Chai Lines
International Northeast Region
Women's League
for Conservative Judaism
Networking to Engage, Enrich and Empower
Conservative Jewish Women 
September 13, 2018                                                          Volume 3, Issue 8    
SAVE THE DATE FOR INR CONFERENCE 2019 save

INR SPRING CONFERENCE 
June 2 & 3
at Beth David, Toronto 
FROM THE REGION PRESIDENT--JOAN LOWENSTEIN

This year Rosh Hashanah and September 11   culminated in one 48 hour period and a perfect time for introspection and recollection. We wish each other a sweet, good, healthy, and happy New Year. But what does that mean? What does that look like? In some ways it feels very grandiose, as it should. It is a week when God determines who shall live and who shall die.
 
Without lessening the significance of these Holidays, let me state that I think it can be very simple. Am I being the best person I can be? One of the ways in which I attempt to accomplish this is in how I treat others. I have always strived to treat others respectfully and fairly. However, I think these skills were greatly improved following my attendance at a Women's League Leadership Institute.
 
Leadership Institute is one of the many services and trainings that Women's League offers. My greatest takeaway from this training was to focus and be aware that all Sisterhood members and potential members feel welcome, needed, and wanted. To me, there is nothing more fulfilling in my roles in Sisterhood and WLCJ than to appreciate others and make them feel valued. Everyone has something to offer and we all need to attract more members to our individual Sisterhoods and Synagogues. Thinking and acting in this way and looking for what contributions others can make, may just help us attract more women to our organizations.
 
If you have not yet attended Leadership Institute, you should! If you have already attended, you should be urging your Sisterhood to send others! The next Leadership Institute will take place on October 14 and 15 in Natick, Massachusetts. For more information on this and many other services from WLCJ go to www.wlcj.org .
 
Wishing you all a meaningful Yom Kippur and an easy fast,  
Joan
 
FROM THE EDITOR, LOIS SILVERMANeducation
 
As I write this, Hurricane Florence is about to make landfall.
 
Despite some who argue that such a natural disaster is a curse from God for our country's immorality as they define it, I cannot believe such a punishment by our Eternal Parent. But I cannot and will not debate theology with them. Rather I will join with them to pray for the safety of those in the storm's path and those who risk their lives to keep those in the storm's path safe during and after the storm. I hope they will join me in donating to reputable organizations who will bring relief after the storm to those who now need assistance. I am my brothers and sisters' keeper. 
 
Below is a prayer posted by the Rabbinical Assembly.
 
May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year.  
 
LOIS 
 
A Prayer in the Aftermath of a Devastating Storm
by Menachem Creditor

Elohei ha-ruchot, God of the Winds,[1]

Fixated as we are by incalculable losses in our families, our neighbors, human beings spanning national borders, we are pummeled into shock, barely even able to call out to You.

We are, as ever, called to share bread with the hungry, to take those who suffer into our homes, to cloth the naked, to not ignore our sisters and brothers.[2] Many more of our brothers and sisters are hungry, homeless, cold, and vulnerable today than were just a few days ago, and we need Your Help.

We pray from the depths of our souls and we pray with the toil of our bodies for healing in the face of devastation. We join our voices in prayer to the prayers of others around the world and cry out for safety. We look to the sacred wells of human resilience and compassion and ask You for even more strength and hope.

God, open our hearts to generously support those determined to undo this chaos.

God, be with us as we utilize every network at our disposal to support each other. Be with First Responders engaged in the work of rescue as they cradle lives new and old, sheltering our souls and bodies from the storm. Be with us and be with them, God.

Be with those awaiting news from loved ones, reeling from fire, water and wind that have crippled cities, decimated villages, and taken lives. Be with all of us, God.

Be with us God, comfort us, and support us as we rebuild that which has been lost. May all this be Your will. Amen.
 
[1] Numbers 27:15
[2] Adapted from Isaiah 58:6-7 

FROM WOMEN'S LEAGUE FOR

CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM WLCJ fromWL
 
Networking to engage,
enrich and empower
Conservative Jewish Women
 
 
Shabbat Message:
"The Holiday With The Dead Fish" by Margie Miller
 
I'm sure that many of our children and grandchildren associate various holidays with a particular food. We probably do, too!
 
In Judaism, it's very easy. There is no mistaking that latkes are for Chanukkah, matzah for Passover, hamantaschen for Purim, and apples and honey at Rosh Hashanah. It's funny that, although one could eat any of those foods any time throughout the year, we tend to not do that. This way, they become special memorable parts of the holiday.
 
Considering that Yom Kippur is a fast day, it's perhaps a bit of a stretch to think of it following my premise. Yet, for all my small grandchildren, Yom Kippur is the holiday with the dead fish.
 
"You remember Yom Kippur?" I ask them. "The holiday about forgiveness and making yourself accountable to your behavior, remember?" No, they don't remember that. I continue, "That's the holiday when the adults don't eat anything, remember?" "NO, bubbe."
 
"That's the holiday that everyone comes over and we have..." and then I start naming the 40-plus people I host for break fast. "OH," they reply, "That's the holiday with the dead fish!" Yes, they remember.
 
Of course, not a person under 50 years old even eats the variety of "dead fish," especially the huge white fish I buy every year. But I still buy it, because that's one of the foods you serve at a break fast. I have lots of pictures on Yom Kippur with the children taking turns playing with the white fish. On that night, it's the biggest attraction!
 
I guess it doesn't matter how they remember or what they associate with each of Jewish holidays. Our job as parents and grandparents is to insure that they indeed remember. Eventually, they'll get past their "let's play with the dead fish" phase. I don't stop them. I encourage them to do it. No one eats it anyway. I'm creating memories for them; that's what bubbes are supposed to do.
 
Shabbat Shalom, and wishing you all a meaningful fast,
Margie Miller
WLCJ President
 
   

 
Join Torah Fund on a Discovery Trip to
Buenos Aires, Argentina!
February 25 - March 6, 2019
(Optional Extension through March 7)
 
Torah Fund is pleased to announce a very exciting opportunity -
 
 
For more information, contact Randy Schwartz at 
rschwartz@wlcj.org, or call 204-896-3151 or 204-791-5789. ITC, the tour company, is taking care of all the details for this trip. For any further information, you may call the ITC office at 800-247-7235 and speak to Yafa.
 
Q: What are the dates of the trip?
 
A: February 25 - March 6, 2019, with an optional extension through March 7.
 
Q: Is a minimum donation to Torah Fund required?
 
A: The trip is open to all Associate Patrons and above. If you are already a Benefactor or Guardian, all you will need to do is increase your level of giving to the Associate Patron level for this year. The total donation of $600 to Torah Fund is required to be eligible for this trip. It is required that 50% of your pledge is due by December 31, 2018.
 
Q: What is the registration deadline?
 
A: October 15, 2018
 
Q: When is full payment due?
 
A: November 26, 2018
 
Q: How do I sign up?
 
 
 
WWOT - Weekly Words of Torah: Parashat Vayeilech
To inspire, guide, engage, enrich, and empower Conservative Jewish Women
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director, Women's League For Conservative Judaism
 
Our Torah reading, Parashat Vayeilech, states the following in Deuteronomy, Chapter 31, Verse 6: "Be strong, and resolute, be not in fear or in dread of them; for the Lord your God God's self marches with you; God will not fail you or forsake you." This verse teaches us that, for many, the belief in God is so strong, and God is always with them, no matter what happens.
 
There is a story of a woman who was a firm believer in God. One day, it began to rain very heavily. It kept raining and a big flood came. The woman climbed up on the roof of her house and knew that she would be okay. God would protect her. It kept raining, and now the water had reached her waist.
 
A boat came by, and a gal in the boat said, "Hey, jump in. We will take you with us."
 
"No thanks," said the woman. "I'm a firm believer in God. God will rescue me." She sent the boat away.
 
It kept on raining, and now the water had reached her neck. Another boat came by and a gal in the boat said, "You look like you could need some help. Jump in and we will take you with us."
 
"No," said the woman. "I'm a firm believer in God. God will rescue me. Don't worry about me." The boat sailed away.
 
It still rained and the water now reached her mouth. A helicopter came by, and a gal in the helicopter threw down a rope and said: "Hi there, my friend. Climb up. We will rescue you."
 
"No," said the woman. "I'm a firm believer in God. God will rescue me. I know God will." The helicopter flew away.
 
It kept on raining and, finally, the woman drowned. When the woman died, she went to Heaven. When entering Heaven, she had an interview with God. After giving a polite greeting and sitting down, the woman asked, "Where were you? I waited and waited. I was sure you would rescue me, as I have been a firm believer all my life, and I have only done good to others. So, where were you when I needed you?"
 
God scratched God's confused-looking face and answered, "I don't get it, either. I sent you two boats and a helicopter."
 
Many who believe in God (or in Karma, etc.) somehow believe that signs of help and guidance come as a big event of some kind, when they would probably come as small signs of help here and there along the way. We need to learn to listen to the world around ourselves. Sometimes, if we just stay open, with an open heart, mind, soul, and ears, we will find what we are looking for; however, the ways of God, and people, are beyond human comprehension. Yet, we need to try to see the face of God in all, no matter how hard that may be at times. And, I will add a caveat - there are events, such as the events of 9/11, which go beyond this story, and the pain is way too deep. May the memories of all who were lost on 9/11 remain an eternal blessing.
 
WWOT, Weekly Words of Torah will be a brief paragraph prepared weekly by our new Executive Director, Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, presented in our "This Week @ Women's League." WWOT will provide meaningful thoughts related to the Weekly Torah Portion, an event on the Calendar, a Prayer, or something of Jewish interest, to inspire, guide, engage, enrich, and empower Conservative Jewish Women. If you have any particular interest in future topics, or want to send Rabbi Wolintz-Fields an email, you can contact her at ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org. Read previous Weekly Words of Torah here.
 
 
A Personal Conversation with Sharsheret
 provide a forum to address everyday issues through discussions about o bstacles and opportunities, using conference calls and/or easy to access webinars.
 
"What's Jewish About Breast and Ovarian Cancer? A Personal Conversation with Sharsheret about Risk Factors for Jewish Women"
 
Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, presented by Sharsheret
 
On Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. EDT, Personal Conversations will present a panel discussion on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risks for Jewish Women,  The presentation highlights the work of Sharsheret staff members, Melissa K. Rosen, Director of National Outreach,  and Peggy Cottrell, MS, LCGC, Genetics Program Coordinator.
 
Ms. Cottrell is a graduate of the Sarah Lawrence College Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. She has worked as a cancer genetic counselor at several hospitals in the New York Metropolitan area. At Sharsheret, she consults with women and families and answers individual questions about their family histories, BRCA mutations, and personal risks of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and contributes to the development and implementation of Sharsheret's hereditary cancer resources and programs.
 
Ms. Rosen has a master's degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University and has been working in the non-profit sector for over 25 years. Her professional experience includes informal education, advocacy and community outreach. Melissa oversees outreach efforts throughout the country, connecting  many to the support and resources of Sharsheret. Herself a breast cancer survivor, she is passionate about the Jewish community and cancer support and advocacy.
 
Their program will focus on the importance of understanding the increased genetic risk of Jewish women and what to do about it. In addition, a video about two cancer survivors will be aired. This will specifically address the impact of BRCA gene evaluation for establishing familial risk factors.
 
 
Read Peggy Cottrell's bio here.
Read Melissa K. Rosen's bio here.

Daytime Learning at JTS and a Discount for WL Members!
Starting October 31, Women's League members have a chance to learn at
Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS)  in New York City! Two exclusive daytime classes,
"Reading, Re-reading, Mis-reading?: A Journey through Biblical Commentary" with Dr. Alan Cooper and
"Judaism's Hidden Books: The Apocrypha" with Dr. David Kraemer, will be offered to adult learners at JTS' NYC campus for seven weeks this fall. We are honored to present this unique program in partnership. 
Women's League members receive a discount if they register before October 17!
 
 
Classes are offered on the JTS campus in New York City seven Wednesdays: October 31; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12, 19
Cost:
$185 for one course
$360 for both courses
$335 for Women's League members before October 17
Advance registration is required. Register here. 
 
 
Reading, Re-reading, Mis-reading?: A Journey through Biblical Commentary
Dr. Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies, JTS
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Because the Torah text can be quite enigmatic, we are often faced with questions of interpretation and meaning.  Spanning centuries and continents, a rich tradition of commentary emerged to guide readers.  This course will introduce you to the fascinating world of traditional Jewish biblical interpretation from rabbinic midrash to the thirteenth century.  We will consider the emergence of literalism in the Muslim East (Saadiah), Spain (Ibn Ezra), and France (Rashi, Rashbam); philosophical and mystical interpreters (Rambam, Ramban); and the rise of more eclectic commentary traditions (Bahya b. Asher and beyond). The course will center around Rashi's commentary on the Torah-the cornerstone of the traditional Jewish curriculum of biblical study-along with its sources and reception.   

Judaism's Hidden Books: The Apocrypha
Dr. David Kraemer, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTS
1:30-3:00 p.m.
This course will introduce you to the rich and diverse writings produced by Jews in the late Second Temple period (530 BCE to 70 CE) that were not preserved in the Hebrew Bible, yet were included in the Latin and Greek Old Testaments. What can this set of texts -which includes historical, apocalyptic, and wisdom literature-teach us about the development of Judaism?  In addition to conveying some familiarity with these writings and an appreciation of their historical-cultural context, a central goal of the course will be to consider the diversity of Jewish belief and practice that characterized the period. We will also explore the parallels and divergences of late Second Temple Judaisms with both rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity.
 
If All the Seas Were Ink Is Our WL Reads Pick!
The current Women's League Reads book club pick is  If All the Seas Were Ink , by Ilana Kurshan. The memoir has won the Jewish Book Council's prestigious 2018 Sam i Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature and other awards, and we are honored to host a live author interview on 
Sunday, October 7, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.
 
Membership in Women's League Reads is open only to members in good standing of Women's League-affiliated sisterhoods or to individual members who have paid dues directly to Women's League.
 
WL Reads is a member-only benefit program that you may subscribe to by contacting Lois Silverman, Internet Services Chair, at  lsilverman@wlcj.org, with your  e-mail address, sisterhood name/town/state or individual member information.
 
Ms. Kurshan fought her way back from a deep malaise that enveloped her upon the failure of a brief marriage, soon after she had made  Aliyah. To find her way, first, she ran through the Jerusalem streets, then she plunged into  Daf Yomi, "the world's largest book club."
 
In this memoir, she candidly, and with warmth, takes the reader on her journey through her battles with an eating disorder, misogyny, and that depressive period. She finds structure and meaning through the "daily page" of Talmud, as it is read worldwide over a seven-year span. In those pages, she finds gems of wisdom to illuminate her path upwards from gloom to light. The reader is gently guided to see the sages' stories and lessons along with her as being quite relevant to modern life. She also works in relevant poetry and prose from the greats of English Literature that mirrors Talmudic truths, along with her insights about how best to live life deliberately as a fully-realized woman, one day at a time. Her efforts are rewarded - at last, she establishes a rounded, fulfilling life and loving family.
 
Ms. Kurshan, a graduate of Harvard University and Cambridge University, has translated books of Jewish interest and worked as a publishers' agent internationally. She is the Book Reviews Editor for  Lilith Magazine, and writes for many other publications.
 
Learn more about how you can join Women's League Reads, and listen to previous author conversations  here.
 
Thank You for Your Support!
The following have contributed to Women's League and its many initiatives. We encourage you to join this growing list. ALL contributions are welcome.
 
Masorti WL Days of Study in Israel
Mid-Atlantic Region
 
 
FROM THE TORAH FUND VICE PRESIDENT
MARILYN COHEN

Dear Chaveirot,

Introducing the Torah Fund Pin for 2018-2018

Marilyn

 
Check out the New Torah Fund Guide and all the other materials to run a great campaign!
NEED HELP? help
HELP IS AVAILABLE ON THE WLCJ WEBSITE.

Programs, membership ideas, education material, and more available at wlcj.org

 
INR OF WLCJ | ltsilverman@gmail.com  | Website Click here