The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Northeast District is encouraging all its members to register and vote Reform in the 2020 World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections. The WZC meets every five years, and is scheduled to meet in Jerusalem on October 20-23, 2020. The WZC helps determine the leadership of the Israel national institutions, influence policy in Israel and worldwide, and provide financial support and other resources to Jewish institutions and programs.

Why is it important to participate in the WZC 2020 elections? Because the WZC is the only legislative body representing all Jews, worldwide. Casting your vote for the Reform slate will help send Reform delegates to the 2020 World Zionist Congress, the parliament of the Jewish people. The U.S. delegates are crucial for the Reform Movement in Israel and around the world. The last American delegation to attend the WZC was the largest single delegation outside Israel, with 145 delegates. By voting Reform, we are supporting our Reform Movement to continue to build a democratic society in Israel that truly reflects WRJ values such as pluralism, equality, social advocacy, economic justice, and peace.

Who is eligible to vote? Anyone who is a U.S. resident, at least 18 years of age, Jewish, willing to acknowledge the platform of the World Zionist Organization, and pays the small processing fee to cover the administrative cost of the elections.

How do I register and vote? The online polls for registration and voting will remain open until March 11 (the day after Purim). All voting will be completed online, and is accessible from mobile devices. It is a simple process and should take 60-90 seconds to complete. For more information go to this ARZA webpage. When you are ready to vote, CLICK HERE to VOTE.

In addition to voting in the WZC elections, this month we will celebrate Tu BiShvat, the New Year for Trees, on February 10. I encourage you all to vote and take a walk in nature, plant a tree in memory of someone, or just beautify and appreciate your surroundings. Now is an excellent time to plant some parsley seeds in a small container so that they will be ready to harvest in time for Passover.

Best wishes for a meaningful Tu BiShvat – and Vote Reform!

Carmen Holzman
Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, Connecticut

Learn about the Massachusetts ROE Act and the history and current politics of abortion. Find out what you can do to help protect reproductive rights if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Click here for more information and registration

I am honored to be representing WRJ at the United Nations. So, what does that mean? WRJ has NGO (non-governmental organization) status at the UN. The other representatives from WRJ and I go to meetings and events sponsored by different NGOs. We look for meetings and events that align with the values of WRJ.

I would like to tell you about one of the events I attended recently. In November, I went to an event at the UN that was sponsored by the Missions of Senegal and Uganda, to commemorate the anniversary of Universal Children’s Day. The title of the event was Achieving Menstrual Equity and Keeping Girls in School: Raising Awareness and Improving Access to Feminine Hygiene Products.

This event was attended by women and men from various organizations and governments, as well as students attending local universities. It was fascinating to hear from a speaker from Uganda and to realize that they have taken steps to ensure that many women and girls have access to free pads and that both girls and boys are taught about puberty and menstruation in school, thereby lessening the stigma that is associated with menstruation. This is certainly not happening in many places in the U.S.

The support that was given to the presenters was wonderful to see and hear. And, once again, I was reminded of the tagline of WRJ, that we are truly stronger together.

– Vivian Blumstein

WRJ has announced that its 2019 Choice Grant will be awarded to the Leo Baeck Education Center for its work in Arab-Jewish summer day camps. In addition to being a fun-filled experience, these unique summer programs build trust and confidence between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish children in Haifa, Israel, who have few opportunities to be together, get to know one another, and share positive experiences. This grant is being made through WRJ's YES Fund.
Learn more about the Leo Baeck Education Center Summer Program.

WRJ is offering Incubator Grants of $500-$2,500 to WRJ sisterhoods and women’s groups for creative programs that promote one or more of WRJ’s three S’s: sisterhood, spirituality, or social good. WRJ is looking specifically for programs that encourage tikkun olam, promote Reform Jewish values, create caring communities, and/or cultivate spiritual or personal growth in its participants. Get the details here.

Apply for a 2019-2020 WRJ Incubator Grant HERE.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2020, or until funds are depleted.

Want more information? Read the FAQ. Have questions? Contact WRJ Engagement Associate Jenny Levy at jelevy@wrj.org or (212) 650-4060.

Wondering what groups do with their Incubator Grants? Here's a photo of this year’s Chanukah Gelt Mosaic project by the Sisterhood of Temple Israel, Staten Island, NY.