November 11, 2022 ~ 17 Cheshvan 5783 | |
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Dear Central Great Lakes,
Here’s the question of the week: How often do you wonder, What if…?
When our every day is a relentless set of circumstances that challenge our sense of well-being, What if… often redirects our spirit and provides us with a fresh perspective.
Come along and let’s wonder for a moment…
What if…we discovered the secret of happiness? Not the short-lived moment of an experience but a long-lived happiness throughout our lives -- a sort of on-goingness? How good would that be?
I think this was part of the Mega-Millon Dollar Jackpot craze that captured imaginations, playing like a symphony of time and chance across our nation. Every few days, the jackpot climbed and soon everyone wondered, What if….
What if… I won? What would I do? How would my life change?
The possibilities were endless. The anticipation was exhilarating! The pathway to happiness was only a few numbers away. A chance to capture an alternative from “life-as-it-is” to “life-as-it-could be,” to capture a dream in an instant -- certainly, until someone won.
Ultimately, reality returned. We can’t win happiness or simply capture a dream. Deep within ourselves is an inner voice that always prompts us to grow, to work toward a dream, to know that happiness is a verb based on the how and what of our lives. To hear and heed that inner voice is perhaps the most consistent challenge we face: listening from where we are and hearing everything we might be.
What if…in this process-of-becoming that we call life, we find a way that prompts us to expand the circle of our life, to develop, to reach beyond ourselves, to find favor in the eyes of G-d, to be fulfilled? We need only to look in this week’s parsha, Vayera.
Here in the stories of Abraham and Lot we learn of how they modeled hospitality, caring, and concern; how they responded to those in need; how they advocated for what was just and right, how they accepted responsibility. Why is this important? Rabbi Shai Held explains that the Torah wants us to understand that what is true for them is true for us as well. To be a Jew is to be responsible. “Following Abraham’s example,” Rabbi Held explains, “Jews are asked to speak up in the face of human injustice. Abraham, as well as his descendants, must practice tzedakah (righteousness).” Judaism provides the template that helps us fulfill G-d’s call to righteousness.
As modern Conservative Jewish women, we serve as agents of change. We’re the upstanders. We recognize when something is wrong and work to make it right.
Women’s League and your CGLR provide countless opportunities to learn, to do, to work "in the now" and to impact the future. Whether through initiatives in support of Ukraine, advocacy programs for Uganda and the Women of the Wall, or creating WL Resolutions on Women’s Rights and Gun Control, we’re taking responsibility. Watch for details on a CGLR program on Antisemitism to be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Come learn. Come see what each of us can do to make a difference!
The highest life-achievement award we can earn is as G-d’s partner -- a day at a time, an act at a time, for as long as it takes to make the world a place of justice and compassion. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (z”l) wrote, we’re here to make a difference.
What if…we look at the world with this inspired perspective?
What if…by our deeds we express our faith and make it real in the lives of others?
Perhaps we’ll discover an on-going happiness that comes with living a life of purpose, living a life of service, and making our lives a blessing along the way!
Shabbat Shalom,
Pam
Pam Schlosberg
CGLR President
847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)
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Our Support and Prayers Continue for Ukraine | |
The Ukraine War Continues -
The Suffering Continues--
Masorti Olami Support Continues --
Our CGLR Advocacy and Support Continues
We can extend our sense of renewed hope and send our light forward by a donation via The Schechter Institutes, Inc. www.schechter.edu/donate or
via Masorti Olami: Support Our Work (masortiolami.org)
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Pictures from Affiliate Sisterhood EHNTJC | |
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Diane Rosenfeld EHNTJC Affiliate President), Ron Balson (author),
Judy Arkin (EHNTJC Affiliate Program Vice-President) at Book Event.
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Diane Rosenfeld (EHNTJC Affiliate President) with Judy Frank EHNTJC Affiliate Past President) at Ron Balson Book Event. | | |
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The Affiliate Sisterhood of Anshe Emet Synagogue
Chicago, Illinois
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American Jewish University Speaker Series
at Congregation Beth Shalom,
Oak Park, Michigan
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American Jewish University Speaker Series
Monday, November 14, 2022 • 20 Cheshvan 5783
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET on-line
Beth Shalom is honored to present the American Jewish University Speaker Series event featuring Rabbi Sherre Hirsch. The hour-long talk, "Navigating the Thresholds of our Lives" deals with the themes discussed in her book, "Thresholds: How to Thrive Through Life's Transitions to Live Fearlessly and Regret-free."
This is a Zoom presentation beginning at 7:30 pm ET, Monday, November 14. We offer two options: An in-person viewing at Beth Shalom or online at home. Please register below. The Zoom link will be sent out the week prior to the event. Please contact the shul with any questions. We thank the Hermelin Davidson Center for Congregational Excellence for their support of this program.
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The Affiliate Sisterhood of
Ezra-Habonim, The Niles Township Jewish Congregation,
Skokie, IL (EHNTJC)
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Target Gift Cards or Monetary Donations due by November 28 | |
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The Affiliate Sisterhood of
Ezra-Habonim, The Niles Township Jewish Congregation,
Skokie, IL (EHNTJC)
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The Affiliate Sisterhood of
Ezra-Habonim, The Niles Township Jewish Congregation,
Skokie, IL (EHNTJC)
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Chanukah Happening Mail-in Payments due by November 28 | |
CGLR is Hosting Convention 2023! | |
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Now is the TIme to Think About
Your Jewels in the Crown
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Jewels in the Crown is an opportunity for your Sisterhood to be honored for exceptional programming and participation.
See below for information and application.
Application and supporting materials must be submitted to Women’s League by
March 2, 2023.
For more information email: jewel@wlcj.org
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Next Full Issue of The Wave
is November 25.
Copy due by 1pm CT SUNDAY,
November 20.
Articles and Photos Welcomed!
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Chazak v’Ematz, Be Strong and Courageous! We are halfway into our campaign year. Some affiliates have already held their Torah Fund events and some are busy planning their Torah Fund events.
Some things to think about as we are planning our year:
Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, November 29. Consider making a donation to the Creating New Spaces Campaign, which is ongoing until we reach our goal of $200,000. https://inspired.jtsa.edu/torahfund
Think about making a commitment to Torah Fund via the Legacy Society. You do not need to pay anything now! You can either leave a part of your estate to Torah Fund in your will or make Torah Fund a beneficiary in your life insurance policy. For more information, click on this link: Torah Fund Legacy Society - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu).
Torah Fund strongly encourages online giving, as you'll receive your tax receipt immediately. U.S. donors making online contributions through 11:59 p.m. on December 31 will receive a 2022 tax receipt. U.S. online donors should use this link: https://inspired.jtsa.edu/give/314821/#!/donation/checkout
Torah Fund urges U.S. residents making donations by check to get their checks to the Torah Fund office by December 1, to allow sufficient time for processing. Although you can still write checks through December 31, there may be a delay in processing your receipt.
Save the date for our next Torah Fund Stands with Israel virtual event, which will take place on Monday evening, January 30, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Lastly, as you plan your Torah Fund events, please remember that Andrea Heiger and I would love to attend, either in person or via Zoom, so be sure to invite us!
Be Strong!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca Goldwasser
CGLR Vice President of Torah Fund
rebeccatorahfund@gmail.com
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Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships for the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes
of higher education.
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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!
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Mazel Tov to
Laurie B. & Ira Davis
on the birth of granddaughter,
Sophia Isabel Davis,
on November 3, 2022.
Laurie B. is a Past President of Central Great Lakes Region (CGLR)
Yom Huledet Sameach to
Rhonda Cohn,
Past President of CGLR,
on November 10 (a day late)
Mi Sheberach for
Susan Steinberg,
Southern Region President
Ruth Harris
InterContinental Region President
Rhonda Cohn
Past President of CGLR
Robin Lash
CGLR Program Vice President
We wish them Refuah Shlemah - A complete and speedy recovery
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Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Souls lost on Kristallnacht (November 9)
and during the Holocaust
Veterans lost in War
Rabbi Stanley J. Schachter,
Rabbi Emeritus of
Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, Pepper Pike, Ohio,
on November 1, 2022, in Jerusalem, Israel.
David Pfeffer,
Husband of Idette Pfeffer,
former International VP, Trainer and Torah Fund Cabinet member.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Idette at Idettehp@gmail.com.
May their memories be for a blessing.
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Central Great Lakes Region Board | |
Women's League Happenings | |
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Parashat Vayera- November 11, 2022
by Rabbi Ellen Wolinitz-Fields
ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org
We begin Parashat Vayera with Abraham greeting his three visitors, while he is recuperating from his brit milah (circumcision) at the age of 99. Sarah overhears the three visitors, who were messengers from God, telling Abraham that Sarah, who was advanced in years, and was no longer menstruating, would bear a child in a year. Sarah’s reaction to hearing this news was laughter. Have you seen that in your own life? You or someone you know hears some incredible, unbelievable news, and there are really no words to express what is felt and what is being heard – and the only reaction is a laugh? Even our matriarch Sarah had a nervous laugh. Anybody who laughs when they feel awkward and do not know what to say – you are in good company. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!
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Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
12 PM ET; 11 AM CT; 9 AM PT; 10 AM MT
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/630830287
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
Special Program during Makom B'Yachad:
Hanukkah, Friday, December 23, 2022
Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish? Sign up below.Sign
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Women's League Reads -
Thursday, November 17 @ 7PM ET
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WL Reads Co-Chairs, Merle Carrus and Susan Farber, interview Randy Susan Meyers, author of The Fashion Orphans, on November 17. Join us for an engaging virtual conversation about this novel and Ms. Meyers’s writing process. | |
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Sichot Beyn Achayot: MiDor L'Dor / Conversations between Sisters Series -
Sunday, November 20 @ 12:00 PM ET
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Sunday, 11.20.22 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET
Workshop 2 - MiDor L’Dor: Revering and Honoring the Generations until 120
How do we maintain value and meaning in our lives at every age? We will discuss the importance of self-care, as well as ideas for caregivers, as we honor the generations that gave us our Jewish values.
Speakers:
Prof. Alice Shalvi, Founder of Women's Rights Movement in Israel and Israel Prize recipient for her contribution to education
Rabbi Judith Hauptman, Professor Emerita of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture, JTS
Rabbi Miriam Berkowitz, accredited Hospital Chaplain/Spiritual Caregiver, Jerusalem
Rabbi Tracee Rosen, Hospital Chaplain, Phoenix, Arizona
Rabbi Judith Edelman-Green, Pastoral Caregiver and Educator, Kfar Saba
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#GivingTuesday - Tuesday, November 29 | |
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All of the #GivingTuesday Campaign will go to the
“MASORTI WOMEN’S DAYS OF STUDY"
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#GIVINGTUESDAY
Facebook Fundraiser
Help us spread the word in social media! Please click on the button below to share our WLCJ Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser. Together we are louder and heard even further if you help us share our fundraiser page. Let’s exceed what we raised last year on Facebook!
Click on the button Give on Facebook
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Stock the Shelves - Now, More Than Ever | |
Project Stock the Shelves
There are many among us who continue to be food insecure. If you’ve been shopping recently, you can’t help but notice how much the cost of food has gone up.
Please reach out and help if you can.
Your contribution, no matter how many items, will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors and be a blessing to an individual or a family
So, please consider contributing a Kosher item to your pantry collection this month.
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2022 - 2023 SAVE THE DATES | |
Key to Calendar:
CGLR Events
WLCJ Events
Affiliate Events
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Sunday, November 13 @ 4:00 pm CST/ 5:00 PM EST Anshe Emet "Kosher Wine, Klezmer, and Kiddush Cups" Fundraiser
Monday, November 14 @ 7:00 PM CST / 8:00 PM EST - CGLR Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, November 14 @ 6:30 pm CST/ 7:30 PM EST (Online) Congregation Beth Shalom, Michigan, presents the American Jewish University Speaker Series, featuring Rabbi Sherre Hirsch discussing her book, "Thresholds: How to Thrive Through Life's Transitions to Live Fearlessly and Regret-free."
Wednesday, November 16 @ 7:00 PM CST / 8:00 PM EST (Zoom) - CGLR's Opening Event - Just for Laughs
Thursday, November 17 @ 6:00 PM CST / 7:00PM EST - WL Reads interviews Randy Sue Meyers, author of the book, Fashion Orphans.
Sunday, November 20 @ 11:00 AM CST / 12:00 PM EST - Sichot Beyn Achayot: Midor L'Dor - Workshop 2
Tuesday, November 29 - ALL DAY- #WLCJ Giving Tuesday
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Wednesday, December 7 @ 7:00PM CST / 8:00 PM EST Membership Matters/ Take Two Workshop
Wednesday, December 14 @ 8:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM ET Women in the Chanukah Story, Rabbi Marianne Novak, presenter
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Sunday, January 8, 2023 @ 12:00N CST / 1:00 PM EST- WL Reads interviews Lori Banov Kaufman, author of the book, Rebel Daughter.
Thursday, April 27, 2023 @ 6:00 PM CST / 7:00 PM EST- WL Reads interviews Alyson Richmond and Shaunna Edwards, co-authors of the book, The Thread Collectors.
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Communication VP/ Wave Editor
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