MIDWEST DISTRICT M'KESHER מְקֶשֶׁר
June 2021 | Tammuz 5781
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A Message from Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President
Greetings!
As we ride the rollercoaster of our Midwest spring weather, I continue to be impressed by the resilience of our communities and the pervasive sense of rebirth this season brings. The greenery around my house has exploded, trees are in full foliage, and the future looks brighter. Thanks to the promise of the vaccines, COVID has eased its grip in many areas, and our congregations have begun to plan in-person gatherings and services. Recently, I have enjoyed the company of vaccinated friends on several occasions and have even risked a few hugs!
So much is happening as we climb out of our 14 months of pandemic isolation and a winter season that seemed longer than usual. This is the season of new beginnings -- weddings, graduations, and, for some sisterhoods and women's groups, a newly-elected board! It is also a time of renewed relationships, and reconnecting to programs that have not be possible over the last year. This will be a year of transition for sisterhoods and women's groups as we integrate what worked from our virtual activities with those we have missed from the before time. This is our opportunity to be creative, combining the virtual and the face-to-face, focusing on the WRJ mission to strengthen and empower women's voices. Our programming will be informed by the 3 S's of "sisterhood, spirituality, and promoting social good" that distinguish us as Women of Reform Judaism.
For our new District leaders and those continuing in their leadership role, our District Leadership Training Task Force has been putting together a series of virtual programs to help you confidently guide your members in the years ahead. The first of these programs will be on Zoom, June 23, at 7 pm CT (watch for an email invitation coming soon). I also encourage you to register for the Zoomed WRJ-wide Leadership Education Event "Advocacy in Action" on Thursday, June 3, at 7 pm CT (see Judy Wexler's article below for registration information).
Of course, we are still relying on Zoom programming to keep us connected. Be sure to check out the WRJ June calendar of offerings and our own Kesher Committee's recommendations and other program flyers from our sisterhoods (below) for additional options. Enjoy the gradual opening of your local community. Stay well, stay safe.
L'Shalom,
Zabe Williams
WRJ Midwest District President
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Although gun violence has been on the rise throughout our country recently, gun violence has been a tremendous public safety issue for years--both before and since the tragedy in Parkland, Florida. Every day, 316 people are shot in the United States, including 22 children and teens ages 1-17. This includes over 100 deaths per day (bradyunited.org). As concerned Jews, we must take a stand. Leviticus 19:16 instructs us: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.”
We can join together and call on our national legislators to end the high rates of gun violence in the U.S. Please consider going to the Religious Action Center website and filling out your information, to send emails to your Senators and Congresspeople: Send a Message
These messages urge our legislators to adopt eight policy proposals, to help save lives impacted by gun violence. The proposals include banning the purchase and sale of assault weapons, opposing expanded concealed carry legislation, establishing universal background checks, increasing funding to the CDC and NIH for gun violence research, and other legislative proposals. In addition to sending an email through this form, you can also call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, to express your views.
Please join with other Reform Jews, to help save lives, as we work to build a more just world.
I also want to invite you all to participate in the WRJ Leadership Education program which will be held on Thursday, June 3rd at 7:00 pm Central Time. It is entitled, “Advocacy in Action: Putting WRJ Social Justice Resolutions to Work”. I will be a part of this program, and we will be discussing ways to use the recent WRJ Resolutions as well as the new Advocacy Guide, for education and advocacy in our sisterhoods and women’s groups. To register: https://urj.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvce6pqTwuHNDDt7JYynW-3-lQcgMLkAxv.
Judy Wexler
WRJ Midwest District VP Social Justice
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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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Upcoming Midwest District Events |
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June 2, 7:00 pm ET
Kesher Connections June Book Discussion
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
“The Four Winds is a reminder, when we so urgently need it, of the resiliency not only of the human spirit, but of this country as well. Hannah's latest reads like a classic.” –Erin Kodicek, Amazon Book Review.
Join our District-wide discussion of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. 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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Jun. 3, 7:pm ET
Advocacy in Action: Putting WRJ Social Justice Resolutions to Work
Join WRJ for the first Leadership Education program. In March, WRJ passed two new Social Justice Resolutions: 1) Labor Issues Affecting Women in the 21st Century, and (2) Addressing a Legacy of Reproductive and Gender-Based Violence against Black, Indigenous and Women of Color in North America. In this program, we will learn more about the Resolutions and the issues underlying them and take a deeper dive into how you can use these Resolutions and the associated material on the WRJ website, including our Advocacy Guide in local or district education and advocacy activity. In preparation for the program, please download our two newest Resolutions and the associated Advocacy Guide: Advocacy in Action: Putting WRJ Social Justice Resolutions to Work and enjoy this two-minute video from 2018 <YouTube video (Jj_DAd3khbw)> reviewing WRJ’s proud 100+ history of learning, acting and Standing Up together to make a difference.
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Jun. 8, 7:00 pm ET
WRJ Film, Fiction & Fine Wine presents The Word Mavens: Joyce Eisenberg & Ellen Scolnic
Authors of “The Whole Spiel” and the “Dictionary of Jewish Words,” they are two ladies who know the difference between kvelling and kvetching.
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Film, Fiction & Fine Wine on July 20
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, a 2017 American biographical documentary film directed, written and co-edited by Alexandra Dean, about the life of actress and inventor. More details & registration link to come.
Here’s some other resources for programs you might enjoy – many of them are free!
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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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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 25th of the month.
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Yom Huledet Sameach
(Happy Birthday!)
to our Midwest District Board Members and Alumnae
June
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Mazel Tov to Debbie Robins, Co-President, Women of Temple Chai, Long Grove, IL on the recent marriage of her daughter, Michelle to Bryan Larsen on Saturday, May 24th. Well wishes to her address at 6 Wakefield Ct, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 and email drobinswtc@gmail.com
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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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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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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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