NCJW July 2022 News and Events |
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Welcome to the New NCJW Chicago
North Shore Board 2022/2023
Today marks the beginning of our new fiscal year, a new Board of Directors, and a renewed promise that our voice will continue to be heard and make a difference. Our work will not stop until it does.
As President, I am honored to be standing on the shoulders of all of our Past Presidents and want to especially thank Debbie Vietinghoff for all she accomplished as President over the last three years. Under the worse of circumstances, our section thrived due to her steadfast diligence and leadership. COVID did not impinge on our coalition building and advocacy work in Abortion Justice, Voting Rights, Gun Violence Prevention, and Racial Equity. Monthly educational programs presented by Spotlight and Salon kept us engaged and abreast of key issues. NCJW Gives Back, Luggage for Freedom, JCAST, Court Watch and Mother’s Day Baskets provided necessary help to the community, despite our limits to provide in-person service due to the pandemic. Now that we can join the outside world once again, imagine what we can do!
I would especially like to thank our outgoing Board Members for their many years of service: Lisa Goldberg, Barbara Dolinger, Julie Newman, and Rhea Swider. Their strategic creativity contributed greatly to our ability to provide Community Service and programming during these difficult times and made a huge difference. I will miss seeing them at Board Meetings, however, I am thrilled that each of them has made a commitment to stay engaged.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome our new Board Members, Shoshana Frank, Zahava Frankel, Amy Kleinman, Sue Rifas, Diane Schaar, and Amy Weisberg. These are incredible women. I am so excited that they will be joining our current Board Members and Officers -- Kim Sterling, Treasurer; Sarah Hirsen, Financial Secretary; Robbie Schreiber, Secretary; Bonnie Braverman; Bev Copeland; Donna Fishman; Amy Rubin; and Holly Smith, making 2022/2023 another exceptional Board of Directors.
In the coming year, we hope to strengthen our work and further develop our three pillars -- advocacy, education, and community service -- in order to meet these critical times. To do so, we will need not just the Board, but all of you, our members, to be engaged.
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NCJW Chicago North Shore is more than a section. We are a team. Throughout our history, working together, we have made an enormous impact. Now more than ever, we need to channel our energy into action and transform our ideas into sustainable change. And we will!!
Jan Schwartz, NCJW CNS
President
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Hanger Project Reproductive Justice Charms
Abortion is a racial justice issue. It is an economic justice issue. It is a public health issue. We must continue to advocate for access to abortion so that everyone, not just those in positions of privilege, can make their own health care decisions with dignity. NCJW has been advocating for reproductive rights, health and justice for over 125 years. And for any donation of $36 or more, we will will send you a Hanger Project charm to symbolize the desperate acts women will take when they don’t have access to safe abortion care. No woman should EVER have to resort to a coat hanger in place of safe, quality healthcare. Click here to donate. |
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Membership - Are You Up To Date?
Annual Member? Most NCJW annual memberships expired on June 30.
Click here to join, renew or gift a membership online. If you prefer to mail a check, please send your membership donation to the NCJW Chicago North Shore (NCJW CNS) to: NCJW Chicago North Shore, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062. Your annual membership donation is only $50 but it helps us make such a difference! And for those 36 and under, we offer a special double chai membership rate of just $36!
Life Member? You're not just a life member because you made that life member donation back in the day - you are a life member because you are the heart and soul of our section! Is there someone in your life that you think would enjoy being a part of our group of motivated, fun, and thoughtful women? A collective of folks connecting with each other and learning together as a community of progressive change-makers. If you do, why not gift them a membership!
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Please Welcome our Newest Members:
- Laura Finkel, Naomi Johanson, Anne Rossen, Hillary Simon
Let's Celebrate some July Birthdays!
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Sydney Esbitt, Janice Kessler, Anita Kosova, Jill Lexier, Vicki Meilach, Andrea Metzl, Rhonda Pawlan, Judith Schwartz, Paula Wallrich
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You can honor and celebrate a special event in your life or in the life of a loved one by purchasing an NCJW tribute. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and personal wins - big or small - are all great ways to honor and celebrate those we love and are most proud of.
To order a tribute, visit our donate page where you can use the donate form to indicate that you would like a Tribute card be sent. You will also find a link there to order packages of Tribute cards to have on hand for any special occasion. |
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To: Donna Gutman
From: Lauren Harper
In Honor of Donna Gutman
To: Jan Schwartz
From: Sam Schwartz-Fenwick
Mom, we are so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Sam, Steve and Eve
To: Donna Fishman
From: Judith Gethner
Congratulations on your well-deserved honor!
To: Debbie Vietinghoff
From: Eydee Schultz
Congratulations on making an extraordinary difference in the lives of so many people before, during, and after your tenure as president. I am proud to be your friend and proud of all you've done in such difficult times.
To: Tina Cantrell
From: Diana Silverman
Sending you lots of love and wishes for a wonderful birthday. From your big sister, Deedee
To: Donna Fishman
From: Elana Boiskin
To: Merle Gross
From: Jan Schwartz
Happy 80th Birthday!!!
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To: Lisa Goldberg
From: The Board of Directors
In memory of your son
To: Jill Lexier
From: Jan Schwartz
Happy happy birthday!!
To: Donna Fishman
From: Jackie Fishman
In honor of your award at the Women of Vision Gala.
Congratulations! Sorry I couldn't be there for this great tribute!
To: Armando Susmano
From: Laura Englander
In memory of Lorraine Bercoon
To: Donna Fishman
From: Bruce Elder
In honor of her Women of Vision Award
To: Our first official LIFTS Cohort Graduates -- Mara Franken,
Jessica Colman Cheng, Amy Weisberg, Carrie Seleman, Traci Stratford, and Shoshana Frank
From: The Board of Directors
In honor of completing our LIFTS Leadership Initiative. We are so proud of the engagement and interest you've all shown in your leadership skills. Here's to a future in advocacy, education and volunteerism with NCJW CNS and beyond! Congratulations
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Families for Abortion Access
Monday, July 4, 2022, 9:30 am CT
38th/S King Drive (Mariano's Parking Lot)
Access to abortion is a family issue!
NCJW CNS is cosponsoring this rally along with The Chicago Abortion Fund and many other organizations in support of Kido for Families for Abortion Access.
Join us on the South Side with children, parents, and families to demand freedom, justice, and autonomy for ALL communities. Be in community with us this Independence Day. We are not free if we lose our right to control our bodies and lives.
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Advocacy and the Arts: The Billboard
Sunday, July 10, 2022, 2:00 pm CT
Abbott Hall, 710 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
NCJW CNS has purchased a block of tickets for this matinee performance.
Tickets are $45 – proceeds go to benefit the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF).
Acclaimed journalist Natalie Y. Moore’s book The Billboard transforms from the page to the 16th Street stage at Northwestern’s Abbott Hall. Moore’s play, directed by TaRon Patton, follows a fictional women’s clinic in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood and their fight with Demetrius Drew, a local irritator running for City Council. When Demetrius puts up a provocative billboard proclaiming, “Abortion is genocide. The most dangerous place for a Black child is his mother’s womb,” Tanya Gray and her Black Women’s Health Initiative are spurred to fight back with their own controversial sign. Don't miss this timely exploration of women's bodily autonomy and abortion.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Spotlight: Art Speaks / People Act:
Art as Advocacy
Monday, July 25, 2022, 7:00 pm CT
Via Zoom
Art stirs the mind and activates the soul. Powerful images, words, or music, such as photographs of the Kent State shootings, the text of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, or the sounds of the song "We Shall Overcome," for example, can evoke a strong emotional reaction and, sometimes, even propel us to action.
During this Spotlight, we will first hear and see how visual artist and filmmaker Faith Kohler uses various media to inform people about homelessness and what to do.
And then we will write a stanza to support a social justice issue that we choose.
Our featured speaker Faith Kohler is an artist, filmmaker, and NCJW sister.
She is Co-Vice President of Community Service for NCJW Miami.
We had the pleasure of having her as a speaker at our October 2020 Spotlight Broken Windows, which focused on art as advocacy for police intervention,
For more information and to register for this interactive Zoom Spotlight, click here. |
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Did you miss a program or wish you could rewatch or share it with a friend? Visit our YouTube Channel for recordings of many of our Zoom Programs from the last year. |
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NCJW Soup Kitchen at First Methodist Church
Thursday, July 21, 4:00 - 8:00 pm CT
First United Methodist Church, 516 Church Street, Evanston
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NCJW Responds to the Supreme Court Ruling
Ending Right to Abortion
NCJW is outraged at the Supreme Court ruling ending the right to abortion, which has wiped out 50 years of precedent and left millions of people without the healthcare they need. It is cruel and shameful.
Although we are grateful that abortion in Illinois is currently protected, we will continue fighting to protect those rights, to expand access, support travelers from out of state, and protect the right to honest medical information. We will not stop working until everyone has access to abortion, free from stigma, shame, and criminalization — no matter what it takes.
On the day of the decision, our immediate response was to show our displeasure. NCJW CNS along with NCJW South Cook and 30 other co-sponsors participated in a rally and march on Friday June 24 at Federal Plaza. Thousands of folks came out to protest the decision and show determination to continue to fight.
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NCJW members, including Betty Magness and Donna Gutman, were out in force at the Chicago protest rally and march (see photo on the right).
At the same time, in Naperville, NCJW CNS joined our partners -- League of Women Voters Naperville, AAUW Naperville, and Illinois NOW -- for a protest. Hundreds of folks of all ages lined the street to show their support for reproductive freedom. As always, NCJW members, including Kathie Bender, Jill Lexier, Casey Livingston, and Marsha Swetin, turned out (see photo below).
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How did you respond to this decision?
Did you participate in a local protest, NCJW’s virtual vigil, a Havdalah ceremony or rally?
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Speak Up for Reproductive Rights:
We Need You!
As the reality of the June 24 Supreme Court decision settles in, it’s time to think about next steps.
Although we are grateful that abortion in Illinois is currently protected, NCJW will continue fighting to protect those rights, to expand access, to support travelers from out of state, and to ensure availability of honest medical information.
Education is critical to these efforts, and we need your help!
We are proud that NCJW is considered an expert in Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice. We have been fielding requests to speak at synagogues and rallies.
Please join our newly created Repro Educators Team. We’ll provide all the resources, preparation, and training. If you’re willing to talk with members of your synagogue or civic organization, ready to share your abortion story, or just want to be more comfortable talking with your neighbors and family, please join us. Contact jill@ncjcns.org.
On the Jews for Abortion Access website, you can find important resources and information, and sign up to attend upcoming events, including a Zoom discussion with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, who will lead an in-depth teaching on Jewish sources around abortion justice on Thursday, July 14 at 12:30pm CT.
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On Saturday, June 25th, President Biden signed into law S. 2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, historic legislation that will reduce gun violence. The President has worked on this issue his entire career, and knows both how hard it is and what it takes – he was there 30 years ago, the last time this country passed meaningful gun safety laws.
We have lost too many to gun violence. When the President traveled to Uvalde,
he heard a clear message: do something. Today, we did. This bill doesn’t do everything the President wanted it to, but it does include actions he has long called for and that will save lives. This legislation:
- Funds crisis intervention, including red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and to others.
- Finally closes what’s known as the “boyfriend loophole,” so if you assault your girlfriend or boyfriend you can’t buy or own a gun.
- Requires young people aged 18-21 to undergo enhanced background checks.
- Includes the first federal law that makes gun trafficking and straw purchases distinct federal crimes.
- Clarifies who needs to register as a federally licensed gun dealer and run background checks before selling a gun.
- Provides historic funding to address the youth mental health crisis in this country, especially the trauma experienced by survivors of gun violence.
- Invests in anti-violence programs to work directly with people who are most likely to commit gun crimes or become victims of gun crimes.
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A Night to Remember
The Women of Vision Gala on June 7th was a night to remember as NCJW Chicago North Shore honored three amazing women with our most prestigious awards: Jane Ramsey, Hannah G. Solomon Award; Betty Magness, Jane Addams Award; and Donna Fishman, Innovative Leadership Award.
NCJW CNS members joined with friends and family of the awardees for a festive evening at the East Bank Club that began with a wine and cheese reception for the awardees on the lovely outdoor patio along the Chicago River.
Following a delicious dinner, journalist Laura Washington led the honorees in an insightful conversation on leadership during challenging times. As many of us lose hope about our own power to make a difference, especially during times such as these, it was inspiring to hear stories of our honorees’ passion and success in creating transformative justice throughout their careers. It was a powerful message to all of us that leadership does not mean just one person changing the course of action alone. Leadership entails including everyone in the room and bridging the gap among differing views, in order to go forward. Mentorship and listening, key aspects of leadership, empower the next generation of activists to create their own voice to continue the work of social justice.
Many thanks to Chair Jan Schwartz and the hard-working gala committee: Tina Cantrell, Marilyn Cohen, Barbara Dolinger, Donna Gutman, Lauren Harper, Carole Levine, Holly Smith, Debbie Vietinghoff, and Cindy Wolfson. A special shout out to Holly, who produced the incredible honoree videos for the event.
It was truly a night of celebration and substance. Our Awardees, along with our moderator, Laura Washington, made the evening. Thank you everyone.
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A Thank You from Jane Ramsey,
NCJW CNS's 2022 Hannah G. Solomon Award Recipient
Carole, NCJW Board, and Women of Vision Awards Committee,
Thank you so much for the wonderful honor, giving me the Hannah G. Solomon Award. As you know, this was full circle for me as I began my social justice journey as a young girl assisting my mother's NCJW work (fyi, Ruth Glassenberg) and in full knowledge of her commitment to NCJW. NCJW's strong, progressive advocacy on behalf of women, children, and all oppressed communities has always inspired me along with the organization's leadership as a powerful Jewish woman's voice for justice.
Last night was a reminder to me of the work that lies in front of us today, ahead of us as we move forward, fortified by the lessons we've together learned.
As I reflect on the conversations we had last night, I continue to be inspired by the work, our affirmation of what has been collectively achieved, what we are capable of making happen and what we must continue to make happen in order to succeed to create a community, city, and world free of injustice and that lifts up the dignity of humanity.
NCJW continues to be a beacon and I am proud to have a lifetime of association, and friendship, with you and the organization. You give me hope.
Fondly,
Jane
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A Thank You from
Betty Magness,
NCJW CNS's 2022
Jane Addams Award Recipient
Dear NCJW Chicago North Shore,
I was OVERWHELMED by being chosen to be one of the Women of Vision. My Thanks to the members of NCJW CNS for the privilege of receiving the very first "Jane Addams Woman of Vision Award."
I join Zoom calls with NCJW because they're always so educational and thought provoking. I'm rambling because I don't have the words to express how overjoyed I still am. The Gala was AWESOME!!!! My Award is Beautiful. Everyone was so gracious and so many, many people, who I didn't even know came up to me to say Congratulations. My family is still calling saying how proud they are of me.
They're calling because of NCJW CNS. I am humbled to receive such an auspicious award. Your kindness is inspiring. I especially want to thank Holly Smith for the Video she made about me. It was fantastic. My cousin in Texas sent it all over the country to family members.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this wonderful Mazel Tov. May God Bless you all.
Betty Magness
Recipient of the Jane Addams Award 2022
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A Thank You from
Donna Fishman,
NCJW CNS's 2022
Innovative Leadership Award Recipient
Dear NCJW Board and 2022 Women of Vision Gala Committee:
I am humbled to have received the Innovative Leadership award from NCJW Chicago North Shore. As you know, NCJW is MY organization- where I have found friends, meaning, pursuit of social justice and many opportunities to be led by great leaders and to lead others. It has been my great pleasure to help to grow our section, bring in younger members, and forge partnerships with Jewish and secular organizations.
I especially want to thank the committee that selected me for this award -- for recognizing my passion and the impact I've had on fellow NCJW members and our section. I also want to thank Jan Schwartz and the fabulous Gala committee who attended to every detail, made sure my friends and family were included, and put on a terrific event (a special thank you to Holly Smith for the fabulous video that made me cry!).
To all of NCJW, I am excited for the future -- to develop new programs, new service projects, new advocacy, and new leaders.
Best, Donna Fishman
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A Heartfelt Thank You to All Our Major Donors, Whose Generous Donations Made the Women of Vision Gala a Wonderful Success.
Thank you! You are Spectacular!
LEADER
Andy Amend, Bonnie Braverman, Merle Gross, Donna Gutman, Sarah Hirsen,
Jill Lexier, Janet Lunsik, Beth Najberg, Elaine Nekritz, Ilana Platt, Susan Rifas, Stacy Saef, Sam Schwartz-Fenwick, Shari Slavin, Terry Vismantas
CREATOR
Cathy Carmody, Carole Levine, Helene Paris, Carmen Quinones, Rhea Swider
IDEALIST
Donna Fishman, Susan Kaplan, Robbie Schreiber, Debbie Vietinghoff
VISIONARY
Marilyn Cohen, Jan Schwartz, Cindy Wolfson
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Chicago North Shore has several new ways to support our section. As always, you can make a one time donation or purchase a tribute (links are below), you can even purchase an NCJW star necklace or hanger charm or become a monthly donor!
NCJW is recognized as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Contributions to it are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law.
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