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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mindi Axner
In 1939, the MS St. Louis, set sail from Germany to America, with over 900 Jewish refugees on board. At the port of Miami, the ship was turned away for so-called "safety purposes." US Government officers argued that the refugees posed a serious threat to national security. As a direct result of this effort, more than a one quarter of these Jews perished in the Holocaust. Last Friday, we commemorated the lives of these - -and the 6 million other Jews who died in the Holocaust. "Never again," we said.
And yet today we are seeing those same arguments put forth as reasons denying harbor to refugees and families from certain predominantly Muslim countries. In the Torah, we are told 36 times to "love the stranger." As Rabbi Dan Moskovitz, of Temple Sholom in Vancouver said "You don't repeat something 36 times in the Torah unless it's really important."
At NCJW/Cleveland, we condemn discriminatory Limits on Refugee Entry in the US and oppose any actions to harm immigrants and refugees seeking safety and better lives in the United States. As NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman said, "By justifying its action based on the threat of terrorism, the administration stokes the fires of hate and vilification and endangers the lives of Muslims living now in the US.
At NCJW/Cleveland, we believe in both the power of both prayer and of praying with our feet. That's why our members have been in the forefront protesting at Women's Marches in both Cleveland and in Washington
Click Here for Article, and why we are continuing to organize against policies that go against our mission of helping to improve the lives of women, children and families. Check our Facebook page
Click Here for Facebook Page for daily news, actions, and information about how you can be an advocate in the fight for social justice. And if you are not already a member, join now,
Click Here to Join or consider donating
Click Here to Donate to show your support for the largest Jewish progressive women's movement in the country. At NCJW/Cleveland we will never be afraid to speak up against injustices. We believe the phrase "Never Again" should not have a shelf life.
All my best,
Mindi
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WINTER MEETING AND BOUTIQUE
CLEVELAND - ON A ROLL
You won't want to miss our upcoming Winter Meeting and Boutique. David Gilbert, president of Destination Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and the 2016 RNC Host Committee, will speak on "Cleveland - On a Roll!" The boutique will include many of your old favorites as well as new and exciting vendors, including fabulous jewelry, women's and children's clothing, stationery, tabletop art, and much more! We will also be presenting the NCJW Emerging Leader Award. Come in from the cold and enjoy a wonderful NCJW afternoon!
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 8
Time: Boutique is open from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Luncheon begins promptly at 11:30.
Place: Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Cleveland
Contact: Lisa at the NCJW office, 216-378-2204, ext.101
Co-Chairs: Shelley Gilmore, JoAnn Salon and Rosean Schmidt
Call today to make your reservation!
Join NCJW/Cleveland as we co-sponsor this Freedom of Choice Cleveland Coalition (FOCC) event for an evening of education and activism on reproductive choice.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Place: SEIU* Local 1199's Cleveland office, 1771 East 30th Street. Bus transportation will be available at Fairmount Temple, to and from the event.
To reserve a seat on the bus you must pre-register.
Cost: Pay what you can
The evening begins with a panel discussion featuring Fairmount's Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk, attorney Jennifer Branch, Ohio House Representative Stephanie Howse, and Preterm's Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator Mallory McMaster. The speakers will address the moral, legal, legislative, and practical consequences of recent attacks on reproductive rights, as well as providing insights on how to respond effectively through direct action. Following the discussion, guests will be invited to engage in educational and advocacy activities around these issues.
Date:
Thursday, March 16
Time:
6:00 p.m.
Place: Point East,
27500 Cedar Rd, Cleveland
Watch for your invitation
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
Debbie Joseph
The High Notes, a 13-member musical group sponsored by NCJW, has been planning, rehearsing, and perfecting our new show, "The High Notes: World Tour". Since last December, we've met twice a week to learn songs, practice lines and choreography, and put together a show that our audiences will love.
With choreography and props by Sandi Bohl, musical accompaniment by Lynn Kleinman, special dances by Diane Klein, and original material, solo singing, comedic interaction, and general joie de vivre by the High Notes members, we invite you to enjoy a pleasurable afternoon of entertainment.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 23, premiere
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place: Cedar Center Apartments,
14050 Cedar Rd, Cleveland
Chair: Lynn Kleinman
The next performance will be March 23rd, at the Warrensville Apartments at 4:00 p.m.
Dress Extravaganza, a Pre-Event for A Prom to Remember
A prom for terminally ill children.
Date:
Friday, March 3, Set up at various times in shifts.
Place:
Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Road, Solon
Dress Extravaganza itself is Saturday, March 4, all day, in shifts, and Sunday, March 5 in the morning, in shifts, with tear-down beginning at 1:00 p.m.
What is Needed:
Restocking and supporting the attendees as they shop for dresses, shoes and accessories. Teens encouraged and welcomed!
Also, VOLUNTEERS WHO CAN SEW AND BRING SEWING MACHINES TO HELP HEM are needed.
Dressy Prom Dresses and Accessories Needed
Are you wondering what to do with your daughter's worn homecoming and prom dresses? A Prom to Remember, a prom for terminally ill teens, wants your dresses and accessories! Large sizes are especially needed.
Please bring donations to the warehouse behind our office and let them know they are for A Prom to Remember. You can also drop them at the Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Pkwy, Solon, where there is a drop box.
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.
Our February meetings are on:
Thursday, Feb. 2 ----- Wednesday, Feb. 8 ----- Thursday, Feb. 16 ----- Wednesday, Feb. 22
Come and join us and make your favorite Passover dish!
Date: March 15
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: The home of Betty Naft
Chair: Annette Paley
Limit 30 people
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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. Our 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: Feb. 2
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library on Richmond Road
Title: The Gap of Time by Jeanette Winterson
Chair: Susan Kahn
Upcoming Dates / Titles:
March 2 -
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
April 6 -
Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton
May 4 -
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
June 1 -
Best Boy by Eli Gottlieb
Conn-Selmer Music Factory Tour
"Seventy-six trombones led the big parade. With 110 cornets close at hand ... There were horns of ev'ry shape and kind."
With apologies to Meredith Willson, NCJW will tour the Conn-Selmer plant to see musical instruments that are manufactured in our own backyard.
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Conn-Selmer Inc., 34199 Curtis Blvd,
Eastlake
(about 25 minutes north of Beachwood library)
Cost: FREE
RSVP: Lisa at the NCJW office, 216-378-2204, ext. 101. (Note: 30-guest limit)
Chair: Roberta Sears
NOTE: No open-toed shoes, no cameras. Lunch on your own suggested afterwards at Mario Fazio's, 34400 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills.
Join us for a fascinating lecture and slide presentation by Felicia Zaverella Stadelman on Frederic Remington. Men of authority said he painted for history and recorded the vanishing America.
Date: Thursday, March 23
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Orange branch of Cuyahoga County Library,
31975 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike
Cost: For this lecture there will be no charge but a $10 donation in advance is suggested.
RSVP: Lisa at the NCJ W office, 216-378-2204, ext 101
Co-chairs: Laurie Biales,
Judy Weingold,
Ellen Young
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ADVOCACY
Roberta Herman, Vice President
Open Table Informational Meeting: Not just a way to make dinner reservations
Last year, NCJW/Cleveland became the first Jewish organization in the country to pilot a group mentoring program called Open Table. The program paired 6-8 NCJW members with one young adult who had aged out of the foster care system, helping them develop connections, personal networks, and trust. Youth who age out of foster care often have no families, no support structures and few people to call on for support or guidance or help. The goal of Open Table was to connect our mentees to our own networks.
As one of our mentees explained: "Open Table has brought a lot of love and support into my life that wasn't there before... They are like my fairy Godmothers."
Due to the success of last year's pilot program, NCJW will be hosting a few more tables this year. In the upcoming months we will share more news about our plans and informational session. But in the meantime we wanted to let you know that Open Table will be hosting a free general information night. See below for details:
What: Open Table Information Night
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 7
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Place: YWCA of Greater Cleveland, 4019 Prospect Avenue Cleveland, OH 44103
Cost: FREE
Complimentary dinner is included.
Foster Care encompasses several sub-committees that provide services to young people aging out of foster care: The Sullivan-Deckard Scholars, Self-esteem training, Housing options, Open Table, and Advocacy.
Recently we had a wonderful time with the Sullivan Deckard scholars over winter break. A group of volunteers accompanied them to the Playhouse to see
A Christmas Carol, and then to the Chocolate Bar for dinner. They had a great time! Another day we brought them to NCJW to help sort clothes for Operation Warm up. The scholars are always eager to be able to volunteer and help others. On Saturday, Feb. 25, we will hold a one-day self-esteem class at the Renee Jones Empowerment Center for young women who've been trafficked.
Our NCJW/GCC is proud of its diversity and encourages us to reach out and connect with members of all religions. As a result, we have combined our concern with action.
In mid-January, 14 women met to discuss reaching out to a faith-based group in the Greater Cleveland area. With the new administration about to take control, many Jews and Muslims are concerned about the rise in Anti-Semitism and Anti-Muslim incidents. The ADL reports a large increase in such occurrences throughout the country and around the world.
The New York Times recently printed a front page story about a new national organization called "The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom", a group of women brought together to understand our similarities and concerns: Muslims and Jews. Although there is not yet a chapter in Cleveland, we have discovered many Jewish women who are interested in learning about this outreach program. Please join us as we develop relationships, reach out to Muslim contacts, visit a mosque, and perhaps share a meal. The more we know about each other, the less fearful we will be. Come make a difference!
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 15
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: Fairmount Temple,
23737 Fairmount Blvd, Beachwood
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Leslie Levine, Vice President
Welcome to our new Annual Members:
Gary Darrow
Lenni Podhouser Rochelle Sospirato
We Regret to Inform you of the Passing of:
Mildred Klein
Doris Kramer
Libby Lerman
Ruth Ness
Mimi Sobel
Judith Weidenthal
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Leslie Resnik, Vice President
IN THE NEWS ... AND IN PERSON
Be sure to pick up a copy of Boomer magazine (free at Heinen's and other spots in our areas.) It's a magazine just for those of us born after 1946 (and those of us who are boomers at heart, and by that I mean given to protest, as that generation was/is). In the current issue, you'll see that one of our own is featured for her treasured volunteer work with NCJW.
Our national president, Debbie Hoffmann, was interviewed on TV3 regarding the NCJW role in the Woman's March. And, if you marched and have photos, please send them to Lisa Hayzlett,
lhayzlett@ncjwcleveland.org so you can be pictured in the next bulletin.
And speaking of the March, there is no better, more effective way to communicate than in-person, en masse. Hopefully, we will all be showing how numbers matter as we communicate our principles to our local and national legislators through our coalitions.
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Abbe Froimson, Store Manager
SPRING INTO SPRING!
Start spring cleaning now! We need your spring clothes, shoes, handbags and more.
Let's start the new season off by donating.
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 a.m., NCJW warehouse
For a free furniture pickup, call Karen or Abbe at 216-378-2264.
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Barbara Shane, Vice President
As a result of the generosity of our wonderful members and supporters, we can report that we are close to reaching our goal for Annual Fund. If you have not yet sent in your annual pledge, we encourage you to do so soon. We want the wonderful programs of NCJW Cleveland to continue to have the financial support they deserve.
Stop by the NCJW office to purchase NCJW Tribute Cards and Note cards for recognizing a birthday, sending a thoughtful thank you or making a memorial or honorary donation for a special person while promoting your support of NCJW.
Fund Development continues to explore fundraising events and programs to assist in raising money for NCJW Cleveland. Elsewhere in the bulletin, you will see information about our amazing Spring Gala scheduled for April. Proceeds from the spring gala will benefit our Foster Care programs.
As well, we welcome the opportunity to talk to you about setting up a named endowment or tribute fund in honor or in memory of a loved one. Opportunities for planned giving are varied. Let us help you build your Jewish legacy!
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Jill Braun, Michele Kaminsky and Kelly Markowitz
Co-Vice Presidents
Often it's what we hold onto that holds us back
If you want to improve your life immediately,
clean out a closet!
Donations can be dropped off at our Warehouse, 26055 Emery Road, Warren
sville Heights,
from 9 to 4, Mon-Fri. Thanks!
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Homeless Standown Sorting
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Women's March - Cleveland
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NCJW/Cleveland | 216-378-2204 |
NCJWCLEVELAND.ORG
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