MIDWEST DISTRICT M'KESHER  מְקֶשֶׁר     
June 2020 | Sivan - Tamuz 5780
A Message from Michelle Scheinkopf
WRJ Midwest District President 

Greetings!

Eleven weeks ago, on March 21, the governor of my state, J.B. Pritzker, mandated stay-at-home orders to the residents of Illinois to lower the curve of infection and thus lower disease and possible death from COVID-19. And then two weeks ago, it happened. The incessant coronavirus headlines and reporting that had gripped our nation and world finally took a back seat. Not because researchers had found a vaccine or cure, but because of the murder of George Floyd. The raw and shocking cell phone video of the 4 police officers, one of which had his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, has given us pause to reflect upon what has been going on in this country for a very long time.  

This moment has opened up many discussions in families around the world, mine included. Much of what I have written has been gleaned from discussions with my family.

While it’s most important at this time to amplify black voices, we can also look inward to see how we can change ourselves and our communities to dismantle the systemic racism that exists in our institutions. I urge you to seek out the words of black authors; listen to black podcasts; support black-owned businesses and urge others to do so as well. 

That said, Rabbi Wendi Geffen from North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe, Illinois, provided her community with a personal reflection. She opened her talk with a Talmudic verse, Tractate Brachot 54b, composed sometime between 450-550 BCE: 

“Anyone who had the capability to effectively  protest  the  sinful   conduct  of the members of his household and did not  protest , he himself is apprehended for the sins of the members... If he is in a position to  protest  the  sinful   conduct  of the people of his town, and he fails to do so, he is apprehended for the sins of the people of his town.... If he is in a position to  protest  the  sinful   conduct  of the whole world, and he fails to do so, he is apprehended for the sins of the whole world.”
William Davidson Edition – English

It is time for us to stop, think, and consider what role we should take in creating a more just society.

We are in a moment of reckoning as we try to understand the many ways in which our nation has fallen short of creating that just society. As informed as we may become, unless we have the lived experience of being black in America it’s unlikely that we can truly understand the ways in which African-American people have been adversely affected and continue to suffer the consequences of this deeply troubling aspect of life in America.

For white Americans, it is a privilege to be "educated" about racism rather than experiencing it for our entire lives.

As Jews we are called to “ not stand idly by while [our] neighbor’s blood is shed .” (Leviticus 19:16). This is a moment for us to live up to that ideal and use our resources and moral decision-making skills to come to the aid of the black community.

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It is incumbent upon us as Jews and as Americans to educate ourselves on this topic, to learn in which ways we can take meaningful actions. We must search for answers to the questions we are confronted with, even if their truths are uncomfortable for us to admit to ourselves. We must learn how to be a part of dismantling these systems of oppression and not allow ourselves to let them slip under the rug if we aren’t personally affected. As Rabbi Tarfon says in Pirke Avot, “ It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either .” It is here that our sisterhoods/women’s groups and congregations can use our platforms to work towards a more just future for all families.

The following are resources to read or watch in order to learn more about what can be done to understand and combat systemic racism. 








L’Shalom,
Michelle
  Advocacy
Critical Issues – Sexual Orientation
by: Marilyn Glazer, WRJ Midwest District Advocacy Chair
We have had ongoing conversations about inclusion within our communities and being hospitable to all. What we haven’t spoken about very much is inclusion of those in the LGBTQIA community. Cantor David Berger, son our Midwest WRJ Vice President Carol Berger, has written an excellent article that recently appeared in 10 Minutes of Torah on that very subject, and I share it below:
 
Committing Ourselves to the Actions Required for Full Inclusion
ACHAREI MOT - K’DOSHIM, LEVITICUS 16:1-20:27
D'VAR TORAH BY: 
CANTOR DAVID BERGER

At its best, the Torah can lift up humanity, reminding us of our place in the continually unfolding story of God’s Creation of the world and our role in the hopeful journey toward freedom. At its worst, it can serve as a tool for domination, oppression, hatred, and all that is base and vile within the human soul. Both potentials are always there. As it turns out, what we believe to be true about the Torah — about the guiding values that drive us in our lives — has as much to do with who we are as human beings as it does with the sacred words of the Torah itself.

As a gay man, I approached this week’s Torah portion with a fair amount of trepidation. Within this double  parashah  of  Acharei Mot-K’doshim  are verses that have been used to harm people like me, and to be honest, as ammunition to attack me personally.  Leviticus 18:22  and  20:13  seem at first and, truthfully, even at a second glance, to be straightforward prohibitions on sex between men, and are deployed every day by all manner of people as justification for discrimination. There are, of course, contemporary explanations that recontextualize these verses and redefine what it is that the Torah means to prohibit here, but for those people looking to base their homophobia in the Bible, those contemporary interpretations are easily dismissed. I gave up long ago trying to convince people of what the Torah “really” means here. I have not given up on the Torah of love that demands sacred witness to — and healing for — the pain LGBTQIA+ people experience navigating a world of all too human hatred and bigotry.

The history of religious homophobia is long and terrible, and worst of all, it isn’t just history — it is the present. As I sit at my desk writing today, there are literally dozens of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws advancing through legislatures around the United States and around the world. Less publicly, there are daily hate crimes and acts of violence perpetrated on people just like me. It is overwhelming. Most days I am lucky enough to be able to push out all of that hatred and focus on being a good husband, father, and cantor, but there are also times when it is just too much. Why, I wonder, among all the problems of our world that are so difficult, and need so much attention and care, would people choose reducing my civil rights as worthy of their time? Is there nothing else more important they can think of to do?

In 2006, I had the incredible honor of joining together with activists and religious leaders at World Pride Jerusalem. More than any of the large scale and impressive events with thousands of people that filled the public schedule, I remember a smallish circle of queer ordained Jewish, Christian, and Muslim clergy, and (like me at the time) students preparing for lives in the clergy. We sat in a garden on the beautiful campus of  HUC-JIR  overlooking the walls of the Old City and shared stories of the past and hopes for the future. We talked about the “bad old days” and how much better things were. We strategized about the new challenges we saw coming towards us. We celebrated the expanding vision of God’s image we saw developing within our own communities and dreamed together about a world where that vision could be fully embraced. Sitting in a circle of giants — of leaders who had fought so hard for so long — I was overwhelmed at the spiritual power, faithful devotion, and pure audacious grit of this sacred assembly. The Torah I learned that day — that hopeful faith in God and humanity can flourish even after decades of bitter struggle enduring the absolute worst of hatred and violence — has been a continual source of strength for me when facing the ugliness of the world.
 
So, what to do with these Torah verses that have been used to cause such pain? In a Reform context, where we choose a particular piece of the Torah portion to study and publicly chant, the easiest solution may be to simply avoid them and to read something else. But easy solutions are often not the best solutions. The harder work many of us need to do in confronting these verses centers on the people impacted most by them. It is not enough to put up a safe-space sticker on the wall or to declare your synagogue an inclusive congregation, though that is a good start. Consider this Shabbat, this place in our Torah reading cycle, as an opportunity to feature queer people’s stories. Confront the ways in which you, and your own communities still need to grow in embracing the diversity of God’s image we see in human sexual orientations and gender identities. This is hard and can be uncomfortable. We love to focus on the joy and beauty of pride and inclusion, but if there is no space for the pain, anxiety, and fear LGBTQIA+ people experience then that “inclusion” just isn’t real. When I’m not sure how to best accomplish this work, I depend on the tremendous body of resources and assistance available through  Keshet , an organization working for LGBTQ equality in Jewish life.
 
I believe that the same Torah that has facilitated harm can also be the Torah that inspires us to find healing. As we pray each morning in the  Ahavah Rabbah  prayer: “God, enlighten our eyes with Your Torah” — that we may see, both within ourselves and our communities, in pain and in joy, the full spectrum of humanity with love; “focus our minds on Your mitzvot” – that we may recommit ourselves to the action required for full inclusion; “unite our hearts in love and reverence for Your Name.” Then we will never feel shame, never deserve rebuke, and never stumble. May this be Your will.
 
Cantor David Berger  serves as the cantor of  KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation  in Chicago, IL. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the Chicago Theological Seminary, he is honored to be the inaugural Scholar in Residence for the American Conference of Cantors.
  WRJ North American News
Reproductive Health & Rights Campaign
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:
WRJ Incubator Grants
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.

WRJ Webinars
New WRJ Webinars and Programs


WRJ is a proud partner in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s (RAC’s) Every Voice, Every Vote: the Reform Movement's 2020 Civic Engagement Campaign We encourage you to get involved in this project and launch this campaign in your communities and commit to participate in Every Voice, Every Vote.
(Yammer access required)

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!
WRJ Virtual FWC Upcoming Programming
If you missed any part of the Fried Women's Virtual Conference in May, go to Yammer and click on the FWC group. The many outstanding programs that were presented have been recorded. If you do not have access to Yammer, WRJ's social media platform, contact Heather Lorgeree, Manager of Programming and Affiliate Services at leadership@wrj.org

Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 pm CT
Does your women's group not have a president? Then this webinar is for you:   Help! We Don’t Have A President: Alternative Leadership Models . Join to hear about some “out of the box” leadership structures that other women’s groups have found successful.

Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 pm CT
If you are interested in learning more about finances for your women's group, then this program is for you:  Let's Talk Money: Sisterhood Finance & Treasurers workshop . Whether you are the treasurer or a board member, you need to understand the financial workings of your sisterhood. We will discuss your sisterhood's financial obligations and reporting requirements to your congregation, as well as alternative dues models. You'll leave empowered to build a strong financial foundation for your sisterhood.
June WRJ Online Programming
WRJ Schmoozes

During this time of social distancing, let's all make sure we stay connected. WRJ is hosting 90-minute online drop-in sessions through the end of June.

Sundays, 2:00-3:30 pm CT: Zoom link here
Mondays, 2:00-3:30 pm CT: Zoom link here
Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm CT: Zoom link here

There is always so much more to see and learn about Israel and the women who have been part of its history! Ever hear of the site Sejera or been to Mt. Tavor? What do Moses and the poetess Rachel have in common? Who was Leah Goldberg who appears on the 100 shekel note? Where would you find the name Hadassah Limpel engraved and what was her story? 


From the Tanakh to the Supreme Court, join us on a five-day journey guided by WRJ tour guide Shari Robbins, who will lead us from Biblical Israel to the Modern State. We will visit lesser-known Jewish Historical Sites and learn about the biblical and modern women who shaped the Israel we know and love today. An added bonus: along the way we will “meet” some of WRJ’s Yes Fund grantees.

The trip will take place June 15-19 (Monday-Friday) from 11:00 am- 12:00 pm CT with an optional discussion following from 12:00-12:30 pm CT and will include a special Shabbat element to close out our time together on Friday. Participation in this trip will cost $50, which will be donated to the YES Fund. 

Following our 1-hour tour each day, we will break out into "buses" from 1:00-1:30 pm, where we can reflect and discuss what we experienced. These breakout "buses" will be the same women each time so we can bond and develop a relationship with our "bus buddies."
 
The program will be recorded and sent to program registrants, in case you can't make all 5 sessions live.

A special thank you to the planning committee, Julia Weinstein, VP of Programs, Lisa B. Schwartz, and Joanne Fried, as well as Shari Robbins, our tour guide.

  WRJ Midwest News
Update on Virtual Midwest District Convention Planning
Zabe Williams, First Vice President, WRJ Midwest District
Spring has finally arrived in the Midwest, despite the COVID-19 pandemic! We are all experiencing the promised warmth of summer-like temperatures, the air filled with an explosion of bird song, and everywhere we look greenery is popping. Michelle and I thought now is a good time to offer you an update on our Virtual 2020 Midwest District Convention plans.

As you probably remember, in April, our 2020 Convention Committee decided the only safe choice going forward is to plan a virtual, abbreviated district convention for October 2020. We have taken some cues from WRJ North America’s Virtual Fried Women’s Conference presented over Zoom in early May. We have begun organizing a streamlined event with “Zoom gatherings” over the October 16-18 weekend, augmented by a few workshops/webinar presentations over the next few months. We are calling it our “Convention Season.” Tentative highlights so far include:
  • Thursday, October 15, evening – Executive Committee meeting followed by a full District Board Meeting (including sisterhood/women’s groups leaders). This business meeting will include voting on proposed bylaws; election of the 2020-23 slate of district officers and board; and possibly, the rollout of our new district pin.
  • Friday, October 16 – Welcome message by outgoing District President Michelle Scheinkopf; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, followed by a presentation on storytelling by Rabbi Leora Kaye.
  • Saturday, October 17 – Afternoon message from Blair Marks, Immediate Past President of WRJ; Havdalah followed by the installation of new district officers and board; and a celebratory virtual concert with Julie Silver.
  • Sunday, October 18 – A panel discussion on women’s reproductive rights and health with Ally Karpel (RAC), Khadine Bennet (ACLU-IL), and other Midwest speakers on this important advocacy issue. A board meeting for the newly-installed district board will close out this weekend of “Raising Women’s Voices, Telling Our Stories, and Making A Difference” with friends, new and old, from across our district.

Of course, this is just the beginning…

Our goal for this fall is to come together on an internet platform to keep us connected while physically distancing and accomplish the business of the district as required by our bylaws and policies & procedures. In addition to this weekend’s offerings, we are reaching out for a few more presenters and programs that will be offered periodically over the next few months. We will also keep you informed of upcoming virtual events from WRJ and other districts through emails and the monthly M’Kesher.

And there is more to come…

If we can safely come together in person next spring, we will organize an Interim district gathering at OSRUI in April, 2021. Also, SAVE THE DATE – OCTOBER 15-17, 2021, we are planning an in-person gathering in South Bend, IN, to pray together and learn together and celebrate together. Hoping to see you all soon.

L’Shalom,
Zabe
A Message from Kathy Madura,
WRJ Midwest District Camp Chair
By now you have probably heard that all the Union of Reform Judaism camps, including our own OSRUI and GUCI, have been cancelled for the summer due to the COVID-19 virus. Safety for our campers and staff are our number one priority, and this step was necessary for the protection of all. The OSRUI and GUCI staff members are working to create some sort of virtual summer experience for our campers. While this will not even come close to being at camp, it will be a way to connect everyone to OSRUI and GUCI until we can all safely gather together again. 

Our camps will survive – and come back stronger than ever. It is just really tough right now. For those sisterhood/women’s groups who have already sent in their camp contributions, thank you so very much! If your treasurer has not done so – it is not too late! 

Please send your check made out to WRJ Midwest District to:
Kathy Madura
1016 S Center St
Bensenville, IL 60106 

Todah rabah!  

If you are able to consider donating on an individual level, please go to the OSRUI or GUCI websites at osrui.org or guci.org and donate to help get them through these challenging times.  

Thank you, as always, for all you do! Stay well and stay safe!
Attention: Sisterhood and Women’s Group Leaders
2020-2021 Slate of officers
Sisterhood and women’s group presidents, it’s that time of year again! Many of you have held your new board installations and there have been changes in your leadership. Please fill out the WRJ Sisterhood Leadership Information Form  (for Midwest District sisterhood/women's groups to update WRJ with their new leadership)  as soon as possible.  By completing this form, you will be invited to join Yammer (if you aren't already on Yammer). Presidents will be invited to join the Sisterhood President's group. You will also be able to join the Midwest District Leadership group.  WRJ will then forward your information to the Midwest District. You will then be kept up to date on the latest news taking place in the district and WRJ.

Be sure to check all your email folders. Contact Barbara Rosenberg, Data Management/Directory chair, at  brosenbergwrj@aol.com  with any questions.
Speakers Bureau Updates
Did you know you can request a District or WRJ speaker for a virtual program ? We are pleased to announce that speakers from the Midwest District may be arranged for online Zoom meetings. Speakers Bureau engagements are scheduled based on availability and all requests must be submitted at least three months in advance of your requested date. Requests must be submitted via the WRJ or WRJ Midwest District Speakers Bureau.

There is no cost to your sisterhood/women’s group for an online speaker.

Request a District speaker for a virtual event.

Social Media
WRJ Midwest is on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out!!


  Events: Save the Dates
Kesher Connection Schmoozes
Kesher Connection Book Discussion:
Tuesday, June 16 - New Date!
For our next virtual book group meeting, we will discuss  The Dutch House  by Ann Patchett, facilitated by Midwest District VP of Marketing & Communications Rozan Anderson and Midwest District Board Alumna Jane Page.
At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.
The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.
Set over the course of five decades,  The Dutch House  is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives, they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.
The book discussion will be Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 7:00 pm CT.  Note the change of date from original announcement. Please register for this program. We will email you the Zoom information prior to the start of the program.  
Click Banner for More Information
Sisterhood/Women's Group News
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.
Women of North Shore Congregation Israel, Glencoe, IL
 Installation Zoom
Congregation  Emanu-El of Waukesha Sisterhood Sisterhood Shabbat
On May 15, the CEEW Sisterhood ran its anything-but-normal annual CEEW Sisterhood Shabbat. It was more out of a scene from Passover – “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Although these days, I guess that is becoming a cliché. The CEEW Sisterhood board originally discussed postponing the annual Sisterhood Shabbat, but decided that people needed the connection, albeit “virtually.” We hope that in the not-too-distant future, we will be able to have a CEEW Sisterhood Shabbat in person and share those wonderful oneg treats and hugs in person.

The first wonderful thing to come out of the CEEW Virtual Sisterhood Shabbat was the attendance. We had 23 of our members participating in the service and 38 households (someone counted about 50 people) involved in the service! Michelle Scheinkopf, WRJ Midwest District President, and Sandi Firsel, WRJ Midwest District Wisconsin Area Director, were among the guests.

I hope that everyone who participated enjoyed. Thank you to all who participated! - Past CEEW Sisterhood President, Cindy Levy
Beth Tikvah Sisterhood Installation Zoom
Temple Emanuel, Davenport, IA, Sisterhood Shabbat , Pictured is Sisterhood president Becky Meade with her husband, John.
Sinai Temple Sisterhood, Michigan City, IN, Sisterhood Shabbat
Sisterhood  Upcoming Events
Click on the flyers for more information
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.

By clicking on the  Donate Button  in the M'Kesher or on the  WRJ Midwest District website , you are able to do just that. WRJ Midwest welcomes your support!
  Good & Welfare
Yom Huledet Sameach 
(Happy Birthday!) 
to our Midwest District Board Members and Alumnae

Happy Belated June Birthday to:

June:

July:
Get well wishes and speedy healing to Carole Fefferman, Midwest District Area Director for Greater Illinois and NW Indiana, as she recovers from a procedure. Get well wishes may be sent to Carole at 10246 Hyacinth Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462 or carfeff62@gmail.com  

Get well wishes and speedy recovery to Cheryl Stern, Midwest District Area Director for Metro Chicago, as she recuperates from cataract surgery on both eyes. Get well wishes may be sent to Cheryl at 402 E Hackberry Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 or  cbsternies@aol.com

Get well and speedy healing to Past District President and Iowa Area Director Lynne Turry as she recovers from a fractured ankle she recently suffered. Get well wishes may be sent to Lynne at 10174 Mangrove # 202, Boynton Beach, FL 33437 or lynneturry@gmail.com
As you are putting together your newsletters & e-blasts, please use these forms: 
Contact: Ashley Burbul, M'Kesher Editor
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.