The WAVE Newsletter

October 27, 2023 ~ 12 Cheshvan 5784

Am Yisrael Chai!

President's Message

Dear Central Great Lakes,

These are times that try our hearts and our souls. The news from Israel is heart-wrenching. Our emotions run a brutal gauntlet from intense anguish, overwhelming grief and rage, to shock, disbelief, and mourning. 

Today, as we prepare for Shabbat and try to engage in the art of living each day, we find our hearts repeating, “What is expected of us now that our world is turned upside down?” We search for some meaning to it all – something that can give clarity to what we should do.

What is expected of us now? Is there a podcast feed with a panel of experts who can distill a blueprint that quiets our inner turmoil? Or perhaps we can locate one of those amazing flashlights with so many gadgets that finding your way forward along any pathway is easy breezy. 

It’s definitely time to access our lifeline. Let’s go to the Torah! 

We read in this week’s Parsha, Lech Lecha, that Abraham was commanded to “Go forth.” Without hesitation, he did. And from here, we watch Abraham on his personal journey of a thousand miles, a complete leap of faith into the unknown. His compass was a trust in the inner voice that Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l, identifies as the voice of G-d. 

Not only was Abraham guided by this compass but his children and his household after him. They, too, were instructed to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right so that they also would carry this inner voice wherever they went.  Why is this particularly poignant now? How does this help us go forth in in a world that now refuses to surrender meaning? 

That inner voice, those values, forged our Jewish identity. As Abraham journeyed, he taught us how to hold fast to the values engrained so deeply in our hearts and souls as Jews. Searching our collective memories, we see that these values have given us remarkable courage, inner strength, confidence, and a resilience to survive and thrive. It continues to give us a direction today – especially today.

What are we expected to do now? Go forward with hope. For hope, you see, is the belief that we can make things better. Hope is a noun and a verb. Hope is who we are and what we do.

As part of WL and our CGLR, an amazing worldwide community of Jewish women, we live each day with a shared vision and purpose: to be the flame that lights the way to promote, preserve and perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Judaism. This is what we do. This is our response to Hamas!

These past two weeks, across our region, we came together strong and resilient. At our CGLR’s Opening Program the week after the war began, we met and shared ideas on how we could strengthen our affiliate sisterhoods and empower our members to be all they could be as Jewish Women. We were joined by Julia Loeb, International President WLCJ, who brought words of encouragement and support from WL; Margie Miller, Past International President WLCJ, who delivered an inspiring keynote address on defining value and empowerment as leaders, and Carol Simon, Past International President WLCJ, who led a dynamic workshop spotlighting leadership’s nuances. The renewed resolve to be effective stewards of mitzvot, Israel, study, Torah, family, and community through our affiliate sisterhoods is what we do and how we respond to Hamas.

I attended a membership program last week at Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove, IL. It also was a powerful response of hope against all that was in the week prior. Every woman there that evening was renewing a commitment to her affiliate sisterhood’s continuum to sustain our beautiful Jewish heritage today and for the generations that will follow. This is what we do and how we respond to Hamas.

Our bonding spirit of hope links us together with resilience, resolve, and strength of heart, today, and in the days ahead. Our determination each day to go forward and make our lives a blessing is what we do and how we respond to Hamas.

CGLR, keep the flame of hope ever bright!

Am Yisrael Chai.

Shabbat Shalom,

Pam

Pam Schlosberg

CGLR President

cglrpresident21@wlcj.org

847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)

Dear Sisters,

The past couple of weeks have been challenging for all of us, with all the uncertainty in

Israel and around the world. At times like these, many of us turn to our rabbis for

emotional and spiritual support. Our rabbis and communities have shown us how to

support Israel through the emergency funds that have been set up to help the families

and soldiers. We need to support each other however we can.

Wear your Arevut/Responsibility heart charm/pendant to synagogue and let people know 

that Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh (All the people of Israel are responsible for one another), always.

Know that this year’s charm was created and produced in Israel out of sterling silver.

Every donation is appreciated.

Send an ecard to a friend who needs to know you are thinking of her.

https://torahfundecards.jtsa.edu 

Donate to the Creating New Spaces Campaign. 

https://inspired.jtsa.edu or use the Pink QR code..

.

Consider joining the Torah Fund LegacySociety  

https://www.jtsa.edu/hidden-page/torah-fund-legacy-society

Rebecca Goldwasser

CGLR VP of Torah Fund

rebeccatorahfund@gmail.com

Seaboard Region Torah Fund Event

This is a Seaboard Region celebration of those donating a minimum of $18 to the Torah Fund 2023-2024, featuring Cantor Arianne Brown (presenting Jewish Music - a Journey Through Time: synagogue music, popular and art song, Israeli and Yiddish theater) and Professor Lauren Strauss (presenting Pioneer Women of Conservative Judaism: Early 20^th Century Foremothers of Women's League).

This October 29 event is virtual (1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Central).

REGISTER HERE

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!

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

of higher education.

Scan Code

to send E-Cards --->

At Congregation Beth Judea's Sisterhood Membership Event in Long Grove, Illinois, charcuterie boards were created for a dessert buffet. Then the boards were raffled off!

The lovely dessert buffet

Left to Right, back row:

Rhonda Cohn ~ Past CBJ SIsterhood President & Past CGLR President,

Pam Schlosberg ~ current CGLR President,

Debra Green ~ Past CBJ SIsterhood President, Past CGLR President & WLCJ Board Member.

Sherry Krawitz ~ Past CBJ Sisterhood President.

Wendy Weinger ~ CBJ SIsterhood Archives Chair. and Jan Minnick, CBJ Sisterhood Member.

Front row: Roz Agrast, New CBJ Sisterhood Member & mother of Jan Minnick

CGLR Affiliates -

We want to shine this

spotlight on you!

Please share your Affiliate's events and programs with us. The next full issue of The WAVE will be published on Friday, November 10. 

Flyers are due by 1:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, November 7.

Please send your copy to Laurie Davis at LBD715@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 $40 each,

Your purchase will help to support CGLR's Scholarship Fund.

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!

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 Wanda at 630-289-3349

or

click the Paypal button below.

Since these are these busy days, here is an easy checklist to help you remember some key to-do's. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

Pam

cglrpresident21@wlcj.org

____ Check your affiliate officer information on

  wlcj.org and, if needed, please complete it.

___ Identify a Sustainability Chair for your Board of

Directors.

___ Add your Sustainability Chair's name to your

wlcj.org Database; send to Pam, too!

___ Review the Jewels in the Crown requirements

and use them as a template for your activities.

going forward. Sustainability activities will be

a new requirement for award eligibility.

___ Send Pam your Calendar of Events and your Board

list.

Sunday, November 5^th

1:00-3:00 p.m.* ET

Please join us at Beth El for a festive afternoon get together featuring mimosas and traditional tea party favorites, including unique teas, tea sandwiches, scones and luscious desserts! Enjoy beautiful musical entertainment by a harpist and vocalist. We hope you will consider making a donation to Torah Fund, which helps support worldwide Conservative Judaism. Donors to Torah Fund of $180 and above will receive the new 5784 Torah Fund Benefactor pin, pictured below, at this event.

During this difficult time, it is especially important to connect with one another to support Torah Fund and the future leadership of the Jewish community. **

$18 per person - Member of Sisterhood

$25 per person - Non-Member of Sisterhood

Please RSVP below for the event by Friday, October 27^th.

* Note time: Fall Back 1 hour

** Enter at High Holiday doors. Security will be in place.

Special dietary requests are available with advance notice.

You may make a donation to Torah Fund as you make a reservation for the event.

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh

All of Israel is responsible for one another.

5784 Torah Fund Benefactor Pin

Questions? Please contact Ellen Singerman, Torah Fund Chair, by email or call 814-242-0845.

RSVP HERE

BethElCong.org

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 our

Leadership Workshops or our CGLR Conference 2024.

We will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift. Donations in any amount are welcome.



There are now two easy ways to donate:

• To use Paypal, click on the "Pay with PayPal" button below.
• To donate by check, click on the "Donate by Check" button and email Pam (cglrpresident21@wlcj.org) the occasion, your name and address and the name and address of the recipient. 

Then mail your 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!

Open WL Week to Register for Classes-

Come together this weekend with our

Conservative/Masorti partners across the globe

at #SolidarityShabbat.

Learn more at www.masortisolidarityshabbat.org

October 28, 2023

13 Cheshvan 5784

On October 9, just two days after the brutal Hamas attack, I received an urgent email from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (an organization comprised of 50 prominent Jewish groups, including Women's League). Israel’s Foreign Minister had asked the Conference of Presidents to send an emergency solidarity mission of the leaders of the various groups to Israel to show support and unity.

Just one week later, I found myself in Jerusalem representing the 40,000 members of Women's League. The purpose of our trip was clear: to stand unwaveringly with Israel and in Israel in this time of unprecedented trauma and turmoil.

We met with families of hostages, who shared their heart-wrenching stories and pleaded for us to convey to the politicians we were set to meet the following day their family members’ desperate need for medical attention, protection and ultimately, release. We wore blue ribbons and bracelets inscribed with the poignant message, "Until all of us are here, we are all still there," a powerful symbol of our solidarity with the hostages and their families.

 We met with evacuees from Netiv Haasara, a moshav near the Gaza border, who had lived peacefully with their Palestinian neighbors for years. The moshav members provided jobs to Palestinians and made sure those sick in Gaza had access to care in Israeli hospitals. Tragically, the moshav now mourned the loss of 200 members of their community and those who survived the attack had to be evacuated to Jerusalem with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Their support for the government's mission to eliminate Hamas was now unwavering, as was their resolve to rebuild their homes and return to the moshav. But for now, they are living in hotels and relying on donations for their basic needs.

We had the privilege of meeting with prominent Israeli leaders, including President Yitzhak Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. They emphasized that Israel was not at war with the Palestinian people, but rather the goal was to eradicate Hamas from Gaza. They expressed appreciation for the support from the United States (President Biden was visiting the day we arrived), and implored us to maintain our steadfast support, especially as the war continues and media coverage begins to shift against Israel.

Our visit to Hadassah Hospital revealed the grim reality of operating suites located four floors underground to protect against rocket attacks. Entire administrative wings were filled with empty beds, waiting for the anticipated casualties.

We met a 20-year-old soldier wounded in the conflict and we paid our respects to a grieving Haredi family whose 20-year-old son was tragically killed by Hamas terrorists at the music festival.

In this small country, roughly the size and population of New Jersey, there is hardly anyone who doesn’t have a personal connection to the losses and sacrifices of the ongoing crisis—knowing someone killed, wounded, displaced, or called up for reserve duty.

The streets of Jerusalem were eerily empty, including the Kotel, typically bustling with activity. However, amidst the darkness, there were beacons of light. Israel is united in this fight. Israelis were banding together to donate, pack, and deliver essential items to evacuees and the 400,000 reservists. Long lines have formed to donate blood, and the democracy protests that had gained attention just a month earlier were momentarily put aside as the nation grieves collectively and stands united against a common enemy.

On this trip, we brought needed supplies, gave blood, met the injured, mourned with those who lost loved ones, and hugged the families of the hostages. Our support was deeply appreciated, but we gained far more than we gave by having this unique chance to stand by our brothers and sisters in this time of need.

Since I have returned, many have asked what we can do to help? We can show support in many ways. We can express our solidarity by attending rallies, buying Israeli products, and donating to relief organizations like Magen David Adom Donate Now! - American Friends of Magen David Adom (afmda.org) or the Masorti relief effort Support Masorti's Emergency War Campaign - Masorti Foundation. We can demonstrate our pride as Conservative Jews by participating in the movement-wide Solidarity Shabbat this week. We can reach out to people that we know in Israel to let them know we are thinking of them. As one Israeli emphasized, "We need to be reminded that we are not alone." Additionally, we must amplify the Israeli messages online, recognizing that, in part, this war will be fought in the realm of social media. The terrorists used GoPro cameras because they knew that their videos would be devastating to the Israelis. Our continued support of Israel is essential. Israel has a right and duty to protect itself, and they need to know they have our full support.

In this week’s Parashah, Lekh Lekha, God tells Abraham that “I will make for you a great nation…I will bless those who bless you; and curse the ones who curse you.” May those words ring true in the days, months, and years ahead.

Shabbat Shalom,

Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President

jloeb@wlcj.org

Parshat Lekh-Lekha

Submitted by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, WLCJ Executive Director, ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org



Arevut, responsibility, will be visible on our new, silver heart-shaped charm, which can be worn as a pendant or pin.

The WWOT, the Weekly Words of Torah, each week through the end of June 2024, will delve into the idea of arevut, responsibility.

In this week’s Torah reading, Parashat Lekh-Lekha, we learn that Abram told his wife Sarai to tell the Egyptians that she is his sister, because if they hear she is his wife, and see how beautiful she is, they will kill him. Abram told his wife to lie, to save himself. When they entered Egypt, Sarai was indeed taken into Pharaoh’s palace, and Abram was given sheep, oxen, donkeys, slaves and camels. God afflicted Pharaoh with plagues, as a result of him taking Sarai. Pharaoh realized that Sarai was not Abram’s sister, but his wife, and gave her back, and sent Abram on his way. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Telling your wife to lie, and putting her life in danger, to save your own, is a form of domestic violence. Abram is one of our forefathers - but this is horrible behavior. We should call it out for what it is. It is our responsibility, arevut, to condemn domestic violence and say we will not tolerate it. 

Special Date -

Friday, October 27 - a Memorial Service for the Children Murdered in the Recent Hamas Attack in Israel

Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during

Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish?

Sign up here to lead a part in Makom B'yachad.

שׂיחוֹת בֵּין אָחַיוֹת, Sichot beyn Achayot means “conversations between sisters.” This program is designed to foster a deeper mutual understanding between the members of WLCJ in North America, the Masorti women from Israel and Masorti Olami, and our communities around the world. It is designed to address the question, “How are we the same, and how are we different?” The theme of this year’s program is כּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עָרֵבִים זֶה בַּזֶה, Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh, All of Israel is Responsible for One Another [BT Shevuot 39a] 

The three sessions will address this question by each concentrating on one specific issue that is both relevant and timely to us all and will include presentations from speakers from both sides of the Atlantic. Each workshop will also be followed by a Q&A session in which all attendees will be encouraged to participate.

Session Two: Addressing Homelessness and Food Insecurity - Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET

Session Three: Volunteerism: Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods - Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET

WL Reads - Thursday, November 2

7PM CT / 8PM ET

We are excited to announce our next WL Reads selection, Where The Lilacs Bloom Once Again, Friddie’s Story, by Roni Rosenthal.

The author chronicles her family’s struggles for survival as relayed through the story of her great- grandmother and great-aunt. Told in novel fashion, this is a tragic-heroic tale of strength. based on the true stories of a Jewish Romanian family.

Ms. Rosenthal is the director of Judaic Studies and a Hebrew Literature Professor at the University of Maryland. She will be our guest speaker, November 2, 2023, at 7 PM CT / 8 PM ET.

Registration will open soon.

WL Reads programs coming up:

“The Choice” by Maggie Anton Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, 1 PM ET

“Exile Music” by Jennifer Steile

Date and Time TBA

Karen Block

WL Reads Chair

kblock@wlcj.org

WL Sustainability

Picture yourself here three years from now - leading a service, delivering a d'var Torah, and chanting Torah.

THIS COULD BE YOU!

Here is your opportunity to become a member of the next Bat Mitzvah class. This three-year program, taught by Rabbis, Educators, and Leaders of the Conservative Movement, will meet once a month. Joining this class will not only enrich your knowledge of Judaism, but you will become a part of a special community of women with a common goal and bond.

Please let us know of your interest by emailing Toby B. Holtzman or Anne Schimberg.

Email Toby B. Holtzman at tbholtzman@wlcj.org.

Email Anne Schimberg at afkschimberg@gmail.com.

Thanks to a generous Grant from KKL-JNF/ Masorti Olami/Mercaz Olami, Women's League is grateful to provide a series of three Conversations Between Sisters.

Registrations through the members portal will be required to join each/all sessions.

שׂיחוֹת בֵּין אָחַיוֹת, Sichot beyn Achayot means “Conversations between Sisters.” This program is designed to foster a deeper mutual understanding between the members of WLCJ in North America, the Masorti women from Israel and Masorti Olami, and our communities around the world. It is designed to address the question, “How are we the same, and how are we different?” The theme of this year’s program is כּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עָרֵבִים זֶה בַּזֶה, Kol Israel Averim Zeh Bazeh, All Israel is Responsible for One Another [BT Shevuot 39a] The three sessions will address this question by each concentrating on one specific issue that is both relevant and timely to us all and will include presentations from speakers from both sides of the Atlantic. Each workshop will also be followed by a Q&A session in which all attendees will be encouraged to participate.

Questions? Contact: Rabbi Margie Cella, WLCJ Educator

mcella@wlcj.org

Key to Calendar:

CGLR Events

WLCJ Events

Affiliate Events

Sunday October 29 - CBS presents "A Tribute to Jewish Women" at 4PM CT at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie, Illinois (in person)

Thursday, November 2, 2023 - WL Reads, selection, “Where The Lilacs Bloom Once Again, Friddie’s Story” by Roni Rosenthal at 7PM CT / 8PM ET (Zoom)

Wednesday, November 8 - EHNTJC presents Book & Author Event with Renee Rosen at 11:30AM CT (in person), flyer above

Monday, November 13 - CGLR Board of Directors Meeting / Affiliate Presidents at 7PM CT / 8PM ET

Tuesday, November 14 - Mathilde's Master Class at 6:30PM CT / 7:30PM ET (Zoom)

Sunday, November 19, 2023: - Sichot Beyn Achayot - Session Two: Addressing Homelessness and Food Insecurity - Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods at 11AM CT / 12 PM ET (Zoom)

Wednesday, December 6 - CGLR Executive Committee Meeting at 7PM CT / 8PM ET

Sunday, December 10 - Celebrate Chanukkah with our Sisters at Kehillat Hod V'Hadar, K'far Saba, Israel at 11AM CT / 12PM ET (Zoom)

Tuesday, December 12 - Mathilde's Master Class at 6:30PM CT / 7:30PM ET (Zoom)

Sunday, December 17, 2023 - Sichot Beyn Achayot - Session Three: Volunteerism: Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods at 11AM CT / 12PM ET (Zoom)

Laurie B. Davis

Communication VP/ The WAVE Editor