MIDWEST DISTRICT M'KESHER מְקֶשֶׁר    
November 2020 | Cheshvan 5781
A Message from Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President 

Greetings!
Mazel Tov! Two short weeks ago, we proudly took the lead as the first WRJ District to accept the challenges of the online platform for our 2020 Virtual District Convention. We held our first socially-distanced District Convention on Zoom, celebrating the Midwest women who completed terms on our Board and welcoming those who have accepted new roles. To those of you who were able to join us, thank you for sharing in this historic event. Whether you joined us at any point this weekend, or wished you could but just didn’t have the time, you can view any part of it by visiting the Midwest Leadership Group on Yammer. (If you are not yet on Yammer, the WRJ communication hub, click here to get the “Yammer Tips” sheet on how to join and what to do once you are in.) There, you will find recordings of all the 2020 Midwest District Convention highlights! There are also links for sharing these recordings with your sisterhoods through Vimeo. I wish I could suggest a “must see," but the whole weekend was full of informative programs, inspiring services and ceremonies, and even a slideshow of pictures of Midwest women gathered together at district events over the last two years. You can’t go wrong clicking on any of the recordings.

None of this could have happened without the incredible dedication and talent of our Convention Committee: Carol Berger (amazing programming), Mary Fisher (hospitality and surprise packages), Rachel Roth (Zoom tech and reality check), Karen Schwartz (registration and all things Eventbrite), Cheryl Stern (negotiating contracts that don’t get used, then pivoting to personalizing the virtual world and general advice), Linn Ullenbrauck (marketing and communications and much, much more) and Judy Wexler (coordinating services, ceremonie,s and beautifying presentations). We had to do a lot of reinventing, and Michelle Scheinkopf inspired us to think outside the traditional box, while our WRJ Guest, Blair Marks, kept us grounded, yet imaginative. I have learned an immense amount from these women and look forward to learning so much more from all of you over the next 29 months.

This is the transition time. Lots of people have changed jobs, some are new to district leadership. This year, we added a beautiful new logo (complete with a lovely pin, see order form below). So, there are lots of updates in the directory, the website, and even the M’Kesher. Patience, please. Let us know where you think we can improve and give us time to adjust.

These are challenging times. I hope that being a member of the WRJ Midwest District will help you meet the challenges ahead. Last April, I wrote a prayer to help me face some of the changes that the moment required. I have altered it only slightly and share it with you now as this month marks our national recognition of the need to be thankful. As I write this, we are 4 days from our national election day and the COVID-19 positivity numbers continue to reach higher levels. Whatever the outcome, I hope this prayer can broaden our perspective.

L'Shalom,
Zabe


A Prayer of Gratitude during the Time of Pandemic
At this time when so much of our lives have been put on hold due to a force beyond our control, and we see no end in sight, I invite you to consider the many Divine Gifts still thriving in the world around us.

I am grateful for:
  • The Gifts of the Seasons in the Midwest – Spring, the time of renewal and regrowth that promises the coming seasons; Summer, the longer days that bring ripening fruits and vegetables to feed our appetites; Autumn with its delicious harvest and brilliant colors; and soon, the quiet of Winter, often resting under a blanket of snow. This cycle can be seen everywhere and remains untouched by the threat we face;
  • The Gifts of Family, of Community, and of Sisterhood that give me strength, even from 6 feet or more away;
  • The Gifts of Zoom, and Facetime, and Skype that allow us to meet, to plan, to share, to pray, to sing, and to learn together through virtual, face-to-face technology, despite the temporary viral disruption and our need for social distance; and finally,
  • The Gift of Torah that reminds us of our covenant with God, our partnership in Tikkun Olam, that has outlived many past disasters.

So, while we wash our hands, keep our distance, mask up, and reach out through technology, may God help us protect the health of everyone, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Let us not lose sight of the many Gifts available in this world that help us live well and guide us through these troubling times. Amen.
New WRJ Midwest Pin!
Be one of the first to get your new district pin -- or gift them to special people in your lives! 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.
 Advocacy
 If you haven’t done so, VOTE;
if you have,
THANK YOU!
Upcoming District Events
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Recorded Midwest District Programs
 WRJ North American News
Reproductive Health & Rights Campaign
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:
WRJ Webinars
WRJ Webinars and Programs


WRJ is a proud partner in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s (RAC’s) Every Voice, Every Vote: the Reform Movement's 2020 Civic Engagement Campaign We encourage you to get involved in this project and launch this campaign in your communities and commit to participate in Every Voice, Every Vote.

We Don't Have a President Workshop! Can be found on Yammer. Date of program was June 16, 2020.

Let's Talk Money Workshop: Sisterhood /Women's Group Finance Workshop can be found on Yammer. Date of program was June 23, 2020
(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!
Upcoming WRJ Virtual Events
to access the above information on Yammer, you will need to be registered for an account. Sign up at leadership@wrj.org.
Sisterhood/Women's Group News
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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Social Media
WRJ Midwest is on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out!!
Leadership Change Form
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.
Speakers Bureau Updates
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.

Request a District speaker for a virtual event.

Request a WRJ speaker for a virtual event.
Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop
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
Women of North Shore Congregation Israel
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Update
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.
Midwest District Gift Giving
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.

By clicking on the Donate Button in the M'Kesher or on the WRJ Midwest District website, you are able to do just that. WRJ Midwest welcomes your support!
 Good & Welfare
Yom Huledet Sameach 
(Happy Birthday!) 
to our Midwest District Board Members and Alumnae

November:

Beginning of December...
As you are putting together your newsletters & e-blasts, please use these forms: 
Contact: Ashley Burbul, M'Kesher Editor
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.