MIDWEST DISTRICT M'KESHER מְקֶשֶׁר
March 2021 | Adar 5781
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A Message from Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President
Greetings!
At this time of year, I get tired of our Midwest winter weather. So, I begin to search for signs of the coming spring. The bright green of snowdrops pushing up through the frozen dirt at the foot of the giant oak tree in my backyard convinces me that winter is on its way out. Thanks to our recent thawing temperatures, their small white flowers have appeared! I am filled with a giddy anticipation for the coming seasonal changes. What better way to shake off my winter blues than to register for WRJ’s Virtual Fried Women’s Conference, with programs beginning March 2 through March 23, 2021. Using this year’s meeting platform, Whova app (easy to download and sign in), you can join with me in exploring the many opportunities offered during FWC this month. I am really looking forward to seeing many of my Midwest sisters, even if it is virtually, as we sing, and pray, and learn together. Registration is open until March 8, with a fee of only $54 for access to events scheduled from March 10-14. Additional registration is required for the Legislative Body Meeting, March 18 (no fee) and the special fundraising event March 23 (donation levels vary). Look for a registration link in this M’Kesher, on Yammer, or on the WRJ website, wrj.org, under Events.
At the end of March, we will hold another year of virtual seders during Passover (March 28-April 4). But this year, we have the hope of in-person gatherings happening soon, as COVID-19 vaccines are being administered throughout the world. Yes, the rollout is slower than we would like, and equity of access is far from ideal. I will have been fully vaccinated by March 12, while my (younger) husband has not yet been scheduled. First world problem, of course, since many countries still have no vaccines or strategies to deliver them to their people. Vaccinating up to 70% of the world, with two shots for most of the vaccines, is a daunting challenge. Even with new single-shot vaccines available soon, this is no simple task. I am focusing on the historic speed with which researchers have identified life-saving options to end this pandemic in the foreseeable future. One year ago, give or take a week, we had just heard the news that we faced a pandemic. I am in awe of the science.
While we await the reopening of our communities, Save the Date for our Virtual Kehilah Kedoshah, April 16-17, 2021 (see flyer with registration link below). This weekend gathering of our Midwest Sacred Community is a first attempt to replace “Interim” with a District-focused gathering that will occur in the spring of the first and second years of our newly adopted three-year board terms. These may or may not follow closely after FWC (as it is this year), but we hope to gather at OSRUI, once in-person is possible, and focus our programming on topics of interest to our Midwest affiliates. It will usually include a full board meeting, but since the board just met in October, we decided to hold off the board meeting this time, until we have substantial business to address. I am really excited about the programming that Rozan Anderson, our 1st VP and her chairs, Carol Berger and Gayle Weil, have put together for us. Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat will provide music and prayer to greet the Sabbath Bride. Then, on Saturday afternoon, Rabbi Marla Feldman, WRJ Executive Director, will be sharing her cutting-edge research on single-gender organizations, followed by a panel of Midwest women leaders discussing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on our Midwest sisterhoods/women’s groups. Then, we will have breakout sessions where we can choose a topic to dive into more deeply with presenters. Havdalah will close out Shabbat, before meeting with several Sisters from Australia! Of course, no Midwest gathering would be complete without mahj, canasta, or just schmoozing. Take advantage of this weekend opportunity to reconnect with WRJ sisters as Midwest spring comes into full swing.
Whether we see each other at FWC, a Zoom seder, or at our newly-envisioned Midwest Sacred Community, I hope you find personal growth through our WRJ, Midwest District, and local affiliates programs. These online program opportunities keep us connected until we can meet in person again.
L'Shalom,
Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President
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Save the Date - Virtual Kehilah Kedoshah |
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Pins are now available to order. Each pin is $10, plus shipping (for 3 or more). All profits from the sale of our district pin go to the WRJ Midwest District Gloria Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click the link below to order your new pin. |
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The issue of maternal mortality is of critical concern to all of us in WRJ. It is not only a women’s issue, but one that disproportionately impacts women of color. Many consider this a result of systemic racism in the United States healthcare system--with the current pandemic amplifying the issue.
Recent legislation aimed at improving health outcomes for mothers has been introduced in Congress: the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. This Act is a package of bills that proposes funds for organizational and governmental work to improve maternal health outcomes, as well as training programs geared to reduce the racism that may exist in certain settings. It also seeks to address social issues that lead to these poor outcomes. For more information about the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, read the WRJ blog by Ellen Olshansky, a women’s health nurse practitioner and member of WRJ. https://wrj.org/blog/2020/07/22/help-reverse-devastating-health-disparities-supporting-black-maternal-health
Rabbi Marla Feldman, Executive Director of WRJ, was quoted in a press statement about this bill. She said, Women of Reform Judaism is proud to endorse the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021. In Judaism, the principle of pikuach nefesh, preserving life, overrides virtually any other religious rule. This value undergirds much of our reproductive rights advocacy. This life-saving legislation is a much needed step to mitigate the unacceptable maternal mortality crisis plaguing Black women and families.
The issue of equitable reproductive and maternal health care access is highlighted in one of the proposed WRJ Resolutions: Addressing a Legacy of Reproductive and Gender-Based Violence Against Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color in North America.
Please familiarize yourself with this proposed Resolution--as well as the other proposed WRJ Resolution:
Labor Issues Impacting Women in the 21st Century.
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Click ads for more information |
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Reproductive Health & Rights Campaign |
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You can make a difference in the lives of all women locally, statewide, and nationally by opening the links below and becoming more aware and empowered to further the cause of WRJ's Reproductive Justice Campaign:
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WRJ Webinars and Programs |
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(Yammer access required)
Click the link to watch this webinar on Youtube!
(Yammer access required)
(Yammer access required)
Click the link to watch these webinars on Yammer!
Click the link to watch this webinar on YouTube!
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Upcoming WRJ Virtual Events |
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CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE
*to access the above information on Yammer, you will need to be registered for an account. Sign up at leadership@wrj.org. |
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Kesher Committee recommends . . .
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Monday, March 22 7:00pm Central
Women of North Shore Congregation Israel -Coffee & Conversation: Reproductive Justice & Race Issues with Rabbi Lisa Greene and Judy Wexler REGISTER HERE to get the zoom link.
Following up on the WRJ event, Rabbi Lisa Greene and Judy Wexler will lead a discussion on the powerful film, Belly of the Beast, aimed at activism about critical issues relating to reproductive justice and race. Please join us, regardless of whether you attend the February 21st event or watched the film.
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Looking ahead (all times Central)...
Monday, April 5, 11am
Tuesday, April 20th, 7pm
WRJ Film, Fiction & Fine Wine presents Jake Cohen, author of Jew-ish and Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch
Mon-Thurs, April 26-29
WRJ Israel Tour - $36
Friday, April 30.
After the WRJ Israel Tour, we will have a MW District schmooze for those who were on the tour.
Tuesday, May 11, 7pm
WRJ Film, Fiction & Fine Wine presents R.L. Maizes author of "We love Anderson Cooper" and "Other People’s Pets"
Wednesday, June 2, 7pm
Join our District-wide discussion of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, author of other highly-regarded books including The Nightingale and The Great Alone. Our discussion will be co-facilitated by Jane Page and Rozan Anderson. This book is recently released and already well-received, so find your copy soon!
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Upcoming Midwest District Events |
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Sisterhood/Women's Group News |
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Need help publicizing your next event?
Please send a PDF flyer to your Area Director and we will try to include it. Materials must be received by the 15th of the month.
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WRJ Midwest is on Instagram and Facebook! Check us out!!
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Sisterhood and women’s group presidents, it’s that time of year again! Many of you have held your new board installations and there have been changes in your leadership. Please fill out the WRJ Sisterhood Leadership Information Form (for Midwest District sisterhood/women's groups to update WRJ with their new leadership) as soon as possible. By completing this form, you will be invited to join Yammer (if you aren't already on Yammer). Presidents will be invited to join the Sisterhood President's group. You will also be able to join the Midwest District Leadership group. WRJ will then forward your information to the Midwest District. You will then be kept up to date on the latest news taking place in the district and WRJ.
Be sure to check all your email folders. Contact Barbara Rosenberg, Data Management/Directory chair, at brosenbergwrj@aol.com with any questions.
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Did you know you can request a District or WRJ speaker for a virtual program? We are pleased to announce that speakers from the Midwest District may be arranged for online Zoom meetings. Speakers Bureau engagements are scheduled based on availability and all requests must be submitted at least three months in advance of your requested date. Requests must be submitted via the WRJ or WRJ Midwest District Speakers Bureau.
There is no cost to your sisterhood/women’s group for an online speaker.
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Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel
Judaica Gift Shop
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Looking for Judaica items for your home or to give as gifts? Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel in Skokie, IL, has transformed their Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop to make merchandise available for you. Linn Ullenbrauck, Judaica Shop Chair, has created a catalog showing a variety of items that may be purchased. Linn will provide curbside transactions with a smile. Out of state, no worries! Linn will ship items to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Linn with any questions at linneupooh@att.net.
To see the catalog on Temple Beth Israel’s website, click on
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Women of North Shore Congregation Israel
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Update
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Think of the Women of North Shore Congregation Israel Gift Shop for your holiday needs! Though we are closed right now, we can still assist you with your shopping. We have a great selection of Rosh Hashanah tableware, hostess gifts, and books and toys for children. For updated information about the shop, please go to WNSCI Gift Shop - North Shore Congregation Israel.
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Midwest District Gift Giving |
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A gift to the Midwest District is a wonderful way to recognize, remember, or honor the special people in your life: your sisterhood/women's group board, your president, your district leaders, your mother, daughter, sister, friends, and other family members. You can even honor your clergy! Make a gift to WRJ Midwest District to say “thank you,” “happy birthday,” or congratulations,” or to send get well wishes or condolences. An acknowledgement will be emailed to each person whose email address is provided.
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Yom Huledet Sameach
(Happy Birthday!)
to our Midwest District Board Members and Alumnae
March
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Mazel Tov to Cheryl Stern on the birth of her grandson, Theodore "Theo" Andrew Stern, born 2/4/21 to son Matt and daughter in law Abi. Email congratulations can be sent to cbsternies@aol.com
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Condolences to Roberta Krolick on the passing of her husband, Marshall - a long time URJ Board Member. Roberta was President of NFTS District 18 (aka WRJ Midwest District) from 1988-1990. Condolences can be sent to Roberta at
Roberta Krolick
2541 Jardin Terrace
Weston, FL 33327
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As you are putting together your newsletters & e-blasts, please use these forms: |
(This is WRJ's Leadership form)
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Contact: Ashley Burbul, M'Kesher Editor
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WRJ strengthens the voice of women worldwide and empowers them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values. |
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