CHAI LINES
The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region
January 21, 2022 - 19 Shevat 5782
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From the Region President
Shalom Dear Friends;
 
This week’s Torah portion tells of one of the most crucial events in the history of the Jewish people – the revelation at Mount Sinai. However, before that, Parashat Yitro begins with Jethro (Yitro), Moses’ father-in-law, a priest of Midian, meeting up with the Israelites after they have passed through the Red Sea. Jethro brings Moses’ wife and sons to him and Moses tells Jethro about the miracle of the exodus. Jethro proclaims that the Israelite God is greater than all other gods, and he makes a sacrifice.
 
When Jethro observes how exhausted Moses is because he alone spends all day dealing with disputes among the Israelites, Jethro tells Moses you will “surely wear yourself out… the task is too heavy… you cannot do it alone.” Jethro advises Moses to “seek out from among all the people capable men who fear God, trustworthy men who abhor profit. Set these over them as chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens and let them judge the people at all times. Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you.” This model for leadership hierarchy and the principle of delegation is a fundamental practice used to this very day.
 
The Parasha continues with the description of the Israelites camping at the foot of Mount Sinai. After they have purified themselves for three days, the mountain fills with fire, smoke, thunder and the tremendous sound of the shofar and God delivers the Ten Commandments to His people. It is at Mount Sinai that the people enter into the covenant with God and commit themselves to His teachings and the Jewish way of life. But the Ten Commandments were not only given to the Israelites who left Egypt. They were given to all the generations of Jews who followed. Therefore, we could say that WE stood at Mount Sinai as well and metaphorically speaking are still standing at Mount Sinai today.
 
That is why the following poem by Trisha Arlin spoke so profoundly to me. I hope you are moved by it as well.
 
Shabbat Shalom,
Marilyn Cohen
 
STANDING AT SINAI
 
Standing at Sinai
Gathered together at the foot of a mountain to meet God.
Why do we need a mountain?
 
Maybe it’s just a useful metaphor:
A mountain of the needy and the suffering
that we ignore every day?
Or a mountain of guilt, a mountain of debt?
Or maybe it’s all of the knowledge we’ve yet to learn?
Or a mountain of fear,
     a mountain of the unknown,
     a mountain of uncertainty and procrastination and failure.
A mountain to roll a stone up, a mountain of opposition,
Oy vey iz mere.
God is in the Law, in the right and the wrong of our choices,
This mountain is huge!
 
Or maybe it’s just a regular old earth mountain,
A very large pile of dirt and vegetation,
     merely geology.
With trails to climb and
Rocks to stand on to take in the view.
Animals and bugs living in hidden places
Forming their own perfect worlds
     with no reference to us whatsoever,
As long as we leave them alone.
Maybe this mountain is our earth, our world,
To cherish and take care of or
To abuse and ignore.
 
God is everywhere in nature and
We are only one small speck on the mountain.
 
Maybe this mountain is Mount Sinai
And we are waiting for revelation
Because God,
     the actual God of Torah and Talmud and Tikkun Olam,
Is getting ready to show God’s self to us.
Maybe all the truth and love in the world
     is actually making itself available to us,
For real, all at once.
We who have done nothing but cry and complain.
Poor, hungry, scared us!
And this is more special and holy than we can take in.
So we look away and cover our ears
And God is in the marvelous silence.
 
So let us step up to the metaphors!
Step up to the dirt and the revelations!
We are standing at Sinai
And it is all for us
However we experience it.
 
Baruch atah Adonai, Ruaḥ HaOlam
Blessed One-ness, Breath of the Universe
We are humble in this Presence
However manifest.
 
And let us say,
Amen
 
From “Place Yourself: Words of Prayer and Intention” by Trisha Arlin
 
REGION MATTERS:
 
OUR NEXT REGION PROGRAM
March 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
“But They Were Good to Their Mothers: Jewish Gangsters in America”
INR presents Guest Speaker Helene Herman, a fascinating woman who is knowledgeable on a variety of historical and cultural topics. More information is available in the flyer in this newsletter. Register today!
 
TODAH RABAH to Linda Boxer our INR Torah Fund Vice President, for organizing, with her committee, an excellent program with Lisa Ellison on January 12th. Even though we had “technical difficulties”, the content of Lisa’s presentation was truly fascinating and we all learned so much. We thank Lisa for doing such extensive research on the amazing Canadian and American Jewish Women who were visionaries, activists, feminists and social action advocates in our respective countries.
 
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The WLCJ Social Action initiative Project Stock the Shelves continues with updated suggestions for each month. Your contributions will help reduce food insecurity among your neighbors. For example, the recommendation for January includes soup and crackers, hot or cold cereal/stable milk. These are just suggestions. It is best if you check with your local pantry. Contact Karen Block, WLCJ Social Action Co-chair at [email protected] for resources, ideas or help to get started. Click here for the detailed flyer.
 
IDEAS FOR YOUR AFFILIATE/SISTERHOOD TO USE OR ADAPT:
 
Temple Beth El, Ithaca NY
Kudos to Gail Zussman, Sisterhood President of Temple Beth El (TBE) in Ithaca NY. Her sisterhood/affiliate is concentrating on lifting their members’ spirits during these isolated times with light, social and participatory programs. For instance, they are just discussing amongst themselves a great book - “An Unorthodox Match” by Naomi Ragen. I would recommend this book to everyone, as well as its sequel, “An Observant Wife”.
 
TBE is also getting to together on zoom just to schmooze with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate on a Sunday morning. 
 
Beth David Women, Toronto ON
Beth David Women is inviting anyone interested to join their program - “The Tailor Project”. See the flyer in this newsletter.
 
PROGRAMMING BOOKLET BEING PRODUCED:
WLCJ Education Chairs – Julia Loeb and Ellen Kaner Bresnick are putting together a second booklet of Education programs that our sisterhood/affiliates can use in planning interesting programs. The first booklet was so well received that they decided to gather more suggestions for upcoming programs for the next 6-8 months to produce a second booklet. Please send your interesting program ideas and contact information to our Program/Education Vice President, Adele Weinstein ([email protected]) who will compile all the details to forward to Julia and Ellen.
 
Shabbat Shalom,
Marilyn Cohen, INR President
From our Torah Fund Vice President


 
Torah Fund – B’Yachad – Together

We have a new banner to mark our upcoming 80th anniversary. For nearly 80 years, donations have made a difference in the lives of students who will go on to become the rabbis, cantors, and educators in our communities.
 
Our region is doing so well towards our goals! The Torah Fund Office recently sent the following information: As of January 6, 2021, INR had contributed $12,411.82 to the B’Yachad Campaign. In comparison, as of January 13, 2022, INR has contributed $17,626.28 to this year’s Campaign. Ladies, that is just awesome!
 
We continue to make small donations to the Spaces campaign. In 2021, we had contributed $136.00, and thus far in 2022, we have made donations totaling $107.72.
 
Good for us! For all who have donated, Todah Rabah, thank you. All gifts, large or small, make a difference. 
 
We give today to help educate our rabbis, cantors, and educators. We can plan a legacy gift as part of Torah Fund’s Legacy Society, to ensure the future at the five seminaries of the Conservative/Masorti Movement. You may learn more by clicking here: Torah Fund - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu)
 
Once on that website, there are links to ecards, Legacy Society, the five seminaries, Women’s League and so much more. Be part of our history. Be part of our future. Your donations are very much appreciated.
 
On January 12th, we celebrated Torah Fund with our guest, Lisa Ellison, who is one of the educators we talk about helping. Lisa shared information about women whose actions spurred social justice. Sadly, we had some technical difficulties. Perhaps we can have Lisa return next year to continue teaching us about extraordinary women. Thank you to all who joined us that evening. A special note of appreciation to Marilyn Cohen, Adele Weinstein, and Toby Maser for all their help with the program.
 
Questions? Comments? Please contact me.
Linda Boxer, INR Torah Fund Vice President
From our Books Chair
The Book of Jeremiah: A Novel in Stories, by Julie Zuckerman examines the development of the character Jeremiah Gerstler. He is a first generation American of Polish immigrant parents who hold and practice Old World ideas. He emerges from being a childhood prankster to become a renowned Professor of International Political Economics. 
 
In non-consecutive chapters we learn of the personalities of Jeremiah Gerstler, his wife and children between1938 through the early years of the millennium. 
 
Zuckerman plays Jeremiah's character development against historical political issues, the world economy, wars (WW II and Vietnam), segregation/integration, and climbing the professional ladder. Intertwined are family matters and milestones. As a son, brother, father and husband, Jeremiah deals with understanding, pride, grief, daring, intermarriage and today's non-denominational grandchildren.
 
Jeremiah is precocious, impulsive, obstinate, resilient and more. Each family member brings challenges and unfailing support to Jeremiah.
 
You can draw your own conclusions in comparing this fictional Jeremiah with the Biblical prophet. This is an interesting read.
 
Submitted by
Ruth Borsky
INR Books Chair
Our Upcoming Region Programs:
Region Program March 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
presents
HELENE HERMAN on:
But They Were Good to Their Mothers:
Jewish Gangsters in America
Wednesday March 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM
This lecture addresses a seldom-covered aspect of the darker side of the immigrant experience, delving into the rise and fall of Jewish gangsters who dominated crime from the 1920’s until the end of WW2. Beyond exploring famous crime figures (e.g., Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky) and organizations (e.g., Murder Inc., The Brownsville Boys), we will learn about some lesser known but quite fascinating characters.
email Adele Weinstein @ [email protected] by 12 PM on 3/9/2022 to register
Helene Herman recently retired as President of a 400+ member lifelong learning club. She is a lecturer for adult learning programs at multiple universities on a variety of historical and cultural topics. Helene has over 30 years of executive experience in global marketing, and holds a B.A. in Anthropology from NYU. She is the Sisterhood President at Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek in Tamarac, Florida.

Helene generously offers her lectures to affiliates of Women’s League for no fee. All she asks in exchange is that we make donations to Torah Fund, the dedicated philanthropy of Women's League for Conservative Judaism. INR, as a region, will be making a donation in Helene's name. If you wish to voluntarily contribute as well: In the US, you can donate online here. In Canada please mail donations to: Jewish Theological Society, 100 Elder Street, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5G7. Be sure to include the name of your local affiliate for proper credit.
Beth David Women Present:
Help Wanted:
What: A Few Good People!

For: The INR Communications Team!

Requirements: Prior experience working with Constant Contact is a plus but not absolutely necessary if computer literate - training will be provided. Also, it would be helpful (but not absolutely necessary) if candidates have some experience writing and editing articles or reports in some capacity of work or volunteer experience.

If you are interested or know of someone who might be a good “fit”, please contact Joan Lowenstein at [email protected].

Thank You!
From Women's League:
January 2022     |    Tevet/Shevat 5782
For more information/registration, see the detailed fliers below.
Or - click anywhere on either calendar and it will take you to the WL Week where you can "click" on each individual program!
January/February 2022    |   Shevat / Adar I 5782
Communications Committee Facebook Initiative
Jews in Film - Somewhere Over The Rainbow Series 1 of 3 Monday, January 24th @ 3 PM 
Torah Fund Stands with Israel - Monday, January 24th 
@ 8 PM ET
Please join Torah Fund to their second Torah Fund Stands With Israel virtual event Monday evening, January 24 at 8:00pm eastern time
 
Please click this link to reserve:
Masorti Women Study, Reflect and Pray in Our Challenging Times - January 26th and February 13th @ 12 noon ET
Women’s Masorti Online Study Days
 
Day 1 / Central-Southern Region
Wednesday, January 26th
12:00 Noon - 2:55 PM ET
 
Click here to see the full program
Lectures are available in Hebrew, English, Russian and French
 
Day 2 / Northern Region
Sunday, February 13th
12:00 Noon - 2:55 PM ET
 
Click here to see the full program
Lectures are available in Hebrew, English, Russian and Spanish
 
Because the study days are on Zoom, you can choose to participate in sessions both days. In order to help the organizers, please reserve your choice of sessions now.
If the button feature doesn't redirect you,
below are the direct links to register. You can use either:
WL Reads - Thursday, January 27th @ 7 PM ET
Joint Program of WLCJ and WOW: Who Owns the Western Wall? - Sunday, January 30 - 12 PM ET
Join Us!
Registration 
Deadline:
January 24th
Questions? Contact:
Lori Snow
WLCJ Event Chair, WLCJ WOW Liaison
or
lllene Rubin
Chair, World Community Engagement
Women of the Wall
WOW Merchandise
All prices include regular shipping (with tracking, 2-4 weeks). Express shipping costs an extra $20 per item:
Four Mothers - $250.
Siddur - $36
Garden of Eden - $225.
Challah Cover - same design as our Garden of Eden tallit - $72
Spirit of Israel - $250. 
Tefillin 101 - Week 2 - Sunday, February 13th
A Five-Week ‘Crash’ Course on Tefillin for the World Wide Wrap
Sunday, February 13th
 
Prepared by
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields,
WLCJ Executive Director

Tefillin 101 – Lesson One
 
Tefillin 101 – Week 2 – Terms related to Tefillin
In preparation for the World Wide Wrap on Sunday, February 13, 2022, week 2 of Tefillin 101 will focus on terms related to Tefillin. As mentioned in Tefillin 101: Week 1, each week we will focus on seven different facts, or seven questions, related to Tefillin.
 
To continue reading, click here.
 
World Wide Wrap 2022 Video
Importance of Tefillin- See many familiar faces
Consulting Services Workshop #2: Exploring Leadership - Tuesday February 22 @ 7 PM ET
Questions?
Contact
Renee Ravich
Consulting Services Chair, Sisterhood Support Chair
Looking for new leadership for your Sisterhood affiliates but not sure what to do? Women’s League is offering two workshops presented by our Consulting Services team and open to all members. The first workshop took place on January 9th.
 
A Women's League training program to support all regions and Sisterhood affiliates by the Consulting Services of WLCJ.
 
2nd Workshop: Exploring Leadership -- Finding alternatives to the traditional leadership structure.
It will take place on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET.  
Margie Miller, WLCJ Nominations Chair and Immediate Past International President, is teaching this workshop.
Programming Idea of the Week
Kathy Shapiro, CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher
Submitted by
Grace Schessler, WL Programming Chair 
Zentangle Mindfulness Drawing
 
Looking to take a break from the things that are weighing on your heart and mind? Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, fun way to create beautiful works of art using structured patterns. Create simple, straight-forward patterns using basic lines, curves and dots and orbs on small paper, called tiles. Designed to promote relaxation and creativity, Zentangling enhances focus, self-confidence, and calm. Lose yourself in a session of guided, meditative doodling. Does one need to be an artist? Definitely not! If you’ve ever doodled in the margins of a page, you can do this. Contact Zentangler extraordinaire, Kathy Shapiro, CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) to design a program for your Sisterhood Affiliate. Kathy will guide you through easy, strokes that will leave you feeling relaxed and filled with delight. If your group has never tried Zentangling, this is the perfect time! Kathy Shapiro has spent most of her career producing Broadway and off-Broadway theater and developing innovative arts programs to enhance community engagement. She is the founder of Magic Me, a celebrated intergenerational arts program in the UK. 
 
To continue reading, click HERE.
Weekly Words of Torah
Makom B'Yachad
The Rabbinical Assembly - Preorder
Coming soon from the Rabbinical Assembly: A new edition of Megillat Esther! Newly translated and interpreted for the 21st century, this Hebrew-English edition draws on traditional sources, contemporary scholarship, and deep insights from Conservative rabbis to bring the megillah to life.
The discount code is 
WLCJPURIM
Megillat Esther: The Book of Esther features:

The Hebrew text of the megillah
An expanded narrative translation (by Rabbi Martin S. Cohen) that evokes the playfulness and allusiveness of the megillah
A second, contextual translation (by Rabbi Pamela Barmash) that draws on contemporary scholarship in Biblical Hebrew to capture the literary style and linguistic connotations of the Hebrew text
Thoughtful essays on each chapter of the megillah that unfold its literary and religious meanings
Insightful comments on selected verses by a diverse group of Conservative rabbis, including Rachel Ain, Jacob Blumenthal, Neil F. Blumofe, Analia Bortz, Susan Leider, Zachary Silver, Amy S. Wallk, and Yonatan M. Warren
 
Blessings to be recited before and after the public reading of the megillah on Purim, as well as the accompanying evening (Arvit) service from Siddur Lev Shalem
 
By bringing multiple voices and interpretations to the Book of Esther, Megillat Esther reflects the rich diversity of people and approaches that characterizes Conservative Judaism. This innovative book will yield fresh insights and enhance your experience of Purim year after year.
 
Preview chapter 1 of the megillah here.
 
Megillat Esther: The Book of Esther, edited by Martin S. Cohen. List price $15.00discounted price of $10.00 for RA/CA/USCJ or bulk orders of 50+
 
Now available for preorders here. Books will ship in February 2022. Purim is March 17-18.
Ongoing WLCJ Happenings
Upcoming Sisterhood Calendar Events & WL Groups to Join
Tell us about YOUR Sisterhood 
event coming up!
News from Seminaries WLCJ Supports
Torah Fund eCards
New Digital Torah Fund eCards Available NOW:
Send a greeting with ecards and support Torah Fund! Make your gift more meaningful by using our ecards for every occasion!
Additional Opportunities
Valley Beit Midrash - January/February 2022
MERCAZ USA & CANADA
INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism