Dear Central Great Lakes,

May I interrupt your Shabbat preparations with a few questions? Between us, do you sing while you prepare for Shabbat? Do you hum, perhaps?

I know, with today’s formidable challenges that seem to come from all sides -- political, social, the environment, and even our family -- our lives are not always the stuff of beautiful sunsets, poetry, and adventure. Who can fault any of us if we love the sound of silence? As lovingly as we prepare for Shabbat, we may sigh more than we sing or hum. I hear you.

Why did I ask? Women and song have an ancient connection. There is something profoundly spiritual about women and song. In this week’s parsha, Beshalach, we find a unique, sweeping narrative filled with terror, awe, miracles, formidable challenges -- and song. In the very heart of this Torah portion lies the triumphant poem, Shirat Ha Yam, the Song of the Sea. Song is the centerpiece. And women in song are spotlighted.

The question remains - when, how, and why do we sing now?

We read how the Israelites left their Egypt, freed from Pharoah by the wonders of G-d and the leadership of Moses. Now they’re en route to the Promised Land, a 40-year journey on an impossibly circuitous path, guided by the intangible elements of fire and cloud - the powerful presence of G-d, here their ultimate Pathfinder.

Ultimately, they were told to encamp facing the Reed Sea. They had no reason not to. It was then that they realized they were being pursued by Pharaoh’s 600 elite chariots, an armada led by none other than Pharoah himself. They were now hemmed in by water and the thunderous Egyptian army. It was the original Shock and Awe. Added to this, their prayers were answered by the directive from G-d to act and to move forward!

The terror is palpable, the challenges paralyzing. And then we witness their miraculous march into and through the Reed Sea and the ill fate of the Egyptians. Overwhelmed with emotion, Moses and the Children of Israel erupt into song – perhaps the only way to convey the emotion of this extraordinary experience. Although the text of their song is fiery and poetic, it’s the song that expresses their awe, wonder and joy. Abraham Heschel once wrote that song is the outpouring of the soul. We are witnessing the outpouring of their souls.

When Moses ends his song, one spirited woman, Miriam, the prophetess, seizes the

opportunity to continue the music as she sings her song. With timbrel in hand, she leads the women out in song and dance and chants: “Sing to the Lord, for the Almighty has triumphed gloriously…”

Bringing women to song, Miriam’s leadership and courage enabled the women to articulate their words of celebration --of their hope. She found her voice so that she could help others bring out theirs and “Sing to the Lord a new song…”

The Torah doesn’t record the remainder of her song but perhaps that’s as it should be. It gifts us with the opportunity, generation to generation, to continue to complete Miriam’s verses by how we live our lives every day. This is our continuum of that ancient connection between women and song.

Our lives as Jewish women give voice to our song. What is the song we sing – what do we give voice to?

We are here to be:

A voice to, an active part in, and the stewards of our Jewish tradition;

A voice within our Jewish community, to be fully present;

A voice to help counter antisemitism;

A voice with those who are advocating for the women in Israel and

around the world who strive to achieve their right to wear tallit, pray and

read from the Torah collectively and out loud at the Kotel;

A voice and an outstretched hand to those who are suffering in our larger

community and worldwide in countries like Ukraine and Uganda.

As Sisters of CGLR, we will continue to “Sing to the Lord a new song” -- to sing out strong wherever our life path takes us and make our lives a blessing.

Don’t forget your tambourine along the way!

Shabbat Shalom,

Pam

Pam Schlosberg

CGLR President

cglrpresident21@wlcj.org

847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)

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.

Relentlessly:

The Ukraine War Continues - It's been nearly a year

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 by a donation via The Schechter Institutes, Inc. www.schechter.edu/donate or

via Masorti Olami: Support Our Work (masortiolami.org)

EVERYONE WELCOME!

All members in good standing are welcome to attend and hear about all our updates and exciting initiatives. All attendees will also be able to participate in our election of officers at this meeting.

Please join Women's League for Conservative Judaism on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 6:00PM ET/ 5:00 PM CT for an open Board of Directors meeting. An RSVP is necessary to attend and obtain the Zoom meeting link.

Looking forward to being with you,

Debbi Kaner Goldich

WLCJ International President

"Warm up a child's hospital stay; your handmade blanket will make their day!"

Spread the Love

Sunday, February 12 

12:00 noon -2:30 p.m. at Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Join us to create cuddly fleece blankets and bring smiles to kids in area hospitals. We'll video your get-well wishes to pair with them. 

FUN & EASY; no sewing required!  

FREE Pizza Lunch!

From the Social Action Team

RSVP by February 8 and Don

SAVE THE DATE

WLCJ Convention 2023

When:

Sunday, July 16 - Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Where:

Schaumburg, IL (a suburb of Chicago)

WLCJ 2023 Convention Social Action Project:

Our Shifrah and Puah Project –

GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH

In Parashat Shemot, Exodus 1:1–6:1, is the story of Pharaoh, who enslaves the Jews in Egypt and orders the midwives SHIFRAH AND PUAH to kill all Jewish male babies. Pharaoh, fearing the Jews will outnumber the Egyptians, commands his people to cast the Jewish baby boys into the Nile River. This forced Yocheved and Amram to place their baby son in a basket in the Nile River. Moses, as he became known, becomes the future leader of the Jewish people and the rest is history.

The WLCJ 2023 Convention Social Action Project – GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH, is a project to support the Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center in Mbale, Uganda. This project exemplifies what it is to give the Gift of a Healthy Birth.

The Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center in Uganda births many Jewish babies each year. To enable this to continue, our Social Action Project will raise money and help offset their expenses. As more babies are being born there, the need becomes even more apparent.

To initiate your support, we are designing a very easy way for you to help. There are many costs that need to be covered at the Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center. With your donation of:

• $18.00, you can cover a woman’s cost to get an ultrasound during her pregnancy and to have her baby delivered at the Center.
• $36.00, you can cover the costs of the sanitary napkins necessary after each delivery for an entire MONTH.
• $72.00, you can cover the costs of the laundry service to keep the sheets, towels and gowns clean for each delivery for an entire MONTH.
• $108.00, you can cover the MONTHLY costs of supplying each mother with three sets of baby outfits and one blanket; otherwise, they only have rags to wrap their baby in.

These are just a few examples of what we can do with your donations. With your donation, whatever the amount, you will help greatly.

Look for more information to come and more ways to help our Convention 2023 Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center Project. Have a wonderful Shabbat and realize how important “GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH” can be to help to those who need our help. The help we can give is truly of life-saving value.

Todah Rabah and Shalom,

Ellen Grossman

WLCJ 2023 Convention 2023 Social Action Project Co-Chair

elkie17@gmail.com

Randy Schwartz

WLCJ 2023 Convention 2023 Social Action Project Co-Chair

rschwartz@wlcj.org

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

      Visit YOUR CGLR Website

YOUR Resource for all Things CGLR!



We welcome information to post about your affiliate. Send us your news, and we will add it to our site!

Click here -> http://www.wlcjregion.org/central/

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WLCJ Central Great Lakes

Why Torah Fund? I give to Torah Fund to help perpetuate Conservative/Massorti Judaism in the United States and around the world. I would like my children and grandchildren to have the same spiritual and educational opportunities that I have had. What is legacy giving? By making a legacy gift I am not just able to keep on giving to Torah Fund; I am able to pass on my values and beliefs to my family and friends. Making a legacy gift to Torah Fund does not cost you any additional money at this time. Making a legacy gift is a gift to Torah Fund after you are no longer in this world. It can be done through a will or by making Torah Fund a beneficiary on an insurance policy or IRA. If you would like further information about Legacy Society, please click on this link: https://www.jtsa.edu/hidden-page/torah-fund-legacy-society/ .

“I believe the single most important thing I can do to change the world, even after I am gone, is to help ensure that high quality education is available to the future leaders of the Jewish world.”―Cory Schneider, in planning her bequest



Thanks for all that you do for Torah Fund.

Be Strong and Courageous!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rebecca Goldwasser

CGLR Vice President of Torah Fund

rebeccatorahfund@gmail.com

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

of higher education.

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!

Yom Huledet Sameach

(Happy Birthday) to

Cynthia Lerner, CGLR Membership Services, on February 16

Mi Sheberach for

Rhonda Cohn, Past President of CGLR

Susan Steinberg, Southern Region President

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

Baruch Dayan Ha Emet

With sadness we advise you of the passing of Max Drobner, beloved father of Andrea Heiger, CGLR Torah Fund Support Services.

Max, 91, passed away on January 25, 2023. He lived for almost 30 years in Aventura, Florida. For the last 18 years, Max lived with his wife, Marta Schwarz Robins, and also, for most of those years, with their beloved dog, Koko.

Max lived with his wife of 25 years, Judith Rosner Drobner, until her unfortunate death in 1990. He worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York and raised his two daughters, Andrea (Jason) Heiger and Trish (Noel) Spear. Andrea is on the CGLR Torah Fund Services Team.

Max served his country proudly in the Army during the Korean War.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Catholic Hospice (L’Chaim Program); 14875 NW 77th Avenue, #100; Miami Lakes, FL 33014; www.lchaimhospice.org.

Max's memorial service was held last Tuesday, January 31.

May his Memory be forever a Blessing!

*******************************************************************

With sadness we advise you of the passing of Roberta 'Bobbie" Berger z"l, Past President of the former Southwest Branch.  

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3rd at Noon at The Temple

1589 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA.

The zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85245677986  

Shiva information is not available.

Messages of condolence may be sent to her husband, Rabbi Murray Berger, and family, at her home address, 650 Phipps Blvd NE Apt 1503  Atlanta, GA 30326-3296. Rabbi Berger's email address is Murray.Berger@yahoo.com

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

We live in a world in which our family members may be exploring new identities. Words like “cisgender, nonbinary, transgender and queer” (to name a few) may feel new to us. Issues that our loved ones may be grappling with, the words and terms and pronouns they’re using, and the lives they’re living, may be new to many of us. 

How can/do we celebrate them and show that we love them for who they are?

To support our LGBTQ+ family members, we can learn about identity terms we may not yet have encountered. Some of us may also struggle with what appropriate pronouns to use. Now WLCJ members will have the opportunity to learn affirming language and correct pronoun usage. Join Keshet and WLCJ for a two-part series which will provide us with foundational knowledge and shared language, so that we can better understand and affirm the important people in our lives. Please be aware that the second session is predicated on the knowledge presented at the first one.

February 9th, 7:30–9:00 PM ET: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Concepts

This training is designed to familiarize participants with the basics of building LGBTQ+ equality and belonging. 

April 23rd, 7:30-9:00 PM ET: Going Deeper: LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns

This training will focus on equipping participants to be active allies to the LGBTQ+ community, specifically through language and pronoun-use.

You can find the registration information on the WLCJ website, in the WL Week newsletter, or click on the button below. You may also email me and I will help you to register. (fshildebrandt@gmail.com)

I hope that I will see you on February 9th and April 23rd. As Benjamin Franklin (and a few others) said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” What better way can we demonstrate our love and support for our families by putting forth the effort to learn and participate with them on their journey?



Shabbat Shalom,

Fran Hildebrandt (pronouns: she/her/hers)

WLCJ Mishpachah Chair

fshildebrandt@gmail.com

Parashat Beshalach - February 4, 2023

This week’s Torah Reading, Parashat Beshalach, is the famous story of the parting of the Sea of Reeds. A midrash (rabbinic legend) teaches that when the children of Israel were being pursued by Pharaoh and the Egyptian Army, and they reached the shore of the Sea of Reeds, Nachshon ben Aminadav made the courageous decision to jump into the waters, nearly losing his life. Only at the very last second did God interfere and split the sea after which the Jews were able to enter the waters and were thus saved from Pharaoh’s assault. No other Israelite standing by had the courage to take this unprecedented step. They waited until the waters were split before entering. Nachshon showed great courage, saving all of them and that it was they who were the cowards. He took a great risk by jumping into the waters, not knowing what would happen. So often in life, we also may need to take risks, not knowing what the outcome will be but, without doing something courageous, nothing may happen. May we all take Nachshon ben Aminadav as an example to be strong and courageous! Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!

23rd Masorti Women's Days of StudyInside and Out: Our Bodies, Ourselves in a Changing World: Text, Literature, Music, and Spirituality

For more information, go to: https://www.masorti.org.il/WSDregion.

At each of the three study days, two different classes in English will be virtual on Zoom. Click HERE to view the class that are available in English are marked in RED. Click HERE to preview the full schedule. 

Donations are welcome to cover costs of lecturers.

Questions? Contact Diane: wleague@masorti.org.il

Click HERE for bios of lecturers teaching in English.

Preview of ENGLISH sessions:

Wednesday, February 8

10:00 AM ET

Welcome, Prayer, Psalms and Song

10:20-11:35 AM ET

Our Foremothers: Infertility Warriors

Feminist Response: Fertility 

Body and Agency, IVF and Surrogacy, Modern Dilemmas? 

Rabbanit Shayna Abramson 

Jewish Women have Kept their Families Together in Difficult Times - Memoirs of Jewish Women

Dr. Michal Fram Cohen

11:45AM-1:00 PM ET

Fat is a Feminist (and Jewish) Issue: Body Image and Food Addiction - A Jewish Feminist Perspective 

Rabbi Sara Cohen 

11:45AM-1:00 PM ET

Celebrate Womenhood in Song Music Workshop

Cantor Shula Resnick

Wednesday, February 14 

9:30-10:10 AM ET

Prayer psalm and song and greetings

10:20-11:35 AM ET

"Be Fruitful and Multiply" –Halakhic Methods to Deal with Medical, Personal or Gender Issues.

Rabbi Diana Villa

Out of Isolation via Guided Mikveh Immersion Visualization

Rabbi Haviva Ner-David

Are Women’s Prayers Different?

Channa's prayer in Bible, Talmud and Poetry. In memory of Hava Pinchas Cohen, poetess (died 2022)

Rabbi Dr. Sigalit Ur

11:45AM-1:00 PM ET

Fat is a Feminist (and Jewish!) Issue: Body Image and Food Addiction - A Jewish Feminist Perspective

Rabbi Sarah Cohen

Jewish Women have Kept their Families Together in Difficult Times - Memoirs of Jewish Women

Dr. Michal Fram Cohen

Reflecting Externally what is Within Us: The Spiritual Integrity of Kippah, Tefillin, Tallit

Rabbi Amy Levin

Celebrate Womenhood in Song Music Workshop

Cantor Shula Resnick

Wednesday, February 27

9:30-10:10 AM ET

Prayer psalm and song and greetings 

10:20-11:35 AM ET

"Be Fruitful and Multiply" –Halakhic Methods to Deal with Medical, Personal or Gender Issues.

Rabbi Diana Villa

Out of Isolation

via Guided Mikveh Immersion Visualization plus Immersion in the mikveh (optional)

Rabbi Haviva Ner David

Are Women’s Prayers Different?

Channa's prayer in Bible, Talmud and Poetry. In memory of Hava Pinchas Cohen, poetess (died 2022)

Rabbi Dr. Sigalit Ur

11:45AM-1:00 PM ET

Jewish Women have Kept their Families Together in Difficult Times - Memoirs of Jewish Women

Dr. Michal Fram Cohen

Kabbalah of the Body: Join Rabbi Sara Brandes as we explore the Kabbalist Tree of Life as an energetic map of the body.

Rabbi Sara Brandes

Celebrate Womenhood in Song Music Workshop

Cantor Shula Resnick

This training is designed to familiarize participants with the basics of building LGBTQ+ equality and belonging. Join our co-facilitators, Jackie Maris (pronouns: she/her/hers), Chicago Education and Training Manager, and Rakhel Silverman (pronouns: they/them/theirs), New York Education and Training Manager, as we cover LGBTQ+ terms and concepts. Bring your questions and concerns with you.

What are you waiting for?

REGISTER YOUR FJMC CLUB NOW! Hoping the WORLD WIDE WRAP will be in person for many of you. Of course, it can be done virtually if needed and, whether virtual or in person, FJMC has created an entertaining and educational WWW ’22 Video for you to use! Download the video and have it on the ready during your Wrap program.

World Wide Wrap is co-sponsored by WLCJ and FJMC.

To Learn More about Tefillin: https://www.wlcj.org/programs/jewish-learning/tefillin/

NIGHT AND DAY—

The Jewish Connection to the Movie Musicals of the 1940s

Lois Silverman, WLCJ Communications Co-Chair

In the 1940s, the creation of Hollywood musicals was led by Jewish composers, directors, and writers. The creators included legends of musical theater such as Irving Berlin, Sigmund Romberg, Jerome Kern, the Gershwin Brothers, Rodgers and Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.Learn More & Register

SAVE THE DATE for Session 3, which will explore the post-war years, 1946 - 19494

Monday, March 20 @ 2:00 PM EDT/ 1:00 PM CDT

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



Important Time Change:

Wednesday, February 8, and Tuesday, February 14 - Makom B'Yachad meets at

1:00 PM CT/ 2:00 PM ET, so we can all join Masorti Women's Days of Study classes in the morning.

Special Programs during Makom B'Yachad:

Tuesday, February 7 - Tu B'Shevat

Wednesday, February 22 - Rosh Chodesh

Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish? Sign up below.Sign

Project Stock the Shelves   

Your contribution will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors

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

Key to Calendar:

CGLR Events

WLCJ Events

Affiliate Events

Monday, February 6 @ 1:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM ET - Jews in Film, Session 1 - WW II Years 1940-1945

Wednesday, February 8 @ 9:00 AM CT / 10:00 AM ET - Masorti Women's Study Day

Thursday, February 9 @ 6:30 PM/ 7:30 PM ET - Mishpachah: Exploring LBGTQ+ Identities (Part 1 of 2)

Sunday, February 12 - World Wide Wrap

Sunday, February 12 @ 2:00 PM ET - Congregation Shaarey Zedek -Spread the Love Program

Monday, February 13 @ 1:00 PM CT/ 2:00 PM ET - Jews in Film, Session 2 - 1940's Musicals

Tuesday, February 14 @ 9:00 AM CT/ 10:00 AM ET - Masorti Women's Study Day

Saturday, February 25 @ 8:00 PM CT BHBE presents "Little Shop of Horrors" In person event

Monday, February 27 @ 8:30 AM CT/ 9:30 AM ET - Masorti Women's Study Day

Wednesday, March 1 @ 5:00 PM CT/ 6:00 PM ET - WLCJ Open Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 14 @6:30 PM CDT/ 7:30 PM EDT - Sisterhood Affiliates Workshop

Monday, March 20 @ 1:00 PM CDT / 2:00 PM EDT - Jews in Film, Session 3 - The Post-War Years 1946-1949

Thursday, March 23 @ 6:30 PM CDT/ 7:30 PM EDT - How to Live Forever - Writing & Sharing Your Sisterhood/Region Story

Thursday, March 30 @ 7:00 PM CDT/ 8:00PM EDT - Health & Wellness - End of Life Issues, Part II

Sunday, April 23 @ 6:30 PM CDT/ 7:30 PM EDT - Mishpachah: Going Deeper: LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns (Part 2 of 2)

Thursday, April 27 @ 6:00 PM CDT/ 7:00 PM EDT - WL Reads interviews Alyson Richmond and Shaunna Edwards, co-authors of the book, The Thread Collectors.

Laurie B. Davis

Communication VP/ The WAVE Editor