NCJW June 2020 News and Events
It's June. Normally, this email would begin with some kind of tongue-in-cheek comment about how it's raining again or that my roots are growing faster than the my tomato plants or that we are becoming pros at achieving the most flattering angle on Zoom.

But May seems like a lifetime ago.

NCJW Chicago North Shore sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd. And we stand with Minneapolis as they continue to grieve and heal.

Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof. This is NCJW Chicago North Shore's clarion call to action and guiding imperative. Though the recent and all too frequent acts of senseless violence and injustices against people of color has shaken us, it has not deterred our pursuit of justice. For over 125 years, NCJW has made it our mission to speak out against racism, injustice and white supremacy. Today, we recommit as an organization to work to end the hate-filled and senseless violence that cut-short the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and countless others. By working for legislative reform, initiating local activism, and educating NCJW advocates, we will challenge ourselves and our communities to actively help end the toxic culture of racism that permeates our country.

We are shaken, but our resolve is stronger than ever.

For now, it is important to support Black and Brown communities and the leaders spearheading the peaceful, anti-racist responses unfolding. Together, we will make sure the memory of George Floyd will be for a blessing.

In the coming weeks, we will send out information on new racial justice programming which will include opportunities for education, advocacy and community service. Please check your email inboxes and our website in mid-June. In addition, we've listed some links and resources below that you might find useful.

Be well,

Melissa Prober, Executive Director
Debbie Vietinghoff, President
NCJW Chicago North Shore

“ To the rioters here in Atlanta and across the country: I see you, and I hear you. I know your pain, your rage, your sense of despair and hopelessness. Justice has, indeed, been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting, and burning is not the way. Organize. Demonstrate. Sit-in. Stand-up. Vote.” - Congressman John Lewis
Racial Justice Links, Tools and Resources
welcome_flowers_pear.jpg
Please welcome our new members:

  • Penny Fisher
  • Mary Weinberg
Annual Installation Celebration
Annual Installation Celebration
June 24; 7:00 - 8:00 pm; Zoom

Although we’ve made some changes to our annual installation – first and foremost moving it online – one thing that hasn’t changed is that it is a wonderful time to celebrate our outgoing board members and vote for and welcome our  incoming Board of Directors.

We also have a special treat, after the board installation, NCJW is proud to present singer, actress, songwriter, and jewish musical artist Lisa Fishman who was most recently seen as on Broadway as Bobe Tsaytl (aka: “Grandma Tzeitl) in the hit show, “Fiddler on the Roof – in Yiddish,” directed by the legendary actor/director, Joel Grey. Lisa will talk to us about the renewed interest in Yiddish and her experience on Broadway. She will also entertain us with a song or two. This is a DON’T MISS program!

There is no charge to attend the virtual installation but we ask that you RSVP in order to receive the Zoom login information.
Upcoming NCJW VIRTUAL Events
Monday, June 15, 7:00 pm
City Salon: FRO – The Firearm Restraining Order Act
Learn how FRO – The Firearm Restraining Order Act , a critically important new Illinois act which went into effect January 1, 2019, can protect you and your loved ones from death by a gun. Peter Contos, Outreach Coordinator and Tami Tunnel, Downstate Outreach Coordinators at the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) will teach us about this law and then tell us how we can take the next steps to implement it in our communities to save lives. The evening will include: the history of the FRO law in Illinois, how the FRO helps people in crisis stay safe, especially during COVID-19 and how one obtains a FRO. Click here for an introductory video about the FRO act and click here to register for the salon.
 
Tuesday, June 16, 7:00 pm
Suburban Salon: Racial Justice: Our Perspectives as Whites, Jews and Women and how can we be part of the solution
Salon is a monthly, evening discussion group currently meeting virtually on Zoom. Each month a new topic is chosen by the group, and material links are then emailed to everyone to read. Email SuburbanSalon@ncjwcns.org for more information.

Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 pm
Election 2020 Series – What Will Our November Elections Look Like
Live Interview – U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten and Bill Foster with Illinois State Senators Laura Ellman and Julie Morrison. U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten from the 6th Congressional District, Bill Foster from the 11th Congressional District along with State Senator Laura Ellman from Illinois’ 21st District and State Senator Julie Morrison from Illinois 29th District will answer questions about vote by mail, the US Postal Service’s ability to manage increased mail-in ballots, the status of the proposed Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act, and more. Registration information will be made available closer to the date. Visit https://ncjwcns.org/events/2ptv2020 for updated information
Other Events of Interest
Tuesday, June 2, 3:30 pm
The Intersection of Guns and Domestic Violence in the time of COVID-19
Our communities are in crisis. On top of the global pandemic that continues to disproportionately impact Black and Brown people, the horrific continuance of police violence against Black people has sparked a nationwide outcry for racial justice. This week, we also commemorate #WearOrange on June 5th, in support of survivors of gun violence — and that includes survivors of domestic violence and firearms.

We are honored and grateful to have Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) join us for a timely, urgent, and important conversation about the ongoing safety and health crises that affect Americans across the country right now. Learn about the dangerous intersection between domestic and sexual violence and guns, hear thoughtful remarks and calls to action about the ongoing protests and the pandemic, and understand what you can do to help those at risk and on the front lines right now. Click here to register.

Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 pm
Documentary Screening: Parkland Rising
You're invited to the premiere of the feature documentary PARKLAND RISING to coincide with National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The event is co-hosted by Black Eyed Peas and Pearl Jam. The LIVE screening will be introduced by Executive Producer Katie Couric, followed by a panel conversation with Executive Producer will.i.am, Manuel Oliver (Change The Ref Founder), Greg Kahn (Gun Safety Alliance Co-Lead), Cheryl Horner McDonough (Parkland Rising director), and Manju Bangalore (former March For Our Lives LA Chapter Co-Lead), moderated by Katie Couric. Click here to register.

Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 pm
NCJW Miami Deep Dive: Voter and civic engagement with a focus on how we, as allies, can stand for justice with Black Lives Matter
Wednesdays at 7pm EST (6pm Cst), NCJW Miami is hosting "deep dive" sessions with local activists who work and fight tirelessly every day to make our communities safer, stronger, more loving, and more equal for women, children and families. We will learn more about the issues that they are working on, and how we can support them and their work. We will TAKE ACTION on these calls! Click here to register.

Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 pm
Every Voice, Every Vote: Combatting Voter Suppression Training
Voter suppression has long plagued our election system. Underrepresented communities continue the fight for equal access to the ballot. Join this virtual training to learn how your community can combat voter suppression across the country by participating in the Center for Common Ground’s nonpartisan Reclaim Our Vote Campaign. Click here to register.

Thursday, June 4, 6:00 pm
2020 Election Issues Forum: Black Women's Vote, Power & Accountability
Join PPIA for a virtual panel discussion about the power Black women hold in the electoral landscape. The event will be moderated by Lolly Bowean, Media and Storytelling Program Officer at The Field Foundation. Panelists include: Delmarie Cobb, Kimberley Egonmwan, Karen Freeman-Wilson, and McGhee Williams Osse. Click here to register.

Thursday, June 4, 7:00 pm
Film Screening & Discussion: The Long Shadow
 The filmmakers of "The Long Shadow," a documentary about the long history of institutional racism, are making the film available for free on their website through Sunday, June 7, and are hosting a live Q&A at 7 pm on Thursday, June 4. This film continues to be relevant, particularly in light of the tragic events this past week in Minneapolis. Click here to watch the film and register for the Q&A.

Sunday, June 7, 4:00 pm
Greater Chicago Jewish Festival
This year, enjoy 40 Years of the Festival. A virtual Greater Chicago Jewish Festival with great performances from the past 20 Festivals and new performances from David Broza and other acts that were planned for this year. Visit https://jewishfestival.org for information.

Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 pm
Save the Date: Courts Matter Webinar: Courts Matter to LGBTQ Issues
Join Courts Matter Illinois for the first in a series of informative webinars and learn how the Federal Courts impact these issues and ourselves! All Webinars begin at 12:00 noon (Cst). Webinars are free but require registration for each one. Registration Information will be available two weeks before each session. Watch your inbox for more information as it becomes available and save the dates below for the rest of the series.
• Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Courts Matter to Immigration Rights
• Tuesday, August 4, 2020: Courts Matter to Voting Rights
• Tuesday, August 25, 2020: Courts Matter to Climate Change and the Environment
• Tuesday, September 15, 2020: Courts Matter to Education
• Tuesday, October 13, 2020: Courts Matter to Reproductive Rights 

A Faithful Response to  June Medical Services v. Russo  
(date TBD, on the Supreme Court’s decision date.)   
This summer, the US Supreme Court will decide  June Medical Services v. Russo , a Louisiana case that could gut  Roe v. Wade  and define abortion access for years to come — and abortion isn’t a right if you can’t access it. Join us after the Supreme Court makes its decision to discuss the outcome of the case, learn a faith-based response, including how you can take action.   Register here   to receive updates about the webinar and a Zoom link to join us when the event is scheduled!  
Take Action!
Volunteers Wanted

Hello, Neighbor  is an outreach project launched to connect volunteers with NCJW's most vulnerable advocates during this time of quarantine and isolation. Through the assistance of volunteers like you, they have already made well over 5000 calls to NCJW supporters nationwide. If you would like to participate or learn more about the project, please click here .

The Jewish Case For Abortion Access
Discussion, Study, and the Launch of NCJW’s Abortion and JewishValues Toolkit
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is proud to debut the Abortion and Jewish Values Toolkit , an extraordinary new resource designed to offer tremendous support and insight into our work to protect and expand abortion rights and access for all. For over 125 years, we have boldly imagined a world where every person can make their own moral and faith-informed decisions about their body, health, and future. Now, in the face of false narratives and appalling rhetoric concerning this critical issue, it is more important than ever to lift up the voices of people of faith who advocate for bodily autonomy because of our religion, not in spite of it. Watch the recording of the May 26 webinar here .
Membership
Membership Renewal
Membership renewal has begun. If you are an annual member, you will be receiving a renewal notice in your inbox or mail box in the next week or so. We hope all of our annual members will renew their membership for another year. All NCJW annual memberships run from July 1 through June 30. Renew or join today for $50 and your membership will valid through June 30, 2021.

Your support makes it possible for NCJW to create meaningful social change for women, children, and families locally, nationally and internationally. Together with you, NCJW will empower women to educate their communities, mobilize the grassroots, and advocate for fundamental rights and freedoms.

Click here to renew your membership today or mail your check to NCJW, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062. Questions? Email info@ncjwcns.org.
Support NCJW
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!

Put your dollars to work immediately by making a fast, secure online donation. Choose a one-time donation or give monthly and become an NCJW Sustaining Advocate.

An NCJW Chicago North Shore Tribute is a thoughtful way to acknowledge a life event while supporting NCJW’s many valuable projects. You may purchase an individual tribute or packages of tribute cards.

Looking for a gift or just a different way to support NCJW?

When you shop through AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Choose National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore

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. 

Want to ensure NCJW's legacy for years to come? Are you a life member and want to extend your support in perpetuity? Have you thought out a bequest to NCJW? Already have a bequest to NCJW? Please let us know that you put us in your will so we can acknowledge you!! Email   info@ncjwcns.org.

Just as a reminder - while our mailing address is still 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200 Northbrook, IL 60062, we no longer maintain a physical office there are are not able to accept donations of items for Luggage for Freedom or JCAST Chicago at the office. If you have items to drop off, please email luggageforfreedom@ncjwcns.org or info@jcastchicago.org to make arrangements. Also, please be sure to always include the suite number (suite 200) when sending us anything through the mail to avoid mail being returned to you. Thank you for your understanding and support!