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Welcome!

As members of a WLCJ affiliated sisterhood or as a WLCJ Individual Member, you are also belong to the International Northeast Region (INR) of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and we are happy to be able to send you our bi-weekly region newsletter we call “Chai Lines”! Please read and enjoy!

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe that after so much anticipation, planning, organizing, shopping and packing, “Convention 23” actually happened and was an amazing success. I was doubly glad that I chose to attend the Shabbaton that preceded Convention as I got to meet most of the other Region Presidents. As guests of Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, IL for both Friday night’s Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services, we were welcomed wholeheartedly and treated to a delicious Friday night dinner and Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon. Shabbat afternoon at the hotel, was filled with schmoozing, singing, chair yoga, learning with Rabbi Cella, and culminated with Havdalah.

On Sunday I greeted all of our INR delegates with a gift bag and big hugs. What a joy to be able to greet everyone in person. Our Region Presidents’ session was enlightening as we got to know each other so much better, discussed problem solving techniques, and met with our new International President, Julia Loeb.

Officially, Convention starts with an opening Plenum where all the regions sit in their designated spots under their region banner, to hear reports from our Women’s League leaders. Our INR delegates wore our new red, white and blue kippot and waved our US/Canadian flags at every opportunity. Just before dinner the Region Presidents, wearing their bright blue t-shirts with each person’s region logo on the front, performed their “Roll Call”. We each said a few words about our own region followed by loud cheers from our delegates and then sang our song – “Women’s League is Your League….” (To the tune “This Land is Your Land”). It was a bittersweet occasion as we dedicated our performance to the memory of Southern Region’s President, Susan Steinberg z”l, who had tragically passed away just a few weeks earlier.

Monday morning was a highlight for me. How proud I was of the 30 women who had studied for three years and learned to chant their Torah portion. Yaasher Koachachen to our INR B’not Mitzvah, Ruth Shapiro, Corinne Hammerschlag and to Marion Tully who participated fully via Zoom. Whether you were present or not, you will have to listen (once Convention 23 is posted on the WL Website) to the wonderful blessing given these women by Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields. It truly brought tears to my eyes.

Another highlight was learning more about the tzedakah project for this Convention. The Shifra and Puah Maternity Centre in Uganda has been described in every WL Week these past few months but seeing the photos and hearing the first-hand report by Dafnah Sizomu of her community and the amazing work being done for the Abayudaya women, was overwhelming. They are desperate for funds and Women’s League announced they sent over $37,000 that week! This tzedakah is ongoing and more donations are always greatly appreciated.

We were then treated to an inspiring message regarding Jewish Women’s Empowerment by Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

The afternoon included a lunch celebrating 80 years of Torah Fund and a performance by all the Torah Fund VP’s. This was followed by workshops on a variety of topics. We were then treated to an incredible speech by Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler Rabbinical School and the Zacharias Frankel College. Again, I encourage you to listen to both of these inspiring individuals on the WLCJ website where the recordings will be made available.

Installation, on Monday night was so emotional. We heard from past WL presidents via video & in person. We cheered in support of our outgoing President, Debbi Kaner Goldich and her Board and again for the new Board and our incoming President, Julia Loeb. Yaasher Kochachen to our INR members, Doreen Bornfreund and Linda Steinhorn, who were installed on the WL Executive Committee.

Late Monday night was our INR Region Party in my hotel room. We all squeezed in and kibbitzed into the night as we ate junk, drank wine and told dirty jokes. We were even treated to a tap dance performance by guest Sherry Lynn Rubin.

Tuesday started out very interesting as I went to the “Alternate Teffilah” led by Sue Gurland from Florida Region. It was a combination of yoga, meditation, chanting and breathing exercises while incorporating Hebrew prayers and words. Quite a unique experience.

Following breakfast, we learned how the Masorti/Conservative Movement is gaining in popularity and growing in communities around the world. This was followed by what Masorti Olami (together with the Schechter Institute) has done and continues to do in the Ukraine, to help its Jewish citizens.

The happiest time for me was meeting those people I had only seen these past few years in little boxes on a Zoom screen during Makom B'Yachad. I began attending right at the start to be able to say Kaddish for my late Father's Yahrzeit. I continued because of the camaraderie, spirituality, and learning that took place. Every time 'Makom B'Yachad' was mentioned from the podium, a tremendous cheer would be heard from all of us Makom B'Yachadniks. I encourage everyone to try it out.

Lunch offered the opportunity to celebrate all those affiliates who were awarded ‘Jewels in the Crown’ certificates for outstanding programs in their sisterhoods. Mazal Tov to our INR affiliate awardees: Beth David Women, Toronto Ontario, Beth Tikvah Women, Toronto Ontario, Temple Beth El, Rochester New York, and Women’s Network of Temple Beth Tzedek, Williamsville New York.

A variety of workshops were offered again followed by the Closing Plenum which concluded the official Convention. However, it was not over. Following dinner we had a fabulous dance party with a DJ, dancers on stage and the opportunity to get our hands decorated with Henna. Videos of the dancing is on our region website along with lots of pictures. Please check them out at www.wlcjregion.org/northeast  

On Wednesday Julia chaired her first Open Board Meeting where her dreams and goals were outlined and our tasks set out for the next three years. I would like to wish Julia the best of luck in her tenure as our new President and I thank Debbi Kaner Goldich for all her hard work, dedication and commitment over the last three years. May you both go from strength to strength.

All in all, this was a wonderful convention. We learned so much and were inspired by so many. But most of all we connected personally with our new friends and old. There is simply no comparison with seeing people in person as opposed to seeing them in a little box on a screen. Thank you to my Madrichot, Adele Weinstein and Ruth Shapiro for their support, time, and efforts and Todah Rabah to all my INR delegates for your support and encouragement and for your participation in this Convention. We have every right now to call ourselves the “INCREDIBLE INR REGION”!

Shabbat Shalom

Marilyn

Marilyn Cohen

Region President

INRPresident21@wlcj.org

P.S. Look for first-time delegate "impressions of convention" in our next issue of Chai Lines.

Announcing

Our 2023-2024



Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh

Campaign

All the people of Israel are responsible for one another

As I write this column, I am still in awe of all I saw, felt, experienced at the WLCJ convention. There were so many women wearing their Torah Fund pins. We are a cadre of supporters for our future rabbis, cantors, scholars, and educators.

I began as your Torah Fund Vice President when our campaign was B’Yachad, Together. But we were physically separated because of the pandemic. Despite that, we managed to find a way to be together, learning about zoom, how to mute and unmute, how to share screens, how to invite speakers. We moved on to the next campaign of Chazak v’Ematz, be strong and courageous. We needed our strength and courage as the pandemic was not leaving us (even though we were ready to pack away our masks). We persisted and grew together, stronger than ever.

Our region not only met our goal for Torah Fund for 2022-2023, but we exceeded it. We were asked, together, to raise $26,155. We did that – and more. We raised $31,189. We were successful because we did our work together, with strength and courage. We learned new ways of gathering and teaching. We are remarkable. Thank you to each and every donor, for those who sent paper and e-cards, to those who showed they care about the future of worldwide Masorti/Conservative Judaism.

As a region, we also contributed $86.00 to the ongoing Spaces campaign. The special project, Creating New Spaces, will equally fund two important projects: A “Women’s League Study Space” in the new undergraduate residence hall at The Jewish Theological Seminary, and a special course of training for rabbinical students at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, entitled “Women’s League Institute on Gender Bias and Harassment.” The project is inching its way to the goal of $200,000.00 which will be split equally between the two projects. If you wish to support Spaces, simply write “Spaces” on your check/cheque or make your donation through the online links.

We move forward with our new campaign, Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh b’zeh, all the people of Israel are responsible for one another. See the new flyer for this campaign below. Donations, large and small, are very much appreciated. For those donating as Benefactors and above, the new pins are scheduled to be delivered before the High Holidays.

At convention, the Torah Fund Vice Presidents prepared and presented a Jeopardy game as a fun learning session. All the answers, questions, and commentary will be available on the Torah Fund section of the WLCJ website once you sign in as a member. If you would like to use the game and need some help, please let me know.

The Torah Fund Office is encouraging on-line giving, but checks/cheques are accepted, as always.

In the US, the proper link is: Donate to Torah Fund (jtsa.edu)

For US ecards, start here: Torah Fund eCards – Send an eCard to a loved one. (jtsa.edu)

In Canada, start with the ecards link and then make an additional donation: Canadian eCards – Torah Fund eCards (jtsa.edu)

Have you thought about joining the Torah Fund Legacy Society? Learn more here: Torah Fund Legacy Society - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu)

Don’t forget that paper cards are available from your local Torah Fund Chair and the chairs can order more cards by using the handy order form. If you need the form, let me know. And please see below in the WL Week section for the new Torah Fund Flyer.

Linda Boxer

INR Torah Fund VP

INRTorahFund@gmail.com

In the past few weeks, I have experienced several new beginnings—an installation as President of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, a family wedding and Tishah B’Av, which marks the beginning of the period of seven weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah. The overriding message of Tishah B’Av is that “We can be better than we have been.” The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time to focus on improving ourselves and our relationship with others and with God. If we take that assignment seriously, we must prepare in advance and as we move through Av and approach Elul, it is a good time to begin these preparations. A baseball team doesn’t show up on opening day without any training. The bride and groom don’t meet for the first time under the chuppah, I didn’t assume my new position without a long transition period, and we shouldn’t arrive at Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the year without taking the time for reflection and self-examination.

Beginnings mark the threshold of change and growth in our lives. Whether assuming a new position, joining in marriage with your beloved, or preparing for the Chagim, holidays, these fresh starts are laden with anticipation and challenges. As we embark on these new journeys, we encounter a fascinating interplay of ease and difficulty that shape our experiences and influence our personal development.

On one hand, beginnings often evoke a sense of ease and excitement, providing us with the impetus to embrace the unknown. As I start this new position, the possibilities are endless, and I am so enthusiastic about new responsibilities, new friendships and new opportunities. Similarly, marriage requires a profound bond of love, trust, and shared aspirations, infusing our hearts with joy and hope. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, we feel a collective spirit of tradition and spirituality, a sense of belonging and unity which makes these beginnings feel familiar and comforting.

On the other hand, beginnings are accompanied by situations that call for resilience and determination. In this new position, I will face many challenges and will need to be able to adapt quickly. In marriage, merging two lives can present unique dynamics and interpersonal hurdles that require open communication and compromise. The approaching Holidays may entail revisiting customs and practices, navigating family traditions, and grappling with the demands of modern life, which can be overwhelming.

Rashi, the medieval Jewish scholar, succinctly captured the essence of beginnings, stating, "All beginnings are hard." This observation serves as a poignant reminder that no matter the context, new beginnings are bound to present challenges that test our fortitude and adaptability. It is through these challenges that we discover our strength, resilience, and capacity for growth.

Indeed, the journey of beginnings is as multifaceted as life itself. While ease and excitement set the stage, difficulty and uncertainty often accompany us on our path. As we embrace the dichotomy of beginnings, we learn to appreciate the beauty of the process - the thrill of discovery, the fulfillment of accomplishments, and the lessons learned from setbacks.

In the tapestry of life, beginnings offer a blank canvas where we have the opportunity to shape our destinies and create meaningful connections. Each beginning holds the promise of growth and transformation, even amidst the hardships that may arise. The challenges encountered during new journeys serve as stepping stones toward personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

As we embrace the words of Rashi, let us approach all beginnings with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace the ease and confront the hardships. Each journey brings its own set of lessons, and it is through these lessons that we evolve and become the architects of our own destinies. So, as you encounter new beginnings in life, remember to cherish the moments of ease and face the challenges with courage, for it is through these experiences that you will truly thrive.

It won't be easy. A beginning never is.

Shabbat shalom,



Julia Loeb

WLCJ International President

jloeb@wlcj.org

Post-Convention 2023 Creative Judaic Arts Workshop (Zoom Session)

Presented by Jody Glass, Women’s League Creative Judaic Arts Chair

Thursday, August 24, 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 6pm MT / 5pm PT

The Hamsa dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. The word hamsa comes from the Hebrew word hamesh, which means five. Sometimes known as the Hand of Miriam, Moses’ sister, or the Hand of Fatima, Mohammed’s daughter, it is believed to protect against the evil eye and all negative energies.

You will have fun creating your string art Hamsa with a coordinating border.

This project is easy to complete whether in person or at home.

The kit includes all supplies and instructions needed.

We promise, this project will not leave you in knots!

You may still register/order for the Zoom Workshop (August 24).

Materials Cost: $12.00

Shipping/Freight Cost: $7.00

Questions?

Contact

Jody Glass

glass.jody@gmail.com

More Convention Photos available on the website: www.wizevents.com/wlcj2023,

under Programs menu, click on Photos.

The Shifra and Puah Maternity Center in Uganda was “built” in July 2018, due to the efforts of an Israeli nurse and midwife, Ilana Shemesh, who wanted to improve the maternal and infant mortality rates in Uganda.

Through donations, this center serves the women of Mbale and its neighboring villages and has a multi-denominational clientele and staff of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

All services provided by the center are completely free of charge to encourage women to come in for prenatal, birth and post-partum services rather than going through their pregnancies unassisted. The center is dependent on donations. That’s where we come in.

You can go to the Women’s League website, click on the Convention 2023 Special Project button at the top menu. From there you'll be able to donate by category or by amount. Thank you for your support of GIVING THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY BIRTH.

Best,

Ellen & Randy

Ellen Grossman

WLCJ 2023 Convention 2023 Social Action Project Co-Chair

elkie17@gmail.com

Randy Schwartz

WLCJ 2023 Convention 2023 Social Action Project Co-Chair

rschwartz@wlcj.org

Calendar Diaries are available for pre-orders.

All orders will ship before the end of June.

Pocket Size = $11.00

Planner Size = $26.00

Contact the office for quantities over 10. 

405-870-1260

All those who are attending

 Convention will receive their Calendar Diaries at Convention.

For those in Canada, you will also receive your Calendar Diaries at Convention, or from someone who is attending Convention.

For the past 80-plus years, the Torah Fund Campaign of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, the dedicated philanthropy of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, has been supporting scholarships and programs in the worldwide Conservative/Masorti institutes of higher Jewish learning, The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, Schechter Institutes of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires, and Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam. The 2023-2024 / 5784 Torah Fund General Campaign is Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh, All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.  Arevut, responsibility, will be visible on our new, silver heart-shaped charm which can be worn as a pendant or pin. 

The WWOT, the Weekly Words of Torah, each week from July 2023 through the end of June 2024, will delve into the idea of arevut, responsibility. 

Parashat Eikev - August 5, 2023

This Shabbat, August 5, is Parashat Eikev, the third Torah Reading in the Book of Deuteronomy, Sefer Devarim, the final book of the Chamesha Chumshei Torah, the Five Books of Moses; our WWOT needs to do some catch up! The first parashah, Torah Reading, in the Book of Deuteronomy, Parashat Devarim, (read on Shabbat July 22, 2023) highlights three central ideas, God, Torah and Israel, that we must always keep in mind when thinking about the reason why arevut, responsibility is so important. Let us keep in mind that our origins are that God has chosen Israel as God’s people, and we have to remember that this is a sacred relationship between God and Israel. The solidification of that relationship was seen in the second parashah in the Book of Deuteronomy, Parashat Vaetchanan (read on Shabbat July 29), with God giving B’nai Israel, the Children of Israel, the Ten Commandments. The very first words of the Ten Commandments, Anochi Adonai Elohecha, I am the Lord your God, reminds us that we are in relationship with God. By being in relationship with God, we have responsibilities, to be partners with God in carrying out the Torah, and following God’s commandments, and improving the world that God has created – Tikkun Olam. 

In this week’s Torah Reading, Parashat Eikev, in Deuteronomy 8:8, we read the Seven Species:  eretz chitta oo’tziora v’gefen oo’tiena v’rimon eretz zait shemen oo’devash – “a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey.” This is a very important verse, often quoted, and teaches us many lessons about responsibilities. The world, land and specifically the land of Israel, have been given to us to take care of; it is our responsibility to preserve this world God has given us. Recycle; reuse; reduce! Perhaps also start composting, if you do not already. 

Another verse in Parashat Eikev that teaches our responsibility to help those with food insecurity and not waste food, which we recite in Birkat Hamazon, the Grace after meals, is the following: v’achalta v’savata oo’berachta et Adonai Eloheicha asher natan lach, “when you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the Lord your God for the good land and which God has given you.” (Deuteronomy 8:10)

A virtual service for our WLCJ Sisters to recite Mishaberach, the Prayer for Healing, recite the Psalm of the Day, study and recite Kaddish together.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

9 AM PT; 10 AM MT; 11AM CT; 12 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://zoom.us/j/630830287

Meeting ID: 630 830 287

Password: 875936

Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish?

A virtual background is. available for Makom B'Yachad!

The cost for the weekly questions email and hard-cover book is currently $99. For more information and to receive a $10 discount click below:

Women's League for Conservative Judaism gets a donation by using the link.

Cory Schneider

Archives Chair & Consultant

Past International President

Administrator, Torah Fund Legacy Society

cschneider@wlcj.org

WLCJ App

We brought back the WLCJ App.

It's available for download on all devices (iPhone/iPad/Google Play/Android).

WLCJ Website

The Women's League website now is available in all languages.

Visit our website: www.wlcj.org

Society of Kolot BiK’dusha

Be a part of our society of Kolot BiK’dushah, which is our way of recognizing our members who have acquired skills as either baalot tefillah (prayer leaders) or baalot kri’ah (Torah readers). 

Do you know of a Sisterhood Affiliate member you would like to nominate? More information on how to available on our website:

https://www.wlcj.org/member-services/services-to-members/kolot-bikdushah/

WLCJ/FJMC

Inclusion Resource Book

WLCJ Website

Join the WL PrezNet

Deb Bruce

PrezNet Moderator

Be a part of our society of Kolot BiK’dushah, which is our way of recognizing our members who have acquired skills as either baalot tefillah (prayer leaders) or baalot kri’ah (Torah readers). 

Do you know of another Sisterhood Affiliate member you would like to nominate?

More information on how to available on our website:

https://www.wlcj.org/member-services/services-to-members/kolot-bikdushah/

After Dobbs: Jewish Advocacy for Abortion Access; Teen Learning at JTS; and More

From Anne Frank's Annex to the World's Largest Synagogue: Tour Jewish Amsterdam

Schechter's Ongoing Hybrid and Zoom Courses in Jewish Literature, Philosophy, Art and History

New Digital Torah Fund eCards Available NOW:

Send a greeting with ecards and support Torah Fund! Make your gift more meaningful by using our ecards for every occasion!

All prices include regular shipping (with tracking, 2-4 weeks). Express shipping costs an extra $20 per item.

To learn more about these opportunities,

MERCAZ USA at the Extraordinary Zionist Congress

MERCAZ USA and our international partners made a significant difference and were a LOUD voice for your values at the Extraordinary Zionist Congress held in Jerusalem at the end of April.

1. The forces fighting for a pluralistic democratic Israel are on the offensive and we won this Congress
2. The delaying tactics of those who opposed us failed this time
3. We stood up for MERCAZ USA’s values and our voice was heard loud and clear                  To continue reading, click here.

INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism