRAHAM as he gives us his assessment in the last of our series this year.
Date:     Monday, Nov. 14, 2016
Time:    10:00 a.m.
Place:    Temple Emanu El, 4545 Brainard Rd. Solon
Cost:     Members $10.00, Guests $12.00
RSVP:   Call Lisa at the NCJW office by Nov. 11 to make your reservation, 216-378-2204, ext. 101                     
Chair: Loramae Simkoff

THIS LIGHT OF OURS --
Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement
This Light of Ours exposes the struggle against race-based disenfranchisement through more than 150 remarkable black and white photographs. Nine photographers who lived within the Southern Freedom Movement documented the stories and experiences of its less recognized heroes.  Join NCJW for our own private, docent-led tour and learn more about the people and their stories behind these amazing photographs.
Date:    Thursday, Dec. 1st
Time:   10:15 a.m., tour will begin promptly at 10:30 and last one hour
Place:   Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage,  2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood
Cost:    $8.00, including members of The Maltz Museum
Space is limited, RSVP promptly to Lisa at the NCJW office at 216.378.2204, ext. 101 
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Debbie Joseph, Vice President

Done in a Day ...or a few if you like
Judaic Outreach 
Meet a group of NCJW volunteers and serve and share a Jewish holiday-themed luncheon with Jewish Family Service Association clients with chronic mental illness. For many, we are their link to a Jewish life.
Date:    Friday, Nov. 18
Time:   10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Place:  Jewish Family Service Association, 24075 Commerce Park, Beachwood
Why:    For food, fun and fellowship.
Contact:  Shelly Friedman at 440-247-7900 or 440-463-2309, or  Debbie Joseph at josdeb@aol.com  for information.

Reading Buddies  
Read one-on-one with a first grader at Warner Girls' Leadership Academy
Date:    Tuesday, Nov. 1 and/or 15
Time:   1:15 to 2:25 PM
Place:   8315 Jeffries Ave, Cleveland (off 480 at Transportation, 15 minutes from our office)
Why:    To provide one-on-one reading practice for students
Contact:  Liz Rumizen at  erumisin@yahoo.com

DIGKNITTY (KNITTERS) 
Our busy knitters work tirelessly to provide warm clothing, blankets, and comfort toys to many organizations who distribute them to families and children who are in need.
Meetings are 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the NCJW office on the following dates:
(Note: the office is closed on Thanksgiving Day)
Wednesday, Nov. 2
Thursday, Nov. 10
Wednesday, Nov. 16
Wednesday, Nov. 30

Reader's Theater 
Date:    Thursdays, Nov. 3, 10, and 17
Time:    9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Place:   Eastwood Elementary School, 4050 Eastwood Ln, Warrensville Heights (10 minutes from the NCJW office)
Why:    Have fun while helping children improve their reading skills!
Contact:  Estelle Boncheck at  estellebchek@yahoo.com for information and training material. Everyone who's tried Reader's Theater returns for the next round.  See what all the enthusiasm is about!  Come one, two, or best, all three days to see the full effect we have on these talented fourth graders.  Observe or jump right in and help!

A Prom to Remember: Kickoff Meeting for Teens
A Prom to Remember is held each year for children 12-19 with a terminal illness.  This year the event is April 8, 2017.  The committee is mostly health-care professionals and they need help!

Do you have a teen who might like to help other teens pick out prom dresses and accessories?  Or is adept at social media?  A Prom to Remember might be the perfect community service project for them. Encourage your teen to come to the kick-off meeting to find out!
Date:    Sunday, Nov. 6 
Time:    6:00 p.m.   (Note New Later Time)
Place:   Home of Debbie Joseph
RSVP:  Debbie Joseph at josdeb@aol.com 

SAVE THE DATE
Heart Pillows  
At our last pillow session, we made our 500th pillow!  Join us as we stuff and sew heart-shaped pillows for women who have just had breast cancer surgery. The pillow covers will already be sewn. We'll stuff them and hand-sew a 4-inch seam. If you can't sew, that's fine; come to stuff and make cards!
Date:    Friday, Dec. 9, 2016
Time:   10:00 a.m.
Place:   NCJW/Cleveland Office
RSVP:  Becky Brouman at 216-378-2204 ext. 105 or rbrouman@ncjwcleveland.org
Co-chairs:  Joanne Grossberg & Susan Ringel
MEMBERSHIP
Leslie Levine, Vice President

Join us at a New and Prospective Member Event!
Elements of Style -- Bring out that hidden decorating style we all have. See how to entertain beautifully using patterns, whites, and other vintage tableware that you may own.  Fabulous settings and decor that make entertaining special.  Included in the evening will be refreshments, a raffle for a Michael Aram item, and a 10% coupon valid for one week on most store merchandise.
Date:    Thursday, Dec. 8
Time:    7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place:   La Bella Vita at Eton  Square, 28699 Chagrin Blvd #305, Woodmere
RSVP:   Lisa at the NCJW office at 216-378-2204 ext 101,  or lhayzlett@ncjwcleveland.org
Please make sure you send in your dues for 2016-2017.  You don't want to miss out on all the fabulous events, meetings, and programs.

Welcome to our New Members: 
Beth Brody, Nina Golding, Jill Goodman, Elizabeth Goodwin, Janice Hirshon,
Marni Horvat, Jodi Marchewitz, Halle Moore, Shellie Neshkin, Cindy Persky, Erin Pollock,
Jill Pollov, Yael Ron, Beverley Uria,  Louise Warner, Susan Weiler

Welcome to our New Life Members:
Lauren Feldman, Susan Herman

We Regret to Inform You of the Passing Of:
Corinne Coen, Bonnie Kay, Eleanor Kushnick, Sandra Lipman, Carole Lipton,
Annette Markell, Renee Rabb
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Barbara Shane, Vice President

Annual Appeal
We are off to the great start on our annual campaign, but need each and every one of our NCJW supporters to participate to meet our goal!  There are many amazing NCJW/Cleveland programs and initiatives that need our financial support! 

High Level Donor Event 'SWEET!' 
Our gratitude recognition event for higher level donors is on
November  9.  This fun afternoon dessert reception, sponsored jointly by Membership and Fund Development, will recognize higher level donors and provide information about new initiatives.  Your donation of $250 and above to the Annual Fund is your ticket to this event.  Please let us know if you can join us!

Save The Date - Broadway in the 'Burbs 
Watch for info and details to unfold about our amazing spring gala. Mark your calendars now for April 27th.  The Broadway talent and exciting venue will make this a fun and convenient benefit to attend!

Thank you, Barbara Shane
BShane@roadrunner.com /  440-567-1811

THRIFTIQUE
Abbe Froimson, Store Manager

MAKE YOUR END OF THE YEAR NON-CASH DONATION before the rush!
Call for a free furniture pickup or bring your items
to the NCJW warehouse.
Call Karen or Abbe 216-378-2264 -- Free pickup for furniture.

NCJW/Cleveland | 216-378-2204 | NCJWCLEVELAND.ORG
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