March 2024 Newsletter

It’s hard to believe that spring has almost sprung — and with the weather we’ve had lately, it sure feels like spring already! We have exciting plans for upcoming programs that will also bring the warmth of gathering together. 

March 13th, we have a return visit from master cookie decorator Jamie Haddad, with a Purim-themed cookie decorating class. There are still a few places left, so sign up soon! On April 13th, WRJ Executive Director Rabbi Liz Hirsch will join NSCI for Shabbat morning minyan followed by a brunch sponsored by WNSCI. Then on April 17^th, join us for Songs of our Seder, led by Cantor Susan Lewis Friedman. She will teach us new melodies for standard Seder songs. Details and registration links for all upcoming events are below.

We are thrilled to announce the WNSCI Executive Board Slate for 2024-2025:

• Immediate Past President/Nominating Committee Chair: Debra Cohen
• Co-President 1-Year Term (2024-2025): Karen Dillon
• Co-President 2-Year Term (2024-2026): Blythe Trilling
• Vice-President Programming: Ann DuBois
• Treasurer: Michele Tuvel
• Secretary: Barbara Mazur

A heartfelt thank you to the Nominating Committee — Immediate Past President and Nominating Committee Chair Mimi Horowitz, Ann DuBois, Lisa Erlich, Diane Moore, and Peggy Rubenstein — for their efforts in putting together an outstanding slate. The officers will be voted in at our Annual Meeting in June.

There are many opportunities to serve on the general WNSCI board by chairing or joining a committee. When you become involved, you get back so much more.

Our next board meeting is April 14th at 9:30 am in person at NSCI and on Zoom. The meeting is open to any interested NSCI members. Please RSVP to wnsci@nsci.org. We hope to see you there. 

WNSCI Fundraiser Was a Huge Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped to "fill our sails" by participating in the WNSCI Non-Event Fundraiser! To date, we have raised more than $11,000!

Your generous donation will help to:

• Support a variety of educational, cultural and social programs at NSCI.
• Operate the finest Judaica Shop on the North Shore.
• Give congratulatory gifts to B'nei Mitzvah students.
• Provide Oneg Shabbat refreshments.
• Award scholarships for Religious School students.
• Support OSRUI, the URJ camp in Oconomowoc, WI.
• Offer loving support to our NSCI community.

Purim Cookie Decorating

Wednesday, March 13th, 6:00–8:30 pm

$40 per person (for ages 13+)

Register

We had so much fun decorating cookies for Chanukah that we've asked Jamie Haddad of One Happy Cookie Bakeshop to walk us through decorating cookies with a Purim theme! The cost is $40 and that will include a light supper and all of the supplies to create four beautifully designed cookies. Register by March 5th.

Shabbat Study and Brunch with

Rabbi Liz Hirsch

Saturday, April 13th, 9:30 am

Register for Brunch

We are excited to welcome Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, Executive Director of Women of Reform Judaism, who will lead Torah study at the morning service and join us for a brunch hosted by WNSCI following services. All are welcome!

Songs of Our Seder

Wednesday, April 17th, 6:00–7:30 pm

$18 per person

Register

Cantor Susan Lewis Friedman will lead us in Songs of Our Seder, featuring traditional as well as alternative versions of the familiar Seder songs such as Dayeinu, Chad Gadya, and Ma Nishtana, as well as her own Passover composition. This program is open to all NSCI members. Learn more ...

Don't miss this opportunity to treat yourself or give a most memorable gift to someone special, all while supporting our congregation.

Shop Hours:

M, T, W, F  10:00 am–1:00 pm

Sunday 9:00 am–12:00 pm (when Religious School is in session)

Questions? Contact Karen Kohn or Nancy Mantynband, gift shop co-chairs:

847-835-4009

giftshopnsci@gmail.com

Shop for Israel

Sunday, April 14th

The WNSCI Judaica Gift Shop "Shopping for Israel" event in November was so successful that we’re going to do it again! The sale will feature Judaica, jewelry, home decor and giftware from The Israel Museum Shop and Israeli artisans. Shop for gifts or for yourself and support Israel at the same time!

Women of NSCI Shabbat Service

Friday, May 17th, 6:15 pm

We encourage all women who are part of WNSCI, even if you have not been very active, to join us for Shabbat. More details coming soon.

Each month, one book club member leads a lively discussion. Thank you to Barbara Mazur for leading a stimulating and well-received conversation in February.

Are you interested in joining us? No prior book club experience is required. The full list of books to be discussed this year can be found here. Please email Barbara Mazur with questions. bhmazur@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks to everyone who responded! We are looking forward to putting a group together. More details will be emailed to those who expressed interest. We anticipate starting in the spring.

We are still looking for players, so if you'd like to play, let us know. It doesn't matter if you are new to the game or experienced. We are also looking for someone to spearhead this program, and to teach beginners. Please email wnsci@nsci.org. Let us know your skill level (beginner, intermediate, experienced), whether you prefer to play in the afternoon or evening, and if you'd like to teach and/or coordinate this program.

Our friends in Zviahel really appreciate everything we do for them. Currently they need donations of adult multivitamins (no iron), ibuprofen, twin flat sheets, bath and hand towels, and socks. 

If you have items to donate, please email wnsci@nsci.org and Cecile Levy, our Zviahel chair, will arrange to get the items from you.

Would you risk your life to save a book? The Paper Brigade of Vilna was a dedicated group of Jewish heroes whose goal was to rescue Vilna's Jewish culture for future generations. A true story of bravery and resistance to inhumanity and persecution. Join Heartland District at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee for a tour of the exhibit, lunch, and discussion. The cost is $36 for museum entry and lunch. Registration and payment is due by March 4th.

FWC co-chairs Michelle Scheinkopf of WNSCI (r) and Jenn Daley.

WNSCI Page on the NSCI website

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WRJ Heartland District Website

WRJ Website

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WNSCI is a committed group of women working together to enrich our community, our congregation, and ourselves. We are part of a network of Reform Jewish women working together to empower women and communities through the bonds of sisterhood, spirituality, and social justice.