June 10, 2022 ~ 12 Sivan 5872 |
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Shalom!
How would you finish this sentence?
Life is ...a box of chocolates;
what you make it;
a journey; or
a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
Would you have considered saying, Life is..an improvisation?
It probably wouldn’t have been among your top ten answers. Improvisation is often associated with a select group of sharp-witted people who are skilled at thinking cleverly and responding to situations instantly.
Improvisors, however, are not a small secret society of those who create comedy.
The reality is that all of us are improvisors by nature. Life doesn’t come with a
playbook or a script. Our moment-to-moment experience is improvisational, even
when it exists within our over-scheduled days and long list of activities. Life
brings us opportunities, questions, and challenges, and we respond in real time –
automatically.
Some women are really good improvisors – defined as living in the present,
seizing the moment, having a sense of adventure to go beyond their comfort
zone. They understand interdependence, they listen, they respond, they give
back, and they never miss a beat.
We all have this potential. And we don’t necessarily have to wear a super, can-do
cape.
Improvisation, you see, is simply a metaphor for a pathway forward, a tool we can
put into service. It requires that we look around to see where we can make a
difference. It requires that we be responsive; to fearlessly and boldly go where we
have not gone before; to take a chance.
There is a password that enables us to gain entry to this positive pathway. I’ll
share it with you...it’s the word, Yes. This doesn’t guarantee an outcome, but it
does build optimism. Cultivating it enables us to step forward on a path of action
and possibility.
It’s an exaggeration to suggest that I propose that this should be our response to
everything. But rather, I propose that simply considering saying,Yes to more than
we usually do, makes a difference. Saying, Yes to serving a cause larger than
ourselves, makes a difference.
We all fear the unknown and doubt our ability at some point to respond
spontaneously, to successfully take on a new responsibility, chair a committee,
or join our affiliate/sisterhood’s Board. Saying, Yes is a powerful act of courage
and optimism. Using the litmus paper of identifying a purpose, the why, helps.
Also, membership in an affiliate/sisterhood and our region comes with the safety net of a supportive community of women who will walk the path of service with you, and that
helps.
This past weekend we celebrated Shavuot. Seven weeks earlier, we observed
Passover, our festival of freedom, and on Shavuot, we received the Torah. As
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove pointed out, “If Passover is the fulfillment of G-d’s
command to ‘Let my people go,’ then Shavuot signaled the fulfillment of the same
verse, 'so that they may serve me.' " There’s our litmus test!
When we stood at Sinai, we said that we will do, and we will listen. The story of
Ruth and Shavuot amplified the maxim that for a community to be sustainable
requires that we balance the freedoms of our every day with the duties we have to
the community.
In the timeless messages found in Pikei Avot, Hillel defines this service as the
sacrifice of love offered for the benefit of others. There’s the pathway forward!
This is the time of year of when many of our affiliate/sisterhoods are celebrating the installation of new officers and chairs and honoring those who have served for the benefit of others. They are our region’s true improvisors. Their selflessness frames how
they chose to embrace their role as stewards of our tradition and legacy for the
generations that will follow us.
We express our deepest gratitude to those being discharged and for those
assuming office. We thank you for your commitment and dedication -- for the
effectiveness and stability you bring to your addiliate/sisterhood and our region -- for
choosing to serve – for saying, Yes !
Saying, Yes makes an impactful difference. You are making an impactful
difference every day. Your spirit and commitment to serve is a true blessing.
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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Special Note:
We dedicated our social action initiative for our Spring Conference 2022 to Ukraine. Our dedication and advocacy continues. We can extend our sense of renewed hope and send our light forward by a donation via The Schechter Institutes, Inc. www.schechter.edu/donate or via Masorti Olami: Support Our Work (masortiolami.org)
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In the US, donate via The Schechter Institutes,Inc.
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Conference Overview & Thank You! |
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What a Day in May!
We are very happy that so many of you were able to join us for our mini–Spring Conference 2022, Beyond the Rabbit Hole –Into CGLR’s SUN-day!
It was great being together, even virtually. We followed the sun, celebrated
our resilience through COVID, and focused on moving into the bright possibilities of the days ahead.
This Conference was a gift to you from our dynamic, dedicated Conference Team:
Fran Hildebrandt, Carol Marcs, Robin Lash, Fern Schwartz and
Barbara Ungar.
We thank them for all they did to make the conference a reality. They
dreamed, planned, organized, and helped implement the conference with
a spirit and a dedication that was extraordinary. And yes, we had fun
planning and seeing everything come together.
We also send a special thank you to Wanda Pitzele and Marjorie Maxwell
who watched our budget, Illene Rubin, Chair, World Community
Engagement, WLCJ who helped with our Ukraine connection and our
remarkable Tech Support, Karen Ballena, Member Relations Manager,
WLCJ.
We were honored to have Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director of
WLCJ deliver a moving Invocation and Debbi Kaner Goldich, International WLCJ
President, warmly welcome our members. Both set a beautiful tone for our conference.
Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary and
Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies also addressed our Conference. Each shared a perspective on the unique impact that WLCJ’s advocacy for Torah Fund has made, and continues to make, on our global Conservative/Masorti institutes of higher learning.
Through a wide array of workshops, we hoped that you were inspired to try
something new and also find some life-tools to help you boldly meet tomorrow’s challenges.
As is our region’s tradition to dedicate a conference to a social action initiative, we dedicated this conference to helping Ukraine. Thanks to Illene Rubin, we were able to welcome Tehilla Reuben, Deputy Director, Masorti Olami and Mercaz to speak to our delegates. She shared her unique perspective on the work of Women’s League on the international stage with a spotlight on Ukraine.
This marked the beginning of our region’s advocacy initiative for Ukraine. The WAVE has additional information on how we can offer support. Going forward, we will provide updates and programs on the status of events in Ukraine.
We trust that being together at this conference reinforced the reality that you are part of a vibrant community of women with shared values, interests, and a sense of purpose. Although we’re a 7-state region, we share a pathway of service to our Jewish Community.
As we continue on this pathway forward together, may we be blessed with the courage to make a difference and to make our lives a blessing.
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Anya Viner showing us how to make her Rainbow Challah |
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Rebecca Goldwasser's Rainbow Challah |
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Sue Gurland "Moving us through The Tree of Life"
More pictures to be posted soon on our Website and Facebook page! Keep Checking!!
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Open Meeting to All WLCJ Members
to Approve New International Bylaws-
Wednesday, June 15 @ 8:00PM ET
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Dear WLCJ member:
The Women’s League Bylaws Revision Committee was charged with reviewing the Bylaws from time to time and recommending necessary changes. After an exhaustive review of our current Bylaws (adopted in 2006 and last revised in 2020), we are recommending the adoption of new bylaws. There were more than 40 changes needed to bring the bylaws up-to-date due to the advance of technology as well as be consistent with current practice.
Please register for this important meeting and vote.
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When: Sunday, July 16 - Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Where: Schaumburg, Illinois
Dear Friend,
Personally, I can't wait to get together with my WLCJ sisters in person!!!!
This will also be our first multi-access Convention, combining in-person celebrations with virtual access.
We want to make this Convention the best ever! To do this successfully, we need your help, so please take a few minutes to complete this survey as soon as possible.
Many thanks,
Edna Schrank
Convention 2023 Chair
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Visit our
CGLR Website
Join us on
Facebook
at
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Greetings Everyone!
My name is Lynda Abraham-Braff. I am the the Creative Judaic Arts Chair for the Central Great Lakes Region (CGLR) of Women's League for Conservative Judaism.
I am a certified K-12 art teacher with graduate work in Special Education from Penn State University. I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts and Art Education from Philadelphia College of Arts. I was declared Pennsylvania Special Education Art Teacher of The Year, Non-Public Art Educator of The Year, and National Art Educator-Special Education of The Year.
I currently teach high school youth diagnosed with Mental Health and Behavior Health issues, including the Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also have experience working with all age groups, who have varying levels of developmental abilities. I am passionate about
working with children and providing them with opportunities to express themselves
in a creative manner.
I am a member of Beth El Congregation of the South Hills in Pittsburgh, Pa. and am currently the Executive VP moving into the presidency at the end of June! I was Sisterhood President for two different terms, with the last term extending from 2015-2021.
I reside in Bethel Park with my husband, Dexter. We have two daughters,
Pamela, who resides in Olympia, Washington, with her husband Alex and their adorable dog, Ernie, and Sharyn who resides in Seattle, Washington, studying at the University of Washington.
I am glad to be on the CGLR Board and look forward to meeting more of you in the near future.
Shabbat Shalom,
Lynda Abraham- Braff
CGLR Creative Judaic Arts Chair
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Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships at the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes
of higher education.
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REMINDER:
All Torah Fund monies need to be sent in by June 15.
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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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What's Happening Around the Region |
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Beth Hillel B'nai Emunah Sisterhood, Wilmette, IL
6:00 PM CT/ 7:00 PM ET
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Congregation Kol Emeth, Skokie, IL
Public Policy & Social Action:
The Women's League, Sisterhoods, and Resolutions
For several decades the delegates to the Women's League for Conservative Judaism Conventions have debated and adopted resolutions on a wide variety of important issues that impact the world we live in as Jews and as women. These issues include Gun Control, Human Trafficking, and a Woman's Right to Choose.
Would you like to learn more? Join us on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at 11a.m. CT / 12 noon ET on Zoom for this presentation, followed by a discussion with the panel.
RSVP to EventRSVP@KolEmethSkokie.org
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Yom Huledet Sameach
"Happy Birthday!"
to
Marjorie Maxwell
on June 13
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Mazal Tov
to
Andrea & Jason Heiger
on the wedding celebration of their son, Joshua & his bride, the former Ariana Edelman on Sunday May 29 2022.
A Civil Ceremony was held on
May 24, 2020 but all celebrations were postponed because of COVID.
Wishing them many years of happiness!
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Baruch Dayan HaEmet
With sadness we advise you of the passing of
Paula Risin Horowitz z"l.
Paula was a past Torah Fund VP for Seaboard Region and served on the WLCJ Board and Torah Fund Cabinet.
A graveside funeral was held on
Tuesday, June 7th at
Beth El Memorial Part Cemetery
in Paramus, NJ
Shiva information not currently available.
Messages of condolence may be sent to
We extend our condolences to Sara, Jay and Lisa and the Horowitz family and pray that they will be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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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
Open
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 Committee
Fern Schwartz
Carol Marcs
Barbara Unger
Fran Hildebrandt
Robin Lash
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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Parashat Naso: Numbers 4:21-7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25 - June 11, 2022
At 176 verses, Naso is the longest parashah in the Torah. It begins with another census of the Leviim, including a delineation of their specific jobs.
Next there is the strange and disturbing ritual of a woman whose husband suspects her of adultery. She is brought to the priest and forced to drink bitter water mixed with dirt from the tabernacle’s floor; if she is guilty, the water causes her belly to distend and her thigh to sag; if she is innocent, she will be able to have a child. Either way, her husband is declared free of guilt.
This is followed by the laws of Nazirite vows: anyone who chooses to set him/herself aside for God must abstain from wine and alcohol....
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Women's League Happenings |
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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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Starting June 16th,
WLCJ has a
new phone number and address:
NEW Phone Number
405.870.1260
NEW Office Address:
520 8th Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10018
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5783 Calendar Diaries-Order Yours Today! |
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Planner Size (8.5x11 in.)
Calendar Diary Planner Includes:
- Shabbat and holiday listings
- Torah readings
- Candle lighting times in cities in the United States, Canada and Israel
- Ample room for notes
- Prayers and berakhot
- Updated locations of Sisterhoods in North America and Kehillot in Israel
- Mourner's Kaddish, translated and transliterated
- Item Size: 8.5x11 inch
- Item Assembled: comb bound with plastic transparent cover; 72 pp
These are printed in-house as orders come in.
Available to ORDER NOW.
No additional discount for larger ordering quantities. Only phone or online orders.
$25.00
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Pocket Size
(4x6 in.)
Calendar Diary Pocket Includes:
- Shabbat and holiday listings
- Torah readings
- Candle lighting times in cities in the United States, Canada and Israel
- Ample room for notes
- Prayers and berakhot
- Updated locations of Sisterhoods in North America and Kehillot in Israel
- Mourner's Kaddish, translated and transliterated
- Item Size: 4x6 inch
- Item Assembled: spiral bound, 72 pp
- Includes plastic cover
These are printed from an outbound printer.
Available to PRE-ORDER NOW.
Orders will ship after Memorial Day. Discounted prices on orders over 11 by mail-in or phone orders.
$10.50
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We’re packed and ready to go!
With the help of an incredible corps of volunteers, the Women’s League archives are packed and ready to be transferred to the Jewish Theological Seminary. We ended up with the contents in 77 archival cartons that will be safely stored and catalogued at the Seminary’s archival storage location. The materials include some very fascinating items: speeches from the first half of the 20th century that are as relevant today as they were then, incredible Women’s League activity materials, scripts (lots of them!), and the letters we received congratulating us on reaching our 100th anniversary.
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I spent my last day packing up on June 2nd and just as I thought I was done, Rabbi Wolintz-Fields or Debbi Goldich would come to me with MORE material found in file drawers that seemed to magically appear! When I left the office that day, Rabbi and Debbi were still hard at work as evidenced by Rabbi’s office. |
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There was also extra help from future Women’s Leaguers who did lots of shlepping and, under Razel’s supervision, managed to get the calendar diaries ready for mailing.
Please join me in thanking our archives volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without you! Todah rabbah to Gaye Altman, Heddy Belman, Sandy Berenbaum, Teri Fields, Carol Green, Lisa Green, Barbara Kaplan, Judi Kenter, Linda Klempner, Faye Laveson, Esta Lichtenstein, Bonnie Panzok, Anise Parnes, Cheryl Patt, Grace Schessler, Mindy Steinholtz, Shelley Szwalbenest, and Marsha Wasserman.
Cory Schneider
Archives Chair
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What do stress release and sustainability have in common?
Come and find out on June 16 - 6pm ET
We will be discussing the seventh year of resting our land, exploring the relationship between Shmita and Shabbat, reflecting on our personal journeys, and releasing that which we participate in physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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The 23rd National Masorti Women's Study Day will take place on
Sunday, June 26th on Zoom.
This year's theme is:
Women Shine Even in Dark Times: From the Bible to Today
in the Ukraine.
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday
June 26, 2022
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern Time
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Key to Calendar
CGLR Events
WLCJ Events
Affiliate Events
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Sunday, June 12 @ 10:30 AM ET - Mivtza Ukraine
Thursday, June 16 @ 6:00 PM ET- Sustainability
Tuesday, June 21 @ 7:00PM ET- Congregation Beth Hillel B'nai Emunah, Wilmette, IL - Culminating Dinner-Taste of Greece
Sunday, June 26 @ 11:00 AM ET- The 23rd National Masorti Women's Day of Study
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Wednesday, June 15 - Torah Fund
B'Yachad Campaign Deadline for monies turned in to the Torah Fund Office to count for this year's campaign! Late monies will count towards the next Campaign year.
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Wednesday, July 6 @ 8:00PM ET- Congregation Ohave Sholom, Rockford, IL "Jews of Cuba- From 1492 to the Present"
Sunday, July 17 @ 12noon ET- Congregation Kol Emeth, Skokie, IL "Public Policy & Social Action: The Women's League, Sisterhoods, and Resolutions
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Communication VP/ Wave Editor
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