MIDWEST DISTRICT M'KESHER מְקֶשֶׁר
April 2021 | Nissan 5781
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A Message from Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President
Greetings!
This year seems to be going by so quickly! Last month was packed with opportunities to reflect, be grateful, and consider our options as Women of Reform Judaism. From March 3 to 23, during the WRJ Virtual Fried Women’s Conference, hundreds of women from across North America and beyond came together at various online events. We prayed, attended workshops, listened to amazing speakers, sharpened our leadership skills, installed a new WRJ Board of Directors, sang along with Elana Arian and had lots of fun. A few of us even danced (alone in our Zoom room) and had the opportunity to create our own mezuzah with friends while visiting with Judaica artist Gary Rosenthal. Then we prepared for our second year of Zoom seders. Some of us scrambled to get vaccinated against COVID so that we could share a seder with a few equally inoculated friends and family members. This year’s Passover story shared the stage with many challenges we face in today’s world. The one-year mark of the pandemic and the dire warnings by the CDC to be cautious about dropping our guard against the new variants have added personal impact to the horror of the 10 plagues inflicted on Egypt. The immigrant experience of the fear of an unknown future combined with the undeniable necessity to flee violence and oppression rings true as we recount the flight of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. As we come to the end of the Passover season, let us keep in mind that we once were slaves and now we are free, but that freedom comes with responsibilities toward others.
April will bring us more opportunities to reflect, be grateful, and consider our options, thanks to WRJ and our district leaders. On April 16-17, please join us as we come together virtually as a Sacred Community – Kehilah Kedoshah. I am really excited about the programming that Rozan Anderson, our 1st VP and her Chairs, Carol Berger and Gayle Weil, have put together for us. Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat will provide music and prayer to greet the Sabbath Bride. On Saturday afternoon Rabbi Marla Feldman, WRJ Executive Director, will be sharing her cutting-edge research on Gendered Judaism followed by a panel of Midwest leaders discussing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on our Midwest Sisterhoods/women’s groups. Then, we will have breakout sessions where we can choose a topic to dive into more deeply with presenters. Havdalah will close out Shabbat before meeting with several women from Australia to learn about Jewish communities in their country. An international schmooze will close the evening. Take advantage of this weekend opportunity to reconnect with WRJ sisters as Midwest spring comes into full swing. We already have well over 100 women registered, including a number from Australia. (See flyer below to register)
Our Social Justice department has also been busy. Sandy Villa has been hearing from several of our affiliates about their programs and events to support local food pantries for our “Feed the Hungry” project. Keep those stories coming to Sandy so we can tell a complete Midwest story of social action on this issue by the end of June. Judy Wexler, our VP of Social Justice has provided us with an update of action options at the Religious Action Center (RAC) in Washington, DC and invites everyone to an April 22 District program with the Associate Director of the RAC, Barbara Weinstein, that evening at 6:30 CT (see article and registration information below). Judy has also recently announced on Yammer that the WRJ Programming and Advocacy Guide 2021 has been posted in the Advocacy Group. As she noted, this guide was created “to help sisterhoods, women’s groups, and individuals put the most recent resolutions into action. It includes program ideas, talking points, and advocacy suggestions to involve you in our newest priorities for social action.”
Spring in the Midwest means Camp is just around the corner. In late January, sisterhoods and women’s group leaders received an email from Reva Felder, our Camp Chair, requesting camp donations be sent to her. Camp donations can be made to support either or both of our Midwest camps, OSRUI in Oconomowoc, WI and GUCI in Zionsville, IN. This is especially important at this time so we can meet our District pledge to OSRUI for their building fund by the end of June. OSRUI is still hoping to have their camp season this year. They have opened registrations and have lots of interest. We are all hoping that this year our youth will be able to have a fun and safe time at camp. If you have questions about your camp donation, contact Reva at rfelder447@comcast.net.
I encourage you all to take the time this Spring to reflect, be grateful and consider your options. WRJ, the Midwest District and your own congregations offer a variety of online programming opportunities to help inform ways to express your progressive Jewish values and provide self-care in these stressful times. What will you do with your modern-day freedom?
L'Shalom,
Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President
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Virtual Kehilah Kedoshah - click ad to register! |
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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. |
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As many of you know, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) is the advocacy arm of the Reform Movement, working on many social justice issues. The RAC is a nonpartisan joint effort of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). The Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism (CSA) governs the RAC’s policy positions.
A number of women in the WRJ Midwest District have attended the RAC’s Consultation on Conscience, the Reform Movement’s public policy conference, which has been held every two years in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, the Consultation cannot be held as planned in the spring of 2021.
In 2020, the RAC promoted its Every Voice, Every Vote initiatives--as part of its continuing Civic Engagement Campaign. These efforts were geared toward ensuring that every American could participate in the U.S. elections. Part of that work was focused on combating voter suppression. In that vein, the RAC is now moving forward to continue its racial justice work--to help create a world where all people can find justice.
The RAC’s Racial Justice Campaign seeks to encourage the Reform Movement to closely examine and address our own behaviors, practices, and policies through the lens of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI). It also encourages us to outwardly pursue targeted, strategic advocacy that could change laws and policies that impact our society.
During the month of March, the RAC held webinars inviting members of Reform congregations to help identify the specific issues that will be addressed in this 2021 Campaign--and some of you may have participated. The goal is to move quickly into action.
Please watch for information about the planned Reform Movement Racial Justice Campaign Virtual Launch April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. CT. And, please join with WRJ, as we participate in the RAC’s efforts.
We hope you will also participate in the WRJ Midwest District’s “Conversation with Barbara Weinstein,” Associate Director of the RAC. Please see ad below on how to register for this virtual event.
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"A Conversation with Barbara Weinstein" |
Please join WRJ Midwest District women in "A Conversation with Barbara Weinstein" of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC). Come learn about the RAC's important work, leading the Reform Movement in social justice advocacy. Bring your questions, and find out what we can all do to help create a more whole, just, and compassionate world.
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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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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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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CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE
*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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Kesher Committee recommends . . .
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(all times Central)
Monday, April 5, 11am
Tuesday, April 20th, 7pm
WRJ Film, Fiction & Fine Wine presents Jake Cohen, author of Jew-ish and Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch
Mon-Thurs, April 26-29
WRJ Israel Tour - $36
Friday, April 30.
After the WRJ Israel Tour, we will have a MW District schmooze for those who were on the tour.
Looking ahead...
Tuesday, May 11, 7pm
WRJ Film, Fiction & Fine Wine presents R.L. Maizes author of "We love Anderson Cooper" and "Other People’s Pets"
Wednesday, June 2, 7pm
Join our District-wide discussion of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, author of other highly-regarded books including The Nightingale and The Great Alone. Our discussion will be co-facilitated by Jane Page and Rozan Anderson. This book is recently released and already well-received, so find your copy soon!
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Upcoming Midwest District Events |
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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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Click ad for more information |
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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
Judaica Gift Shop
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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
April
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Doris Kennedy, Sisterhood President of Temple Beth-El, Munster, IN passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2021. A Shiva for Doris is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7 at 7PM CT on Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Temple Beth-El in Munster, IN for the link.
Those wishing to may send condolences to her partner, Joe Hoffman at:
1416 Briar Crossing Drive, Dyer, IN 46311;
and her son, Jeff Kennedy at:
1221 Ninth Street, Alameda, CA 94501.
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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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