CHAI LINES
The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
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SISTERS JOURNEYING TOGETHER
Serving Conservative Jewish Women
in New York State, Ontario, and Quebec
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LIKE OUR PAGE ON FACEBOOK
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Sympathy to the family and friends of Margo Grosbein, Past Branch President of the Ontario Branch and a former WL VP
May her memory be a blessing!
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From Our Region President
Joan Lowenstein
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Dear Friends,
I laughed, I cried, I learned, and I loved every minute of Convention 2020! From the opening
Shehecheyanu
Moment to the amazing closing concert, I literally experienced every emotion known to Woman. Of course, I expected nothing less of our newly installed International President and Convention 2020 Committee Chair Debbi Kaner Goldich and her talented committee, but what they were able to accomplish in such a short period of time was nothing short of extraordinary. There were over 1400 women registered for Convention when all was said and done.
Right out of the gate, the Healing Service with Hazzan Alisa Pomeranz-Boro and Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields got my emotions flowing and it didn’t stop all day long. During the service two of our very own were featured in the Zoomria Choir, Marilyn Cohen and Adele Weinstein. Beautifully sung ladies – thank you! If you didn’t see it or want to see it again,
click here
.
In the very first “Chat Room” that I was placed in, I met a woman who is from Syracuse NY and now lives in Los Angeles. Her parent’s company printed the invitations for my Bat Mitzvah! We started our game of Jewish geography during that short break while also chatting with everyone else in the chat room and “privately” chatting between ourselves. We then became Facebook friends and just this morning she put me in touch with a (third?) cousin I had never met! And not only that, her daughter was college roommates with a woman I worked with at Camp Ramah New England. And that is a complete coincidence. It is indeed a very small Jewish world!
I truly was glued to my computer throughout the day. I enjoyed the presentation about The Ark of Chicago, but I learned even more directly from their website and I would encourage you to check it out at
at arkchicago.org/
. They really are an incredible, one-of-a-kind organization (to the best of my knowledge), and we should have one in every city. Yes, I do realize I am repeating myself, but this organization touched me somehow. So please, check them out and if there are other models like this anywhere else, please let me know so I can check them out also.
Shout out again to our Jewels in the Crown Sisterhoods and Women’s Groups! We may be relatively small in size but we are mighty! Five Jewels in the Crown Awards for the number of Sisterhoods we have is absolutely amazing. I am
kvelling
! Beth David Women, Toronto; Beth Tikvah Women, Toronto; Shaare Zedek, Montreal; Temple Beth El, Rochester; and Women’s Network of Temple Beth Tzedek, Buffalo. Mazal Tov to you all!
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Two more shout outs for our mighty region: Toby Maser served on the Convention Committee, helped convert the in-person three-day convention to the virtual one-day convention, and planned and Co-Presented the Sisterhood Presidents workshop. Toby,
Kol Hakavod
! And always working tirelessly behind the scenes for us all, Lois Silverman who I know put together all of the PowerPoint presentations (and endless revisions), slides, and infinite other technology that we will probably never even know about. Lois, our thanks will never be enough! The workshops will be posted on the members only section of the WLCJ website in the very near future for you to be able to view those that you did not attend.
And finally, the Installation and Celebratory Concert. I mean really, when they advertised “tissues optional” I thought they were joking. But I really needed them throughout the day. I guess I just imagined that I wouldn’t have the same emotions without “being there” all together in person. Well, I was wrong, clearly. Both Margie and Debbi spoke beautifully and the final concert – OY! If you didn’t see it, or want to see it again…click here. Quite honestly, the Convention Committee for 2023 has their work cut out for them to be able to top this!
We followed this up with our very own Region Zoom party this past Monday July 20th when about 30 of us came together and schmoozed, laughed and caught up. It was almost as good as being together. We even had a round of jokes at the end as we usually do at the Region Parties at Conventions! If you didn’t join us, we missed you!
Now, onto our very first (of many) Region Zoom Programs which occurs on Tuesday August 11th at 7:00 pm. An Evening with Jennifer Rosner, Author of The Yellow Bird Sings. Please see the flyer for this event below and rsvp to Adele Weinstein at adelew@rogers.com. Looking forward to seeing you all then!
I wish, above all else, good health for you and your loved ones, and of course, a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Joan
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Zoom information will be provided when you RSVP
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From Women's League for Conservative Judaism
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Shabbat Message: July 25, 2020
By Debbi Kaner Goldich,
International President
WHY DID I TAKE ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRESIDENCY OF WLCJ?
I have been asked this question many times since September 2019 when the Nominating Committee called my name and it was formally announced in January 2020. For me, it is an easy answer that I would like to share with you now.
If I have been lucky enough to be your Conference Consultant, then you have heard my Keynote that tells the tale of my family legacy. Born to two grandmothers named Sarah and Rebecca who had a major influence on my life. Both came from Europe, one as an infant and the other as a young woman in her twenties. Both came from Orthodox families and struggled financially to make a Jewish home. They never lost sight of those values such as Hachnasat Orchim, the welcoming of strangers and the giving of Tzedakah with a full and loving heart. The family legacy of important biblical names continue with my mom’s sister Ruth who was the first Sisterhood president I knew. She and my mom, who served as treasurer in our small suburban Boston synagogue, helped to lead a thriving Sisterhood for many years. And finally my sister’s Hebrew name is Esther. From her I learn about courage, just like the Esther of the Purim story.
From generation to generation we are told repeatedly. With the combination of that family legacy of names and the reinforcement of our liturgy that mandates it is our responsibility to teach the Passover story to our children, how could I not want this coveted position? That is my answer. I became involved in Sisterhood about forty years ago so that I could show my children the value of being an active member of the Jewish community. Today I continue so that I can teach my grandchildren that same value. Do I realize the Conservative Jewish world is different than it was forty years ago? Of course I do, but the mandate to teach the next generation has not changed in thousands of years.
Shabbat Shalom,
Debbi
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Granddaughter Sylvie Goldich watching Debbi's installation speech
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Debbi Kaner Goldich, Ellen Kaner Bresnick and Libby Kaner at WLCJ Convention 2014
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WLCJ Mourns the Death of U.S. Representative
John Lewis
The Women's League for Conservative Judaism mourns the loss of U.S. Congressman John Lewis, a Civil Rights icon, who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s Fifth Congressional district from 1987 to 2020.
Among the original thirteen Freedom Riders, Congressman Lewis and other young activists challenged the lack of enforcement of United States Supreme Court decisions that ruled segregated interstate buses were unconstitutional.
In 1965, he marched with the Reverend Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama, where he was badly beaten as he and others crossed the Edmund Pettis Bridge on their way to Montgomery.
A global symbol of courage and perseverance, Lewis also worked to bring the Jewish and Black communities closer together and was an ardent supporter of a strong US-Israel relationship.
WLCJ's International President Debbi Kaner Goldich said, "A bright light has gone out in our nation. We are saddened by this loss. Representative Lewis worked his entire life to make our country a fairer and more just society. He was the embodiment of Tikkun O'lam. His bold vision and commitment to justice will be sorely missed." -- Full
New York Times
Obit.
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Listen, Pray, Think: A Journey through Mishnah Berakhot :
Chapter 9 and Siyyum: Monday, August 10, 2020, 8:00pm EDT; 7:00pm CST; 6:00 pm MDT; 5:00pm PDT
(Siyyum, joyous celebration observed when a study group completes a tractate of the Talmud)
Join us on Zoom, Monday, August 10, 2020, 8:00 pm, EDT. At that time, we will celebrate the completion of 18 months of learning the complete Tractate of Mishnah Berakhot when Rabbi Cheryl Peretz will lead us in our study of Chapter 9 and in a Siyyum.
We also recognize and thank our outstanding teachers: Rabbi Amy Levin, Rabbi Gail Labovitz, Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, Rabbi Pamela Barmash, Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Rabbi Chaya Rowan-Baker, and Rabbi Gesa S. Ederberg. With their teaching and support, we are reaching this momentous time in our study! Todah Rabbah, Rabbis! How blessed we are to have such wonderful scholars work with us!
Look for the Zoom information to be sent at a later date.
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields Ellen Kaner Bresnick Barbara Ezring
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SAVE THE DATE
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY FROM ZOOMBURG
Wed., August 5th 7:45 PM EDT, 6:45 CST, 5:45 MDT, 4:45 PDT
Sharing the Love on Tu B'Av — The Jewish Valentine's Day!
Our WLCJ Virtual Convention was epic, so how about we make it last a little longer?
A night of Zoom comedy with the Laugh Out Loud Improv group that hails from Schaumburg, Illinois. This "Happy Hour" will give us another chance to be together with a special twist.
To be part of this Special Event, click here to
REGISTER
.
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You're invited to fill out the Resolution Vote:
Women's Right to Choose survey form.
Support of a Woman’s Right to Choose.
Biblical and rabbinic sources provide the background for the Conservative Jewish response to a woman’s right to bodily autonomy and to the relative rights of a woman versus a fetus. (This resolution is based upon the 2012 Rabbinical Assembly resolution on this subject.) It is also amended from previous Women’s League resolutions on abortion rights (1976) and (1982).
Whereas reverence for life is the cornerstone of our Jewish heritage;
And whereas abortion in Jewish law is primarily for the mother’s physical or mental welfare;
And whereas abortion should be legally available;
And whereas Women’s League for Conservative Judaism believes that the transmission of religious values is the responsibility of the religious sector;
And whereas Women’s League for Conservative Judaism believes that freedom of choice is inherent in the civil rights of women;
Therefore be it resolved that Women’s League for Conservative Judaism urges its sisterhoods and members to support a woman’s right to make her own decisions regarding reproductive issues and to oppose any legislative and judicial attempts to limit options permitting abortions.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN WINNERS
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CONVENTION HIGHLIGHT
Please check
wlcj.org
under NEWS in the coming days for recordings of CONVENTION 2020 sessions and past programs.
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Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director
Weekly Words of Torah - Torah Study Together -
Parashat Devarim / Shabbat Hazon 5780 (Shabbat, 7/25/2020) - What is your Vision?
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For the past year, as a way to connect our 5780 (2019-2020) Torah Fund campaign,
Chesed,
with study of Torah, our Weekly Words of Torah (WWOT) went PC -
Parashah
and
Chesed:
each week, WWOT was a summary of the weekly Torah Portion, or
Parashat HaShavuah
, and
Chesed
ideas relating to some topics in the
Parashah
were proposed. The Torah Fund theme for 5781 (2020-2021) is
B’Yachad,
which means, “Together.” Our WWOT will now present ideas, thoughts and topics, to encourage people to
together
study and discuss the Weekly Torah Portion.
This Shabbat, we begin the fifth book of the Torah, the book of Deuteronomy, Sefer Devarim, and read the Torah Reading of Parashat Devarim. This Shabbat is referred to as Shabbat Chazon, which means the Shabbat of vision. It takes its name from the Haftarah that is read on the Shabbat immediately prior to the mournful fast of Tisha B’av, (beginning at sundown on Wednesday evening July 29, and continuing until sundown on Thursday, July 30), from the words of rebuke and doom coming from Isaiah, in the Book of Isaiah 1:1-27. It is also referred to as the Dark Sabbath due to its status as the saddest Shabbat of the year (as opposed to the White Sabbath, Shabbat Shuvah, immediately preceding Yom Kippur).
Topic to discuss together in Parashat Devarim / Shabbat Hazon - What is your Vision?
I do not want to focus on the rebuke, doom and gloom associated with this Shabbat, but rather, focus on the idea of the name of the Shabbat of vision. What is your vision for yourself ? What are your goals and expectations? There is so much to do, and so little time … so prioritize what those goals are to fulfill your vision. We have all heard of bucket lists in life, but this week, think of that as your vision in life. What is your vision for your Sisterhood? What is your vision of what you want your involvement to be in Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ)? Nowadays much involvement is right in your own home, on your computer - there are so many opportunities to get involved, without finding a sitter or alternate caregiver, or even a ride, or putting on makeup, nice clothes, or shoes. My prayer is that WLCJ is together (
b’yachad
) in your vision. WLCJ and you -
B’Yachad
!
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Daily Virtual Virtual Psalm Study & Kaddish Sunday - Friday 1:00PM EDT
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As it has become the new reality that people are not physically allowed to gather in large groups, and many cannot attend Services to say Kaddish. We do not want you to be feel alone, and want our sisters throughout the world to know that although we may not physically be together, we can come together virtually.
WLCJ has created an avenue for our WLCJ Sisters, to read and study a Psalm every day, and say Kaddish. Since Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 1 pm EDT, we have offered a Virtual Minyan for us to come together, to read and study a Psalm and say Kaddish. We will do this every day, but on Shabbat, and holidays.
This is a situation of Sha'at HaDichak, a pressing time, where things are different, and so as Mara D'atra of WLCJ, I am saying that since we cannot all be part of a physical minyan of ten, ten coming together via zoom will be a minyan. Since we are in different time zones, we will not have a full Service, but rather read and study a chapter from the Book of Psalms, and then say Kaddish. The chapter will be on your screen, as well as Kaddish - we just need ten together on the zoom.
The following is the call in information for each day at 1 pm ET, and will continue every day, but Shabbat, and the holy days of holidays
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,630830287# US (New York)
+16699006833,,630830287# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+972 55 330 1762 Israel
+972 3 978 6688 Israel
One does not have to pre-register, just call in.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Margie Miller
WLCJ President
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
WLCJ Executive Director
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Save The Date -
Jewish Women in Film Session #7 1970's-- Jewish Women Come of Age
Monday, July 27, 2020 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT, followed by Q & A
Please see zoom instructions below.
(Recordings of past sessions are available on the Women's League website,
wlcj.org
under NEWS)
Lois Silverman is presently teaching film studies at SUNY/POLY (Utica/Rome).
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 890 8155 6104
Password: 514845
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+972 3 978 6688 Israel
+972 55 330 1762 Israel
Meeting ID: 890 8155 6104
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*Make sure you're getting the most out of Zoom.
If you haven't already done so, update your
Zoom version 5.0
in order to access all Zoom programming. To update, visit the Zoom
download center
and press the big blue "Download" button. The update should take place automatically. A video to help
video
.
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Become a member of, or renew your membership to Mercaz
The new membership year begins July 1, 2020.
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The mission of Mercaz is to support religious pluralism in Israel and to strengthen the connection between Israel and the Diaspora. That mission is as critical today as it ever has been. As Masorti Jews, we know how important it is to support religious and cultural pluralism, in Israel and in our hometowns.
In the beginning of 2020, Mercaz USA was the voice of worldwide Conservative Judaism in the U.S. as we campaigned for our slate in the World Zionist Congress election. We were delighted that we received almost 50% more votes than in the last election (2015), thanks to all of you who VOTED MERCAZ.
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Throughout the campaign, we raised awareness about the vibrancy of Masorti Judaism in Israel – and the challenges Masorti communities and organizations face in gaining legitimacy from the Israeli government – in hundreds of communities across the country.
As we enter our new fiscal year this July, we ask that you continue to be our partner in fulling the mission of Mercaz. And, if you have never supported us before, this is a great year to become a part of our Mercaz community! There are two ways you can become a supporter of Mercaz:
Despite the many challenges ahead, we are optimistic and excited by our vision for how Mercaz can impact the lives of Masorti Jews in Israel, here in the U.S., and across the globe. We hope you will join us! With best wishes for a safe and joyous summer,
Marilyn L. Wind, President Sarrae G. Crane, Executive Director
P.S. Some synagogues provide a line-item on your congregational membership dues statement for ‘MERCAZ USA.’ If so, you can make your membership dues donation directly through your synagogue.
If you prefer to contribute membership dues by check,
520 Eighth Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10018
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Women's League Calendar Diary 2020-2021 Order Now
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Cross Movement Events
All Times EDT Unless Specified
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Mon., July 27 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. ET.
Register
Israel’s Prophets as Innovators During Crisis
Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky, Dean, Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies, and Blanche and Romie Shapiro Associate Professor of Bible, JTS
Tues., July 28 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET
Register
Prozdor Teen Learning July Virtual Information Session
Sponsor: Ivry Prozdor High School
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Multiple dates in August/September (EDT)
Sessions beginning August 2nd and continuing for 4 Sundays until August 23rd.
The first 2 sessions will be “20th Century Hazzanim of Note from Around the Globe” many of these Hazzanim have probably not been heard by most of you, but they are ALL worth hearing.
The 3rd and 4th sessions will feature “Synagogue Choral Music of the late 19th and Early 20th Centuries”. You will be able to hear and enjoy some of the beautiful choral works for the liturgy that were performed regularly in synagogues but now are heard only rarely and then mostly in concert venues.
Muliple Dates Available: Jul. 22, Aug. 12, and Aug. 26.
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Love WLCJ!
Follow WLCJ on her Social Media Sites
If you aren't already following Women's League for Conservative Judaism on all her social media sites, now is the time to do so. It's a great way to keep in touch with the latest news and events. Here are WLCJ's links, including LinkedIn, which has recently been added to the website homepage.
Stay tuned over the next months for quick tips on how to help maximize WLCJ's impact on all her social media sites.
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Congregation Torat El Oakhurst, NJ
Meet The Author Event
Thursday, July 30, 7:30pmFeaturing Mamta Chaudhry, author of Haunting Paris
Haunting Paris is a story of love and loss that explores the grief from losing a partner, the protective conspiracies of family secrets, and the power of memory. The story moves between the summer of 1989 and Paris in July of 1942, at the time of the infamous Val D’Hiv Roundup. This debut novel is both a love letter to Paris and an exposure of the dark side of the City of Light.
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We are grateful for the following donation towards future Masorti Women's Study Days
Evelyn Auerbach
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WLCJ American Mothers of Olim GoogleGroup
WLCJ Has googlegroups that benefit many of our communities.
There is a group for sisterhood presidents, for judaica shop chairs, and Women's League Reads.
A lesser known group is for American Mothers of Olim (Children who have made aliyah to Israel). With more people staying in place and travel being put on hold, there has been renewed interest in
this group. Women's League members are invited to participate,
Interested? Contact Lois Silverman, WL Co-Communications Chair at
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Please check
wlcj.org
under NEWS for recordings of other past sessions.
Sisterhood Presidents' Chat click
HERE
Sisterhood Presidents' Zoom How-To's click
HERE
Lois Silverman Jewish Women In Film
All session now on our website
5th session 1960-1967 click
HERE
Women's League Reads click
HERE
Interview with author Goldie Goldbloom
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