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The WAVE Newsletter
December 22, 2023 ~ 10 Tevet 5784
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Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for
Peace, Health and Happiness.
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Dear Central Great Lakes,
Spread over us a shelter of Peace and Kindle the light of Hope...
We’re in that time of grey, cold, long nights, and days of minimum sunlight. Our days begin and end in darkness.
The space in-between relentlessly challenges us to keep calm and carry on. We move forward no matter how many “Breaking News” alerts with updates on the wars, the growing areas that divide our country, rising antisemitism, climate perils, and global suffering, intrude upon our personal space in an hour. The darkness of our physical days is matched and raised by the reality of an emotional darkness. The pain is palpable.
Against this reality, last week we celebrated the last night of Hanukkah. There’s always a special glow to the Hanukkah menorah we light on the last night, a beautiful, peaceful crescendo of lights. Once again, we weren’t disappointed.
And if you were truly present, perhaps you heard the acapella choir of hope created by these glowing eight candles. Each flickering candle lent its voice to a melody meant to fill our hearts with warmth, our souls with courage, and our spirit with renewed resilience. The final reprised chorus was one of inspiration and rededication.
This year, I lingered awhile after the last candle flickered out just to savor the spirit of the moment and watch the last bright reddish glow of this candle that cast a unique, brief glow in the darkness that followed. And I thought about what it means to rededicate oneself and to find hope in the world as it is today.
The reality for most of us is that this past year was beyond any challenge we have faced. Our world shown itself fragile at best. There were times when it seemed that we were living on a strange planet, experiencing illogical events that belonged more in an Avatar adventure than in ours. Then, there was October 7, with all its shock, horror, and tragedy. The war continues, we pray for the safe return of the hostages; we pray for the end of the war; we pray for Israel. Our world stands forever changed. We are all connected in pain. The pain is palpable.
We needed every light of Hanukkah’s menorahs to remind us of hope and resilience. We needed every light to remind us that although we are in a panorama of change, within this challenging backdrop that we can’t begin to understand, we can find hope. We can let hope shine in us and through us by our actions – by what we do for others.
We’re blessed with an inspiration in this week’s parsha, Vayigash. Here we read another chapter in Joseph’s amazing personal story and more importantly, his response to events that could have thrown him into the depths of despair. He’s a powerful, though complex, teacher. His trust in G-d gave him immense strength and resilience – though he doesn’t hide his anguish. As Rabbi Karyn Hedar in a D’Var Torah noted that Joseph goes forward through the pain that settled in his heart and does good.
This past Sunday, I attended the third session of WL’s Sichot Beyn Achayot, Conversation between Sisters. An inspirational program on Volunteerism, Mitzvot, and Methods, it focused on the amazing mitzvot the members of Hod V’Hadar in Kfar Saba, do daily to help the thousands of Israelis displaced since Oct 7. Their work is an example of how to sustain hope through challenges and apply the hope to meet the needs of others. Whether providing, food, clothing or even suitcases to Jews in need, these women look upon their work as “A holy privilege.”
Spread Over Us the Shelter of Peace and Kindle the Light of Hope...
There is always a way to get to the other side of fear, sadness, of disappointment, and pain. Perhaps it’s a rededication to hope that’s the bridge. Hope is the belief that together we can make the world a better place.
The pathway forward is as strong as the hope which is in our hearts – in our very DNA as Conservative Jewish women. By our actions, our commitment to each other and to our mission of service, we can face whatever lies before us with courage and strength.
Together we can nurture the power of living extraordinary lives of purpose, filled with the light of hope, and the courage of faith to make our lives a blessing. In the months ahead, may we be sheltered in a mantel of peace and through the work of our hands kindle the light of hope for our community.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy 2024!
Pam
Pam Schlosberg
CGLR President
cglrpresident21@wlcj.org
847.433.7546 (h); 847.691.8991 (c)
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December 2023/Kislev 5784
Chaverim:
Reminder: Per Capita due January 10, 2024
If payment was already made, thank you very much.
During this season, we are all thinking about our brothers and sisters in
Israel and hoping for a miracle of peace. WLCJ is our space to be
together as Jewish women as we stand alongside our beloved State of
Israel. Your per capita supports all the programming, education and
guidance that WLCJ provides all its Sisterhood Affiliates and members.
Please make checks payable to:
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism
520 8th Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Thank you for your continued affiliation with Women’s League for
Conservative Judaism.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact
Linda Steinhorn ( oralin330@aol.com ) or Janet Kirschner ( jkirschner@wlcj.org )
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#GivingTuesday Women's League Campaign
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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!
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We continue to send our prayers for those who suffer in Israel and the Ukraine. | |
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A Prayer for Israel in this Time of War
by Rabbi Naomi Levy
God, our Strength and Protection, we pray for the State of Israel in this
devastating time of war, shock and grief. Our hearts are breaking, God. We pray
for the lives of the innocent civilians who have been heartlessly kidnapped by
Hamas, bring them home, watch over them, God. We pray for the lives of the
soldiers who have been taken captive, we pray for their safe return, shelter them,
God. We pray for the souls of the innocent victims who were brutally slaughtered.
Send comfort and strength, God, to the grieving. Send healing to the injured, and
strength and wisdom to their doctors and nurses. We pray for all our brothers and
sisters in Israel in this time of tragedy and crisis.
Watch over Israel, God, spread Your shelter of peace over the land and over all
our brothers and sisters who live there. Shine Your light upon Israel’s leaders,
officers and advisers, help them to overcome all divisiveness and to act with
clarity and determination. Protect the men and women who defend Israel, let them
be safe and may they be victorious over the Hamas terrorists who attacked our
people. Watch over them, God. Hear their prayers. Bring peace, God. Let it rain
down from the heavens like a mighty storm. Let it wash away all hatred and
bloodshed. Peace, God, please, God.
God of the brokenhearted, God of the living, God of the dead, gather the souls of
the victims into Your eternal shelter. Let them find peace in Your presence, God.
Their lives have ended, but their lights can never be extinguished. May they shine
on us always and illuminate our way.
Amen.
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A Prayer of Peace for the People of Ukraine
by Rabbi Naomi Levy
G-d, our hearts are with all the people of Ukraine,
Its president, Volodymyr Zelensky,
And with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Ukraine
200,000 souls
Who crouch in fear
As the sound of sirens and bombs pierce the air.
Synagogues once filled with songs of celebration
Have become makeshift shelters.
Echoes of the Holocaust reverberate.
The memory of the one and a half million
Martyred Ukrainian Jews.
G-d, we pray that the panic in the streets of Ukraine
Will give way to the sound of children playing,
And the sound of sirens will give way to songs of hope.
We pray that the world community will unite
And cause the Russian army to retreat.
We pray for no more violence
Or bloodshed
And we pray that diplomacy
Will be the path to peace.
Hear our prayers, G-d,
Hear the prayers of the mothers and fathers,
the prayers of the children
longing for safety.
G-d, our Shelter,
Bring peace.
Let it rain down from the heavens like a mighty storm.
Let it wash away all hatred and bloodshed.
Peace, G-d. Please, G-d. Amen.
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Please consider extending a sense of renewed
hope and send our light forward.
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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 on Israel.
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Save the Date Now and Grab Your Sunglasses! | |
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When the sun and moon align in a rare eclipse,
And April winds fill the air --
It’s time to join your CGLR sisters in Cincinnati
For an experience beyond compare!
Central Great Lakes Region
Spring Conference 2024
April 7 – 9
Beyond the Eclipse…Sisters Strong!
Hosted by:
The Affiliate of Adath Israel Congregation, Cincinnati, Ohio
After months of emotional darkness, come join us in the light of our Spring Conference 2024! Together, we’ll strengthen our resilience, sharpen our perspective on the world around us, and stand strong as women of shared values.
Conference Highlights:
- Ceremonies Discharging our 2021-24 Officers an Installation of our 2024-26 Officers
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Unique workshops filled with opportunities: from discussing the book, Genius of Israel, exploring the power within the duet of music and prayer, to crafting stunning Shabbat candles, examining the many facets of domestic violence, delving into the Jewish traditions surrounding the moon, and so much more
- An off-site. visit to the Holocaust & Humanities Center in Cincinnati
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Recognition and celebration of our Region’s Valued Volunteers, Milestone and Torah Fund Award Recipients, and...
Special Dates:
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Conference Hotel Registration Now Open at
The Hilton’s Embassy Suites Blue Ash
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Hotel Registration closes and closes March 25
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Conference Registration opens February 14 and closes April 1.
Questions – Please contact Conference Co-Chairs:
Marlene Ostrow - mostrow@wlcj.org
Wanda Pitzele – wmpitzele@icloud.com
Join us as we create our dreams, steer our stars, and
take in an eclipse along the way!
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Hotel Room Registration is open now! | |
Giving Tuesday for Creating New Spaces is Extended to December 31 | |
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Thanks to our generous donor, your donations will still be matched up to $5,000!
Take advantage of an extra opportunity to donate to the Creating New Spaces campaign and your gift will be matched. Help us complete this worthy special project. Please make your donation today and thank you for your support.
We know you care deeply about Jewish education and the future of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. A donation to our Spaces campaign will help fortify the future of the Jewish people. Your gift will enable our two important projects to enhance education for students at the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, and pave the way toward their service to Jewish communities.
U.S. donors: please contribute here (opt for Torah Fund Creating New Spaces Campaign).
Creating New Spaces provides nurturing physical and spiritual spaces for our students and next-generation Jewish leaders through two significant initiatives:
The Women’s League Study Space in the new JTS Undergraduate Residence Hall, part of the state-of-the-art campus renovation designed by world-renowned architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. This environment-friendly area hosts new technology, an essential element in higher education, and provides access for people with disabilities, well-equipped kitchen facilities, and sections for students to study and socialize.
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The Women’s League Study Space in the new JTS Undergraduate Residence Hall, part of the state-of-the-art campus renovation designed by world-renowned architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. This environment-friendly area hosts new technology, an essential element in higher education, and provides access for people with disabilities, well-equipped kitchen facilities, and sections for students to study and socialize.
The Women’s League Institute on Gender Bias and Harassment, a ground-breaking special course of training at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. A safe space for discussion of these topics, this forum helps students identify instances of bias and harassment and enables them to build skills to deal with these challenges -- whether in the workplace, synagogue, school, summer camp, or wherever their rabbinic career takes them.
We have already raised $155,000 toward our $200,000 goal, which will be equally split between the two schools. With your help on Giving Tuesday, we can continue to work toward achieving this goal.
We're grateful for your donation, thank you!
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 at
1:00pm ET
We invite you to join us at
Torah Fund Stands with Israel
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2023-24 Torah Fund Campaign | |
Torah Fund Legacy Society | |
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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!
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Torah Fund supports programs and scholarships for the five Conservatives/Masorti global institutes
of higher education.
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Scan Code
to send E-Cards --->
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CGLR Archives - We Need Your Help! | |
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We want to spotlight your Affiliate/Sisterhood’s events and programs and give your Affiliate Sisterhood a Shout Out in The WAVE.
Please send us your flyers and photos! And please invite Pam, CGLR President, to join you, too!
Please share your Affiliate's events and programs with us. The next full issue of The WAVE will be published on Friday, January 5. 2024!
Flyers are due by 1:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, January 2.
Please send your copy to Laurie Davis at LBD715@gmail.com.
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Mazel Tov
to
Andrea Heiger, CGLR Torah Fund Assistant, on the birth of her grandson, Aiden Lucas Heiger. Born December 14.
Edna Schrank Past CGLR Past President
on her birthday, December 29
Mi Sheberach
for
Rhonda Cohn, Past President of CGLR
Alyssa Volkov, Ariella Ylena bat Rachel Devorah,
is the daughter of Rhonda & Dave Cohn. Rhonda is a Past CGLR President.
and
Ellen Kaner Bresnick, WLCJ Kehilla Co-Chair
We wish them a Refuah Shlemah-a complete and speedy recovery
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Baruch Dayan HaEmet
for
Rowena Mae Ungerman Iola Galerston z"l, former Southwest Branch President (1978-1980).
May their memories be for a blessing.
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from WL Week
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 7 Tevet 5784
To see the entire WL Week email, click here!
The website calendar is updated on a regular basis.
For upcoming calendar events, click here!
To read the latest Shabbat Message from Florence G. Wolpoff, Women's League United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Representative click here
To read the Weekly Words of Torah from
Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, WLCJ Executive Director, click here.
To read Rabbi Ellen's Reflections on the Masorti Leadership
Solidarity Mission to Israel, click here.
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WLCJ Shabbat Message- Breaking the Silence: Women's League Advocates for Justice Amidst United Nations Indifference | |
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From Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President -- In light of Women’s League’s statement against Hamas’ violence toward Israeli women that we issued last week, I asked Florence Wolpoff to share her reports of her experience at the UN sessions on the war in Israel and the sexual violence against Israeli women. Note: Some of the testimony that Florence includes in her report here is graphic.
As one of Women’s League's NGO representatives to the United Nations, I have been privileged to attend meetings of the Security Council, the General Assembly, and special sessions. When I have been unable to attend in person, I have been glued to my computer watching very painful presentations by various member countries. For the most part, the speeches have been condemnations of Israel. For too many of them, October 7th never happened, and Hamas is blameless.
As was stated by renowned sociologist and former United States Senator from the State of New York, the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.” But it appears that in contemporary society, we have been exposed at the UN to examples of competing “facts,” half-truths and outright lies.
On November 20th, 2023, the Israeli Mission to the United Nations provided an update on the situation in Israel. Ambassador Gilad Erdan opened the meeting saying, “This event is taking place so we can comprehend the evil of this war situation.” He asked the following questions, “How come the UN has not condemned Hamas?” He then asked the audience, “What would you do if you were in Israel’s situation?” And added, “We will not fail, we must win because of humanity.”
Attendees were then asked to hand in their cell phones as we sat for 47 minutes watching the footage taken by Hamas invaders as they killed, raped, mutilated Israelis. While several people felt the need to leave the room, I sat in horror. While the Nazis hid most of what they were doing and many in the world did not want to believe the magnitude of what was happening, here Hamas was bragging. The Hamas charter calls for the total destruction of Israel and all things Jewish. However, yet again, the world seems to be blind to the very horror many have witnessed via Hamas tapes and Israeli eyewitness accounts.
On December 4th, 2023, the Israeli mission at the United Nations sponsored another session, “HEAR OUR VOICES.” The session focused on the sexual assaults perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, 2023. The Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations offered the opening remarks. He said, “This was planned to clear Jews out of Israel. Hamas views Israel as vermin.” At this session, Kirsten Gillibrand, United States Senator from the State of New York (in person) and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (via video) decried how many women’s groups, just like the UN itself, have remained absolutely silent. As a follow-up, Senator Gillibrand reaffirmed the need to give voice to the Israeli women who were raped and whose bodies were mutilated. She went on to say, “When I saw the list of women’s groups that said nothing, I nearly choked. We must demand that the actual videos be shown. If they refuse, I demand it.”
At that session, three Israelis offered eyewitness accounts – Shari Mendez, a member of the Israeli morgue staff whose job is to identify and prepare women’s bodies for burial, Yael Richert, chief superintendent with the Israeli national police. and Simcha Greinman, an emergency medical worker with Zaka. The speakers told of mutilated corpses, broken pelvic bones from repeated rapes, the inability sometimes to determine gender due to mutilation and the need to vacate rooms when live grenades were found buried in women’s private parts.
At the meeting of the Security Council on December 8th, 2023, Secretary General António Guterres put forth a resolution calling for an Israeli Hamas ceasefire for humanitarian causes. The United States invoked its veto power. The US did not support the resolution because the UN refused to condemn Hamas or call for the release of all hostages. The US knows that Hamas does not want a two-state solution.
On December 12, 2023, the General Assembly met again to present Secretary General António Guterres’ resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. The vote was 153 nations in favor of the resolution, ten voting “No,” with 23 abstentions. A vote in the General Assembly is nonbinding.
As members of Women’s League, can we remain silent? In addition to speaking on behalf of women’s rights, we must be the voice of those who can no longer be heard. We must also become teachers of the uneducated, telling them why Israel exists and why Israel cannot endure a one-sided ceasefire. As members of Women’s League, we cannot remain silent.
Florence G. Wolpoff
Women's League United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Representative
florence.wolpoff@verizon.net
Read → WLCJ Statement on Hamas' Violence against Israeli Women
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For WLCJ Individual Members
חג שמח
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
7:30 p.m. Eastern Time Zone
Individual Members
In Conversation
A Virtual Meeting
The first of a series of virtual events to create connections!
REGISTER
Gift a Women's League Individual Membership to a friend/family!
GIFT A WLCJ MEMBERSHIP
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Leadership Institute
Sunday, January 28 - Tuesday, January 30, 2024
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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.
Join International President Julia Loeb, Executive Director Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields and Lead Trainer Carol Simon at our FIRST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN FOUR YEARS ON
JANUARY 28-30, 2024
AT B’NAI TORAH CONGREGATION,
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE?
A multi-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)
The leadership Institute team,
Carol Simon
Margie Miller
Debbie Lempert
Illene Rubin
EMAIL
irubin@wlcj.org
Illene Rubin
Leadership Institute Logistics Chai
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Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
11:00 AM CT / 12:00 Noon ET
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/630830287
Meeting ID: 630 830 287
Password: 875936
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Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during
Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish?
Sign up here to lead a part in Makom B'Yachad.
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Special Dates:
Tues. Dec 26, Weds. Dec 27 & Fri. Dec 29 -
No teaching, just schmoozing.
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Monday, January 15 at 6:30PM CT/ 7:30PM ET | |
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Navigating Civil Rights: The Journey Begins
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Please join us on Monday, January 15th, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as we explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement taking place in the 1950s and 1960s. 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 second 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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SAVE THE DATES
WL Reads programs
coming up:
The Choice by Maggie Anton
Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, 1 PM ET
Exile Music by Jennifer Steile
Date and Time TBA
Karen Block
WL Reads Chair
kblock@wlcj.org
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Key to Calendar:
CGLR Events
WLCJ Events
Affiliate Events
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Sunday, December 31- WLCJ & Torah Fund Deadline for Giving Tuesday | |
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2024
Monday, January 15 - WL Kehilah-Navigating Civil Rights:The Journey Begins at 6:30 pm CT/ 7:30 PM ET (Zoom)
Saturday, January 20 / 10 Shevat 5784 – WL Shabbat Parashat Bo
Sunday, January 21- Torah Fund Stands with Israel Program at 12 noon CT/ 1 PM ET (Zoom)
Sunday- Tuesday, January 28-30 - WL Leadership Institute, Boca Raton, Florida
(In person)
Wednesday, January 31 - WLCJ Individual Member Conversation at 6:30 PM CT/ 7:30 PM ET (Zoom)
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Wednesday, January 10 - CGLR Board of Directors Meeting, at 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET
Sunday, February 11- WL Reads "The Choice" by Maggie Anton at 12 pm CT/ 1 PM ET (Zoom)
Wednesday, February 14- CGLR Spring Conference, Beyond the Eclipse - Registration Opens.
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Central Great Lakes Region Board | | | | |
