Newsletter December 2018
20 th ANNUAL GAME NIGHT
Good friends, good food, good fun!

Enjoy an evening with friends old and new,
We’ll talk and we’ll mingle
and play a game or two!

Monday, December 24th
6:00 PM

The McDowell Center
16116 N. McDowell Mt. Ranch Rd .
(SW corner of McDowell Mt. Ranch Rd. & Paradise Lane)
Scottsdale 85255

BRING A DELICIOUS DISH TO SHARE
$$$ 50/50 Raffle $$$
Admission: $18 for members, $25 for non-members

RSVP: Cheri LeMieux at cheri829@gmail.com or 602.740.0440
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Happy
Hanukkah
Upcoming Events
Game Night
MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

General Meeting at Temple Chai
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15
Citizen Involvement Beyond Voting

2019 Awareness Luncheon
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Our Bodies, Our Lives

Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival
FEBRUARY 10-24, 2019
NCJW AZ PRESIDENT
Susan Schesnol 336-215-7777 president1893@ncjwaz.org

Hanukkah, Hanukka, Chanukah, Chanukka!
No matter how you spell it, the meaning is the same…
the rededication of the 2 nd Temple.
We must all come together and rededicate ourselves to what binds US together by remembering the principles on which NCJW is founded:
  • Being committed to practicing Tikkun Olum (Repairing the World) and Lo Ta’Amod Al Dam Reichah (Do Not Stand Idly By.)
  • May the kindling lights of the Hanukkiah kindle joy, happiness, and hope in each and every one of you and all those you hold dear.
Happy Hanukkah!
A happy, safe, secure, peaceful, joyous, and HEALTHY 2019
2019 Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival
February 10-24, 2019
Tickets Available Now
Place Your Order through NCJW!
Your cost is the same but NCJW will benefit
by receiving a small portion of the ticket sales.
Please consider this option and
share the information with friends and other film goers.
Deadline for ticket sales is February 1.
STATE PUBLIC ADVOCATE

2018 has been a roller coaster year in the United States and in Arizona.
  • The Parkland shooting in February, followed by students becoming involved in our election cycle contributed to a record-breaking voter turn-out in November. 
  • With the retirement of Justice Kennedy and the appointment of Justice Kavanaugh the Supreme Court has become considerably more conservative. Our rights are being threatened, as women and as Americans. We must find new ways to prevent this from happening. 
  • Americans showed that they believe the Affordable Care Act should be protected by voting to change the majority in the House of Representatives and adding legislative seats at the state level.  
Arizona now has a liberal-thinking Senator who is committed to women’s health and reproductive issues. We can help support Senator Sinema as she moves into this very important role. Thanks to all who participated in our “GOTV” (Get Out The Vote) efforts. But we must continue to be vigilant, attentive and stay motivated.
We’ll keep you informed so you can contact our lawmakers …let them know how we feel, protest when necessary, and thank them when they argue or vote on a bill that we consider to be in the best interest of all.
Other grassroots organizations that National Council of Jewish Women partners with must continue to demand the best for women, children and families. Our rights are still at risk and we may need to use different strategies as we move forward. So keep attending our NCJW meetings and special events, read and share our Newsletter, visit our Facebook pages and our websites, www.ncjw.org and www.ncjwaz.org . May 2019 be a good year, filled with love, laughter and good health to you and your loved ones.
MEMBERSHIP VICE PRESIDENT
Lin Katzenstein membership@ncjwaz.org

As NCJW celebrates 125 years of “Making Change Happen”, I’m celebrating my third year as a member. During these 36 months, I’ve seen how much NCJW members can accomplish together. Your time, financial support, ideas and involvement have all helped create the necessary conditions for those changes. I’m hopeful that together we’ll be able to effect even more positive changes going forward.
To keep NCJW itself going forward for another century and a quarter means we need to reach more “like-minded” concerned and committed people – especially those in the younger generations. So if you know someone like this – perhaps a looming or recent empty-nester or a retiree who wants to do more to drive change – please, point them in our direction now. They don’t have to jump in with both feet, but we are asking everyone to help us expand our “base” so we can be there when future challenges arise.
Join or Renew!
Membership dues are $54 payable to NCJWAZ and cover your local and national NCJW memberships from July 1 - June 31. If you have already sent your check, thank you! To join, send your dues plus a note with your contact information to:
NCJW Arizona
14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 111-228, Scottsdale AZ 85260
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and NCJW AZ are registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt,
not-for-profit organizations.
For more information, please contact me at membership@ncjwaz.org.
Visit our local and national websites: www.ncjwaz.org or www.ncjw.org .
PROGRAM VICE PRESIDENT
Ellen Widoff ebwidoff@gmail.com

Almost 25 years ago, in recognition of the pervasive sexual assault and domestic violence in our country, the Violence Against Women Act became law in our country. Today, after the testimony of both Anita Hill and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and the Me Too Movement, NCJW Arizona Section refocused its attention on this issue.
NCJW members and supporters filled the Social Hall at Temple Chai on November 27 as a panel of professionals explained how to recognize victims and perpetrators of abuse, the physical and emotional consequences, and how we can support survivors.
The Violence Against Women Act is set to be reauthorized in December. This legislation needs to be made permanent to support the health, advocacy and legal aspects of this tragically universal problem.

Photo: (Seated) Julie Peterson, Sr. Director of Programs, Sojourner Center; Civia Tamarkin, Journalist and Film maker; Dr. Glynnis Zieman, Barrows Concussion & Brain Injury Center
(Standing) Allison Swanson, Survivor and Social Worker; Allie Bones, CEO, Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence
FUNDRAISING VICE PRESIDENT

20 th Annual Potluck Game Night - Bring your game face .
Save the evening of December 24 th for NCJW! This night is always special. The evening includes good food, good company and a 50-50 raffle. $18 for members, $25 for non-members. Location is The McDowell Center, 16116 N McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd
Awareness Luncheon Raffle - Please donate just one raffle prize.
  • Request goods or services from vendors that you frequent
  • Buy gift cards
  • Donate something special that you have to share as a raffle - no clothing please
  • Make a financial donation and we will buy gift cards
Contact Judi for donation pickup.
Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival: February - When you purchase tickets or a subscription through NCJW we will receive a small portion of it and the cost to you is the same. Please consider this option and share the information with other film goers.
VELLO TUTORING PROGRAM
Hannah Kaplan, Vello Coordinator hankaplan@me.com

I know some of you found you were unable to go forward with Vello tutoring this fall, but I wanted to update everyone who showed an interest this innovation in education with our experience and thank those who have been tutoring on-line through the Vello Portal.
Six of us were able to go to the Imes School located on the 6600 block of 56th Avenue in Glendale Arizona. What a delight it was for us to meet the children we have only spoken with so far. They were so sweet and appreciative of our program. Those who have been selected to use Vello thanked us. 
The Vello personnel were so very appreciative of our efforts to try to help grow literacy in our state and to help bring Arizona up from 49th in the Nation.
As we move forward, it is apparent that we need more committed volunteers.
Please consider tutoring after the holidays if you have not yet done so. Anyone needing a walk through can call me directly and I will help you get on-line. Finally, if you know other women who will enjoy this experience ask them to email me at hankaplan@me.com and I will help train them.
Greetings NCJW Vello family!
Reid DeSpiegelaere, M.Ed National Director

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to share how thankful I am for YOU!
Your visits to our partner schools this past week reaffirmed the magic Vello brings to children across the Valley. It was inspiring to see light bulbs illuminate and smiles permeate as you walked into classrooms. Jessie and I appreciate how well your teams work together for a common goal – supporting our kids! I am so proud of the work that we are doing and you should be very proud of the difference you make every day for all of the children Vello impacts. We hope you will keep your Vello kids in mind as we maintain our reading momentum into December, and please consider sharing your experience with colleagues who may wish to join your tutor team next semester.
You can always visit Valley of the Sun United Way, VSUW.org to learn more about  Vello and other ways to support our work to  Break the Cycle of Poverty in Maricopa County.
“Go With The Flow”
For low income or homeless students, not being able to afford menstrual hygiene products can mean missing school. We are collecting individually wrapped sanitary pads and tampons for  Go With The Flow, an organization that makes “period packs” for local high school girls who cannot pay for these items. Please bring your donations to our monthly meetings.
Thank you!
Joan Levin Sacks
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BUNNY’S CORNER
Bunny Berkowitz 480-621-8422 fbunnyb@cox.net

OPERATION PAPERBACK Clear your shelves or garage and give me your unwanted paperback books to send to our troops. I will collect them at general meetings or contact me to arrange a pick up.
PUEBLO NORTE VOLUNTEERS Members are always needed as facilitators for various games in the Assisted Living section -- days and times will be determined by the volunteer and Pam, the events director. Can you donate one half-hour a month? Visit with the residents in Healthcare, any day or time. Contact Bunny Berkowitz for details, questions and hopefully with the date(s) you are available.  
DONATIONS NEEDED: HOPE PHONES will responsibly recycle or refurbish all mobiles, from old and broken to the latest smart phones, and create communication networks for health workers serving millions in fifteen countries. Hope Phones receives the value of each recycled phone to purchase new mobile technology for the field. Takes a little longer to do, but you’ve been really generous to this program. 
EYEGLASSES: Given to the Lions Club for recycling.
PARADISE VALLEY EMERGENCY FOOD BANK Bring a can or box of food, soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, diapers or even a single toothbrush to our next meeting to be delivered to the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank and you will be doing a Mitzvah.
NO PROGRAM CAN SUCCEED WITHOUT MEMBER PARTICIPATION. Thank you.
INTEREST GROUPS
Try one or more of these groups that meet regularly or the “Out and About” day trips and events. Watch future Newsletters or email notices of these special outings.
Have an idea for a new group that you would like to start? Contact membership@ncjwaz.org.
These groups meet weekly:
  • Afternoon Canasta - Wednesdays 1-3:30PM.Contact Lynn tributecards@ncjwaz.org
  • Evening Canasta – Mondays 6:30-9:30PM. Contact Cheri cheri829@gmail.com
  • Mah Jongg– Thursdays 11:00AM-3:00PM Contact Hedy gramamela@gmail.com
  • Mah Jongg – Wednesdays 6:30PM Contact Netta: mahjpaj001@gmail.com
  • Knitwits & Happy Hookers - Fridays 1-2:30PM in the craft room at Pueblo Norte, 7090 E. Mescal. We create blankets for Project Linus, a national organization that provides love, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill or traumatized. Contact Freda fredapine@gmail.com
These groups meet bi-weekly or monthly:
  • Writing Group – Every other Friday at Pueblo Norte from 2:30-4:00PM. Contact
  • Hannah hankaplan@me.com
  • Book Group – First Monday of each month 1:30PM in the BJE Library at the JCC. Contact Bunny bftarquinio@hotmail.com
602-944-0765 cjkl@cox.net
  • Done in a Day - Volunteer opportunities that occur throughout the year. Watch for details. Contact Jo-Ann diad@ncjwaz.org
NCJW TRIBUTE CARDS FOR ANY OCCASION!
Make someone's day! Send a handwritten message of support, celebration, or sympathy. You can choose either the traditional NCJW card or the new "celebration" card. It’s a thoughtful way to express your sentiments while supporting NCJW. All $5 contributions will be listed here unless you request otherwise. We can mail individual cards for you or you can purchase packets of cards. Send your check to NCJW AZ, 14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Ste 111-228, Scottsdale AZ 85260
For more information contact Lynn Greenberg a t tributecards@ncjwaz.org
TRIBUTES AND CELEBRATIONS
DR. & MRS. MYRON KAUFMAN
In memory of her beloved sister Abbey
Bobbi & Murray Malin

SHARI ADAMS
In memory of her beloved husband Peter
Debby & Lee Finkel

BARBARA KOVEL
In memory of her beloved husband Howard Mardell
Debby & Lee Finkel

EVELYN LEVINE
Thinking of her and sending healing thoughts
Rita & Roger Walton

BONNIE LEVITT
Wishing her a complete and speedy recovery from her surgery
The Board

JUDI & STEVE GROSS
In honor of the birth of grand-daughter Juna Unitey Sarah Kull
Francine Ebersman,
Rita & Roger Walton,
Sondra Mesnik
JAN STEARNS
Wishing her a complete and quick recovery
The Board

ELAINE ROSING & FAMILY
In memory of Herb Rosing
Barbara & Burt Mannis

SYDEL MAHER
Wishing her a complete and speedy recovery
The Board, Judi Gross
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018-2019
President - Susan Schesnol president1893@ncjwaz.org
V.P. Fundraising - Judi Gross fundraising@ncjwaz.org
V.P. Membership - Lin Katzenstein membership@ncjwaz.org
Co-V.P. Programming - Ellen Widoff, Debbie Jacobs programming@ncjwaz.org
V.P. Social Justice - Civia Tamarkin advocacy@ncjwaz.org
State Policy Advocate - Carol Consalvo advocacy@ncjwaz.org
Recording Secretary - Jan Stearns minutes@ncjwaz.org
Treasurer - Francine Ebersman treasurer1919@ncjwaz.org
Database Manager - Rita Walton techie@ncjwaz.org
Newsletter - Sondra Mesnik bulletin@ncjwaz.org
Directors at Large - Claire Bickel, Paula Eckstein, Jo-Ann Mullen   
Mission Statement
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
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Contact Judi fundraising@ncjwaz.org
National Council of Jewish Women Arizona