The Westchester Jewish Council's
Community Connection
January 21, 2021 8 Shevat 5781
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"A season is set for everything,
A time for every experience under heaven"
Ecclesiastes 2:1.
Greetings!
Every four years, Americans participate in one of the sacred rites of our civic life: the election and inauguration of a president. Ever since George Washington's first inauguration, that rite has been observed in peace and war, in good times and bad, in prosperity and depression and in the face of terrorists at home and threats from abroad. This year, that sacred rite has been tested, rattled and shaken, but ultimately it stood. Yesterday, Joe Biden became the nation's 46th president, the latest link in the great experiment of American democracy that stretches back 232 years.
Every Shabbat and holiday in America, Jews pray in synagogue for the welfare of the United States and its leaders. That is only appropriate, for America has been good to the Jews and the Jews have been good to America. This past year has been challenging. It has been a year in which the pandemic gripped us and wreaked havoc with our lives, our health, our livelihoods and our politics. As Americans and Jews, we cannot and dare not give in to despondency and despair. A Jew is not a Jew without hope. Across centuries and continents, we Jews have faced perils and persecution and yet, we have survived and thrived, married, raised children, lived productive and meaningful lives and enriched the societies in which we were always such a small but dynamic part. The late, great Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (whose death last year was yet another blow) wrote that "hope is one of the very greatest Jewish contributions to Western civilization" and that Judaism itself is "the voice of hope in the conversation of humankind."
Let us continue to be that voice of hope and let us continue to work together to make the future better than the past for our ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation and, indeed, for all of humankind.
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IN OTHER NEWS: the Westchester area has had a week filled with incredible programming including "Israel's Challenges: Iran/Hezbollah, Hamas/PA, China, and US-Israel Relations with a New Administration" and "Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance." Thank you to the nearly 500 people that attended and participated in these two programs and a special thank you to Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones who shared powerful messages for our "Shared Legacies" program.
Our annual Council Gala is almost a week away! It is not too late to register and donate at www.wjcouncil.org/gala. We are also excited to announce the opening of the Virtual Gala Auction site. There is something for everyone so go to AUCTION SITE now and start placing your bids! You may find some goodies and surprises!
Finally, if time permits, we hope you will scroll through the newsletter. Lots of interesting programs, information and news.
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Harold B. Aspis, Board Member and Special Guest Writer
Lisa Roberts, President
Lori Kurlander, Communications Manager
Elliot Forchheimer, CEO
WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL
"HERE WHEN YOU NEED US-YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW"
(The Council is financially supported by donations from individuals,
dues from 132 member organizations and generous grant support from UJA-Federation)
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Please support the work of the Westchester Jewish Council. Your donation makes a difference each and every day. Click here to donate.
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WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL
UPCOMING EVENTS
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This wonderful celebration is almost here!
Your response has been amazing!
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THE WJC GALA AUCTION SITE IS NOW OPEN!!!!
Visit our brand new first ever auction site which is filled with
exciting items for everyone.
Are you a soccer fan?
Bid on a jersey signed by Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo!
Bid on a photo signed by Pele!
Are you a movie buff?
Bid on a hand signed wand from the Harry Potter movies,
an autographed BOBA FETT helmet from Star Wars,
a photograph of Liz Taylor and a photograph from Jack Nicholson.
Support the Westchester Jewish Council by going to
The website will stay open until ~February 1, 2021.
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WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL LOOKS BACK |
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The 5 Synagogues of White Plains Israel Action Committee and The Westchester Jewish Council Israel Roundtable presented "Israel's Challenges: Iran/Hezbollah, Hamas/PA, China, and US-Israel Relations with a New Administration" to over 250 people on Tuesday evening. Thank you to Jonathan Flaxer and Alan Septimus for bringing this event to fruition and to Dr. Eric Mandel for his time and wealth of knowledge.
If you missed this program, please click https://youtu.be/8MMu2hgtRw8.
You can also visit our YouTube channel to view recordings from many of our other programs.
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With over 250 people in attendance and an amazing all women panelist, "Shared Legacies:The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance" program provided an important discussion and forum for the community. We were honored to have Reverend Doris Dalton as a moderator and Dr. Shari L. Rogers, Professor Susannah Heschel and TIffany Hamilton as panelists for this program. We also want to thank Linda Dishner, Larry Engle, Jill Friedman, Lisa Ginsberg, Liz Schonfeld and Myra Clark-Siegel who worked tirelessly to organize this program. Thank you to AJC Westchester-Fairfield and Bet Torah Congregation for partnering with the Combating Racism committee of the Council on this program.
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Professor Susannah Heschel |
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WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL'S
SECURITY AND SAFETY UPDATE
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" B. Franklin
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As always and per protocol, please report any security concerns immediately to your local Police Department and then to the Council and to CSI/Bill Hayes for follow up.
Stay alert, prepared and safe.
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WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL'S
ISRAEL CONNECTION
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SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, February 23rd @ noon
"THE Question of the Coming Israeli Election-
An Unexpected Answer."
Join Rani Jaeger of the Shalom Hartman Institute (Council member organization) for an exploration and conversation about what is truly at stake in Israeli politics and how Jewish identity has been transformed in Israel amidst political polarization and partisanship.
Register in advance for this meeting. Please click here.
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"Israel Connection", a monthly virtual series of the Westchester Jewish Council, offers presentations and discussions on diverse topics of interest regarding the culture, politics and society of Israel presented by our member organizations. All welcome.
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WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL ROUNDTABLES (ConnecTables)
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Westchester Jewish Council
Upcoming Community Roundtables
(The Council thanks the hundreds of people that dedicate time to attend our Roundtables -
a signature initiative of the Council often sponsored with wonderful partners from among our member organizations)
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Some Upcoming Virtual Council Roundtables:
Youth Professionals Roundtable (with Jewish Education Project) - January 21
Mosaic LGBTQ Roundtable - February 2nd
Greening Roundtable - February 9th
Marketing Roundtable - coming soon.
Contact the Council office at (914) 328-7001 or info@wjcouncil.org for information on these and other Roundtables--a key offering of the Westchester Jewish Council.
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PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS YOU CAN ENJOY FROM HOME
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Uncover the Roots of Tu BIshvat
Are you ready to take the challenge?
January 25th to 29th
Download the Pardes Daily App today.
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Meet the New JTS Chancellor,
Shuly Rubin Schwartz
Monday, January 25, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Chancellor Shuly Schwartz will discuss building Jewish community and inspiring Jewish life. How do we nurture Jewish community that is deep and lasting? How do Jewish text and tradition offer meaning to modern Jews? She will be in dialogue with Rabbi Gordon Tucker, Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement.
This program is part of a series. This series is targeted to all Westchester and Riverdale Conservative synagogue communities. To learn more, please click here.
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The Great Kosher Meat War of 1902: Immigrant Housewives and the Riots that Shook New York City
Tuesday, January 26, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
On May 15, 1902, 3,000 Jewish women quietly took up positions on the Lower East Side. Convinced by the latest jump in kosher meat prices that they were being gouged, they assembled, intent on shutting down every kosher butcher shop in their neighborhood. Join us to learn little-known details about the twin stories of female immigrants who discovered their collective consumer power, and of the Beef Trust, the midwestern cartel that conspired to keep kosher meat prices high despite efforts to curtail its nefarious practices. Led by Scott Seligman, Author and Historian
To register and receive the link, please click: Meat War
The Great Kosher Meat War of 1902: Immigrant Housewives and the Riots that Shook New York City is available wherever books are sold.
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WJCS Jewish Spiritual Healing Center -
Getting Your House in Order: Advanced Directives, Estates and Trusts and Funeral Planning
Join us for this unique opportunity to discern both personal and Jewish values around end-of-life wishes and decision-making. In our first session, we will be joined by Stephanie Garry, Chief Administrative Officer at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, and Moira Laidlaw, trust and estates lawyer, who will share their insights about the importance of funeral and estate planning. In the second session, we will share short videos, texts, and interactive tools to enhance this educational program. Co-facilitated by Heidi Weiss, LMSW, MHA, and Rabbi Pamela Wax, WJCS Spiritual Care Coordinator.
Dates: 2 Wednesdays, February 17 & 24, 2021 Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am
REGISTRATION REQUIRED Please contact Rabbi Pamela Wax at pwax@wjcs.com
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For more WJCS Winter and Spring programming, please click here.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Feb 10, 9am - 2pm. Free.
The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorders. Note: this is a certificate program. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling- rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan.
Participants must complete mandatory pre-work to the training at least 5 days prior to the training (by February 5th, 2021).
This training is made possible through Westchester Jewish Community Services and funding from UJA and Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.
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GREENING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
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Greenburgh Hebrew Center Green Team and Religious School PTA present Renewable Energy in the Home, a 2-part series.
On Sunday, January 24, experts in the field will talk about Geothermal and Solar Energy options to help make your home more energy efficient and to help you curb use of fossil fuels. Free. Presenters are: Darren Jones (from Dandelion), Andrew Horowitz (who has implemented renewables in his home), Nina Orville (Director of Solar Programs, Sustainable Westchester), and Lauren Brois (Director of Energy Smart Homes, Sustainable Westchester). To RSVP or for more questions, please email: Greening@g-h-c.org
Meeting ID: 955 7890 3853
Passcode: 959476
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In celebration of Tu B'Shvat
Temple Israel Center Green Team
presents online
How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst Into Action
Thursday, January 28, 2021, 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Together we can build climate hope and create positive action.
Today's children face a future entirely unlike that of their parents. How can we maintain hope and make a difference in the
face of the climate crisis? Help is at hand.
Speaker: Harriet Shugarman, author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst Into Action, is the Executive Director of Climate Mama, adjunct professor of World Sustainability and Climate Change and Society and Chair of the Climate Reality Project, NYC Metro Chapter. Harriet will provide tools and strategies for parents to explain the climate emergency to their children of all ages, from the youngest and even to those with children of their own.
Moderator: Jessica Haller, a sustainability and climate leader, is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at Hazon, a Jewish environmental nonprofit, and has worked on countless initiatives including Hazon's Sustainability Seal program. She has an MPA in environmental science and policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the Earth Institute, and is a LEED Accredited Professional with the US Green Building Council and a Climate Reality Project Leader.
Who should attend? Parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles, and anyone who wants to learn more about the climate crisis and how we can inspire others to have hope and take positive action.
This program is co-sponsored by the Westchester Jewish Greening Roundtable,
Jewish Earth Alliance, Grassroots Environmental Education and
Jewish Climate Action Network NYC
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HOW (Houses of Worship) Green Larchmont Sustainable Sundays Speaker Series
Sunday, 1/31/21 at 4 pm via zoom.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT
EVENTS/NEWS
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Westchester Town Hall Series:
An Open Conversation on COVID 19
TODAY, Thursday, January 21st from 6-7pm.
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GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN STATE DEPT ROLE IN COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM SIGNED INTO LAW
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the signing of S.238, H.R. 221, also known as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019, into law. The bipartisan and bicameral bill will enhance the State Department’s role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism across the globe.
To read this press release in its entirety, please click here.
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Do you know of a student or adult who has stepped up to help other Westchester residents in creative ways in response to the Covid-19 pandemic?
The Westchester County Board of Health would like to recognize them.
The Westchester County Board of Health is now seeking nominations for the 2021 Public Health Service Awards. The Board wants to recognize adults, young people and not-for-profit programs whose volunteer efforts have demonstrated creativity and compassion in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and who helped improve public health in Westchester.
The Board encourages community leaders, healthcare professionals, educators and residents to nominate worthy people or programs as soon as possible for these prestigious awards.
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What an amazing day it was! Thank you to the hundreds of families and people of all ages who came together from the Shames JCC and the JCC MidWestchester (virtually and spiritually) to make 1350 Blizzard Boxes—that's nearly 7000 items of food—more than double from last year and at a time when the need has never been greater.
Blizzard Boxes are meals of made up of nutritious, non-perishable food to help local families and seniors who rely on these boxes for sustenance—especially during a winter storm, or this year, while in quarantine.
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WELCOME NEW BUSINESS PARTNER |
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We welcome Innovative Microsystems Consulting, Inc. as a new business partner to the Council.
They have been in business for over 20 years. Their focus has always been on non-profit organizations and this has comprised more than 90% of their work. They are a full-service, end to end IT firm providing managed services and design, implementation and maintenance of: computer networks, telephone systems, Audio/Visual systems and on-premises security. They also specialize in cyber security, cloud migrations and helping organizations select specialized software for their Operations, Accounting, CRM and Donor databases. In addition to working as outside consultants, they very often compliment in-house IT staff and work on projects that they may not have the time to focus on.
To learn more, please visit IMC
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UJA-FEDERATION OF NY IN WESTCHESTER |
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Leading a Life of Legacy with Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Thursday, January 21, 2021• 10:30 am
As the New Year begins, let’s take a moment to reflect on what matters most. To think about how to live life with a greater purpose, passion, and realized potential.
Join us to hear from Rabbi Daniel Cohen, who will provide the framework for reigniting a life journey of deeper fulfillment and impact. He’ll also share stories and strategies from his book, What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy.
Virtual Mission to Washington, D.C.: Uniting to Secure a Bright Jewish Future
Monday, February 1 - Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Represent New York on the first-ever Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) virtual mission to Washington, D.C.
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Attend exclusive events and breakout groups specific to UJA and the New York Jewish community.
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Come together virtually with policymakers, political leaders, and activists from both sides of the aisle to advocate for the future of the Jewish community.
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Address the urgent need for social services that help with food insecurity, job training, isolation, and more.
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Learn about and advocate for laws that fight anti-Semitism, ensure a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and provide government resources to keep Jewish institutions flourishing.
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PRIDE CATERERS (a Council Business Partner) would like to know if you are tired of cooking? If so, please click here to see what they have to offer.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES |
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Director, Westchester County & Southern Connecticut
Jewish National Fund seeks to recruit a Director for fundraising activities throughout Westchester County & Southern Connecticut. This hire will be responsible for cultivating donors, maintaining existing relationships, and supporting the Tri State Campaign Team in all of its efforts.
This position can be home based.
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Hadar has the following job opportunities available:
Associate Director of Institutional Advancement
The Associate Director of Institutional Advancement is responsible for the strategic development, growth, and operations of the annual campaign in coordination with the Director of Institutional Advancement. This person will serve as the project manager for critical campaign operations and provide direction for the campaign’s annual growth. The Associate Director of Institutional Advancement will be responsible for implementing efforts that will grow Hadar’s donor base and in return, raise more money for the annual campaign. This position will report to the Director of Institutional Advancement and will work in partnership with the organization’s leadership. This position will be based in NY.
Digital Media Associate
Hadar seeks a Digital Media Associate to be an online voice and content creator, responsible for building and maintaining Hadar’s social media presence across priority platforms and establishing a consistent look, feel, and tone for all social media content. This is a creative and design-focused role that requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once. The Digital Media Associate will report to the Director of Communications and will work closely with other staff on the Engagement, Development, Content, and Program teams. This person will ideally be based in NY.
Executive Assistant
Hadar is seeking an enthusiastic full-time executive assistant to support the senior leadership of the organization. We are looking for someone who is energetic, self-motivated, a team player, intentional, organized and possesses a strong attention to detail. We are looking for someone who can manage schedules, respond to emails in a timely fashion, help to set deadlines, and communicate effectively between the senior management and the rest of the staff and faculty. We are also looking for someone who can see themselves as a part of the team and respects Hadar’s mission and values. This position will be based in NY.
For full details on these positions, please click here.
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Condolences to:
Abe and Donna Bartell (WJC Program Director), Hannah, Jesse and Stephen on the loss of Abe's beloved mother, Shiela Bartell z"l.
Mazal Tov to:
Martine (Council Honorary Board Member) and Stanley Fleishman on the birth of their grandson, Gabriel Dean, born to Adam and Rachel Fleishman.
Refuah shlema to:
Rabbi Shmuel Greenberg, rabbi of the Young Israel of White Plains. To include Rabbi Greenberg in your tefilot and for a misheberach, please note that his Hebrew name is now Alter Shmuel ben Chava Leah.
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We invite teens in the community to represent their agencies and synagogues at our WJC Youth Volunteer Roundtable. We ask our Youth Professionals to recommend a teen(s) to join us at the table. Please send the name and contact and any questions to Donna Bartell - Donna@WJCouncil.org
Westchester Jewish Council Teen Organizations include:
Thank you to the Jewish Education Project for working so closely with our Teen professionals and volunteers!
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For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org
The Hudson Valley 211 Helpline is Here
This is a service of United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
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Westchester Jewish Council
925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY 10604
914-328-7001 | info@wjcouncil.org | www.wjcouncil.org
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The next Community Connection will be published on or about January 28, 2021
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