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CHAI LINES
The Newsletter of the International Northeast Region
December 1, 2023 - 18 Kislev 5784
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Welcome!
As members of a WLCJ affiliated sisterhood or as a WLCJ Individual Member, you 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!
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From our Region President
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Dear Friends,
I am so tired of listening to and reading the news of the day, although recent events are more positive with the release of some of the hostages. What better way to take my mind off these rollercoaster thoughts than to study a bit of Torah? This week’s Torah portion is Vayishlach meaning “and he sent”. This phrase refers to Jacob sending messengers to his brother Esau (Esav), prior to their meeting, after having been separated for twenty years. In the previous two chapters, we learned how Jacob swindled his brother out of the family birthright, how he lied to their father, Isaac, to get the blessing that should have been Esau’s, how he fled to Padan Aram where he met four women, married them, and had twelve sons and one daughter and ultimately made his way back to the Land of Israel. Now, twenty years later when he is about to meet his brother Esau, he is understandably afraid. We read “Jacob was greatly frightened; in his anxiety, he divided the people with him…into two camps, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, the other camp may yet escape”. Gen.32:8-9. Jacob prays to God “Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: else I fear, he may come and strike me down, mothers and children alike” Gen. 32:12. Then, he sent his servants with many gifts of camels, goats, cows, and asses to try and appease Esau. But that very night, after sending his wives, children, and possessions across the river, he was left alone.
We are then told, “A man wrestled with him until the break of dawn.” Gen 32:25. This is quite mysterious. We are never told who that man was or why they were wrestling. All we know is that they wrestle all night long and the man harmed Jacob by wrenching his hip at its socket. Jacob refuses to let him go until the man gives him a blessing and the man tells Jacob his name will be changed to 'Yisrael' because “you have striven (Hebrew – sarita) with beings divine and human and you have prevailed.” Gen 32:29’
This is important because it is the first time that Yisrael is mentioned in the Torah. It is the name of our people and is the moment when the People of Israel came into existence. On a personal level for Jacob, it is a watershed moment as well. He is leaving the life he has lived for decades and is entering into something new.
The rabbinical commentators have many theories about who the so-called ‘man’ was. They do agree that this is no ordinary person as we know there is something divine as described in his statement above. Some commentators thought he was Esau’s guardian angel who was sent to weaken Jacob or to teach Jacob he was capable of beating Esau. Rabbi Ovadia Sforno (16th Century) suggested it was an angel sent to show that God would save Jacob and his descendants from all future confrontations with Esau throughout history. This implies that Esau is not only a biblical character but represents various adversaries of the Jews throughout history.
However, the commentary I like the best is from our own Etz Chayim notes on page 201:25. It says this may be an account of Jacob’s wrestling with his own conscience. Jacob is torn between his usual response of running away from difficult situations and moving forward to confront his brother and his past actions. We can imagine Jacob wrestling with himself and saying “I hate myself for being a person who lies and runs. But I’m afraid of facing up to the situation.” Jacob outgrows his Jacob identity as the trickster and becomes Yisrael, the one who contends/strives with God and people instead of avoiding or manipulating them. At the end of the struggle, he is physically wounded (he limps away) and emotionally depleted. Nevertheless, the Torah describes him (in 33:18) as shalem, (“safe” or “whole” and related to “shalom”) implying he was at peace with himself, possessing an integrity he never had before.
In a way, are we not all like Jacob – wrestling with ourselves? We all have our faults and imperfections like Jacob and yet we all can be Yisrael, meaning we can strive to reach a higher standard even if we don’t always meet it. We may even say that Jacob is US. We are always wrestling and in the process of striving to be better.
Shabbat Shalom and Am Yisrael Chai!
Marilyn Cohen
INR Region President
INRPresident21@wlcj.org
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REGION MATTERS:
Let us continue to pray and show our support for Israel. The WLCJ website features ways to help and donate as well as prayers and videos. Click here. Or contact your local UJA Federation or Israel related organizations for other means of support. This will be a long struggle and Israel needs our ongoing financial support - as often and as much as we each can contribute.
We are thrilled that Women’s League is offering the first in-person Leadership Institute since COVID began. It will be held at B’nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, Florida at the end of January, 2024. Registration can be found in the message in this newsletter. This is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth, leadership skills, networking with others and Jewish learning. Register today!
ATTENTION SISTERHOOD PRESIDENTS!
If you have past or future events, or information to share from your sisterhood, please let us know. We can also share upcoming events that you would like to invite other INR members to join. Just send your flyers or info to Joan Lowenstein, Chai Lines Editor - jmglowepp2021@gmail.com
REGION CONFERENCE is for EVERY SISTERHOOD MEMBER in our International Northeast Region (INR). It will take place on May 5-6, 2024, in Toronto at Beth Tikvah Synagogue. Please start planning to join us in person. Our Co-Chairs, Adele Weinstein and Rivy Blass have great ideas and together with the Conference Committee will be offering all those attending a fabulous experience. Look for updates in all future Chai Lines issues.
Marilyn Cohen
Region President
INRPresident21@wlcj.org
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Beth David Women - Toronto | |
From our Torah Fund Vice President | | |
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Announcing
Our 2023-2024
Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh
Campaign
All the people of Israel are responsible for one another
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It is with great joy that we watch the hostages being released, slowly, oh, so slowly, from captivity. Mindful that more are still held, we recite the prayer for captives. My shul has vacant seats in our sanctuary and in our minyan room, saved for a young man held by Hamas. We are grateful that the incident at the Rainbow Bridge, a span that connects our region, was just a horrific accident and not a terrorist attack. For the past few weeks, we worry, we wait, and we hope. And despite all that is going on at home and in Israel, we must still plan for the future and be sure we have rabbis, cantors, scholars, and educators to ensure that the Masorti/Conservative movement remains strong. You can help by supporting Torah Fund, the dedicated tzedakah of Women’s League. The dollars raised go to help the students with the expenses of their educations. Every dollar donated makes a difference, especially in these difficult days. Please consider making a donation to Torah Fund.
For our U.S. sisters, checks are made payable to ‘Torah Fund’ and given to your local Torah Fund Chair or mailed to Torah Fund, c/o JTS, 3080 Broadway, New York NY 10027. If you prefer online giving (and an immediate tax receipt) the online link is: Donate to Torah Fund (jtsa.edu) US e-cards can be purchased at: Torah Fund eCards – Send an eCard to a loved one. (jtsa.edu)
For our Canadian sisters, cheques are made payable to the ‘Jewish Theological Society’ and given to your local Torah Fund chair, or mailed to 100 Elder Street, North York, ON M3H 5G7. If you prefer online giving (and getting an immediate tax receipt), please start with the purchase of an e-card and make an additional donation. The website is: Canadian eCards – Torah Fund eCards (jtsa.edu)
Paper cards can be purchased from your local Torah Fund chairs.
To preserve our future so that the education of our clergy and educators can continue beyond our lifetimes, consider joining the Torah Fund Legacy Society. All gifts, large and small, pooled together have an impact. Learn more here: Torah Fund Legacy Society - Jewish Theological Seminary (jtsa.edu)
If you would like to make a donation to the special project, Spaces, start with either donation link above, then use the drop-down menu to select the proper fund. As a reminder, our 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.” Our goal is to raise $200,000 that will be split equally between the two projects.
Together we are stronger. Together we can ensure the future of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. Thank you. Merci. Todah Rabah for all your contributions.
Comments? Questions? Contact me!
Linda Boxer
INR Torah Fund VP
INRTorahFund@gmail.com
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Week At A Glance
This week at Women's League:
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#GivingTuesday Women's League Campaign | |
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Now through
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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All of the #GivingTuesday Campaign will go to the “MASORTI WOMEN’S DAYS OF STUDY”.
#GIVINGTUESDAY Facebook Fundraiser Help us spread the word in social media! Please click on the button below to share our WLCJ GivingTuesday Facebook Fundraiser. Together we are louder and heard even further if you help us share our fundraiser page. Let's exceed what we raised last year on Facebook! Click on the button below.
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Sunday, January 28 - Tuesday, January 30, 2024 | |
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism – committed to developing skilled and dedicated leaders – invites you to attend an inspiring Leadership Institute that will expand your skills as a leader and enhance your knowledge as a Jewish woman while strengthening your connection to Women’s League, your sisterhood, your community, and Klal Yisrael.
OUR FIRST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN FOUR YEARS WILL BE HELD ON
JANUARY 28-30, 2024
AT B’NAI TORAH CONGREGATION,
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE?
A 2-day workshop that will enhance your personal style of communication with interactive exercises and role-playing. Discover tips and techniques for using language that motivates, stimulates and encourages women to volunteer.
An opportunity to Network with other women, master goal setting, time management and team building. Learn the secret of keeping yourself challenged.
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WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS?
The Leadership Institute’s unique format allows participants to build a personal program to expand Jewish knowledge and leadership skills.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
$299 includes materials, programming, and meals. This fee does not include hotel or transportation to B’nai Torah.
Registration for the hotel ranges from $249-$279 + tax per night double occupancy.
The learning and sense of community created during the Institute comes both from the shared experiences during the formal program and the unstructured time together at the hotel. To facilitate this, we strongly urge local participants to stay with the rest of the group at the hotel.
Your Region, Sisterhood/Affiliate or your Rabbi might have scholarship money to help cover these costs. Don’t forget to ask!
Register by January 5! Space is limited and fills up quickly.
Our next Leadership Institute will be held in July 2024 on the West Coast (exact dates and location tba)
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Illene Rubin
Leadership Institute Logistics Chair
irubin@wlcj.org
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Voices of Change: A WLCJ Civil Rights Journey | |
Monday, March 11 - Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | |
The Jewish fight for civil rights helped create fundamental changes in this country. Join us as we learn about the brave freedom fighters and tour significant civil rights sites in Georgia and Alabama. Some of those sites include the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and MUCH more!
These first-hand experiences will allow us to explore issues of race and racism, and the legacy of civil rights. As we travel and reflect together as a Women’s League community, we will personally consider how each of us can make an impact today.
Civil Rights Monday- Wednesday Trip Costs
Price $1200 paid in full at registration
$165 single room supplement
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What is included
• All meals from Monday lunch through Wednesday lunch.
• Continental breakfast on your own is included at each hotel.
• All provided group meals are kosher.
• Hotel for Monday and Tuesday nights.
• Ground transportation in an air-conditioned coach bus.
• Admission to all museums and historic sites.
What is not included
• Transportation to and from your home city to Atlanta
• Lodging before or after the trip (information on suggested hotels to follow)
• You must arrive in Atlanta before 10:00 AM on Monday March 11 so we recommend that if you are flying in, you might want to arrive on Sunday in case of any flight delays.
• We will not return to the Atlanta airport until 5:00 PM on Wednesday March 13 so we recommend that you book a flight after 7:00 PM that night or stay an additional night and fly home the following morning.
Space is limited. Please register soon so you don’t miss out.
Registration Deadline
December 1 for Women’s League members.
If there is still space available after December 1, we will then open the registration to family of Women’s League members until December 15. Your payment for the tour and meals is refundable until December 21.
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Randy Schwartz
WL Special Projects Chair
rschwartz@wlcj.org
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Thursday, Dec 7, 2023
8:00 PM ET
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Fran Hildebrandt
WL Kehilah Co-Chair
fhildebrandt@wlcj.org
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Bridging Faiths and Rights: A Civil Rights Exploration
“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.”
– Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Please join us on December 7th, as we explore the history of the Civil Rights movement, past and present. It was an organized effort by Black Americans to end racial discrimination and gain equal rights under the law. Many people of conscience, from all races and faiths, were a part of this movement, including the Jewish community.
This is the first program in a series that will examine in depth the Civil Rights movement. Each program is a standalone program which can be attended individually or as part of the series. At the end of the series Women’s League will sponsor the trip Voices of Change: A WLCJ Civil Rights Pilgrimage. ALL WLCJ members are invited to attend these programs, regardless of whether they intend to participate in the trip.
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Thursday, Dec 14, 2023
8:00 PM ET
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Fran Hildebrandt
WL Kehilah Co-Chair
fhildebrandt@wlcj.org
Cathy Swerdlow
WL Education Chair
cswerdlow@wlcj.org
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We Are Going on a Treasure Hunt!
The Maccabees were able to find a treasured cruse of oil, but what can you find?
Join us on December 14 at 8 pm ET for a little Hanukkah fun, reminiscing and candle
lighting. We’ll search and share and laugh and learn and end with communal candle lighting.
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Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) /
Masorti Olami / Mercaz Olami Grant-Sponsored Program:
Sichot Beyn Achayot - Conversations Between Sisters
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Women’s League for Conservative Judaism stands united with our Sisters in Israel. We pray for the safety and security of our Sisters and Brothers in Israel. We send you our prayers and words of strength. Sisters, if you are able, we invite you to join us in our program Sichot beyn Achayot. | |
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Session 3: Sunday, December 17, 2023
19:00 Israel Time | 12:00 PM ET | 11:00 AM CT | 10:00 AM MT | 9:00 AM PT
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שׂיחוֹת בֵּין אָחַיוֹת, Sichot beyn Achayot means “conversations between sisters.” This program is designed to foster a deeper mutual understanding between the members of WLCJ in North America, the Masorti women from Israel and Masorti Olami, and our communities around the world. It is designed to address the question, “How are we the same, and how are we different?” The theme of this year’s program is כּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עָרֵבִים זֶה בַּזֶה, Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh, All of Israel is Responsible for One Another [BT Shevuot 39a]
The three sessions will address this question by each concentrating on one specific issue that is both relevant and timely to us all and will include presentations from speakers from both sides of the Atlantic. Each workshop will also be followed by a Q&A session in which all attendees will be encouraged to participate.
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Session Three: Volunteerism: Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods - Sunday, December 17, 2023
19:00 Israel Time | 12:00 PM ET | 11:00 AM CT | 10:00 AM MT | 9:00 AM PT
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Rabbi Margie Cella
mcella@wlcj.org
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Did you miss Session One? Click on the button below to view the recording. Session One: Helping the Stranger: Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods
Sunday, October 22, 2023
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Did you miss Session Two? Click on the button below to view the recording. Session Two: Addressing Homelessness and Food Insecurity - Mitzvot, Motivations and Methods
Sunday, November 19, 2023
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Parashat Vayishlach - December 2, 2023
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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.
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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 through the end of June 2024, will delve into the idea of arevut, responsibility.
Parashat Vayishlach includes one of the most difficult stories to read - the story of the rape of Dinah. The way in which her brothers responded and reacted to their sister’s rape, taught the important lesson that the rape may have only occurred to Dinah, but the rape had an impact on her brothers as well. This horrific Bible story teaches us that we are all responsible to help the person who was raped, because this violation effects everyone around them. It is everyone’s responsibility to help the person who was raped, and speak out against any sexual violence, rape, and domestic abuse. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.
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Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 AM PT; 10 AM MT, 11 AM CT; 12 PM ET | |
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.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/630830287
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
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A virtual background is available for Makom B'Yachad! DOWNLOAD HERE | Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish? | |
Prayer for Comfort - composed by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
VIEW PRAYER
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Women’s League's got talent — Join the communications team! Positions need to be filled!
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Are you fluent in Zoom? Can you spotlight a speaker? Start the recording? Set up breakout rooms? Do you know how to let people in from the waiting room? Or would you like to learn more about how to use Zoom’s moderating features? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions we need you! | |
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WLCJ is looking for volunteers to help run Zoom for our Region conferences and Women's League programs. Hours vary and are flexible. Please reach out to Esta Lichtenstein with any questions or to sign up.
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Questions?
Esta Z. Lichtenstein
WL Communications Chair
elichtenstein@wlcj.org
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Find more Israel-related Resources on the WLCJ website
We now have a webpage with all the resources collected. Please go to www.wlcj.org
and click on the Resources menu and then Israel.
Women's League for Conservative Judaism was proudly represented among the approximately 300,000 participants at the National Mall, standing in solidarity with Israel.
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From the Seminaries We Support | |
Update on Our Israel Emergency Campaign | |
A message from Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz | |
A message from Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson | | |
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Digital Torah Fund eCards
for every occasion!
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Making a Mark on Jewish Education with Renewed Determination | | |
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SHALOM
By Lori Snow, International Torah Fund Chair
International Torah Fund Chair Lori Snow reflects on the meaning of the philanthropy and the ways it adds value to Jewish life.
Read more →
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All prices include regular shipping (with tracking, 2-4 weeks). Express shipping costs an extra $20 per item. | |
Please click on the image to learn more | |
WLCJ 5784 Calendar Diaries | |
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Pocket Size = $11.00
Planner Size = $26.00
You may now order bulk quantities online.
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WLCJ Convention 2023 Resources, please click on the image: | |
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To learn more about these opportunities,
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Naomi Graetz taught English at Ben Gurion University of the Negev for 35 years. She is the author of Forty Years of Being a Feminist Jew (2018), Unlocking the Garden: A Feminist Jewish Look at the Bible, Midrash and God (Piscataway NJ: Gorgias Press, 2005), The Rabbi’s Wife Plays at Murder (Beersheva: Shiluv Press, 2004), S/He Created Them: Feminist Retellings of Biblical Stories (1993; 2003), and Silence is Deadly: Judaism Confronts Wifebeating (1998). Her book Silence is Deadly has been translated into Hebrew and will be published by Carmel Press in 2024. She teaches a variety of courses on zoom to an international audience and is a regular blogger for the Times of Israel. | |
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December 1-5, 2023
Momentum is building for our Conservative/Masorti Convening in December! We have hundreds of attendees already signed up - and want you to be part of this incredible gathering of the brightest minds in our Movement.
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Monday, December 4, 2023
8:45 AM to 9:45 AM
Barbie, You're Kenough: How to Bring Inspiration to Your (Surf) Board
Learn how to identify your members’ passions and build on their existing skills to help them find their voices on your board. Leaders need to be heard and valued as individuals so they are more personally involved and motivated. Examine ways that your Board members can enhance their knowledge and contribute to the broader Conservative/Masorti movement.
Our WLCJ International President and Executive Director will speak at this event.
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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..
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INR of Women's League for Conservative Judaism | | | | |
