February 4, 2022 3rd of Adar I 5782 |
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President's Message - Community is Our Heartbeat
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Shalom!
So, how is the view from your window today?
My view the last several days can definitely rival anything Elsa created in Disney‘s FROZEN, minus, of course, a guest appearance by the hug-loving snowman, Olaf or Sven, the reindeer with the heart of a Labrador. The snow storm’s aftermath, however, was magically beautiful and this one's magic lingered.
Last Sunday, I kind of untethered myself from the immediate and enjoyed a brief moment of this snow scene's lingering tranquillity. It was an Abraham Heschel moment of wonder.
And then it was time to travel virtually to a much warmer Israel and a scene that was full of energy. There I joined hundreds women from around the world for a program, "Who Owns the Wall?" created by Women's League in collaboration with the Women of the Wall (WOW),and The Women of Reform Judaism. Inspiring speakers shared the mission and vision of WOW -- giving voice and spirit to its message of tolerance and pluralism.
It was an amazing experience – Another moment of wonder!
If you haven’t met the Women of the Wall (Neshot Hakotel), let me introduce you. They are a pluralistic group. They're Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Masorti, Renewal, and Reconstructionist Jewish women in Israel and around the world who embrace a central mission: to attain social and legal recognition of the right, as women, to wear prayer shawls, pray, and read from the Torah, collectively and aloud, at the Western Wall.
Hundreds of women joined together virtually for the program to understand, to lend support, to learn how to build a place for women at the Kotel. As a community of Jewish women, the struggle of WOW is our struggle. As a community of Jewish women, the work that continues to build toward a time when the voices of all women may be heard in song and prayer is our struggle.
The parsha this week, Teruma, shines a bright light on the importance of community and working together. We learn that G-d said: Let them build something together. It was a call to responsibility. Following the guidelines of the Divine Architect, we see the Israelites here as active creators tirelessly working, carrying out the detailed instructions, and building the magnificent Tabernacle (Mishkan). Working together was transformative. They became G-d’s partners in the work of creation. They were “unselfing” and growing to be a nation where community is a defining component.
Community is the heartbeat of Women’s League and CGLR –it’s who we are, what we do, and how we do it. As an amazing community of dedicated Jewish women, we’re united in a common goal to serve the cause of Judaism, striving to be all that we can be as Conservative Jewish Women, committed to keeping the flames of mitzvot, family, study, Israel, Torah, and community burning brightly. WOW is part of our commitment as a community.
Ambitious, challenging goals? For sure! But not within the parameters of our dynamic community. Our programs always provide tools to guide us. Check the WL and CGLR programs listed below. In the next two weeks you can join in the Masorti Women’s Study Day, the WL’s Seminar on Leadership, a Health and Wellness Seminar on Cardiac Health, and/or participate in the on-going Makom B’Yhad, prayer and study programs.
And because we understand that even super women need a time to relax and leave their Can-Do Super Capes at the door, CGLR is offering an afternoon of Zentangle -- pure relaxation and fun -- this Sunday, February 6, at 2:30 ET. Check it out. It’s all good!
The view from our windows is a panorama of endless change. Working together,
B’ yahad, helping each other, being there for each other, is still the way forward. It’s how we grow. It’s how we give back. It’s how we ensure our legacy for the generations that will follow us. It’s how we can leave something of Judaism’s sweetness and substance in this world. It’s how we try each day to make our lives a blessing.
So glad you’re here with us!
Shabbat Shalom,
Pam
Pamela Schlosberg
Central Great Lakes Region President
Women's League for Conservative Judaism
847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)
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Refreshed, Revised and Renewed |
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Visit our CGLR Website today! |
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Some thoughts…
How do you look at leadership? As a gift given to a select few or a skill set you acquire over time? Some people may be born leaders, but the reality is that for most, leadership is something we acquire and continually improve over time.
As members of our affiliate sisterhoods, we’re all called upon informally to be leaders within our sphere of influence -- engaging members, advocating for your affiliate, serving as a role model within your community. It’s informal but impactful.
But what if you’ve been asked to chair a committee, lead a program, join a board, step up and forward – Now what? If you’re tapped for a more formal role, no worries – you’ve got this.
An important fact to remember before you panic is that leadership is not a role you assume alone. No one can accomplish ordinary or extraordinary things alone. That’s why we’re a community of Jewish Women – we’re here for each other. So, mobilize others to help – share why their help will make a difference.
As a leader, take time to talk to your sister members, open lines of communications, understand who they are –why they’re members, what’s important to them. These relationships, carefully nurtured, characterized by mutual respect, positivity, and confidence will overcome the greatest challenges. They also will create a legacy of engagement that is invaluable.
Going forward please remember that region is here to help you, too. We’re an email, text, or call away. Women’s League also offers seminars and consultants to help along the way. Check the WL Consulting Services Seminar on Leadership planned for Tuesday, February 22; 7:00pm ET.
So, if an opportunity to lead comes your way – brush off your I Can-Dare-to Lead attitude and say “Yes!” You’ve got it covered!
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Central Great Lakes Region
Board of Directors/Presidents Meeting
Monday, February 14, 2022
6:30pm CT; 7:30pm ET
Looking forward to seeing you!
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Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships at the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes
of higher education.
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I am excited to announce that our Torah Fund team is expanding and would like to welcome Andrea Heiger from Congregation Beth Judea Affiliate to our board and team. Her title will be Torah Fund Support Services. I look forward to working with Andrea in supporting all of our affiliates with Torah Fund. Please read more about Andrea in her bio in the Getting to Know You Board Section.
Andrea and I are here to help all the affiliates reach their Torah Fund goals. I know these are challenging times. We all thought by now that we would be able to do everything in person. However, many affiliates are having very successful virtual Torah Fund Events. Both Congregation Beth Shalom-Oak Park, Mi and Adath Israel Congregation, Cincinnati, OH did the Virtual Tour of Jewish Paris led by Karen Reb Rudel. Karen did an amazing job and everyone who attended had a great time. Congregation B’nai Moshe in West Bloomfield, MI had event with Rabbi Diamond from JTS and curators Laura Earle, Leslie Soble, and Oliva Guterson for a look at Jewish issues around climate change and environmental stewardship. An affiliate in the Florida Region did a virtual bingo to raise money for Torah Fund.
There are many ideas out there to continue to do Torah Fund events virtually. If you need ideas please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or Andrea. I look forward to hearing about each affiliate’s Torah Fund event and/or attend as many as I can. I look forward to receiving invitations to everyone’s Torah Fund events.
Just so you know Andrea and I will be sending monthly reports of who has donated to Torah Fund from your affiliate. You should receive these reports no later than the third Tuesday of each month.
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Stay warm and Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca Goldwasser
CGLR Vice President of Torah Fund
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Happy Hanukah • Debra Band Art; Mazal Tov • Debra Band Art; All Purpose Rainbow Design • Debra Band Art; Condolence Card, Psalm 23 • Debra Band Art
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Shalom, My name is Andrea D. Heiger. I am thrilled to accept a position with the Region Torah Fund Team, as Torah Fund Support Services.
After my son and daughter had their own moments to shine at our synagogue’s USY, I decided that it was my time. After my youngest was off to Nativ, the USCJ gap year in Israel, I joined the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove, IL in Fall, 2015. The next year I took on the role of Education VP. What I thought would be an unrelated and insignificant event, was a tagging on to my husband’s business trip to NYC in September. I casually mentioned to one of my new Sisters (I am sorry that I forget who) that I had free time and did they have any suggestions of things to do in New York City? She suggested that I call Jewish Theological Seminary and get a tour. I had no idea what to expect. I received a fabulous tour from Rabbi Lily Kaufman, past Torah Fund Director, with Debbi Kaner-Goldich, past WLCJ TF Chair and current International WLCJ President. I am forever grateful and in awe of all that is accomplished by the women of WLCJ and Torah Fund. The deep commitment, passion and dedication I felt that morning opened up a whole new world for me as I took back the pictures and ideas to educate my Affiliate. The gratitude JTS gives to previous donors, and the growth and positive changes to a tradition I love makes me know that the future is bright. This womens’ organization can change the world for the best!
I have been born, raised, got married, and had my children in the Northeast and have presently spent every Passover Seder in my life there (until the Pandemic), but I have lived in the MidWest for the past 24 years where I currently reside in Buffalo Grove, IL and have found that I travel lots farther to be with Jews! I currently work at a another passion of mine as a substitute teacher for the early grades. I feel fortunate to be busy in the sandwich generation! I am looking forward to sharing and learning with all of my WLCJ sisters.
Sincerely,
Andrea D. Heiger
847-507-2168
CGLR Torah Fund Support
Congregation Beth Judea Sisterhood,Torah Fund VP 2019-2022
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What's Happening Around the Region |
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North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL presents
THE START-UP NATION: A MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION ON ISRAEL'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN SCIENCE, MEDICINE AND TECHNOLOGY,
1948 TO THE PRESENT
Presented by
Leah Polin
Thursday, February 10
7:45 pm CT
Starting with no-tech Rummikub in 1948 and concluding with imaginative ways to rid the world of its billions of tons of trash annually, Leah Polin will lead us through a fascinating look into the creativity coming out of Israel., in its less than 74 years as a state, Israel is now #2 in the world in terms of technological achievement.
Leah Polin is a frequent lecturer in the Chicago and Boynton Beach, Florida, areas on subjects involving Jewish women, biographies of major Jewish figures, Jewish history, Israel and current events. She was a founder of the Dawn Schuman Institute for Jewish Learning and served as its director for nearly 25 years.
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Shalom (Welcome) to
Carrie Reinis,
Our New CGLR Individual Member
from Washington Township, Michigan
Andrea Heiger,
Torah Fund Support Services
Yom Huledet Sameach
(Happy Birthday)
to
Andrea Heiger, January 28, a little late :)
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Baruch Dayan HaEmet
It is with great sadness we learned that our dear friend,
Ruthe Goldstein, passed away on February, 1, 2022.
The funeral will be A PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE on February 4, 2022 at 1:30pm ET.
Friends can go to the Ira Kaufman Chapel site
will be at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.
Zoom Shiva Services will be at 7:00pm ET on Sunday, February 6, 2022 for all the family and friends to attend.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek Minyan via Zoom --
Meeting ID: 816 757 2328.
Ruthe was the first CGLR Treasurer, WLCJ Cabinet Member, and a Past Sisterhood President of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Michigan. She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel Goldstein. Cherished mother of Jonathan Goldstein(partner Cheri Bashara) and Deborah Goldstein. Loving grandmother of Tyler and Samatha Goldstein, Adored sister of Judie Blumeno (Arnold Levitsky). Survived by many loving nieces, nephews and a world of friends.
Sentiments to the family can be emailed to Judie Blumeno at judieblumeno@gmail.com. Judie is a Past Michigan Branch President.
May Ruthe's family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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Whether you’re celebrating the joy of a simcha or remembering a loved one who passed away, please consider donating to our CGLR Leadership Fund today. Your gift will provide support for those women in our region who may need financial assistance to participate in one of our educational programs.
We will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift.
Donations in any amount are welcome. There are two ways to donate:
Simply click the “DONATE” button below. Then, please send acknowledgement information to cglrpresident21@wlcj.org
You may send a check
(Payable to Women's League for Judaism) to:
Pam Schlosberg
144 Whistler Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035
Please include: the occasion, your name and address plus the name and address of the recipient.
Your caring will help keep our future strong - and we thank you!
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Central Great Lakes Region Board |
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Executive Committee:
President
Pam Schlosberg
Communications
Laurie B. Davis
Education
Fern Schwartz
Membership
Gilda Schwartz
Program
Robin Beth Lash
Torah Fund
Rebecca Goldwasser
Secretary
Sandy Carleton
Treasurer
Wanda Pitzele
Financial Secretary
Marjorie Maxwell
Parliamentarian/ IPP
Fran Hildebrandt
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Board of Directors:
Communication/
Social Media
Paula Ferguson
Communication/Website
Rachel Ferber
Education/ Israel
Membership Service
Cynthia Lerner
Member Support
Marlene Ostrow
Presidents Council
Laurie B. Davis
Program/Books
Renee Kaplan
Creative Judaic Arts
Lynda Abraham-Braff
Spring Conference
Torah Fund Support Services
Andrea Heiger
AndreaDHeiger@gmail.com
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Nominating
Fran Hildebrandt
WLCJ Board Representing CGLR
Susan Farber
Rebecca Goldwasser
Fran Hildebrandt
Robin Beth Lash
Cynthia Lerner
Wanda Pitzele
Pam Schlosberg
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Judaism Is Not a One Size Fits All
Two of my favorite Debbi-isms, a term I just coined for terms that our Women’s League for Conservative Judaism International President, Debbi Kaner Goldich, likes to say are: ‘We are alive and well at Women’s League' and ‘There is chocolate, vanilla, and swirl.’ (Of course referring to ice cream flavors.)
This past Sunday, January 30, 2022 was a great example of both those Debbi-ims. The program “Who Owns the Wall?” was extraordinary, with at one point 376 zoom screens - and more than 376 people, because some screens had multiple people! The program organizers, Illene Rubin and Lori Snow, outdid themselves in planning, promoting and implementing a very educational and moving program. The response truly showed that we are indeed, alive and well at Women’s League, and truly thriving. Our Women’s League program was done in collaboration with two other great women’s organizations, Women of the Wall and Women of Reform Judaism. We truly showed how we are all stronger together, B’yachad, when we work together for a common cause and goal - to raise women’s voices.
Our speakers truly showed that women’s voices come in all flavors - chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and swirl. Our women are part of the Conservative Movement, although not all of us grew up in the Conservative Movement. Some of our sisters will wear a tallit, and don tefillin - a few grew up doing so; some just took on these mitzvot later in life; and some will never think of performing these mitzvot - which is totally fine. Conservative Judaism is a pluralistic movement and as an organization WLCJ is tolerant. We are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and swirl!
Additionally, we were able to partner with Women of Reform Judaism, because we are stronger together, and although we may worship differently, and may have different interpretations of various aspects of Judaism, we should learn from each other. Halachah, Jewish Law, also means a path. And there are many paths that can be taken. Furthermore, our speaker on the Women of the Wall (WOW) program, Yochi Rappeport, Executive Director of WOW, shared with us that she is from an Orthodox background, grew up in Safed, and lives an Orthodox life, and additionally, she davens with Tallit and Tefillin. Judaism is not one size fits all. Nor are the women who are part of Women of the Wall. Supporters of Women of the Wall are from all denominations of Judaism. We should be tolerant of all denominations in Judaism, and learn from each other.
If we look within our own sisterhood affiliates, I am sure there are many sisters who follow and observe differently than they did in their former years, and also in unique ways from their family members. Many of us have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and swirl in our own families. When a comment is made about other Jews - being Orthodox, Reform, Reconstructing, Humanist, or make comments about people of other faiths - let us always keep in mind, that the comment is not about other - but may actually be a comment about the sister you are speaking to, or the sister’s relatives - could be her spouse or partner, or her child, or another family member.
Let us be cognizant of what we say, and remember we are pluralistic. Let us be tolerant, and careful of what we say. Judaism is not one size fits all. Nor is Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. We are here for all of our sisters - no matter what flavor you like.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
WLCJ Executive Director
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Makom B'Yachad
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday
12 PM Noon ET / 11 AM CT
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during
Daily Psalm Study, Pirkei Avot, and Kaddish?
All are welcome.
We have many available spots to fill.
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Experience the NEW Museum of the Jewish People (ANU) on Wednesday, February 9th @ 12pm ET |
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World Wide Wrap Sunday, February 13 All Day |
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ALL Day World Wide Wrap - Tefillin 101
If you and/or your sisterhood would like to participate,
Tefillin 101 – Week 4
This week will provide seven more interesting concepts about Women and Tefillin. For a groundbreaking article on Women and Tefillin – Anne Lapidus Lerner “‘Bind Them as a Sign…’ Not for Men Only.” Women’s League Outlook 64, no. 2 (Winter 1993): 13–14.
World Wide Wrap 2022 Video
Importance of Tefillin - See many familiar faces
Prepared by
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields,
WLCJ Executive Director
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Consulting Services Workshop #2:
Exploring Leadership-
Sunday, February 22nd @ 7 - 8:30PM ET
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Questions?
Contact
Renee Ravich
Consulting Services Chair, Sisterhood Support Chair
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This program is open to anyone interested in learning about Leadership possibilities.
Looking for new leadership for your Sisterhood affiliates but not sure what to do? Women’s League is offering two workshops presented by our Consulting Services team and open to all members.
A Women's League training program to support all regions and Sisterhood affiliates by the Consulting Services of WLCJ.
2nd Workshop: Exploring Leadership -- finding alternatives to the traditional leadership structure.
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Health & Wellness - Thursday, February 24th @ 8 PM ET
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Our topic in conversation will be: “How Genetics and the Environment interact to cause Cardiovascular Disease in Women”
Speaker: Dianna Milewicz, MD, Ph.D of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston
More information to follow. In the meantime you can RSVP to join the program below:
Questions?
Contact
Mindy Steinholz
Health and Wellness Chair
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Jews in Film - Monday, February 28th @ 3 PM ET |
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Jews in Film -
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - the Jewish Connection to Movie Musicals
Mondays:
Feb 28th & March 21st @ 3 PM
Jews in Film, a Women's League education program; Somewhere over the Rainbow – The Jewish Connection to Movie Musicals of the 1930s.
Join Lois Silverman as she presents how Jews and their music have influenced American music and especially American musical theater. This truly American art form attracted the talents of the greatest songwriters of the pre-rock era who between them wrote the musical and lyrics for practically all the great musicals of the ’30s and ’40s.
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Sunday, March 13th @ 2 PM ET
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WL Reads co-chairs Merle Carrus and Susan Farber will be interviewing Julie Zuckerman, author of The Book of Jeremiah.
More information to follow.
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Questions? Contact
Merle Carrus
WL Reads Co-Chair
OR
Susan Farber
WL Reads Co-Chair
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Key to Calendar:
WLCJ Events in Black
CGLR Events in Blue
Affiliate Event in Green
Jewish Organization Event
Sunday, February 6, 2:30PM ET CGLR Creative Judaic Arts Event-Zentangle
Wednesday, February 9, 12pm ET A Virtual Visit to ANU Museum
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Sunday, February 13, Noon ET Masorti Women's Day of Study - Women Face Challenges through Study, Reflection, Renewal and Sharing
Sunday, February 13, ALL Day World Wide Wrap - Tefillin 101
Monday, February 14, 7:30pm ET CGLR Board & Presidents Meeting
Sunday, February 22, 7PM ET Consulting Services Workshop #2: Exploring Leadership
Tuesday, February 24, 8PM ET Health & Wellness - “How Genetics and the Environment interact to cause Cardiovascular Disease in Women”
Sunday, March 6, 1:30PM ET Congregation Beth Judea Virtual Mahj Tournament
Sunday, March 13, 2PM ET WL Reads-The Book of Jeremiah by Julie Zuckerman
Saturday, May 7, 10:30AM ET Ezra Habonim Niles Township Jewish Congregation Sisterhood Shabbat
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Communication VP/ Wave Editor
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