MIDWEST DISTRICT M'KESHER מְקֶשֶׁר
October 2020 | Tishrei/Cheshvan 5781
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A Message from Michelle Scheinkopf
WRJ Midwest District President
Greetings!
This issue of the M’Kesher marks my last as WRJ Midwest District President. Two years ago in Milwaukee, when I was installed, I shared with you my desire to deepen connections between the district and our affiliate groups. The importance of creating these connections have served to build and strengthen our WRJ Midwest District community. We will never take for granted any in-person gatherings ever again! When I last saw many of you at a kallah, Interim, an area day, a women’s seder, an installation, sisterhood/women’s group Shabbat, speaker’s bureau event, presidents’ coffee, or WRJ or URJ event, it was an opportunity to engage and strengthen a communal bond. This powerful relationship between the district and its members has been reinforced by communicating more, caring more, creating more, comforting each other more, celebrating more, becoming a collective voice and continuing our deepening commitment to each other and our Jewish values. Chesed, lovingkindness, dignity and respect, spiritual integrity, pursuing peace and justice. We have all been elevated more because these connections have been made with one another.
Though the coronavirus and the pandemic abruptly halted any plans to physically connect with many of you during the last 7 months of my term, in actuality it permitted me to connect with more of the district’s women through the many programs created by the Kesher Connection Committee and broadcast on Zoom. Nothing comes close to the joy of being together, but gratefully through Zoom, I was able to attend numerous Sisterhood Shabbats, installations, and general programming events with your sisterhoods and women’s groups that may not have been possible without technology at our fingertips. We saw each other through schmoozes and district programs. Many of you joined in on district programming for the first time because the connection was made easier through Zoom. Distance and time no longer separated us. And because you have had this wonderful opportunity to participate virtually, you have become more engaged and committed to what WRJ Midwest strives to do for its affiliate groups: to provide continual support and exceptional opportunities for networking and growth. To this point, I feel that my goal for the district and our members to deepen connections to each other has been met in spades.
What an extraordinary experience this has been, and none of this could have taken place without a dedicated group of district volunteers. The 2018-2020 Executive Committee and committee chairs have given their time and energy these past two years to focus on the interests, needs, and concerns of the Midwest sisterhoods and women’s groups. I want to thank these women for their repeated support, counsel, and friendship as we accomplished the district’s work.
I would like to give a special shout out to Gloria Kaiz, Donelle Macey, Mae Schwab, Penny Shnay, Carol Teplis, and Marilyn Weisberg for their many years of service to the district. These women will now be joining the alumnae ranks and welcomed as members of our WRJ Midwest Alumnae Association.
And with that, it’s a wrap! It has been such an honor to lead WRJ Midwest. Thank you for allowing me this exceptional and meaningful experience. Excitement does not begin to describe how thrilled I am to pass the district president’s pin to my trusted partner and friend, Zabe Williams, as she assumes the presidency. She and incoming first vice president, Rozan Anderson, together will further our mission to be an advocate for our Midwest District affiliates. Our District is in good hands as we move into the future.
L'Shalom,
Michelle
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WRJ Midwest District 2020 Convention
October 16-18, 2020
Raising Women’s Voices . . . Telling Our Stories . . . Making a Difference
brought to you on Zoom
Friday, October 16
Evening Kabbalat Shabbat with Julie Silver and Rabbi Leora Kaye
Saturday, October 17
Afternoon Greetings from WRJ by Blair Marks, WRJ Immediate Past President
Listening to our Sisters of Color with Jessie Kingston, Edith Pang, and Caryn Blomquist
Evening Installation and Havdalah:
Celebration Zoom event for Midwest District Women
Sunday, October 18
Morning Panel Discussion on Fighting for Women’s Reproductive Health and Rights with Moderator Sally Frank
Here’s a pre-convention opportunity to learn more about
Women of Reform Judaism throughout North America
Welcome to WRJ Today
Oct 6, 2020, 07:00 pm CT
First-time WRJ District convention attendees (and those who would like a refresher) are encouraged to register to attend a special webinar to learn more about Women of Reform Judaism. This special program will discuss who we are, what we do, and the resources available to members. It’s the perfect opportunity to hear more about WRJ and prepare yourself to gain even more from your experience at your virtual District convention. This session will be run by WRJ Board members Deborah Radin and Vivian Blumstein, with special appearances from Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Pacific, and Southeast District leaders.
To register for Welcome to WRJ Today webinar, click here.
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New WRJ Midwest Logo and Pin! |
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Be one of the first to get your new district pin -- or gift them to special people in your lives! Pins are now available to order. Each pin is $10, plus shipping (for 3 or more). All profits from the sale of our district pin go to the WRJ Midwest District Gloria Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click the link below to order your new pin. Maybe we’ll see you sporting yours online at District Convention! |
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Critical Issues – Voting
by: Marilyn Glazer, WRJ Midwest District Advocacy Chair
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As my great-nephew turns 26 years of age in September, his parents’ insurance policy will no longer cover him. That’s not a problem for him since his employer has a policy and he will start on his employer’s policy in October. However, it got me to thinking about his sister, who has type one diabetes and is now just 20 years old. When she turns 26, will finding insurance be as easy for her? Will her employer offer insurance and if not, will she be able to purchase affordable insurance with a pre-existing-medical condition?
For decades, the Reform Jewish Movement has been at the forefront of advocacy on behalf of universal health care. Millions of Americans live without health insurance, and attacks on the Affordable Care Act and other areas of the health care system have resulted in millions of people without health insurance. The Reform Movement is dedicated to protecting existing health care programs and expanding coverage to all Americans. Guided by our Jewish values, we recognize that comprehensive health care includes physical and mental health, and we believe that health care must be accessible to all people without the threat of discrimination.
Why Should Jews Care?
Judaism is clear about our responsibility to ensure health care for all people. Jewish tradition teaches that human life has infinite value and that the preservation of life supersedes almost all other considerations. As Maimonides, a revered Jewish scholar, teaches, “it is obligatory from the Torah for the physician to heal the sick” (Commentary on Mishnah Nedarim 4:4).
Furthermore, providing health care is not just an obligation of the doctor, but for society as well. It is for this reason that Maimonides listed health care first on his list of the ten most important communal services a city must offer its residents if the city is to be found worthy for a great scholar to live there (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De’ot IV:23). As Jews, we believe that the government has an obligation to ensure that all people can access quality, affordable health care.
Following are some action items that you can take to make health care a reality for all Americans. Remember, who you elect as President and as members of Congress will affect health-care coverage for the next four years.
Mental illness affects millions of people, including millions of young people, in the United States each year. Despite this widespread prevalence, mental health is often stigmatized and viewed as less important than physical health. Our government must work to ensure that all people can access mental health care. The public school system is uniquely positioned to help provide mental health services for young people.
Across the United States, millions of people lack insurance, and quality care is unaffordable for millions more. Urge Congress to support the Medicare for All Act of 2019, which would ensure that all Americans could access quality, affordable health care, regardless of employment status, ability to pay, or previous medical conditions.
As the world grapples with the novel coronavirus, we are witnessing just the beginning of the most severe public health and economic crisis in decades. Our call to Congress and the administration during this crisis continues to be: protect all people, and put those most vulnerable at the center. Urge Congress to support the most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Religious Action Center
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October Afternoon Schmoozes - 4:00 pm CT
October 6
October 27
Afternoon schmooze registration:
October Evening Schmoozes - 7:00 pm CT
October 21
Evening schmooze registration:
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Recorded Midwest District Programs |
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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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New WRJ Webinars and Programs |
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(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!
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Upcoming WRJ Virtual Events |
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to access the above information on Yammer, you will need to be registered for an account. Sign up at leadership@wrj.org. |
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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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WRJ Midwest is on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out!!
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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.
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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.
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Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Update
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Looking for Judaica items for your home or to give as gifts? Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel in Skokie, IL, has transformed their Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop to make merchandise available for you. Linn Ullenbrauck, Judaica Shop Chair, has created a catalog showing a variety of items that may be purchased. Linn will provide curbside transactions with a smile. Out of state, no worries! Linn will ship items to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Linn with any questions at linneupooh@att.net.
To see the catalog on Temple Beth Israel’s website, click on
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Women of North Shore Congregation Israel
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Update
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Think of the Women of North Shore Congregation Israel Gift Shop for your holiday needs! Though we are closed right now, we can still assist you with your shopping. We have a great selection of Rosh Hashanah tableware, hostess gifts, and books and toys for children. For updated information about the shop, please go to WNSCI Gift Shop - North Shore Congregation Israel. |
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Midwest District Gift Giving |
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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
Happy Belated October Birthday to:
October:
November:
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Condolences to Gayle Weil, WRJ Midwest District Project Chair and President of Women of Shir Tikvah, on the passing of her beloved husband, Norman Weil. Notes of condolence may be sent to Gayle and her family at 5261 Arquilla Drive, Richton Park, IL 60471 or gweil119@yahoo.com. |
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As you are putting together your newsletters & e-blasts, please use these forms: |
(This is WRJ's Leadership form)
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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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