This week at Women's League:

The Resolutions and Public Policy Committee presents the Resolution on Criminal Justice Reform for review.

Resolutions… We make them for the High Holy Days and for the secular New Year: some of us even keep them! But now is the time to think about different types of resolutions, the ones drafted throughout the year by the Women’s League Resolutions and Public Policy Committee.

Our committee has a twofold purpose: a) to let members express their views on public policies and social action of the day, and b) to show a historical record of contemporary issues that are important to Women’s League members in the US, Canada and Israel.

The newest resolution, Criminal Justice Reform, is available for you to read. It will be up for a vote by the WLCJ membership soon. So, please take time to read it carefully, and then submit your comments by February 1.

To read the Criminal Justice Reform resolution, click HERE.

To read a list of steps on how a resolution is created, click HERE.

Comments Zoom is open to all members.     Come discuss your ideas about the resolution on:

Thursday, February 1, 2024

8:00 PM ET

Laurie Silverblatt, Chair 

lasilverblatt@gmail.com

WLCJ Resolutions and Public Policy Committee 

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

1:00 PM ET | VIRTUAL ONLY

As has become our motto for a while now - people plan and God laughs, and plans need to change. We will have our WLCJ Open Board Meeting and Tribute to Razel Kessler all virtual this Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 1-3 pm EST. We will thank Razel for her years of service. You must register in order to attend virtually. Please click on the button below to receive the Zoom link. Please consider a donation to the WLCJ General Fund in honor of Razel by clicking on the button below.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

8:00 PM ET

How do you fit in?

Join us Thursday, January 25th at 8:00pm ET to explore the numerous opportunities to use your crafting skills to better the community around you.

We will share the various ways that you can use your crafting skills to better the lives of others. Don’t feel creative? You don’t need to be. Join us and we will share a variety of ideas, projects, and resources that are able to be completed by all generations.

While we are learning and sharing, grab your needles and some black yarn to join us in stitching knitted caps for IDF soldiers in Israel. Instructions will be provided prior to the session.

Jody Glass

glass.jody@gmail.com

WL Creative Judaic Arts Chair

Judi Kenter

Inkomst@aol.com

WL Social Action Chair

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

7:30 PM ET

Let's Talk! WLCJ Individual Members' Virtual Meeting 

The first in a series of virtual events to create connections.

Open to Individual Members ONLY.

New WLCJ Classes starting this Spring to Learn Hebrew and Read from the Prayerbook

Registration Is Open

for All Spring Semester Classes

Are you interested in:

• Learning or reviewing the Hebrew alphabet and communal prayers?

• Expanding your Jewish literacy skills, confidence, and sense of connection with Judaism?

In the Level 1, students will learn how to recognize the letters of the aleph bet, read basic words in the Siddur, and follow along in the service. Each student will be provided a virtual copy of Shalom Aleichem, by Noah Golinkin, for use in the class.

In the Level 2, students will continue to refine their reading skills by learning blessings for Friday evening, several kaddishes, and many Shabbat morning prayers, all while emphasizing reading fluency.

To be in the Level 3, students should be proficient at reading (sounding out few words) and will improve their fluency through the following prayers: ashrei, the musaf Amidah, aleinu, the v’ahavtah and following paragraphs, and many other prayers for holidays.

Classes begin the week of February 15/16/18, 2024. Sunday Beginner Classes are back!

Rachel Ferber

rferber@wlcj.org

Hebrew Course Chair

Monday, February 5, 2024

7:30 PM ET

“Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released.” (Robin Moore) Join us when award winning storyteller, author, and teaching artist Judy Sima teaches us how to unleash our natural born storytelling skills. Some consider her to be the “Pied Piper of Storytelling in Metro Detroit”. Other people call her the “Fairy Godmother of Storytelling.” In this highly interactive, fun filled 90-minute workshop, Judy will gently guide participants through a series of exercises to help bring cherished memories to life and capture family or personal stories before they disappear.

Beginning with a list of memory joggers and an imaginary “snapshot,” participants work with partners to create stories to share with family, grandkids or as a springboard for writing their memoirs. A list of story starters and materials supply list will be provided when you register. 

Click on Judy’s picture for more information about her.

Fran Hildebrandt
fhildebrandt@wlcj.org
WL Kehilah Co-Chair

Thursday, February 8, 2024

7:30 PM ET

Sisters in Faith: Advocating for Civil Rights 

“Even in the civil rights movement, there were so many unbelievable women. They never, ever received the credit that they should have received. They did all of the, and I cannot say it, they did all of the dirty work. Hard work.” — John Lewis

Who were those sisters in faith? What was their involvement in the Civil Rights Movement? Please join us on Thursday, February 8th, as we explore the activism of women during the 50s and 1960s as they worked toward a shared goal of equality. Explore with us the effect/s of Jewish and Black women activists of the movement then and now.

This is the third of four programs in a series that has been examining 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.

Fran Hildebrandt
fhildebrandt@wlcj.org
WL Kehilah Co-Chair

Sunday, February 11, 2024

1:00 PM ET

Please join us to our next WL Reads selection, “The Choice” by Maggie Anton.

A powerful love story with a purpose: to challenge Jewish customs concerning women, marriage, and equality.

The award-winning author of "Rashi's Daughters", Maggie Anton, has written a wholly transformative novel that takes characters inspired by Chaim Potok and ages them into young adults in Brooklyn in the 1950s — a time of Elvis and Marilyn, communist scares and polio vaccines, postwar Jewish migration to Israel and America.

When journalist Hannah Eisin interviews Rabbi Nathan Mandel, a controversial Talmud professor, she persuades him to teach her the mysteries of the text forbidden to women though it might cost him his job if discovered. Secret meetings and lively discussions bring the two to the edge of a line neither dares to cross, testing their relationships with Judaism and each other.

Karen Block
kblock@wlcj.org
WL Reads Chair

Sunday, February 11, 2024

The Theme for World Wide Wrap 2024 is "Wrap for Israel"

Wrapping Tefillin
in Solidarity with Israel

Reach out to all club members and congregants. Encourage them to wrap tefillin in solidarity with the IDF soldiers and hostages who are unable to wrap themselves. 

This can be done by individuals or in groups. Please photograph the event and post your group photos and/or selfies on Facebook by tagging FJMC_hq. 

If you need assistance posting your photos on Facebook, please reach out to Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org

Here's a checklist of some action items clubs should now be addressing. 

1. Register on www.fjmc.org/www-registration website.
Be one of the top 50 and register now!

Remember, you must register your club to qualify for a Quality Club Award. 

2. Have a Plan for your Club's Wrap programming incorporating this year's theme, "Wrap for Israel" including the solidarity wrap initiative. 

3. Send out publicity now. 
Save the Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Thank you. 

Len Abrams
leonardabrams@yahoo.com
2024 World Wide Wrap Chair

Bill Becker
wbecker1919@gmail.com
2024 World Wide Wrap Co-Chair

Back by popular demand

BEFORE CAMELOT—Jews and the Musicals of the 1950s

The 1950s was a time of challenges for the American film industry. The musical helped save the industry, and many Jews were part of the creation of these wonderful films.

This course will investigate the great movie musical of the 1950s created by Jewish composers, lyrists, directors, and producers. Using film clips and discussions, the legacy of these great American movies will be explored.

Registration is open to WL members, in North America, you must log in to register for each class session. If you need assistance, please contact the office (405) 870-1260.

This course will be comprised of three stand-alone sessions (Class 1 was presented Jan 22, recording will be available next week):

Monday, February 19, 2024

3:00 PM ET

Class Two: The Jewish Masters of the Movie Musicals: Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Frank Loesser, Comden and Green, and Adler and Ross

Monday, March 18, 2024

3:00 PM ET

Class Three: The Jewish Producers, Directors, and Composers Behind Kiss Me Kate, High Society, Anything Goes, Kismet, and Summer Stock

Registration is open to International Sisters, outside of North America, you must register for one or all three sessions through here:

Lois Silverman
lsilverman@wlcj.org

Monday, February 19, 2024

7:30 PM ET

How can we truly include and embrace all diverse Jewish families? How might we move from “warm and welcoming” to full loving, celebratory acceptance?

Dr. Keren McGinity, USCJ’s Interfaith Specialist, and Rabbi Chaya Bender of B’nai Israel Congregation in Wilmington, NC, a past participant in the RA/USCJ Rimonim for Rabbis, will share a new narrative about intermarriage as an opportunity. We will learn ways to make Conservative Jewish spaces inviting for all families.

Interfaith inclusion will be the focus of two Keruv programs this year. The first session is offered on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 7:30 pm ET. The second one is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Ariana Burrows
ariana_b@verizon.net
WL Keruv Co-Chair

Ellie Kremer
Tel. (610) 724-6612

WL Keruv Co-Chair

Sunday, February 25, 2024

5:00 PM ET

Climate Change

What? Why? How?

Please join us as we uncover and discuss all the aspects of climate change with our panel of experts.

Mirele Goldsmith, PhD is an environmental psychologist, educator and activist. She is an expert in how to change human behavior to solve environmental problems to build a sustainable future. Making a difference on Capitol Hill with United States Vice President Kamala Harris. Mirele is Founder and co-chair of Jewish Earth Alliance.

Mark Elliot, was Meteorologist with the weather channel for almost 20 years, since 2004 and now is the Chief Meteorologist for AT&T. Mark is also known by his real name at AT&T as Mark (Elliot) Papier.

Dr. Thea Iberall from Jewish Climate Action Network (JCAN) has been around for ten years working through education, activism, and organizing to add an urgent and visionary Jewish voice to the climate crisis. We are connected to dozens of climate organizations as we specifically help congregants of Jewish communities to effect change by decreasing their carbon footprint, learn about climate advocacy, and get support for spiritual resilience in these times of anxiety.

Heddy Belman

hbelman@wlcj.org

WL Sustainability Co-Chair

Corinne Hammerschlag 

corinneh@rogers.com

WL Sustainability Co-Chair

Thursday, February 29, 2024

7:30 PM ET

The discussion continues with Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe, the first female deaf Rabbi to be ordained in the world.

"I heard God's call"

Learn what Women's League, our Sisterhood affiliates, and our congregations can do to raise awareness for inclusion of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

This is Part II of a two-part series. You need not have attended Part I to join. Please submit your questions or personal stories to our co-chairs listed below.

Grace Schlesser
gschessler@wlcj.org
WL Personal Conversations Co-Chair

Jani Majewski

artique40@aol.com

WL Personal Conversations Co-Chair

Rabbi Margie Cella

mcella@wlcj.org

WLCJ Educator

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.

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 Beshalach Exodus 13:17-17:16

January 27, 2024

Parashat Beshalach tells the dramatic story of our liberation from Egypt. The nation went out into the desert, guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Pharaoh regretted having let them go. Gathering 600 of his best chariots, he gave chase. The Israelites, trapped between the approaching Egyptian army and the waters of the Red Sea, cried out to Moses in fear. God told Moses to hold out his arm over the sea and the waters split, allowing the people to walk through on dry land. As the Egyptians followed them in, the waters closed on them, drowning them, thereby assuring the safety of the fledgling nation. In gratitude, Moses and the people sang a song of praise; Shirat haYam is a beautiful part of the daily Pesukei deZimrah prayers. Following the song, Miriam led the women in additional singing and dancing.

To sustain the people while they are in the desert, God provided manna, which appeared daily like dew on the grass.

The parashah concludes with the story of the battle with the people of Amalek. Whenever Moses would lift up his hands, the Israelites would prevail; when he put them down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur came and held them up. We all have times when we need to be supported; there are also times when we need to be the support for those around us who may be struggling. And it is so important to remember to offer support to our leaders, who sometimes feel weighed down by the necessity of supporting so many others. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh - All the people of Israel are responsible for one another. 

Many of you have already purchased and are enjoying my book, "Hindsight is 2020: Torah Lessons from a Turbulent Time." Now you can share it with your friends and benefit Women’s League at the same time.

Order one for yourself if you don’t yet have a copy!

Order books to give as gifts!

Order books to sell in your Judaica shop!

For every copy ordered by a WLCJ member or affiliate, I will donate 50% of the net proceeds to Women’s League.

Want an idea for a program for your membership?

I can do a Zoom book talk, where I discuss what motivated me to write this book, what the experience of writing it was like, and how the lessons from 2020 are still relevant today. As long as 10 or more books are purchased, there is no cost to your affiliate. The 50% proceeds will go to your Sisterhood or WLCJ—your choice.

Books can be purchased from my website:  

Order Form | My Site (rabbicella.com)

Questions? Email me at torah.hindsight2020@gmail.com

(Unfortunately, due to the high cost of mailing books internationally, this offer can only be honored in the United States. Those in Canada can purchase the book on Amazon)

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.

Zoom link can be found in WL Week. Please email info@wlcj.org if you are not in our mailing list.

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

Today, we solemnly mark the 100th day since the reprehensible Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. This tragic event not only claimed so many innocent lives, but also left an indelible mark on our hearts and communities. As we remember those we lost, our thoughts and prayers go out to the kidnapped victims and the families, all who continue to endure unimaginable pain and fear.

On this somber occasion, we stand united in our commitment to justice, peace, and the unwavering support of Israel and those affected by this act of terror. Our collective resolve remains strong, and we declare our determination to defeat Hamas ...

                                                    continue reading

Sandy Blumenthal

Consulting Services Chair

sblumenthal@wlcj.org

Anise Parnes

Consulting Services Vice Chair

aparnes@wlcj.org

Click here for → Lyrics to Daughters of Yisrael

Daughters of Yisrael, a song for Women’s League for Conservative Judaism by Rabbi Aviva Shira Funke is live and making its way into all streaming music platforms! Click on the icons below.

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 on November 14th among the approximately 300,000 participants at the National Mall, standing in solidarity with Israel.

You can find more photos that were shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If you have any that would like for us to share, please use (hashtag) #mywlcj on your social media posts.

You can also send us your photos by submitting them through our website: 

https://www.wlcj.org/contact-us/submit-a-photo/

Schechter's Community Learning Courses are Back!

Broaden your horizons with zoom or field trip English courses

Ethics: War

Bible: 10 Commandments

Literature: Fiddler on the Roof 

History: Italian Jewish Ghettos, Conversion in Jewish History 

Fieldtrips: Sufis & Jews; New Sites in Jerusalem

Art: Modern Israeli Art

Judaism: Pesach Seder

Four Mothers Tallit

Garden of Eden Tallit

Spirit of Israel Tallit

All prices include regular shipping (with tracking, 2-4 weeks). Express shipping costs an extra $20 per item.

Feb 7, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET

FLORIDA

Feb 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET

BQLI

Feb 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET

GARDEN STATE

Feb 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET

MID-ATLANTIC

RSVP Deadline: February 6th

Feb 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET

SOUTHERN

Feb 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET

INTERNATIONAL NORTHEAST

Do you have any upcoming programs that are virtual/hybrid?

Send it to info@wlcj.org to add it in WL Week.

To learn more, or email chair of WL GoogleGroups/Hebrew Classes, please click on the image:

WLCJ 5784 Calendar Diaries

Pocket Size = $11.00

Planner Size = $26.00

You may now order bulk quantities online.

WLCJ Convention 2023 Resources, please click on the image:

Invitation to the Seder Tu Bishvat in Hostage Square on the eve of Tu Bishvat. May the verse on the invitation speedily come to pass: "... every family shall sit under its own vine and fig tree, with no one to disturb them..." (Micah 4:4)

The Masorti Movement in Israel cordially invites you to join us at our Seder Tu Bishvat, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, on Wednesday, 24th January. You can join us in-person in Israel at 6 pm, or live on Facebook, at 11 am EST/8 am PST. Click here for Masorti Israel's Facebook page, where the seder will be broadcast.

We will use a specially compiled haggadah for the seder, which highlights the plight of our hostages, evacuees and soldiers, as well as calling for unity among our people. The seder will be graced by the presence of family members of the hostages, some of whom will take an active part... continue reading

Tu Bishvat is one of the four moments throughout the year that we use to measure a “new year.” In this case, the new year for Trees, marking their “birthday,” was established as part of our responsibilities to bring tithes to the Temple.

Over the centuries, it took on more mystical meanings, and a “seder” was created to celebrate the holiday. Borrowing the model of the Haggadah from Passover, the Tu Bishvat Seder provides a structured way to engage with Tu Bishvat.

In This Issue:

If not for the trees, human life could not exist. – Midrash Sifre on Deut. 20:19

Mental Health Tu B'Shvat Resources

Check Out Our Jewish Teen Gratitude Journal

Tu B'Shvat E-Cards

Mental Wellness Shop

If not for the trees, human life could not exist.
– Midrash Sifre on Deut. 20:19

Tu B’Shvat is a perfect time to practice gratitude and appreciate what we so often take for granted - nature. God tasked human beings with taking care of nature, but we must also recognize the care that nature gives us and use that gratitude to better ourselves. When used as part of our self-care, gratitude can play a large role in healing, both physically and mentally.  Use our resources to learn to cherish nature's beauty and nurture your humanity...

January 25, 2024

Tu Bishvat, the Jewish Earth Day, is a reminder to focus on the precious gifts offered up to us by Earth. All life is interconnected and dependent on the protection of the atmosphere, clean water and nourishing food. On this holiday we are called to speak up for policies to protect people and planet now and in the future. This Tu Bishvat, join together with Jews across the country to meet with Members of Congress to advocate for climate solutions. You’ll receive everything you need to be ready to participate in a virtual meeting with your Senators or their staff. These half-hour meetings take place online. Don’t delay, register now!

Friday, 26 January 2024

United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 

11:00 AM ET, United Nations Headquarters

The Holocaust Memorial Ceremony will be hosted by Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. Survivors of the Holocaust will share their testimonies along with invited speakers who include the United Nations Secretary-General; the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations. 

REGISTER HERE (Registration closes on Monday, 22 January 2024 at 12:00 p.m. EST)

Keeping to our Mission – Adjusting to the War

Focusing on our Responsibilities & Leveraging our Unique Capabilities

Olim Services - Serving 80K NBN Olim and Anglo Oleh community at large

• Financial grants for families impacted by the war

• Therapy and counseling services

• Financial grants to community initiatives during the war

• Weddings at cost in our Jerusalem Aliyah Campus

Lone Soldiers & their Families - Supporting 10,000 lone soldiers in active combat

• 24/7 Hotline & I Center for parents of Lone Soldiers

• Multilingual Broadcasts from IDF to Olim and families of Lone Soldiers

• Flights to Israel during the war for parents of Lone Soldiers

• Free Mental Health Support services for Lone Soldiers

• Attendance at every funeral and shiva of Lone Soldier

• Contact with families of captive Soldiers

• Tending to various urgent needs of Lone Soldier

Supporting Israel’s National Health Care System

• Assist Israel’s Ministry of Health compile a list of Physician volunteers from the Diaspora

• Serve as an official representative of the Ministry of Health, The Jewish Agency for Israel and Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, responsible for handling the technical logistics and costs of coordinating foreign physicians to come to Israel to assist the local healthcare system during the war

What Nefesh B’Nefesh is doing during the war. A must read. Pay particular attention to the last subject: “Supporting Israel’s National Health Care System”, want to learn what this includes?

Operation Hug -  a partnership between Nefesh B’Nefesh, Jewish National Fund USA and the F.I.D.F.. Know anyone who has a Lone Soldier currently serving in the I.D.F.? Send the father or mother’s name, email and mobile and/or suggest they contact Rabbi Paul Freedman.

Designed for rising Jewish leaders ages 22-30*

On this six-day journey through Poland, our community will explore the cities of Warsaw, Lublin, and Krakow; hold each other up in Zbylitowska Gora—the Children’s Forest, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and Treblinka; volunteer in cemeteries and local communities; meet with Jewish and non-Jewish peers; thank some of the families of Poland’s Righteous Among the Nations; and celebrate Shabbat in Krakow with the revitalized Jewish community and the work of the JCC Krakow.

We will work to fulfill our generation’s responsibility to remember, rebuild, and retell.

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...

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.

520 8th Avenue, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10018

Office: (405) 870-1260