Dear Central Great Lakes,



This morning when I opened my email, I found a message that boldly announced: “Stop What

You’re Doing and Buy This!” I had no idea what I desperately needed that required this virtually

loud, early-morning alert. What was so critical that I had to stop and shop…immediately?

Perhaps it was a special offer for ChatGP, you know, the tech program that can mimic how humans write and talk – a real time saver with possibilities for all of us who write countless emails. Or better, perhaps it was an offer for a large box of July 4th cookies to restore the peace of mind that this email just jolted. What was I missing? The answer may surprise you.

It was an alert to tell me the about the trendiest ever, super-style socks available in the latest seven colors, so I could mix and match and lend “whimsy” to whatever I wear! So, my day began.

Sometimes do you wish for just an ordinary morning that leads into our regularly scheduled ordinary day’s program, however we define ordinary? Ordinary is one of those very interesting, personal words with as many definitions as the flavors of ice cream offered at Coromoto’s (which is actually 860). Ordinary expands and twirls to capture our personal mission and vision.

How would you define an ordinary day? Would you choose specificities like lingering over coffee while checking for iPhone updates, checking your To-Do list, running the kids to soccer, field hockey, or baseball, playing pickleball or Maj, checking in with your grandkids, power walking, volunteering on a committee, a planning meeting at Starbucks, a planning meeting on Zoom, more volunteering, running to Target, cooking dinner or, better yet, ordering in? Is this about how it goes? Is this the usual -- our shared ordinary?

Yet, pulsing beneath each of these is a blessing: the gift of time; the gift of family, the gift of sight that enables an appreciation of all the natural beauty around us as we walk, the gift of health that enables us to engage in life. We’re taught to say 100 blessing each day! They are there! Tabulating these provides an awareness of the awe and wonder in this gift of life that we have. Through this prism, ordinary is almost a misnomer when it comes to defining the days that steadfastly mark the life we lead.

Perhaps it’s because life is about the process of becoming, sometimes of unprecedented expectations, that we can forget that an ordinary day holds unbounded blessings as well.

There can be no ordinary day if we are aware of its awe and wonder. It’s living with that radical amazement with which Rabbi Abraham Heschel, z”l, taught us to view each day: taking nothing for granted, viewing everything as phenomenal, never treating life casually, seeing everything we find ourselves doing as incredible, even those relentless Zoom-planning meetings.

Before we start each morning, before our feet hit the ground and we pick up our iPhone, we’re encouraged to say, Modeh/modah ani, “I give thanks.” Note, as Jonathan Sacks, z”l, recognized, that in this prayer, the normal word order is inverted: Modeh ani, not ani modeh, so that, in Hebrew, the “thanks” comes before the “I.” Judaism is gratitude with an attitude!

So in this spirit of radical amazement, as we end our 2022-23 fiscal year and prepare for a new administrative year, I want to express my gratitude to all of you – Affiliate Sisterhoods' leadership and members, CGLR Executive Committee members, and our Board of Directors:

In all you do, you share a unique light of dedicated service to preserve Judaism for today and for the generations that will follow – and your light is ever-bright.

In all you do, you embrace a shared narrative of service to family, mitzvot,

Torah, study, community, and Israel – and there is beautiful holiness in your work.

In all you do, you bring an amazing spirit, courage, strength, and

most of all joy – and you make a difference every day.

You make each ordinary day, extraordinary – and you make your lives a blessing!

I’m so incredibly honored to walk this pathway with you!

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at our Convention in two weeks! For those of you who haven’t registered, virtual registration remains open! Please check out the information below for everything you always wanted to know about WL’s Convention 2023, Sisters Celebrating Together!

May your Shabbat be filled with peace and happiness.

Pam

Pam Schlosberg

CGLR President

cglrpresident21@wlcj.org

847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)

Have you registered for Convention yet?

Want to place a virtual Journal Ad?

Have you supported the Convention Social Action Project yet?

Update: Convention 2023 Registration Deadlines

Convention Registration Deadlines

In-person registration is closed.

Virtual registration will continue up to the start of Convention!

Convention Cancellations: Closed

Requests for cancellation are no longer being accepted.

Hotel Reservations

The special $139 per night room rate is no longer guaranteed. Hotel reservations can be made directly with the hotel at https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-WLCJ

Celebration breakfast to follow

RSVP on the Convention Website at WLCJ.ORG

On July 17, 30 women will be called to the Torah during the morning services on Monday of Convention to celebrate their B’not Mitzvah. They will lead the service, and many will read Torah for the first time. These women first came together almost three years ago, responding to an announcement in Women’s League Week that we would be starting an adult Bat Mitzvah class. They came for many reasons—Some are Jews by choice and are just starting their Jewish Journey, some women had a Bat Mitzvah at 12 or 13 in congregations that were not egalitarian. They may have had their Bat Mitzvah on a Friday night or were not allowed up on the bimah, and some women joined the class for Torah Lishmah—learning for the sake of learning. For the past two and a half years, we have met every month, on Thursday nights, for ninety minutes to study, mostly with amazing rabbis in the Conservative movement, sometimes with our amazing Women’s League rabbis or members. We would like to thank all our teachers for helping these women reach this special day. 

The women prepared for each class by reading required texts or handouts, thinking about questions provided by the teachers in advance and, recently, writing Divrei Tefillah on prayers from the morning service. The classes were thought-provoking, and sparked discussion and many questions. After all, ours is a religion based on asking questions.  One of the requirements for the class was that all our students know the aleph-bet and be able to read basic prayerbook Hebrew. We started a series of Hebrew classes and many women participated. When you hear them lead their prayers on Zoom or from the bimah, or you hear them read Torah, you would never know that some of them did not know any Hebrew when they started this class. We would like to acknowledge the 14 volunteer Hebrew teachers that shared their knowledge and love of the language over the past three years, and we would like to thank Rabbi Cella for teaching trope to the class. 

If you would like to see yourself on this list in three years, whatever your reason for joining, watch for the announcement about the next Bat Mitzvah class which will start this Fall. 

See you in Schaumburg!

Julia Loeb

WLCJ Education Co-Chair

jloeb@wlcj.org

Ellen Kaner Bresnick

WLCJ Education Co-Chair

ebresnick@wlcj.org

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.

Creative

Judaic Arts Workshop

at Home

Post-Convention 2023 Creative Judaic Arts Workshop

(Zoom Session)

Presented by Jody Glass, Women’s League Creative Judaic Arts Chair

Thursday, August 24,

7pm CT / 8pm ET

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.

Enjoy creating your own string art Hamsa with a coordinating border.

•  Easy to complete in person or virtually.
• Kit includes all supplies & instructions.

This project will not leave you in knots!

Materials Cost: $12.00

Shipping/Freight Cost: $7.00

Questions? Contact Jody Glass, WL Creative Judaic Arts Co-Chair

glass.jody@gmail.com

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!

Shalom all!!

In two short weeks we will all be together in Schaumburg!  So close!

As we get closer, there are questions. What do I wear? Convention suggested attire is business casual, with Shabbat clothes for Installation. Be comfortable. Remember, convention hotels are typically COLD! Bring a sweater or shawl, to stay comfortable!

If you are arriving on Sunday morning there will be light food available. You can take it to your room, or eat in the lobby. Remember, your rooms may not be available until after 4PM. The hotel will store your luggage. If you will need to change your clothes before convention begins, keep it easily available, so you can change in a bathroom if needed.

Don't forget to order your region kippah!

Thank you all for your quick responses about roommates. We appreciate your help.

Any questions? Just ask!

See you all soon!

Gilda Schwartz. 513-314-5291. Gilda49@aol.com

Wanda Pitzele. 630-289-3349. Wanda.pitzele@icloud.com

The Ukraine War Continues...

Please consider extending a 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)

I want to thank all our affiliates who participated this past year in helping raise funds for the Chazak v’Ematz campaign. As of today, our region has raised $93,425.15. We have met our goal and exceeded it. Many affiliates also made or exceeded their Torah Fund goal. Those who did not make their goal were remarkably close, as our Chazak v’Ematz campaign ends today.

Tomorrow our new campaign, Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh (All the people of Israel are responsible for one another), begins. In Judaism we are all responsible to give Tzedakah, no matter our economic level, to help all people of the world. The cost of education continues to rise so it is more costly to become a rabbi, cantor, or Jewish educator. To not deter those who would like to follow their journey in becoming a rabbi, cantor, or educator, it is even more imperative that we help raise funds for Torah Fund. I know that, together, we can raise even more funds for Torah Fund in the coming year than we were able to do this year. Again, Kol haKavod to everyone who participated this year in raising funds for Torah Fund.

Shalom,

Rebecca Goldwasser

CGLR VP of Torah Fund

rebeccatorahfund@gmail.com

P.S. Torah Fund pins will be mailed to all affiliates in late August.

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!

Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships for the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes

of higher education.

Yom Huledet Sameach

(Happy Birthday) to

Paula Ferguson, CGLR Communication Social Media on July 1

Laurie B. Davis, CGLR Communication Chair on July 15

Sandy Carleton, CGLR Secretary on July 15

Pam Schlosberg, CGLR President on July 28

Mazel Tov to

Fran Hildebrandt,

on her new position as WLCJ Kehilla Co-Chair

on the WLCJ 2023-2026 Board

Mazel Tov to

Our CGLR Members becoming

B'not Mitzvah at Convention

Lisa Bloom - CGLR

Sandra Carleton - CGLR

Esther Hellman - CGLR

Marlene Ostrow - CGLR

Jill Tomar - CGLR & FL

Mazel Tov and Yasher Koach to

Our Jewels in the Crown Award Winners!

Adath Israel Congregation, Cincinnati, OH

Beth El Sisterhood, Pittsburgh, PA

Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, IL

Congregation Beth Shalom, Oak Park, MI

Congregation Beth Judea, Long Grove, IL

Congregation Ohave Sholom Sisterhood, Rockford, IL

Ezra-Habonim, The Niles Township Jewish Congregation, Skokie, IL

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park,

Sisterhood of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Southfield, MI

Mi Sheberach for

Susan Steinberg, Southern Region President

Zelda Jacobs, past president of KIPOT Region

Ellen Kaner Bresnick, WLCJ Education Co-Chair



We wish them a Refuah Shlemah - a complete and speedy recovery

Baruch Dayan HaEmet - Mordecei Benowitz z"l

With sadness we advise you of the passing of Mordecei Benowitz z"l, husband of Carole Benowitz. Carole was a past President of the former Florida Branch and is currently Individual Member Chair for Florida Region.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 28.

Messages of condolence may be sent to Carole at 5761 Duckweed Road, Lake Worth, FL 33449 or at Carolebeno@comcast.net.

We extend our condolences to Carole and her family and pray that they will be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet - William Fox z"l

With sadness we advise you of the passing of William Fox z"l, son of Thelma Fox. Thelma was a past President of the former Southern New Jersey Branch and past Torah Fund Chair for Mid-Atlantic Region.  

A memorial was held on Wednesday, June 28.

Messages of condolence to Thelma and her husband Maurice can be sent to the attention of their daughter Marcie Fox at 3005 Chapel Avenue West, Apt. 4H, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 or at marciefox@gmail.com.  

We extend our condolences to Thelma and her family and pray that they will be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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!

Pocket Size = $11.00

Planner Size = $26.00

Contact the office for quantities over 10. 

405-870-1260

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.

We were delighted in late 2020 when the first COVID-19 vaccines were approved for use and over the next year, so many people took advantage of the ability to be protected from the ravages of the pandemic. In May of 2023, both the World Health Organization and the United States declared the end of the pandemic state of emergency. However, we know that the COVID-19 virus continues to circulate and continues to cause infections and deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US has updated vaccination guidelines. The initial vaccines used in the fight against COVID-19 are no longer in use in the US. The original Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines are no longer available and instead there are newer bivalent versions which better protect against the circulating variants. In addition, the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is no longer available at all. 

The current guidelines call for all individuals age six years and older to receive at least one dose of the bivalent Pfizer/BioNtech or Moderna bivalent vaccine regardless of whether they received any of the original vaccines or how many they received. People aged 65 and up may get one additional does at least four months after their first dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get one additional dose two months or more after the last dose of updated Covid-19 vaccine. They should speak to their physician for more specific guidance. 

In Canada as of March of 2023, bivalent COVID-19 vaccines were listed as the preferred vaccinations for use against COVID-19.

Why is this important? It is important to help keep us all safe, to minimize hospitalizations, severe illness, and the spread of this virus. It is also important for those who are planning to attend large gatherings such as our long-awaited Convention! So if your last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was in 2021 or in the spring of 2022, this means you have not had an updated or bivalent vaccine. You should put it on your to-do list!

If you have questions, please contact your physician. I wish you all good health and look forward to seeing many of you at Convention!

Dr. Mindy Steinholz

Health and Wellness Chair

msteinholz@wlcj.org

Parashat Chukat-Balak – July 1, 2023

In the double portion of Parashat Chukat-Balak, we read the story of the King of Moav, Balak ben Zippor, hiring Balaam to curse B’nai Israel, the children of Israel. The donkey prevents Balaam from traveling, and eventually instead of cursing the children of Israel, Balaam actually blesses them with the famous words, “Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov Mishkenotecha Yisrael” – How goodly are your tents O Israel.” We see a curse literally turning into a blessing, lemons being made into lemonade, right here in our Torah portion. There are those who do not agree with this premise, that a bad situation can become good. But perhaps we can see bad situations (or curses) as opportunities to grow and learn. We have all been through trials and travails – individually and universally – we have lived through a pandemic! WLCJ has definitely created opportunities out of our challenges. We did it together, b’yachad, and as a community of sisters, we give each other strength. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!

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

Key to Calendar:

CGLR Events

WLCJ Events

Affiliate Events

Convention Special Events

Friday, July 14-15, Pre Convention Shabbaton, Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, Illinois

Sunday, July 16-19 - WLCJ 2023 Convention, Schaumburg, Illinois

Monday, July 17 - B'not Mitzvah @ 7:30 AM CT

Monday, July 17 - Torah Fund Luncheon @ 12:30 PM CT

Tuesday, July 18 - Jewels in The Crown Awards @12:45PM CT

Laurie B. Davis

Communication VP/ The WAVE Editor