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News from the Northeast
November 2, 2021
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This eblast is sent from northeast@wrj.org.
Please add this address to your Contacts so you won't miss our news.
If this email is clipped, click "View entire message" at the end of the eblast.
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In This Issue (These links may not work on all devices)
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Message from Michelle Rosen
Vice President, WRJ Northeast District Here we are on Election Day and many of us are thinking, "I've done my part. I've voted today." But many U.S. citizens are unable to vote due to voting restrictions and/or inaccessibility to polling places. Over the past few years voting laws have become more restrictive, limiting the ability of some U.S. citizens to get to a ballot box - especially people of color and those who might not speak English fluently.
The Torah calls us to pursue justice, care for the stranger, the widow, the orphan, and the Mishnah calls on us to repair the world (Tikkun Olam). As Reform Jews we have an obligation to be responsible and active in all aspects of our community, including choosing its leaders - just as Solomon's succession to the throne was ratified by "all the people." By casting our ballot and ensuring that others have the ability to cast theirs we are performing the mitzvah/obligations that we are tasked with by G-d.
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC) – along with WRJ, URJ, CCAR, ARZA, and several other Jewish organizations – is working hard to pass "The Freedom to Vote Act" and "The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act" to ensure accessibility to voting rights for all.
I urge each of you to get involved with the RAC's Call-in Days, November 8-11, by calling your senators and asking them to please support the two voting rights acts that are coming before them. If you prefer, you can fill out a form that the RAC will use to send a letter to Congress on your behalf. You will find more information on how you can help to obtain voting equality for all on WRJ's "Advocacy & Social Justice" webpage and in the Advocacy section of the Northeast District's "What We Do" webpage. As I close this plea today asking you to vote and to support voting reform, I'd like to share a prayer with you written by Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak Winer, RJE.
ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם
שמצפה מאיתנו לעסוק בעבודת אזרחות המדינה
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam,
she–metzapeh me’itanu l’asok b’avodat ezrachut ha’medina.
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe,
who expects us to engage as citizens in our country.
It is my hope and prayer that our acts of social action and social advocacy help to bring permanent change ensuring true social justice.
Michelle Rosen
B'nai Israel, Southbury, Connecticut
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It is not too late to register! Presenters will include: Psychologist Dr. Robert Brooks
Rabbi Julie Bressler
Cantor Melanie Cooperman
WRJ President Sara Charney
WRJ Northeast District President Sharon Sobel
WRJ Northeast District Board Member Suzy Gelman This event will be presented online from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a siesta break.
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| More Upcoming Events
~ Join us online ~
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October 31 - November 7
Celebrate Light: Holiday Auction From URJ camp swag to jewelry, homemade food, and much more, you will find something for everyone on your gift list.
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Thursday, November 4, 8 p.m.
Jewish Women's Archive
25th Anniversary Celebration In honor of the JWA's twenty-fifth anniversary, join us for a celebration of the historical achievements and leadership of Jewish women. Invite your family, friends, and community for a virtual trip through the archives. This will be a multi-generation and spirited event for everyone!
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Sunday, November 7, 7 p.m.
Look Who's Talking: Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna Join Temple Beth Am (Framingham, MA) for a discussion of "White Supremacy and Antisemitism: Lessons from the Insurrection," with Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History and Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. See the flyer for details.
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Wednesday, November 10, 8 p.m.
Gendered Judaism: He, She, They – It's Complicated In recent years, conversations about gender have been eye-opening and challenging. For women's groups, gender equality begs the question of the continuing need for gender-based programs. At the same time, there is a growing demand for dedicated opportunities for particular demographic cohorts to gather in small group settings, including gender-segregated ones.
WRJ Executive Director, Rabbi Marla Feldman, will dive deep into the topic of gender and single-gendered programming in a non-binary world.
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Sunday, November 14, 10 a.m.
Keeping Children Safer Online Temple B'rith Kodesh Sisterhood (Rochester, NY) invites you to join them for a presentation about online safety. The presentation, provided by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, is geared for parents and guardians of children in grades K-12. The presentation will focus on the following topics:
- Facts on online risks and trends
- Tips for keeping children safer online
- Reporting options
- Videos and other resources
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Tuesday, November 16, 7 p.m.
Tribute to Rabbi Sally J. Priesand
Congregation Sha'aray Shalom (Hingham, MA) invites you to a tribute to Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, the United States' first female rabbi. She was ordained 50 years ago by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. From 1981-2006, she served as the rabbi of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinto Falls, New Jersey.
Nationally, Rabbi Priesand served on the Executive Board of both the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union for Reform Judaism. She also served as a member of the Board of Governors of HUC-JIR, as President of the Rabbinic Alumni Association, and as editor of the CCAR Newsletter.
The evening is also a tribute to Rabbi Shira Joseph as she prepares to retire after serving Congregation Sha'aray Shalom for 20 years.
To attend this event, contact Audrey Himelhock here.
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Tuesday, November 16, 8 p.m.
Film, Fiction, and Fine Wine: The Matzah Ball Join us for a conversation with Jean Meltzer, author of the book, The Matzah Ball, described by Barnes & Noble and Publisher's Weekly as a charming Hanukkah rom-com!
A small group discussion will follow.
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Thursday, November 18, 7 p.m.
The Importance of Jewish News Join B'nai Israel Sisterhood (Southbury, CT) for a discussion about the importance of Jewish news and why it needs to exist in today's world. Rabbi Eric Polokoff and Arno Rosenfeld, staff reporter at The Forward, will discuss the relevance of Jewish news.
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Thursday, November 18, 7 p.m.
Voting Rights Update What challenges do we face with voting rights? How can we help ensure the opportunity to vote is extended to all eligible voters?
Join Rabbi Samantha Natov in conversation with Jasleen Singh from the Brennan Center and Lee Winkelman, field team organizer for RAC-New York, as we explore the current state of voting rights across the county.
Sponsored by the Domestic Civil Liberties Task Force and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (New York, NY).
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Sisterhood News Temple Isaiah Sisterhood's Mitzvah Project Sisterhood members and teen helpers from Temple Isaiah in Lexington, Massachusetts, held their first-ever Surplus for Tzedahak event. The group collected over two tons of clothing and three truckloads of furniture for Cradles to Crayons, Second Chances, and Household Goods, all of which are local organizations.
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News from WRJ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grants After a successful first year of funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, WRJ is offering another round of grants. These grants, funded through WRJ’s YES (Youth, Education & Special Projects) Fund, are intended to uplift Jewish organizations committed to promoting DEI in creative ways within the Jewish community. If chosen, a grantee will typically receive between $5,000-$10,000 for a one-year period.
Apply by November 12.
Women's Empowerment Award Nominations Now Open Do you know women who are changemakers? Do you know women who are dedicated to advancing the roles of other women and creating a safer and more just world?
Please nominate someone and share this opportunity with your wider circle. As women who have been at the forefront of change for more than a century, WRJ wants to recognize the next generation of innovative women. Think outside the normal channels and nominate those who inspire you to do and be better.
We look forward to reading numerous applications!
WRJ Website Migration WRJ moved its website to a new platform on August 1. Some content has been moved to a new webpage. You can use the search function, the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner of each webpage, to locate content that has been moved.
Note: The link to our homepage is still wrj.org/northeast, but links to our other webpages have changed and may need to be updated by your Marketing & Communications team.
Changes to the WRJ Shop The WRJ Shop will continue selling traditional Uniongrams and Goldengrams, but it is phasing out other notes and products. Check shop inventory here. Product orders may be placed by calling 212-650-4050 or by emailing info@wrj.org.
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Call to Action: Reform Movement Initiatives It is easy to make your voice heard. The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism has created a series of forms that you can use to contact your legislators in the U.S. Congress. Please support these important initiatives for women's health, voting rights, and racial justice.
Support the Freedom to Vote
November 8-11 – As part of the Racial Justice Campaign, the Religious Action Center is hosting a call-in to urge the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and fight voter suppression. The Freedom to Vote is a broad bill that will establish national standards for federal elections, make Election Day a federal holiday, and create a transparent process that all Americans can trust. Be part of the team. Join us and call your senators!
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Other News Applications for JewV'Nation The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is accepting applications for the 2022 Jews of Color (JOC) JewV'Nation Fellowship Cohort. It is anticipated that the Jews of Color leadership cohort will have a measurable impact on important Jewish institutions and leadership bodies within the Reform movement and beyond.
Applications are due on November 19.
Applications for the Commission on Social Action The Commission on Social Action inspires and implements the social justice policy positions of the Reform Movement through education, programming advocacy, and leadership development. The Commission is looking for committed social justice leaders to start a two-year term that will start in January 2022.
Applications are due on November 26.
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| Calendar and Other Resources
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| Calendar November is National Caregivers
Appreciation Month
November 2 Election Day (U.S.)
November 6 Northeast District Virtual Shabbat
November 7 Northeast District Virtual Board meeting; daylight saving time ends
November 11 Remembrance Day (Canada)/ Veterans Day (U.S)
November 25 Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)
November 28 First night of Hanukkah
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| | Request an Online Speaker
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Your sisterhood is entitled to a district speaker without expense to your sisterhood
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| The RAC has established a series of call‑to‑action petitions:
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| 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
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| Tools & Resources Northeast Resources
WRJ Resources
WRJ Programs
Other Resources
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| Did You Know. . . A Sweet Potato Casserole Without Marshmallows This has been a favorite Thanksgiving casserole since my sons were in middle school. As adults, my sons now live in Europe, and their favorite Thanksgiving dish has now become their favorite dish for any time of the year that they are in the U.S.
Mix together:
- 3 eggs, well beaten
- 2 cups of cooked and mashed sweet potatoes or one drained large can of yams
- 1 cup of sugar if cook mashed potatoes used; 1/2 cup of sugar if canned yams are used
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1/3 cup milk
Pour into a 9" X 9" square baking dish.
For the topping, mix together:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 2 1/2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts
Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mix. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.
Have fun with the recipe by exchanging ingredients such as margarine for butter, almond milk or reduced-fat milk for whole milk, sugar substitute for regular sugar, a round baking dish for a square baking dish. You could even add a few marshmallows if you long for a traditional sweet potato casserole.
Lani A. Dunthorn
WRJ Northeast Area Director
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| The Board of the Northeast District of Women of Reform Judaism Wishes our Sisters in the United States
a Very Happy Thanksgiving
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| The Board of the Northeast District of Women of Reform Judaism Wishes our Sisters a Happy Hanukkah
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The next eblast will be sent on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
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