A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
  "SHE CAME, SHE SAW, SHE CONNECTED, AND SHE CONQUERED US!"
Last week, our Mid-Atlantic Region had the honor of hosting our International Women's League President, Carol Simon.  We were the last of the 13 Regions to be visited over the past two years of her administration and, although I'd like to think she "saved the best for last", I know how wonderful my "sister" Region Presidents are---so I'm sure she was duly pleased in each of the other regions as well.
Over the course of a two day period (June 4 & 5), Carol had the opportunity to attend a Torah Fund Brunch (at Tifereth Israel in Bensalem, PA), a "Meet and Greet" (at Temple Har Zion in Mt. Holly, NJ), and a Closing Dinner "Escape to the Tropics" (at Ohev Shalom in Richboro, PA).  We also had a delightful lunch at a lovely vegetarian restaurant attended by 13 members of our Region Board and some of our Past Presidents.  Between all of these events, we spent some "R & R" time visiting two of our members, and Carol had home hospitality at the homes of two others.  What a whirlwind of "appearances" and stops!  I must admit that I don't know how she does it---with everything else on her plate!  She has unlimited energy and enthusiasm, and we were the beneficiaries!
It was a wonderful opportunity for Carol to visit and connect with Sisterhoods in each of 3 categories:  small, medium, and large---but more importantly, it gave the women in our Region the chance to meet and connect with Carol---"up close and personal", to see how accessible Women's League is, and to hear what we have to offer and how we can help them.
I can't thank Carol enough for all the joy she brought to so many of us, and to the terrific Sisterhoods and women who opened up their hearts and their homes to her!  We were indeed "conquered" by her warmth, caring, and sincerity!
HOW GOOD IT WAS!   MAH TOVU!  Coincidentally, this is the new Women's League and Torah Fund theme for the 2017-2018 year that we will be "kicking off" at the Women's League Centennial Convention next month.  Our sizeable delegation has room for more attendees---it's not too late to register and join us for 3 wonderful days of a "total Women's League experience" as we take BOLD NEW STEPS into our future together!!

WE ARE SISTERHOOD!  WE ARE REGION!  WE ARE WOMEN'S LEAGUE!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle F. Hirt
President, Mid-Atlantic Region
IN OUR REGION



The Mid-Atlantic Region of
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
 
By Popular Request, Margie Miller,
WLCJ International Incoming President
has organized a trip to the
 
National 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Thursday, September 14, 2017
 
This is NOT a fundraiser but an opportunity for WLCJ members, from several local regions, including our Mid-Atlantic Region, to come together to share an enhanced touring experience, led by Margie, who will be our docent.
 
We will meet at the Memorial Plaza at 10:30 am where Margie will take a few minutes to talk about the twin memorial pools and how the names were organized, the Survivor Tree, and a little historical information. We will then proceed to the museum, where the average visit lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours.
 
Tickets are $24.00 per Adult, $18 for Seniors 65+
Payable to: Women's League for Conversation Judaism
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 820, New York, NY 10115
 
For more information, contact Sandy Blumenthal at [email protected]
FIRM deadline to RSVP is August 31 st
 
PLEASE INFORM SANDY WHEN YOU HAVE RESERVED YOUR SPACE.  SHE WILL MAINTAIN A LIST TO AID THOSE WHO WISH TO TRAVEL WITH OTHERS FROM THEIR AREA.
 
Please note: Although there will be no arranged meal, there are
several nearby options to enjoy at the conclusion of the tour.


PAST PRESIDENTS' TRIP TO THE BARNES
Our Mid-Atlantic Region is most fortunate to have a very active group of Past Region Presidents.  Not only do they support all of our events and initiatives by their attendance, they are mentors, advisors, and even get together twice a year for stimulating trips.  Sandy Blumenthal, our Past Presidents' Council Coordinator, arranged a trip to the Barnes Museum on Wednesday, June 14. 

  Past Region Presidents Enjoy Lunch Together Prior to Visiting Barnes
Left to Right:   Sandy Blumenthal, Sandy Berenbaum (standing), Janet Kirschner, Rita Altman,  Cookie Matez, Lois Goldberg, Mimi Pollack, Barbara Braunstein, Faye Laveson, Elaine Emmer,  Donna Finkelstein, Cecelia Cable

MAZEL-TOV TO OUR

JEWELS IN THE CROWN WINNERS!
 
We are so proud of our Sisterhoods who will be honored at the WLCJ Convention in July for demonstrating achievement in
Education, Programming, Community Service, and
Women's League Activities and Initiatives
 
AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO:
BETH TIKVAH-B'NAI JESHRUN SISTERHOOD, Erdenheim, PA

CONGREGRATION BETH EL SISTERHOOD, Voorhees, NJ

CONGREGATION BETH TIKVAH SISTERHOOD, Marlton, NJ

CONGREGATION B'NAI JACOB SISTERHOOD, Phoenixville, PA

HAR ZION TEMPLE SISTERHOOD, Penn Valley, PA

MELROSE B'NAI ISRAEL EMANU-EL SISTERHOOD, Elkins Park, PA

OHEV SHOLOM of BUCKS COUNTY SISTERHOOD, Richboro, PA

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM SISTERHOOD, Cherry Hill, NJ

TEMPLE SINAI SISTERHOOD, Dresher, PA

TIFERETH ISRAEL of LOWER BUCKS COUNTY SISTERHOOD, Bensalem, PA


SAVE THESE DATES **
for our 2017-2018
MID-ATLANTIC REGION EVENTS
(Please try not to schedule any of your Sisterhood events on these dates to avoid conflicts
** [Dates are tentative and subject to change
  • Weds, August 16:  (location TBA)
BOARD  ORIENTATION & SUMMER TRAINING
 
What does it mean to be "A Member of the Board?"  Are you doing everything possible to help make your Sisterhood and/or Region the best it can be?  Break-out sessions for Sisterhood Presidents and Torah Fund VP's/Chairs.  
  • Sunday, November 12 at Cong. Beth El, Yardley, PA:
TORAH FUND-FOUNDER'S DAY EVENT  
  • Sunday, March 4:  (location TBA)
OPEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING AND WOMEN'S SEDER  
  • Sunday, May 6:  (location TBA)
SPRING CONFERENCE AND INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT CONVENTION NEWS

SPECIFICALLY FOR OUR REGION

Madricha, Michele Bernstein:  [email protected]

and Recruiter, Shelley Szwalbenest: [email protected]
will be happy to help you with any of your Convention questions or needs.
Do you need a roommate?  Do you need a ride?  They have answers to anything you want to know about Convention, or will research and get back to you.

ATTENTION TO ALL OUR DELEGATES : Please remember to send Michele and Shelley all the information they requested (especially your tee shirt size ASAP) in order to ensure you have the best possible Convention experience
.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER SO YOU CAN JOIN OUR REGION FOR A MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE!


The Bid and Buy Auction for the Women's League International Convention will be held on Sunday, July 23rd from 9:30 to 3:30 pm.  I am looking for volunteers to help man the booth in ½ hour or more shifts. You will be either selling raffle tickets, helping to display the donations, collecting the donations or helping to pull the raffle winners (after the 3:30 pm close).  I need 3-4 women at all times to help. So if you can donate some of your time, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for volunteering and helping make this a success.

I am also looking for donations from your Sisterhood gift shop to sell at the auction.  You can contact me and I will be glad to send you the letter and form to be completed for the donated item. 

                                          Thank you very much. 
     Fran
            Fran Radel - [email protected]
                            Home - 610-584-9234 or Cell 610-304-3908

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
NEW MID-ATLANTIC REGION BRACELET!
WEAR IT WITH PRIDE!
Be among the first to get and wear these new Region Bracelets created by our own Ceil Cable.

Our bracelet includes: Jewish Star Charm (Region Symbol), Charm of Pennsylvania, Charm of New Jersey, Hamsah, and a bead spacer in the middle.

Only $18 each---Proceeds will go towards our Region Scholarship Fund which enables us to provide our members with Scholarships to Leadership Institutes and Conventions.
To Order , please contact Ceil at  [email protected]
 IN OUR SISTERHOODS
If your Sisterhood is having an event that you would like to share with the Region,  please let us know at:  [email protected]


TORAH FUND WRAP-UP FOR '16-'17 - Update :
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR END OF CAMPAIGN YEAR
 
Eleven of our sisterhoods are at or near goal!  Join this elite club and be honored at the November 12 Mid-Atlantic Region Torah Fund/Founder's Day event.

Timing is of the essence! We ask Torah Fund donations be sent in to the NY office by June 15 to allow for processing.  As we work through the last few weeks of our Torah Fund year, please remember the last push for fundraising can help you meet your goal which can help the Torah Fund campaign meet its goal! 
Our Region Torah Fund Directors have the updates on your efforts and have been reaching out to our sisterhoods to offer advice and assistance.  
  
Any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Lori Snow, Mid-Atlantic Region Torah Fund VP
[email protected]  (610) 635-0149

 
Networking to engage,
enrich and empower
Conservative Jewish women
 
This Week at Women's League
Next resolution vote: Immigration 2017
The next resolution to be considered, on immigration, is ready to be voted on. Please click here and cast your vote.
Please suppport our Ad Journal
It's important that Women's League leaders demonstrate support. This journal is one of our most important fundraisers. Place an ad today by clicking here.

  As a leader in Women's League, please suppport our Ad Journal 
It's important that you demonstrate your support while you show your appreciation for new and outgoing board members, your sisterhood leadership, your region officers, and other valued volunteers. This journal is one of our most important fundraisers. Place an ad today by clicking here.

 
Check out Convention Day-by-Day for the latest information.
 
Just a Couple of Highlights
  • Convention 1966 did it first with a look at history through fashion! We hope you are working on your outfit for Tuesday evening's History Hop!
  • The heads of all of the schools of higher learning supported by Torah Fund will have representatives speaking at the Torah Fund luncheon!
  • Meet these great authors on Tuesday afternoon:
Pam Jenoff: The Orphans Tale
Rabbi David Fine: Passionate Centrism: One Rabbi's Judaism
Debra Band: Kabbalat Shabbat, The Grand Unification: Illuminations and Commentary
Meredith Jacobs: Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter: A No-Stress, No Rules Journal and Just Between Us: Grandmother & Granddaughter: A No-Stress, No Rules Journal 
Paula Shoyer: The Healthy Jewish Kitchen: Fresh, Contemporary Recipes for Every Occasion (late 2017) and Holiday Kosher Baker: Traditional & Contemporary Holiday Desserts
  • Wednesday's Taking Action for Women's Health promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Find out what are today's issues for women's health and how you can make a difference. Check the Convention Day-by-Day for details.
Meet the Chair
Barbara Ezring, of Charlotte, NC, comes to her position as Convention 2017 Chair with a remarkable store of Women's League experiences. Click here to find out more.
 
Hotel room rate and guest meals
Room availability and rates are not guaranteed after July 7. 
Hotel reservations received after that date may be charged at the regular hotel rate, not the special convention rate. For further information and to book your room, click here. If you have any difficulty booking a room, please contact Rebecca Spivak ([email protected]) immediately.
 
Guest meals must be reserved by July 5.
 
Bid 'n' Buy
Our silent auction has always generated a lot of excitement -- much needed funds -- during the Judaica and Crafts Fair. This year's will be held the on Sunday, from 9:30 to 3:30. We invite your sisterhood to donate an item such as a mezuzah, Jewish CD, tzedakah box, women's head covering, or challah cover. These items easily fit into a suitcase. Please fill out the attached form and return it to Chair Fran Radel.
 
If you donate an item, your sisterhood and synagogue will be acknowledged. Please bring the item with you and deliver it to our designated donation area at the Bid 'n' Buy tables.
 
Special Convention project
Sisterhoods can download a flyer with blank space to advertise their Mathilde's Mentionables  campaigns. Log on to wlcj.org and go to Member Documents. Look under: 12. CONVENTION 2017
From our UN NGOs
September 21 is the International Day of Peace. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sent a message on the 100 day countdown that you can view at: http://www.un.org/en/events/ peaceday/100days.shtml
 
You are invited to share this message so that people can start thinking about how they might honor the day's ideals in September.
 
18th Annual Masorti Women's Study Day
The Schechter Institutes, Midreshet Schechter and Women's League for Masorti Judaism, with the assistance of the Masorti movement, are proud to present the 18th Annual National Masorti Women's Study Day.
 
"Chai" Years Exploring Attitudes Towards Women
and Other "Others"

Friday, June 23, 2017 at 8:30 AM
The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies
4 Avraham Granot St. Jerusalem
 
For more information and to register,  click here.

Support Women's League the easy way!

You can help Women's League now . . . . by shopping! We have joined the Amazon Prim e shopping experience. Shop for the items you love but initiate your shopping session through our website. Amazon will rebate a percentage of the sale back to Women's League. Without spending an additional dime, you will be helping Women's League continue to provide its outstanding services.

This is such a simple way to support Women's League with no additional costs on your part! The only requirement is that you initiate your online shopping session through our website. Click on the Amazon on the top of our webpage (near the Facebook icon) than click on the word Amazon shopping cart on the next page. Do that for every purchase. And don't forget to ask your friends and family to do the same. Use our website and we get the rebate. How easy is that?
Happy shopping!
 MOMENTS TO SHARE

(Mazel Tovs, Memorials, and More...)
 
Mazel Tov to:    
  • Barbara and Irv Braunstein on the marriage of their son Darryl to Jean Zweigle.  Barbara is a Past President of our Region. 
  •  
  • Lyn Stein, Region Area 6 Torah Fund Director, and her husband, Howie, on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Natalie Esther last Shabbat.  She is the daughter of Lyn's son and daughter-in-law Sam and Fani Stein.
     

  • ALL OF OUR GRADUATES!  (If you would like your loved ones mentioned, please send us the details) 
Get Well to:
  • Idelle Wood, Immediate Past President of our Region.
Condolences to:
  • Debbi Kaner Goldich and her family on the passing of her mother, Libby Kaner.  Debbi is a Past President of our Region, a WLCJ Vice President and Chair of Torah Fund for WL. May her mother's memory be for a blessing.
Do you have a Simcha or Lifecycle Event you want to share with your Region Sisters?  
Email us at:  [email protected]  and we'll include it.