WL Week
Thursday, January 20, 2022 | 18th of Shevat 5782
To view more information/registration page, click on the program below.
All times displayed on the calendar are Eastern Time.
January 2022 | Tevet/Shevat 5782
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday / Sat
16
17
19
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
Open Board Meeting
7PM
23
January/February 2022 | Shevat / Adar I 5782
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday / Sat
31
1
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
2
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
3
4 5
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
6
7
8
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
9
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
10
11 12
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
14
15
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
16
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
17
18 19
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
20
21
23
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
24
Health & Wellness
8PM TBA
25 26
Makom B'Yachad 12PM
Registration for Learning Hebrew Prayerbook Reading
Spring Registration is Now OPEN
For students who were not enrolled during the Fall 2021 semester
Spring 2022 Semester
Registration Closes Tonight 11:59PM ET
Personal Conversations - Thursday, January 20th @ 7:30 PM ET
Discovering and Sharing our Genetic Information
Who isn’t curious about what our genes can tell us?
Jews are among the best customers for direct-to-consumer genetic tests and their packaged analysis. Are they useful, or confusing?
We also have well-studied variants for certain diseases, owing to our ancestors having lived and married in tight-knit communities.
When is it advisable for us to seek medical genetic testing? What is the genetics counselor’s role? If we do find that we carry a “bad” gene, what’s next?
Should we fear the potential for discrimination against us individually and as a people from all this genomic disclosure?
From a wider lens, how do the frontiers of genetic science intersect with bioethics and Jewish standards? And might the discovery of our genetic information and lineage confound our understanding of Jewish identity?
These and other probing questions will be explored by two experts in their respective fields:
Communications Committee Facebook Initiative
Jews in Film - Somewhere Over The Rainbow Series 1 of 3 - Monday, January 24th @ 3 PM ET
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.
For more information, go to: https://wizevents.com/register/7938
Torah Fund Stands with Israel - Monday, January 24th @ 8 PM ET
Please join Torah Fund to their second Torah Fund Stands With Israel virtual event Monday evening, January 24 at 8:00pm eastern time .
Please click this link to reserve:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpc-qhqjsjEtwifKaWd2KDuxHVkLsiOz1y
Masorti Women Study, Reflect and Pray in Our Challenging Times - January 26th and February 13th @ 12 noon ET
Women’s Masorti Online Study Days
Day 1 / Central-Southern Region
Wednesday, January 26th
12:00 Noon - 2:55 PM ET
Click here to see the full program
Lectures are available in Hebrew, English, Russian and French
Day 2 / Northern Region
Sunday, February 13th
12:00 Noon - 2:55 PM ET
Click here to see the full program
Lectures are available in Hebrew, English, Russian and Spanish
Because the study days are on Zoom, you can choose to participate in sessions both days. In order to help the organizers, please reserve your choice of sessions now.
If the button feature doesn't redirect you,
below are the direct links to register. You can use either:
https://www.masorti.org.il/WSDregion
WL Reads - Thursday, January 27th @ 7 PM ET
Questions?
Contact
Merle Carrus
WL Reads Co-Chair
merlesoffice@gmail.com
or
Susan Farber
WL Reads Co-Chair
farberschevrah@gmail.com
WL Reads co-chairs Merle Carrus and Susan Farber will be interviewing Elyssa Friendland , is the author of four novels. Her latest, Last Summer at the Golden Hotel , was a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, a Book of the Month selection, and a Skimm Must Read. It is currently in its fourth printing. Friedland teaches novel writing at Yale, from which she graduated. She also has a juris doctor degree from Columbia Law School. She lives in New York City with her husband and three children. Join the author and WL Reads co-chairs this January 27th.
Zoom link will be sent upon registering.
Joint Program of WLCJ and WOW: Who Owns the Western Wall? - Sunday, January 30 - 12 PM ET
Join Us!
Registration Deadline:
January 24th
Women of the Wall
WOW Merchandise
All prices include regular shipping (with tracking, 2-4 weeks). Express shipping costs an extra $20 per item:
Four Mothers - $250
Garden of Eden - $225
Spirit of Israel - $250
Siddur - $36
Challah Cover - same design as our Garden of Eden tallit - $72
Tefillin 101 - Week 2 - Sunday, February 13th
A Five-Week ‘Crash’ Course on Tefillin for the World Wide Wrap
Sunday, February 13th
Prepared by
Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
,
WLCJ Executive Director
Tefillin 101
If you and/or your sisterhood would like to participate,
FJMC members and affiliated synagogue Men’s Club members can register here. Learn more about Tefillin 101 by reading Executive Director Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields’ updated guide to wrapping here!
Tefillin 101 – Week 2 – Terms related to Tefillin
In preparation for the World Wide Wrap on Sunday, February 13, 2022, week 2 of
Tefillin
101 will focus on terms related to
Tefillin
. As mentioned in
Tefillin
101: Week 1, each week we will focus on seven different facts, or seven questions, related to
Tefillin.
To continue reading, click here .
World Wide Wrap 2022 Video
Importance of Tefillin- See many familiar faces
Consulting Services Workshop #2 : Exploring Leadership - Tuesd ay, February 22nd @ 7 PM ET
Questions?
Contact
Renee Ravich
Consulting Services Chair, Sisterhood Support Chair
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. The first workshop took place o n January 9th.
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.
It will take place on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET.
Margie Miller , WLCJ Nominations Chair and Immediate Past International President, is teaching this workshop.
Programming Idea of the Week
Zentangle Mindfulness Drawing
Looking to take a break from the things that are weighing on your heart and mind? Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, fun way to create beautiful works of art using structured patterns. Create simple, straight-forward patterns using basic lines, curves and dots and orbs on small paper, called tiles. Designed to promote relaxation and creativity, Zentangling enhances focus, self-confidence, and calm. Lose yourself in a session of guided, meditative doodling. Does one need to be an artist? Definitely not! If you’ve ever doodled in the margins of a page, you can do this. Contact Zentangler extraordinaire, Kathy Shapiro , CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) to design a program for your Sisterhood Affiliate. Kathy will guide you through easy, strokes that will leave you feeling relaxed and filled with delight. If your group has never tried Zentangling, this is the perfect time! Kathy Shapiro has spent most of her career producing Broadway and off-Broadway theater and developing innovative arts programs to enhance community engagement. She is the founder of Magic Me, a celebrated intergenerational arts program in the UK.
To continue reading, click HERE .
Weekly Words of Torah
Parashat Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23
Haftarah Ashkenazim: Isaiah 6:1-7:6 and 9:5-6
Haftarah Sephardim: Isaiah 6:1-13 - January 22 , 2022
Parashat Yitro is named for Moses' his father-in-law, who visited Israel in the desert, praising God and bringing a sacrifice when he heard about all that Hashem had done to redeem Israel from slavery. Seeing that Moses was overwhelmed by trying to judge all the matters brought to him by the people, Yitro suggested he set up a system of judges to be rulers over thousands, then hundreds, fifties and finally tens: the first judicial system! The Israelites then journeyed to Sinai, where they witnessed Moses going up to receive the 10 Commandments from Hashem, amidst clouds, thunder, lightning, and shofar blasts.
In Isaiah’s prophecy from the haftarah , dated approximately 724 BCE, he experiences a vision of God sitting on a throne, surrounded by angels who fly around singing God’s praises. Isaiah is instructed to foretell the doom of the nation, and, ultimately, the redeemer that will come to sit on the throne of David and rule in peace.
The parshah begins with the establishment of a system of justice and ends with the revelation at Sinai; the haftarah reverses the order, beginning with revelation and ending with the establishment of justice. In Exodus, God recounts carrying the people of Israel “on eagle’s wings” (10:4)”; in Isaiah’s vision, God is surrounded by angels that have 6 wings each (6:2). The angels declare God holy (6:3); God says that Israel will be a “holy nation” (Ex. 19:6). Both the people of Israel and Isaiah are afraid to look upon God; Mt. Sinai was עשן, filled with smoke (20:15); so was the Temple for Isaiah (6:4). Mt. Sinai trembled (19:18), as did the walls of the Temple in Isaiah’s vision (9:4). The people heard God’s voice at Sinai (19:9), as did Isaiah (19:8).
Isaiah received a personal revelation of God; and we are enjoined to envision ourselves personally standing at Sinai. The opportunity for each of us to have a personal encounter with Hashem is still offered to us today; we encounter the Divine daily through prayer and study.
Makom B'Yachad
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
12 PM ET; 11 AM CT; 9 AM PT; 10 AM MT
*Makom B'Yachad will be at 11AM ET on 1/26.
For Zoom link, email Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields at
ewolintz-fields@wlcj.org
Want to sing, teach, help with technology, and more during Daily Psalm Study, and Kaddish?
The Rabbinical Assembly - Preorder
Coming soon from the Rabbinical Assembly: A new edition of Megillat Esther ! Newly translated and interpreted for the 21st century, this Hebrew-English edition draws on traditional sources, contemporary scholarship, and deep insights from Conservative rabbis to bring the megillah to life.
The discount code is WLCJPURIM
Megillat Esther: The Book of Esther features:
The Hebrew text of the megillah
An expanded narrative translation (by Rabbi Martin S. Cohen) that evokes the playfulness and allusiveness of the megillah
A second, contextual translation (by Rabbi Pamela Barmash) that draws on contemporary scholarship in Biblical Hebrew to capture the literary style and linguistic connotations of the Hebrew text
Thoughtful essays on each chapter of the megillah that unfold its literary and religious meanings
Insightful comments on selected verses by a diverse group of Conservative rabbis, including Rachel Ain, Jacob Blumenthal, Neil F. Blumofe, Analia Bortz, Susan Leider, Zachary Silver, Amy S. Wallk, and Yonatan M. Warren
Blessings to be recited before and after the public reading of the megillah on Purim, as well as the accompanying evening ( Arvit) service from Siddur Lev Shalem
By bringing multiple voices and interpretations to the Book of Esther, Megillat Esther reflects the rich diversity of people and approaches that characterizes Conservative Judaism. This innovative book will yield fresh insights and enhance your experience of Purim year after year.
Preview chapter 1 of the megillah here .
Megillat Esther: The Book of Esther , edited by Martin S. Cohen. List price $15.00, discounted price of $10.00 for RA/CA/USCJ or bulk orders of 50+
Now available for preorders here . Books will ship in February 2022. Purim is March 17-18.
Ongoing WLCJ Happenings
The cost for the weekly questions email and hard-cover book is currently $99. For more information and to receive a $10 discount click below:
Women's Leag ue for Conservative Judaism gets a donation by using the link .
Cory Schneider
Archives Chair & Consultant
Past International President
Administrator, Torah Fund Legacy Society
cschneider@wlcj.org
Stock the Shelves
Your contribution will help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors. Check with your local pantry for other suggestions.
Debbie Bettan
Social Justice Project Chair
Karen Block
Social Justice Co-Chair
Ardis Wexler
Social Justice Co-Chair
WLCJ App
We brought back the WLCJ App.
It's available for download on all devices (iPhone/iPad/Google Play/Android).
WLCJ App
Upcoming Sisterhood Calendar Events & WL Groups to Join
Florida Region
North Atlantic Region
Tour Jewish Harlem on Zoom
Sunday, Feb 27 at 7PM ET
Email Audrey Yanofsky for more info at yanofskya@yahoo.com
Admission is FREE
Mid-Atlantic Region
9th Annual Open a Book...
Open Your Mind for 2020-21.
NOW until April 2022
Admission is $18 per author
Previous WLCJ Programming
Weren't able to join us? Visit our Youtube Channel for more videos. View our past recordings.
American Mothers of Olim GoogleGroup
Contact Ellie Kremer ,
the WLCJ Israel Committee Chair by text or email: ellieventnor@gmail.com .
#GivingTuesday Tribute Video
As a THANK YOU we promised to share a tribute video of all donors to #GivingTuesday.
Look for your name in the video.
Last updated 1-10-22.
Tell us about YOUR Sisterhood
event coming up!
News from Seminaries WLCJ Supports
The Importance of Shame in Rabbinic Tradition; Judaism and Intimacy; Hasidism and Its Opponents; and More
Maven is a one-stop-shop that gives you access to the events and classes you love, plus more!
Schechter's Winter 2022 Hybrid and Zoom Courses
Torah Fund eCards
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!
Additional Opportunities
The Fuchsberg
Jerusalem Center
July 11-17, 2022
50th Anniversary Mission to Israel
This coming July, Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center welcomes you back to an open and thriving post-pandemic Israel for an educational, inspiring, and unforgettable week-long mission where we will put our Jewish identities FRONT AND CENTER.
For Itinerary and Registration: https://fuchsbergcenter.org/IsraelMission/
At the peak of this year’s Kol Tefilla Shabbaton you’ll find a concert like no other. We’ve brought together some of the brightest lights in new Jewish music, all under one tent! These are the songs of 21st century sacred spaces, the stuff we hum at Hadar retreats and the new niggunim your cantor has been using at services. Whether you’re joining for the full Shabbaton, live outdoors (masked), or virtually on the Mandolin platform , this festive night of music will refill your soul.
Recruiting Jewish Athletes to Play Wheelchair Basketball
Apply at maccabiusa.com
Seeking Jewish Para-Athletes Join the USA Delegation
Israel, July 5-26, 2022*
Paralympic Swimming
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Table Tennis
Wheelchair Tennis
Click here for more information
Click here to watch Youtube video
URGENT! ADVOCATE FOR YOSEF KIBITA ...
DENIED ALIYAH - MIGHT BE DEPORTED FROM ISRAEL
Yosef Kibita is at risk of deportation, after the Israeli Interior Ministry denied his application for Aliyah, as his visa expired on December 31, 2021. We are outraged at this decision and need to advocate for it to be overturned immediately.
To read more, click HERE .
Valley Beit Midrash - January/February 2022
Requiring Brit Mikvah for female trans converts?
Thursday, January 20, 2022
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm MST
Non-member: $18
Member
: FREE
Presented by
Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Early Zionist Approaches to the Existing Arab Population
Monday, January 24, 2022
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm MST
Non-member: $18
Member
: FREE
Presented by
Lauren Cohen Fisher
From Flood to Rainbow
Friday, January 31, 2022
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm MST
Non-member: $18
Member
: FREE
Presented by Rabbi Avi Strausberg
How to Answer a Fool
February 3, 2022
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm MST
Non-member: $18
Member
: FREE
Presented by Professor Christine Hayes
More events, go to: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/upcoming-events/
WLCJ | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 820, New York, NY 10115