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The WAVE Newsletter
May 19, 2023 ~ 28 Iyyar 5783
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Dear
Do you find times when you simply can’t sleep? You know, the nights that follow a day that gifted us with an excess number of too-many -- too many emails, too many errands, too many zoom meetings, too many entries on a to-do list that runneth over. And then, as we try to raise the white flag and surrender to a blissful sleep with the sheer force of trying not to think, our thoughts explode with renewed force and vigor that even Alexa can’t turn off.
It happens. Yet, I deeply believe that life is a verb – to be embraced with the full force of our being. Life is that ‘Muchness’ we read about, defined as viewing each day as bursting with promise, potential, and possibility, limited only by our imaginations. I believe that each day should be lived with an over-brimming enthusiasm and our days stuffed full with wonder!
But, the reality check is that life is challenging and complicated.
Accepting this reality comes the realization that throughout a day of living bravely, caring deeply, and sharing freely, we need to curb our enthusiasm and find some moments of quiet. We need to periodically quiet our souls. Yes, it’s the adage: “Take a deep breath” after which we then be a can-do force and continue forward!
This week's parsha, Bamidmar, which means “in the desert,” has many beautiful translations. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z” l, offers a very spiritual approach that speaks to the role of stillness and silence in our lives. He teaches us that the Israelites received the Torah in the quiet wilderness of the desert for a reason. Because, he notes, it’s through the desert's sound of silence that the Israelites were able to hear G-d’s voice.
It’s in moments of silence that we also can hear G-d’s caring voice.
I’m not suggesting that we have a CGLR field trip to the desert, but rather that throughout our day, we look for and create moments of silence. The operative word is “moments;” brief moments where we can listen quietly to our soul. A few quiet moments to hear and be present to the what and to the why of what we're doing. We can look at this as living the Shemah. As Rabbi Sacks explains, it’s stopping and listening, hearing, paying attention, understanding, internalizing and then responding in deed.
Listen and then act. This is our balance where we can find resilience and hope.
As members of CGLR, committed to be stewards of our Conservative Judaism, we don’t need to hang up the many hats we wear within our Affiliate/Sisterhoods, Region, or Internationally for WL. We don't have to step back from life. We simply have to pause throughout the day, quietly be mindful, and then go forward with enthusiasm.
To embrace our responsibilities as Conservative Jewish women in this ever-changing world of ours requires nothing less of each of us than to make our lives a verb.
So, I invite you to fully embrace all that you are able to within CGLR and WL. Participate in your Affiliate Sisterhood’s activities and say, “Yes,” to the work at hand as well as the leadership opportunities in 2023-24. Register for Sisters Celebrating Together, July 16 – 19 and join us either in-person or virtually. Support our Convention’s Social Action Project, Shifrah and Puah: Giving the Gift of a Healthy Birth. Join The Women of the Wall, Sunday, May21, 12:00am ET. Register to virtually attend JTS Commencement and Rabbinic Ordination, May 18, 10:30am ET. Lend your voice to the WL Reads Monday, June 5, 8:00pm ET for a discussion of Golem Girl with CGLR's very own facilitator extraordinaire, Rachel Kamin. Come study and pray on Makom B’Yahad available three times a week at noon ET.
There are so many opportunities! Don’t hesitate to get the most out of each shining moment. To walk our paths with enthusiasm is when we truly come alive. Practicing the art of stillness for brief moments in the course of the day can be the catalyst we all need to continue forward with strength and courage and to make our lives a blessing – and perhaps enjoy a restful night, too!
Shabbat Shalom,
Pam
Pam Schlosberg
CGLR President
cglrpresident21@wlcj.org
847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)
P.S. Looking forward to seeing you in July!
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CGLR is the Proud Host of
WLCJ Convention 2023:
Sisters Celebrating Together!
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A Message from the
WL Medical Task Force
When uploading your COVID vaccine records, please be sure that it includes all doses you have received and that your name is clearly visible on the records.
Thank you.
If you need assistance, please contact Razel Kessler, Women's League Office Administrator,
rkessler@wlcj.org, 405-870-1260.
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Convention 2023 Creative
Judaic Arts Workshop
Sunday, July 16, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Monday, July 17, 9:00 – 10:30 pm
The Hamsa dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. The word "hamsa" comes from the Hebrew word "hamesh," which means five. It is believed to protect against the evil eye and all negative energies.
You will have fun creating your string art Hamsa with a coordinating border.
Project easy to complete in person or virtually.
Kit includes all supplies & instructions.
This project will not leave you in knots!
Order deadline is June 15.
Materials Cost: $12.00
Shipping/Freight Cost: $7.00
Questions? Contact Jody Glass, WL Creative Judaic Arts Co-Chair
glass.jody@gmail.com
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CGLR Convention FUNDRAISER | |
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CGLR Convention Kippah to Wear Proudly!
This special Convention Kippah is made by our very own Wanda Pitzele, an award winning Master Bead artist. The stunning beads beautifully capture the blue of our CGLR logo. Only 90 will be made because the beads are no longer being made and the
color will remain irreplaceable!
These truly are one-of-a kind - just like CGLR! And,
they're truly a treasure - just like all of our CGLR Sisters!
Priority will be given to in-person CGLR delegates.
Our cost is $30 each, a 25% discount off the retail cost for Wanda's beaded head coverings.
Your purchase will help to support CGLR's Scholarship Fund.
To order: Email Wanda at: wanda.pitzele@icloud.com.
Payment: Either send your check (made payable to "CGLR") to Wanda Pitzele at 2885 Parkwalk Drive, Cincinnati OH 45239 or
"Zelle" your payment to her at 630-289-3349.
Kippot will be distributed at the convention; however, if you want
yours in advance, it can be shipped to you for an additional $5.00.
Note: Preference will be given to CGLR members first.
Non-CGLR members can purchase this Kippah @ $40.00.
These Kippot are Wanda's own design. She is a cherished artist, supplying many of WLCJ Affiliates' Judaica Shops for decades with her unique design and colors!
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Our CGLR Madrichot -
Your Go-To Sisters For Everything Convention
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Madricha - Hebrew term for guide, leader, teacher (feminine)
Madrichot – plural of Madricha
The job of the madrichot is to help you smoothly navigate WLCJ International Convention in Schaumburg, IL, this coming July. If you need help with registration, finding a roommate, travel advice, figuring out where to be when, etc., they’re the ones to ask.
As the host region, our Central Great Lakes Region is expecting a great turnout, so great in fact that two Madrichot are needed! Seriously, Gilda and Wanda are ready to help you with whatever you need for convention.
This will be Wanda’s 12th convention. She has attended as a newbie, as a president of her sisterhood, as a region officer, as a presenter, and as a committee member planning workshops. That is a lot of history to draw from! How great is that?
While this is only Gilda's second convention, she has attended several conferences! She is a past President of the Adath Israel affiliate sisterhood in Cincinnati and currently serves as Membership VP for CGLR. She is looking forward to helping coordinate a fabulous convention for all CGLR delegates! How lucky can we be?
Their motto:
”If we don't know the answer, we will find out!"
Here’s how to reach your CGLR Madrichot:
Wanda Pitzele - 630-289-3349; wanda.pitzele@icloud.com
Gilda Schwartz – 513-314-5291; gilda49@aol.com
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Our Prayers Go Out . . .
To those who continue to suffer in Ukraine, and to those who are suffering after the shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.
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A Prayer of Peace for the People of Ukraine
By Rabbi Naomi Levy
G-d, our hearts are with all the people of Ukraine,
Its president, Volodymyr Zelensky,
And with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Ukraine
200,000 souls
Who crouch in fear
As the sound of sirens and bombs pierce the air.
Synagogues once filled with songs of celebration
Have become makeshift shelters.
Echoes of the Holocaust reverberate.
The memory of the one and a half million
Martyred Ukrainian Jews.
G-d, we pray that the panic in the streets of Ukraine
Will give way to the sound of children playing,
And the sound of sirens will give way to songs of hope.
We pray that the world community will unite
And cause the Russian army to retreat.
We pray for no more violence
Or bloodshed
And we pray that diplomacy
Will be the path to peace.
Hear our prayers, G-d,
Hear the prayers of the mothers and fathers,
the prayers of the children
longing for safety.
G-d, our Shelter,
Bring peace.
Let it rain down from the heavens like a mighty storm.
Let it wash away all hatred and bloodshed.
Peace, G-d. Please, G-d. Amen.
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The Ukraine War Continues...
The Enormous Suffering Continues--
Masorti Olami's Support Continues --
Our CGLR Advocacy and Support Continues!
We can extend our sense of renewed hope and
send our light forward.
In the U.S., donate via The Schechter Institutes, Inc. www.schechter.edu/donate or
via Masorti Olami: Support Our Work (masortiolami.org)
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Since the second night of Passover, we have been counting the Omer-the days between Passover and Shavuot. We are now in the countdown of our Chazak v’Ematz campaign. We have six more weeks until the end of our current Torah Fund Campaign. You can make donations online until June 30, 2023, at midnight for it to be counted toward the Chazak v’Ematz campaign. If you are writing a check it needs to be at the Torah Fund office by June 30th for it to be counted towards this year’s campaign, so make sure all your checks are in the mail at least one week before June 30th. So, what can you still be doing for the Chazak v’Ematz Campaign:
1. Make a plus $80 donation to help celebrate Torah Fund’s 80th anniversary. Those who do make the plus $80 donation will be recognized during the Torah Fund luncheon at Women’s League Convention in July in Chicago.
2. Send a Torah Fund e-card in honor or memory of someone. To do this click on this link: https://torahfundecards.jtsa.edu.
3. Become a member of the Legacy Society by making a commitment via your will or making Torah Fund a beneficiary to your IRA or Life insurance plan. The goal is to have 80 legacy commitments by convention. For more information click on this link: https://www.jtsa.edu./hidden-page/torah-fund-legacy-society/.
4. Give to the Creating New Spaces Campaign. This will help fund two important projects; a “Women’s League Study Space” in the new undergraduate residence hall at The Jewish Theological Seminary, and a special course of training for rabbinical students at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, entitled “Women’s League Institute on Gender Bias and Harassment.” Our goal is to raise $200,000 that will be split equally between the two projects.
Thanks to everyone who has already given to Torah Fund this year. I hope many will consider the above-mentioned options.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca Goldwasser
CGLR VP of Torah Fund
rebeccatorahfund@gmail.com
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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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Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships for the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes
of higher education.
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The next full issue of The WAVE will be published on June 2.
Copy is due by 1:00 p.m. CT, Tuesday, May 30.
Articles and photos from your affiliate sisterhood events
are welcome!
Please send your copy to Laurie Davis at LBD715@gmail.com
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We want to share news about your upcoming programs, including the dates of your Sisterhood Shabbat. Please send all information to Pam at CGLRPresident21@wlcj.org. | |
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Mazel Tov to
All the graduates of
Jewish Theological Seminary
and
All the graduates of the
American Jewish University - Ziegler Rabbinic Program
Mazel Tov to
Fern Schwartz, CGLR Education Chair, on being named the
2023 Woman of Valor at Congregation Beth El, Pittsburgh, PA
Sisterhood Shabbat this Saturday.
Mazel Tov to
American Jewish University has successfully secured the new home for the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. The new location will be on the middle floor of 350 South Beverly in Beverly Hills. This spacious facility will house classrooms, a library, a pantry, and a stunning rotunda. The faculty and administration offices will encircle the rotunda, creating a vibrant hub, and at the center will be a sunlit Beit Midrash. We envision this space to become the pulsing heart of our School, where learning and life will intertwine.
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Mi Sheberach for
Ruth L. Harris, IntraContinental President
Susan Steinberg, Southern Region President
Zelda Jacobs, past president of KIPOT Region
Ellen Kaner Bresnick, WLCJ Board Member
We wish them a Refuah Shlemah - a complete and speedy recovery
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With sadness we advise you of the passing of Nancy Bloom, z'l, Past President of the former New York State Branch.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 8, 2023.
We extend our condolences to Nancy's family and pray that they will be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you would like to make a donation to Women’s League in Sandy's memory, please click here. If you would like to make a donation to Torah Fund in her memory, please click here. If you're in the U.S. and wish to send a Torah Fund ecard, click here.
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Whether you’re celebrating the joy of a simcha or remembering a loved one who passed away, please consider donating to our CGLR Scholarship Fund today. Your gift provides support for those women in our region who may need financial assistance to participate in WLCJ Convention, Sisters Celebrating Together or
in Leadership Workshops. .
We will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift.
Donations in any amount are welcome.
Simply click the “DONATE” button below. Send the occasion, your name and address, plus the name and address of the recipient to Pam at cglrpresident21@wlcj.org.
You also may send a check
(payable to Women's League for Conservative Judaism) to:
Pam Schlosberg
144 Whistler Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Your caring will help keep our future strong - and we thank you!
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Women's League Happenings | |
Pre-Order WLCJ 5784 Calendar Diaries | | |
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Pocket Size = $11.00
Planner Size = $26.00
Contact the office for quantities over 10.
405-870-1260
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Calendar Diaries are available for pre-orders.
All orders will ship before the end of June.
Mail-In Form
All those who are attending Convention will receive their Calendar Diaries at Convention.
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Shabbat Message - Our Role as Jews in Mitigating Atrocity by Barbara Finkel | |
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On March 23, I represented Women’s League at a U.S. Department of State program entitled Diplomacy, Dissent, and the Holocaust: Speaking Out, Then and Now. The program was organized by the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, the Secretary’s Open Forum and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA). About 75 people—foreign diplomats, Congressional staffers, representatives of civil society, and current and retired foreign service officers—attended in person; others watched via WebEx.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman set the stage in her opening remarks by acknowledging that the Holocaust was a period when “voices of dissent went unheeded and unheard,” and that “when we tune out dissent, we allow society’s worst impulses to take over.” She explained that America in the 1930s was no haven for the oppressed—visa and immigration policies were “roadblocks” designed to keep people out, and U.S. officials responded too slowly even when they could not deny the harrowing events taking place in Europe. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s message was clear: Today, we still must grapple with the painful reality that the conviction to do right was not there, and we cannot let that happen again. She called upon her colleagues, and everyone in the audience, to “gather the bravery to sound the alarm about issues of urgency and give voice to causes often ignored.”
We then watched excerpts of the PBS documentary, The U.S. and the Holocaust, which focuses on how U.S. Government policies and American public opinion during WWII largely failed Jews seeking refuge from the Nazis. I had seen the documentary when it first aired in September 2022, but it shook me to the core once again to watch how events unfolded in this country. If you have not yet watched it, I highly recommend that you do so (https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/us-and-the-holocaust/).
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Parashat Bamidbar – May 20, 2023
Parashat Bamidbar begins the fourth book of the Torah, the book of Numbers, Sefer Bamidbar. The Children of Israel have been wandering in the desert, on their way from Egypt to the Land of Israel. This week’s Torah reading is a census of the people. In addition, we read a description of how the people were organized as they traveled. These are very relatable topics since, as members of a Sisterhood affiliate, we often are evaluating who is part of our organization, and figuring out how to best organize our priorities, and what each member of the Sisterhood affiliate does. Creating a system of organization is very important for a group to function properly. Our Torah reading teaches this important lesson. May your Sisterhood affiliate organize itself efficiently, so that each sister is seen as valuable to the entire group. Chazak v’Ematz - Be Strong and Courageous!
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We continue to update our website calendar on a regular basis. If you do not find programs on this newsletter, please go to the website calendar, which is updated regularly:
WLCJ Website Calendar
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Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
12:00 Noon ET; 11:00 AM CT; 9:00 AM PT; 10:00 AM MT
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/630830287
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish? Sign up below.Sign
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Women of the Wall -
Saturday May 20 @ 11 PM CT /
Sunday, May 21 @ 12 AM ET
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Join Women of the Wall as we welcome the month of Sivan - the month in which we celebrate receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai - Sunday, May 21! The Torah was given to ALL Jews, and as such we will continue to ensure that all Jews can access the Torah scroll at our holiest prayer site. | |
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Ziegler's Rabbinic Ordination Ceremony -
Monday, May 22 @ 7 PM CT/ 8 PM ET
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The Ordination ceremony will be Livestreamed via Facebook Live,
starting at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 7:00 p.m. CT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.
If you are unable to attend in person, we welcome you to click here to watch online. (You do not need to have a Facebook account in order to watch.)
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Pre-Convention Women's League Reads
Monday, June 5 @ 7 PM CT/ 8 PM ET
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Pre-Convention Women’s League Reads Book Discussion
Golem Girl: A Memoir by Riva Lehrer
Monday, June 5, 8:00pm ET / 7:00pm CT / 6:00pm MT / 5:00pm PT on Zoom facilitated by Rachel Kamin
The vividly told, full-color memoir of an artist born with disabilities who searches for freedom and connection in a society afraid of strange bodies. A longtime faculty member of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Riva Lehrer is currently an instructor in medical humanities at Northwestern University and will join us in-person at the WL Convention in Schaumburg on July 18. Read & discuss Golem Girl before the Convention and bring your copy to Schaumburg to get it signed by the author.
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Project Stock the Shelves | |
Your contribution will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors | |
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If you’ve been shopping recently, you can’t help but notice how much the cost of food has gone up. Please consider contributing a Kosher item to your pantry collection this month.
Debbie Bettan
Social Justice Project Chair
dbettan@wlcj.org
Karen Block
Social Justice Co-Chair
kblock@wlcj.org
Ardis Wexler
Social Justice Co-Chair
judgeardis@aol.com
Learn More
Your contribution will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors
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2022 - 2023 SAVE THE DATES | |
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Key to Calendar:
CGLR Events
WLCJ Events
Affiliate Events
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Saturday, May 20 - Women of the Wall @ 11PM CT
Sunday, May 21 - Women of the Wall @12AM ET
Monday, May 22 - Ziegler's Rabbinic Ordination Ceremony @ 7 PM CT/ 8 PM ET
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Monday, June 5 - Pre Convention WL Reads Program @ 7 PM CT/ 8 PM ET | |
Central Great Lakes Region Board | | | | |
