Share this:
|
|
News from the Northeast
September 6, 2022
| |
This eblast is sent from northeast@wrj.org.
Please add this address to your Contacts so you won't miss our news.
| |
In This Issue (These links may not work on all devices)
| |
Message from Sharon Sobel
President, WRJ Northeast District
To everything there is a season. Perhaps no turning in the year is as cherished in tradition as autumn, the start of school, reconnecting with friends and family, and the celebrations of our Jewish New Year. A new school year offers the promise of intellectual exploration and discovery. Engagement in WRJ and our sisterhoods necessitates planning ahead for a year of meaningful programming. Our customs and rituals allow us time to evaluate and reflect. And as the season changes, we move forward, hopeful and full of anticipation.
The women of the Northeast District have enjoyed a summer of gatherings, celebrations, and enthusiastic planning for the seasons ahead. But even as we appreciate the fragility of such plans, many of us were surprised and saddened by the resignation of our remarkable first vice president. Carmen Holzman is a beloved member of our community, contributing to our organization and its mission throughout her long tenure. Her compassion and commitment are recognized and appreciated by all. She kept tabs on more than sixty sisterhoods in our district, and visited many of them over the years. Friendships borne of shared sorrows and joys will endure. Carmen came to her difficult decision after much reflection, and we will miss her calm words, insights, and vision of leadership. She has left us with a legacy of accomplishments.
But we had to revise our plan for the future. Our nominating committee, already convened in expectation of recommending a slate for the 2023-2026 term, quickly met to present a candidate to serve as interim first vice president. I am proud to announce how efficiently this process was accomplished – and delighted to welcome Marilyn Shebshaievitz as our interim first vice president and Yvette Bergman as a new vice president, serving in the position Marilyn vacated. Both women have worked tirelessly and with distinction through these past years. They were approved by acclamation by our executive committee on July 27, and their new responsibilities commenced the following morning.
With the inevitable reflections that come with the new season, we also voice our gratitude: for all we have, for our ability to make choices, for those we love. Among so many other things, we are grateful for this community of women, to whom we turn for support and understanding, and to our future.
With best wishes for a new year of joy, peace, hope and health.
Sharon Sobel
Temple B'nai Chaim, Georgetown, CT
| |
| Upcoming Events ~ All events are virtual unless otherwise noted ~
| |
Wednesday, September 7, 7:30 p.m.
Women in the Rabbinate: Poetry, Art and Torah Join CCAR Press and the Women’s Rabbinic Network to celebrate the launch of the summer 2022 issue of CCAR's journal, "The Reform Jewish Quarterly", dedicated to “Fifty Years of Women in the Rabbinate.” This issue gathers a wide range of perspectives reflecting on the decades since the ordination of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand in 1972 and where we stand today. The event will feature the journal editor and guest editors in conversation with several contributors, who will share poetry, visual art, and words of Torah. Part of the CCAR Press Speaker Series.
| |
Thursday, September 8, 15, and 22, 8:00 p.m.
Jewish Women's Archive Book Club Join us on the following evenings to hear three authors speak about their books.
- September 8, Dahlia Lithwick, author of Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America.
- September 15, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author of Shanda: A Memoir of Shame and Secrecy.
- September 22, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World.
You must register for each series of JWA Book Talks in order to receive the Zoom link. Register once to access all talks in the series. You must register even if you have attended JWA Book Talks before.
| |
Monday, September 12, 8:00 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah Cooking Class During this WRJ workshop, you will learn how to make roasted butternut squash, harissa & feta bourekas that will be a unique addition to your holiday table, all while paying tribute to this Sephardic tradition. You will also get to learn about the history of bourekas and more about Sephardic high holiday food traditions with Kat Romanow of "The Wandering Chew."
| |
Thursday, September 15, 7:30 p.m.
In person event: So...You Wanna be a Star?
Don't miss the opportunity to join Temple Har Zion Sisterhood, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada as they present "So...You Wanna Be A Star? " with Jada Rifkin. She will tell stories from a Canadian musical theatre actor's perspective.
| |
Monday, September 19, 7:30 p.m
Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice in Canada
Should we in Canada be concerned about the demise of Roe vs Wade?Presented in partnership with Reform Jewish Community of Canada and Women of Reform Judaism. Sponsored by Women of Holy Blossom Temple.
| |
Tuesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.
WRJ Says STOP: How to Build a Safe and Transparent Synagogue Community
Join Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) for the first webinar STOP: An Initiative Against Sexual Harassment and Assault, where we will learn how to lower the barriers to open conversation and real change. Together, we ALL can educate and empower ourselves so that a culture of harassment and gender-based violence cannot flourish. Together we can help shape and preserve safer environments in our synagogues and communities. Let us provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to help make our spiritual homes places where everyone is safe, valued, heard, and treated with respect.
| |
Thursday, September 22, 8:00 p.m.
Reproductive Rights: A Conversation with Sheila Katz Join us as Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), an organization of more than 200,000 advocates who make change happen at the local, state and national levels. Sheila was named as one of the top 10 faith influencers in 2021 by Religion News Service, as one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world in 2020 by the Jerusalem Post, and as one of 2020’s faith leaders to watch by the Center for American Progress. Sponsored by MRJ, in partnership with WRJ, the RAC, and NCJW.
| |
Holiday Bake Sale to Benefit the Yes Fund
Order by September 14 Just in time for the holidays - a bake sale featuring goodies from Sweet Seidner's.
| |
Executive Committee Nominations
for WRJ Northeast District
Deadline September 16, 2022 The deadline for applications for positions on the 2023-2026 Northeast District Executive Committee is Friday, September 16, 2022. Please set aside some time to fill out and submit your application.
The job descriptions can be found HERE. The application can be found HERE. Questions? Contact Trina Novak, Nominating Committee Chair, at 617-549-2023 or kermittf8@gmail.com.
| |
Northeast District Fund Make a gift to WRJ Northeast District Fund (NDF) to say thank you, happy birthday, mazel tov, or to send get well wishes or condolences to your family members and friends. An acknowledgment will be emailed to each person whose email address is provided.
The NDF enables the Northeast District to support our sisterhoods, women’s groups, and individual members.
| |
2021-2022 WRJ Northeast District Honor Roll
| |
Roll of Chai Honor
Temple B'nai Torah Sisterhood - Wantagh, NY
Temple Concord Sisterhood - Binghamton, NY
Women of Am Echad - Lynbrook, NY
Roll of Special Merit
Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth Sisterhood - Rockville Centre, NY
Sisterhood of The Community Synagogue - Port Washington, NY
Temple Israel Sisterhood, Staten Island, NY
Roll of Honor
Congregation Beth Emeth Sisterhood - Albany, NY
Reform Temple of Rockland County - Nyack, NY
Temple Beth Am Sisterhood - Framingham, MA
Temple Emanuel Sisterhood - Andover, MA
Temple Israel of Northern Westchester Sisterhood - Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Temple Tikvah Sisterhood - New Yyde Park, NY
Vassar Temple SIsterhood - Poughkeepsie, NY
Women's Leadership Council of Temple Israel - New York, NY
Thank you for making WRJ stronger!
| |
Selected Blogs The Accidental (Repro) Advocate In her blog, Shoshana Dweck, who lives in New York, tells her story about how a little local shopping trip turned her into an accidental local reproductive rights and access advocate.
Parshat Pinchas
Michelle Rosen tells us how the Torah Portion, Parshat Pinchas, reminds us that women have always needed to assert themselves to be treated equally.
| |
News from WRJ Reproductive Health and Rights
WRJ is a leading advocate for reproductive rights and health and continues to oppose state and federal restrictions that limit access to birth control and safe abortion services.
The following links provide information on what you can do to ensure the reproductive rights and health of all women.
| |
WRJ North America Board Nomination Applications are Due September 15
If you are a member of WRJ who wants to provide input on the direction of social justice initiatives for the Reform Movement, participate in the future of Reform and Progressive Judaism, contribute your expertise to WRJ, and connect and build community with diverse women across North America, then being a WRJ North America Board is for you.
Applications are due on Thursday, September 15.
| |
Area Director Training
September 21
WRJ Member Services will be providing training opportunities. The training will focus on the ways to present the value of WRJ to members as well as provide a space to share information and issues.
Additional information is available on the Area Director page of Yammer. If you are not already registered for YAMMER, contact Heather Lorgeree in the WRJ office and she can help you.
The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 21, at 8:00 pm.
| |
Or Ami Award Applications
Due September 23 Has your sisterhood led an incredible program or project that deserves recognition? For the past 50 years, WRJ Or Ami's "Light of My People" Awards celebrate exemplary social justice, community service, and educational programming that can serve as a model for other WRJ Districts and sisterhoods.
Details about this award can be found on the WRJ website. Applications for the 2023 Or Ami Awards are open now through September 23.
| |
Sisterhood Leadership Webinar
November 1
Sisterhood Presidents and guests are invited to attend the second session in a two-part series covering being a STAR (Strategic, Team Building, Artful Leadership, and Resources) President.
Save the date for So You're the Leader...Now What?-Session 2 on November 1.
| |
| If this email is clipped, click "View Entire Message" at the end of the eblast to ensure that you have not missed any important updates and information.
| |
Short Fiction Contest
The Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Short Fiction Contest encourages writers to submit stories related to Judaism or Jewish culture or history. Entries are due by September 30.
| |
The Helen Diller Family Foundation 2023 Teen Tikkun Olam Awards Each year the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards up to $36,000 each for up to 15 teen leaders in recognition for their work to repair the world.
Do you know a teen leader in your community? Nominations and applications are open through December 23. Read about eligibility and criteria, follow the awards on social media, and subscribe to the newsletter to learn more and stay updated.
| |
Every Week Campaign Call
Part of the RAC's 2022 Every Voice, Every Vote campaign. Sign up once and attend any or all of these virtual events:
- September 8, 6:00 p.m. - Phonebanking in Florida with RAC-FL and Florida Rising
- September 14, 5:15 p.m. - Phonebanking with New Georgia Project and Commemorating Disability Voting Rights Week
- September 21, 8:00 p.m. - High School Voter Registration Week
| |
Urge Your State Representatives to Protect Abortion Rights
Following the Dobbs decision, your state legislature has the power to protect abortion access through legislation, ballot initiatives, and more. Urge your governor and state legislators to protect and expand abortion rights.
| |
A Selection of U.S. Federal Initiatives It is easy to make your voice heard. The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has created a series of forms that you can use to contact your legislators in the U.S. Congress. Please support these important initiatives.
You can display each RAC form by clicking its image below.
| |
|  |
Support Environmental Justice
| |  | Tell Congress to Prohibit Assault Weapons
| |  | Protect and Expand Health Care
| |
| | |
| Calendar and Other Resources
| |
|
| Calendar September is
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
September 14 Deadline for Bake Sale
September 15 WRJ North American Board of Directors applications due
September 16 Northeast District Executive Committee applications due
September 21 WRJ Area Director training
September 17 Selichot
September 23 Or Ami applications due
September 26 Rosh Hashanah
October 5 Yom Kippur
Save the Date October 30 Northeast Board of Directors meeting
November 1 Second Sisterhood Leadership webinar
March 23-26, 2023 Northeast District Convention
| |
| New sisterhood presidents and women's group leaders! Please complete the LEADERSHIP INFORMATION FORM so that we can update our records and keep you informed with news, events, advocacy alerts, and more
| |
|
| Tools & Resources Northeast Resources
WRJ Resources
WRJ Programs
Other Resources
| |
| | Request an Online Speaker
| |
Your sisterhood is entitled to a district speaker without expense to your sisterhood
| |
|
|
Did You Know? To honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg on her Yahrzeit - September 25, 2022 (29 Elul)
When Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice, she became the second woman to sit on the court and the first female Jewish justice. She was born on March 15, 1933. In 1970, she co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and argued six gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court between 1973 and 1976, winning five. Rather than asking the court to end all gender discrimination at once, Ginsburg charted a strategic course, taking aim at specific discriminatory statutes and building on each successive victory. She chose plaintiffs carefully, at times picking male plaintiffs to demonstrate that gender discrimination was harmful to both men and women. Following a vacancy in the Supreme Court in 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated her for the seat. Throughout her career on the Supreme Court bench, Bader-Ginsburg became a pop culture icon due to her carefully-crafted and fiery dissents.
On September 18, 2020, Ruth Bader Ginsburg died after a battle with cancer. During a ceremony following the arrival of the casket, Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt said, “As a lawyer she won equality for women and men, not in one swift victory, but brick by brick case by case.” The dissents Ginsburg made became so famous for they “were not cries of defeat,” Holtzblatt said. “They were blueprints for the future. (Source: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/ruth-bader-ginsburg)
| |
The Board of the Northeast District of Women of Reform Judaism Wishes You and Your Family a Very Happy and Healthy Rosh Hashanah
| | | |
Share this newsletter by using one of the "Share this" icons at the top of the newsletter.
The next eblast will be sent on Tuesday, October 4.
| |
|
| | | Women of Reform Judaism | 633 Third Avenue | New York, NY 10017-6778 US
| |
