NCJW January 2019 News and Events
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Happy New Year

Dear NCJW CNS Friends and Supporters:

Happy New Year! 2018 was a year filled with many challenges but also many accomplishments!

In 2018, we were at the airports, protesting the Muslim ban and in the courts protecting our immigrant brothers and sisters. 

In 2018, we were at the Supreme Court, standing up for women’s rights and LGBTQ rights. 

In 2018, we worked tirelessly on issues of gun safety and voter rights. 

And in 2018, we were on the front lines of a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions… even as we have watched the states and the courts chip away at those rights.

And now it's 2019, and we can't wait to get going on all this new year has to offer. Check out our upcoming events below and learn more about how you can attend NCJW's Washington Institute.

Make a New Year's Resolution to get involved with NCJW - there is no better time! I hope you'll join us at some of our upcoming events, and consider becoming a member, which allows you to participate in all that NCJW Chicago North Shore has to offer! 
1/9: NCJW Chicago North Shore Board Meeting
1/13: Reproductive Rights in Illinois
1/23 Combatting Sex Trafficking in Chicagoland

2/2: Chicago Mayoral Forum
2/13: Dear Evan Hansen (Sold Out)
2/14: Women's Salon: Sex Trafficking in Chicago

3/24: Women’s Salon: The Masks we Wear
3/28: Equal Pay Day Rally
Tributes
An NCJW Chicago North Shore Tribute is a thoughtful way to acknowledge a life event while supporting NCJW’s many valuable projects. You may purchase an individual tribute or packages of tribute cards.

To purchase Tributes visit

We Need Your News!
Whether you are celebrating a simcha or sharing your sorrow, your NCJW friends want to know!

Keep NCJW informed of your life events: weddings, babys, graduations, b'nai mitzvahs as well as illnesses and grief. Email  info@ncjwcns.org . We are here to share with you.

Recent Tributes

To: Beth Najberg
From Milton Esbitt
In honor of your 75th birthday

To: Elaine Goode
From: Tracy Goode Loewenthal
In honor of Elaine Goode

We welcome new member Susan Drucker to NCJW Chicago North Shore

We mourn the loss of section member Andi Frishman and send our condolences to her family. May her memory be for a blessing.
NCJW Updates
NCJW's Washington Institute 2019
It's never been more urgent for us to come together in our nation's capital to make change happen. Join us at NCJW's Washington Institute, April 7-9, 2019.

What's Washington Institute? It's our premiere policy conference. Hundreds of NCJW activists, members, and leaders will gather in Washington, DC to meet with lawmakers, build advocacy skills at interactive workshops, get inspired by speakers leading the way in today's movements, and renew our commitment to create lasting social change

Visit our website to learn more about the conference and watch our 1-minute video to get excited. A limited number of scholarships are available for AVODAH alumni and AEPHI alumnae who are first-time attendees to Washington Institute.

Take Action: Things YOU can do
  • Have you thought about diving deeper into advocacy? Would you like to improve your leadership skills? There is a place for you on the NCJW Board! Our nominating committee is convening soon and would love to talk to you about how you can make an impact with our section, state and country. Email info@ncjwcns.org today!
Learn how to use storytelling as an advocacy tool at our next Lead! webinar on 12/19
  • Lead! Organizing skills for grassroots advocates is a monthly webinar series designed to provide organizing and advocacy skills. Each webinar will focus on one skill through interactive discussions. Whether you are a seasoned advocate or new to organizing, there is something to learn for everyone in our Lead! webinars. Mark your calendar for the third Wednesday of every month at 1:30pm ET and check back to see what we’ll be learning each month.
Say NO to bigoted and biased federal judges
  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has made clear that he intends to confirm all remaining federal judicial nominees in the queue before the end of this Congress. That list includes some of the worst nominees from preceding months. Federal courts are the last line of defense for our constitutional rights. Federal judges serve lifetime appointments and will continue to interpret and control constitutional rights long after the Trump administration. Click here to take action!
NCJW Chicago North Shore Upcoming Events
NCJW Chicago North Shore Section Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 10:30 am
North Suburban Location given with RSVP
Get more involved in NCJW Chicago North Shore Section and help shape the future of our section. Board meetings are open to all active members. RSVP to info@ncjwcns.org . Future Board meeting dates include: February 6, 2019, March 6, 2019, April 3, 2019, May 1, 2019. 

Reproductive Rights in Illinois: Shelter in the Storm
Sunday, January 13, 2:00 pm
Lincoln Park Location given with RSVP
On the anniversary of Roe v Wade learn about the history of reproductive rights here in Illinois and the progressive agenda planned for the upcoming legislative session. We’re honored to have Lorie Chaiten, a respected Reproductive Rights advocate and educator as our speaker. Registration will open on December 10. Visit https://ncjwcns.org/shelter to register. 

Combatting Sex Trafficking in the Chicagoland Area
Wednesday, January 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Winnetka Covenant Church, 1200 Hibbard Rd., Wilmette
JCAST Chicago joins with Selah Freedom for a roundtable discussion commemorating Human Trafficking Awareness month and exploring how each of us can combat sex trafficking in our community. RSVP appreciated at https://conta.cc/2BPTvZs .

Chicago Mayoral Forum
Saturday, February 2, 2019, 1:00 pm
The Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St. Chicago
Come hear from the candidates running in the 2019 Chicago Mayoral election. There is no charge to attend but space is limited. Visit https://ncjwcns.org/mayoral-forum for more information as it becomes available.

Dear Evan Hansen (Sold Out)
Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 7:30 pm
Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60603
We have sold all of our group tickets to this amazing show but we have a number of other theatrical events we plan to attend in the future. If you are interested in attending a future performance with your NCJW friends, please email info@ncjwcns.org and we will keep you posted.

NCJW Women’s Salon
Thursday, February 14, 7:30 pm
Suburban Location given with RSVP
Meet interesting women and explore progressive, feminist and social justice issues. Every month a new topic is chosen by the group, and source materials links are then emailed to everyone to read. For information email salon@ncjwcns.org .
Upcoming Salon Dates and Topics:
2/14: Sex Trafficking in Chicago
3/24: Purim and the Masks we Wear
4/11: Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago
Equal Pay Day Rally
Thursday, March 28, 2019, 11:30am – 1:00pm
1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212, Chicago
Each year, Equal Pay Day is recognized world-wide to bring greater awareness to the racial and gender pay disparities. Equal Pay Day Chicago is both a focal point to raise awareness of pay equality, and a platform for organizations to collaborate across the state. Enjoy a light lunch followed by a panel discussion of equal pay experts, government officials and industry leaders. More details will be available at https://ncjwcns.org/equal-pay-day in early 2019.

“Dying to Know” Series
Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being 126 E. Chestnut Street Chicago
Join NCJW, Skyline Village Chicago, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and JourneyCare for a series of life-affirming conversations about living and dying well. Attend one program or all three. Dates are below and additional details will be available at https://ncjwcns.org/DTK in January. All programs are on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm.

  • April 3, 2019: Being Mortal, film and discussion about quality of the end of life.
  • May 22, 2019: Resources for Making and Implementing Your Choices.
  • June 19, 2019: Death Over Tea. Small group discussions about living and dying well.

NCJW Washington Institute
Sunday, April 7 - Tuesday April 9, 2019
Raise your voice in our nation’s capital: April 7-9, 2019
Join NCJW in Washington, DC for Washington Institute 2019: learn from experts, strengthen your skills, connect with activists from across the country, and storm Capitol Hill to meet with your lawmakers and their staff on critical issues! Learn more at www.ncjw.org/washingtoninstitute

Annual Installation Celebration
June 11, 2019, Time TBD
Celebrate with our NCJW friends and supporters as we thank our out going board and welcome our incoming board. Information will be available at https://ncjwcns.org/installation in Spring 2019.
Add these events to your calendar today!
Silent Witness Stories
The Silent Witness Exhibit of Illinois honors those who have died from acts of intimate partner violence. The Exhibit consists of life-size female figures, each bearing a shield telling the true story of an Illinois woman killed as a result of domestic violence. The figures provide a powerful visual impact to raise awareness of the tragedy and loss we all suffer when lives are taken senselessly through domestic violence. Groups may use the Exhibit for outreach, education and fundraising programs.

The Silent Witness Exhibit has been viewed in Illinois by thousands of people in dozens of venues since it was launched in 1997 by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chicago North Shore Section. The Silent Witness Exhibit of Illinois is part of the National Silent Witness Initiative, start ed in 1990 in Minneapolis. 

Click here  for more information about hosting the Silent Witness Exhibit.

Each Month in the NCJW E-News, we will highlight a Silent Witness Story, so that the victims of domestic violence will never be forgotten.

Karyn Kamin
Age 53
Deerfield, IL
September 22, 2018
Karyn Kamen, mother of two, was stabbed in her home by her husband. Gary during a domestic dispute. Her injuries were fatal. Karyn was remembered as a 'ball of energy' and dedicated mother who would "take the worries of the world off of everybody’s shoulder if it meant they could walk around without having to worry about a thing."
Other Items of Interest
Don't let this Administration Stigmatize Women who have Abortions. 

The day after the midterm elections, the Trump Administration proposed a burdensome and confusing rule that would ultimately force insurance companies to deny abortion coverage. The rule, which would require separate bills and payments for insurance premiums and abortion coverage, is not only unnecessary, but also costly and complicated. And, it was introduced with a clear goal: to make it so difficult for private insurance companies to cover abortion care that they would be forced to stop covering it altogether. The elimination of abortion coverage would threaten women’s health, well-being, and economic security -- and that’s exactly what the Administration wants. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is accepting comments on the proposed rule until January 8. Speak out today to protect reproductive health care and tell the Trump Administration to stop oppressing women who have abortions!

Other Events of Interest to Our Members

Film Screening: The Hunting Ground
February 11, 7:00 pm, Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
This film documents the stories of undergraduate survivors of sexual assault, the response from their schools, and the campus culture that allows assault to go unchecked. A discussion led by Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA) will follow the screening. Visit https://www.northbrook.info/events/hunting-ground-film-discussion to register.

Firsthand Report on Texas Teen Internment Camp
January 09, 7:00 pm, Temple Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave, Glencoe
The government announced in June it would open a temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in Tornillo, an isolated corner of the Texas desert. Less than six months later, the facility has continued to expand into a detention camp, now holding 3,000 mostly Hispanic teenagers bettween the ages of 13 and 17. More people are detained in Tornillo's tent city than in all but one of the nation's 204 federal prisons. Local activists Lee Goodman and Sharon Morton will share their experience at traveling with a Jewish group to the Tornillo detention camp. All are welcome. Visit http://bit.ly/2EWQQ4v to register.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event
January 21,10:30 a.m. Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3622 W. Douglas Blvd., Chicago
Join JUF's JCRC, Stone Temple Baptist Church, and the North Lawndale Historical & Cultural Society for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance. The upcoming event will focus on ways activists are translating Dr. King's legacy and philosophy into violence prevention and education programs in Chicago. Visit http://bit.ly/2rYFOD9 to register.
Support NCJW
Chicago North Shore has several new ways to support our section. As always, you can make a one time donation or purchase a tribute (links are below), but we now also have a lovely, hand-crafted necklace you can purchase for yourself or for a gift. Net proceeds from the sale of each  necklace   supports NCJW's mission.

You can also support NCJW as a Sustaining Advocate.   Complete and print this form    and mail it to our office, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062 and your scheduled monthly donation will ensure the viability of Chicago North Shore for generations to come. Your support makes it possible for NCJW to create meaningful social change for women, children, and families in the US and Israel. Make a difference for women, children, and families by giving a generous gift to NCJW through a variety of options:

Put your dollars to work immediately by making a fast, secure online donation. Become a Major Donor by making a donation of $500 or more. 

Honor a family member, colleague, friend, or loved one by giving a gift to NCJW. A handwritten NCJW tribute card with a message of support, celebration, or sympathy will be sent to the honoree or the family of the person you wish to remember.

Canadian jewelry artist Hilary Druxman has handcrafted a beautifully designed necklace and has partnered with NCJW Chicago North Shore to bring her design to our members and supporters. Overlapping triangles come together to form a star, reflecting our belief in advocacy and action. Each necklace costs $44 ($40 + $4 sales tax) and can be shipped anywhere in the US. Net proceeds from the sale of each handcrafted sterling silver necklace support our mission.

NCJW is recognized as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Contributions to it are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law. 

Create a Legacy!
Want to ensure NCJW's legacy for years to come? Are you a life member and want to extend your support in perpetuity? Have you thought out a bequest to NCJW?
Click here    for a sample form. It's that easy!

Already have a bequest to NCJW?  Please let us know that you put us in your will so we can acknowledge you!! Email    melissa@ncjwcns.org .