the councillor

the councillor
Spring/Summer 2013
Awards & Installation
Luncheon
Friday, June 21
10:30am – 1:30pm
Join friends to celebrate the people
and contributions of the Chicago North
Shore Section of NCJW.
This annual luncheon features the
installation of the 2013-2014 NCJW
Board, wonderful food and great
company and conversation.
This
year’s
event
will
honor
Ellen Stafman for her contributions to the
two soup kitchens that NCJW services
in Evanston, and to our two performing
troupes, Council Cues and Clowning Around
(now retired).
Please join us in celebration of our
wonderful community service volunteers.
Invitations will be mailed in April.
An Evening in an Artist’s Home
Wednesday, May 29
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Join friends for an intimate evening at the Highland Park
home of artist Jill Hurwitz. An artist in multiple media,
teacher, and longtime member of NCJW, Jill’s beautiful
and unique designs fill her home and will make this
an evening to remember.
Tour Jill’s modern home designed by architect Ernest
Alton (Tony) Grunsfeld, where house and ravine meet.
Experience Jill’s artwork and her collections of pottery,
paintings, sculptures, and drawings from across the
globe.
Guests can also visit Jill’s home studio, where
some of the artist’s works will be for sale, with
a portion of the proceeds generously donated to
NCJW.
Contact Donna at [email protected] or
847.853.8889 to join the planning or host
committee for this event.
Wine, appetizers, and desserts will be
served.
For more information or to RSVP,
please visit the Section website
(www.ncjwcns.org) and search
under events.
Visit our website,
www.ncjwcns.org, for details
as they become available.
It all started when...
In 1893, Hannah G. Solomon of Chicago was
asked to organize the participation of Jewish
women in the Chicago World’s Fair. When Hannah
and her recruits discovered that participation was
not substantive, but would consist of pouring coffee
and other hostess duties, they walked out. Hannah
then took matters into her own hands, building on
the courageous action and volunteer work she had
been leading for years. By the end of the World’s
Fair, Hannah and the accompanying delegate body
of women had founded the National Council of
Jewish Women, changing forever the role of Jewish
women and the nature of volunteerism.
Today, 120 years later, NCJW remains distinct
among organizations—courageous, compassionate,
powerful, and, above all, pioneering.
Help celebrate NCJW’s 120th anniversary! Watch
for upcoming events, or go to ncjwcns.org.
Fabulous Finds and Fashion Finesse!
Sunday, April 14
Join us at our fabulous upscale resale shop, Encore & More, in downtown
Wilmette, for a fantastic evening of treasure troving, as we receive expert fashion advice from local
wardrobe consultant and stylista, Gina Clark! Gina has been working as a professional wardrobe
consultant for the last four years and currently works for Macy’s as a Macy’s By Appointment
Executive. In addition to wardrobing and shopping the store for clients, she handles corporate
sales and hosts educational seminars on dressing appropriately for the workplace. Gina will help us
choose fashions that most embrace and flatter our personal style.
• • •
Shalom Chicago, History of Jewish Chicago
Tuesday, April 23, 11:00am
Take a docent-led tour of the Museum’s exhibition and discover a rich array of personal stories; each
example illustrating how Jewish immigrants and their descendants adapted to modern American
society while retaining an age-old religious and cultural identity.
Shalom Chicago features more than three hundred artifacts and images, compelling A/V programs,
and engaging interactive experiences organized into three main sections. The exhibit makes direct
connections to Chicago history, illustrating how Jews have been an integral part of the city’s history
and made many significant contributions to its growth and development.
We’ve changed our look! For Upcoming Events, see page 4.
— presidents’ message
For this Presidents’ Report, we thought we would
release a powerful and heart-felt article by our very
own Carole Levine, Vice President of NCJW
(National). We think her words speak for all of
us. With the 120th anniversary on our heels,
we are reminded of the great work of our
NCJW founder, Hannah Solomon.
NCJW was founded in Chicago in 1893
by Jewish socialite Hannah Greenebaum
Solomon. She raised her voice when told that the proper role for Jewish women at
the 1893 Conference of Religions was to serve tea! Hannah’s response was to
hold her own meetings for Jewish women and that resulted in the establishment
of NCJW. In its earliest days, NCJW was on the forefront of women’s suffrage, civil
rights, immigrant rights and reproductive justice for women. Those same issues,
voting rights, civil and human rights, immigration reform, and reproductive justice
remain a part of the NCJW agenda. It is the voices of the amazing, articulate
women who speak up and speak out for those who are oppressed and the victims
of injustice that continually inspire me to raise my own voice.
The suppression of women was common in Biblical times and that suppression
continues to this day.When women speak, attention is paid to what they wear and
not to their words. When women seek equity to their male counterparts, they are
often ignored, held back, isolated or slapped down. As women in this country earn
less than men in equal positions, and as the most personal of women’s medical
and moral decisions are legislated away, the need for women’s voices becomes
critical. The suppression of women, worldwide, is acknowledged and bemoaned by
NCJW Chicago North Shore Gets Free Public Relations From
New York Firm!
In February 2013, the branding and public relations firm of MaciasPR LLC
announced that NCJW CNS will be given two months of free PR based
on a compelling application written by Julie Newman, our Membership and
Programming Director. Macias is donating their services as a way of saying
thank you to nonprofits working on a limited budget.
While surfing the web for creative ways to get free PR for NCJW, Julie
stumbled upon a blog announcing the contest. She wrote a 500-word
essay describing why NCJW Chicago North Shore should receive free PR,
including how our efforts benefit society. And we won!
many, but few actually speak out to make change. And those women who do raise
their voices often pay a very high cost, endangering their own lives and the lives of
those they love. And yet they continue to speak out.
Today, women’s voices are being cut off in many places in the world. In Israel,
women cannot pray, sing, read Torah or speak out loud at the Western Wall; are
told to move to the back of the bus in deference to men; and taken to task for
“immodest” dress. In other nations, educating women is seen as a crime and 14
year-old girls are shot for speaking out about the value of educated women. But
women are raising their voices and demanding to be heard...not just for their own
well-being, but for the well-being of the future of others.
When women’s voices are heard, we often hear the voice of reason.When women’s
voices are heard, we hear a focus on solutions over winning.When women’s voices
are heard, we add the power of their intellect, passion, and compassion to the
discussion. We need to listen, encourage and support those voices. We need to
add our own voices, female and male, to that chorus. Just as Miriam merged from
the shadows to lead the women in song at the Red Sea, other brave women are
stepping out of the shadows and stepping up to be heard. Miriam’s voice, and
the voices of women everywhere, signal a movement to a more just, equal and
peaceful world. As I continue to speak up, my voice is informed by my Jewish values
and by my woman’s perspective. The voices of women, like our Biblical sisters,
together with ours, make a difference in the world.
B’Shalom, Susan and Donna
Mark Macias, founder of MaciasPR and PRHelp.co, knows the secrets to
successful nonprofit PR. As a former Executive Producer with WNBC
and Senior Producer with WCBS in New York, he has approved story
ideas from publicists, reporters and producers. MaciasPR has run local and
national PR campaigns for small, large and international nonprofits, getting
them publicity inside some of the most influential newspapers, magazines,
radio and TV outlets. The firm is based in New York City.
Macias will be assisting our section with getting some press around our
important work on domestic violence in the Chicago area.
So stay tuned for more about NCJW — in the News!
Tweet with NCJW! Follow NCJW Chicago North Shore in real time! Receive news
and updates on Twitter! Search NCJW on twitter.com.
Friend us on Facebook! Keep up with NCJW friends and events online. Search
NCJW Chicago North Shore.
• • •
Receive
your
NCJW
Councillor
electronically
and
ensure
dues
and
donations go toward important community service and advocacy programs
instead of administrative costs. To sign up, simply email your name (and email address) to
[email protected]
We need your e-mail. if you aren’t receiving e-mail from
us, you’re missing our bi-monthly e-news. Please email us at
[email protected] so you won’t miss any NCJW news about
programming and action alerts.
Don’t Miss Out! Check your bulletins, e-news and our website for updated programming information.
Programs are added to our calendar frequently throughout the programming year but we don’t always have
sufficient time to send out flyers or invitations to our members’ mailboxes. Visit our website for the most
current information and to join our e-news. www.ncjwcns.org
•2•
NCJW Chicago North Shore Office
1107 Central St., Wilmette, IL 60091
847.853.8889
[email protected]
• • • Communication
[email protected]
• • • Community Service, Encore, LFF
[email protected]
• • • Encore&More Resale Shop
[email protected]
• • • Luggage for Freedom
[email protected]
• • • Membership
[email protected]
• • • Public Policy & Advocacy
[email protected]
• • • Tributes
[email protected]
your NCJW: special features —
Staff Profile: Melissa Prober
Meet Melissa Prober, NCJW’s Membership Services Coordinator. Melissa is responsible for our fabulous website, the e-news and e-alerts you receive.
She also manages our membership database, does light bookkeeping for section, designed our new membership brochure and is working on increasing
our social media presence. Even if you’ve never heard of Melissa, you’ve probably received a letter or email from her.
Melissa was introduced to NCJW at a very early age. “My mother is a life member, but even so, I didn’t know much about
NCJW growing up. A friend invited me to a Next Generation event, and I was so happy to learn that the issues that I am
passionate about, NCJW is passionate about!” Melissa has held several positions with our section in addition to serving
as a staff member. She co-chaired Tu B’Shevat at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, edited the Councillor, helped with next
generation public affairs and served as VP of Programming for section.
Melissa is active in the Westmoor School PTO and serves on several committees with the Northbrook Junior High
PTO. She is a life member of NCJW and is currently advocating for gun safety and accountability. She lives in
Northbrook with her husband Josh, daughter Ellie and son Jonah. Contact Melissa at [email protected].
New Member Profile: Julie Webb
NCJW means different things to different women, but new member Julie Webb really takes our
mission to heart. She said that she joined NCJW because “The more I learned about NCJW
and its mission made me so excited to join a progressive Jewish women’s organization that so
closely matched my values and the pursuit of justice”. Julie currently chairs a team of leaders at
Congregation BJBE in Deerfield working on gun violence prevention. NCJW members Melissa
Prober and Donna Fishman also participate in this team and offered a collaboration between the
two efforts. In March, Julie quickly joined NCJW and attended a “salon” discussion in Chicago on
the topic of gun violence. When asked to give a brief overview of Jewish views on violence, Julie
penned a moving poem called “Drip Drip”. Julie has a long history of professional and volunteer
work in the Jewish community and also worked in the health care industry. Please help us welcome
Julie Webb to our NCJW sisterhood.
Drip
by Julie Webb
Drip
Drip
Drip
30,000 Americans killed each year from gun violence
Drip
Drip
Drip
Nearly 500 gun deaths in Chicago last year
Drip
Drip
Drip
Equals one Newtown massacre every two weeks, in Chicago alone
Drip
Drip
Drip
Lo ta’amod al dam re-echa
Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor
Advocate Profile:
Carolee Caplan
Carolee Caplan, an NCJW life member,
has been serving as the Illinois State Policy
Advocacy Chairman (SPA) since 2008. Before
her appointment to this position, she served
two years as President of CNS Section and
then continued to work with the CNS Board
in various positions while also serving as a
National NCJW Commissioner assisting other
sections for five years.
Carolee was originally a member of NCJW’s
Chicago Section where one of her first jobs
was participating on the NCJW 1993 100th
Anniversary Chicago Convention Committee
chairing the committee making the table
decoration for the meals and Gala Dinner. She
thanks Carole Levine, who was also a Chicago
Section member, for encouraging her to
attend her first NCJW Washington Institute
and to continue to pursue her advocacy for
women, children and families with NCJW.
This year as we prepare our hearts and our homes
for the Passover of the angel of death,
Let us rise together against the plague of dam
Let us stand as one against the slaughter
of the firstborn or the mother or the brother or the daughter or the other who is us
Drip
Drip
Drip
Lo ta’amod al dam re-echa
We will not stand idly by
Most of Carolee’s adult life has revolved
around organizational volunteerism. Her
advocacy work began when she joined the
PTA at her sons’ school and eventually served
as the Illinois State PTA President, a National
PTA Board Commissioner, and an Illinois PTA
Consultant. During this time she also was a
board member of her Rogers Park High Ridge
YMCA, and worked with the Boy Scouts
beginning as a den leader and culminating as a
District Chairman.
•3•
— events calendar
Luggage for Freedom Collection Drive
Sunday, April 14
10:00am - 12:00pm
Extra Space Storage, Highland Park
We will be collecting donations of NEW sheets,
NEW towels, new or gently used luggage (NO
oversized or garment bags, please) backpacks,
purses and children’s books, as well as NEW
stuffed animals to assist women and children
leaving domestic violence shelters.
For more information please call 847.853.8889
or email [email protected].
• • •
Fabulous Finds and Fashion Finesse!
Sunday, April 14
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Encore & More, 1107 Central Ave., Wilmette
Join us for an evening of expert fashion advice
from local fashionista, Gina Clark! Gina works as a
professional wardrobe consultant for Macy’s, and
will help us choose fashions that most embrace
and flatter. No fee to attend! RSVP by April 8 to
Jackie at jackie@bennysfarm or 312-927.8300.
• • •
Shalom Chicago, History of Jewish Chicago
Tuesday, April 23, 11:00am
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street, Chicago
Tour the Museum’s exhibition and discover a rich
array of personal stories; each example illustrates
how Jewish immigrants and their descendants
adapted to modern American society while
retaining an age-old religious and cultural identity.
Cost is $13 which includes museum admission
and a docent-led tour. Join us for lunch, following
the tour for an additional $14.
To RSVP and for more information visit
www.ncjwcns.org or [email protected].
• • •
Israel Solidarity Day/Independence Day
Sunday, April 28
10:00am – 4:00pm
Ravinia Festival Pavilion, Highland Park
Join NCJW CNS as one of this year’s
co-sponsors for the annual celebration of
Yom Ha’atzmaut. This year celebrate Israel’s
65th birthday with one big event filled with
music, family fun and Israeli spirit. Rain or shine,
entertainment will take place under the Pavilion.
The lawn will be open as pavilion seating is
limited. All seating is first-come, first-served.
Honorary Co-Chairs include Governor Pat Quinn,
Senator Mark Kirk and Roey Gilad, Consul General
of Israel to the Midwest.
Parking available at Ravinia Festival. Shuttle buses
are available. Attendees are welcome to bring a
picnic lunch. Kosher food will also be available for
purchase. Visit www.juf.org/isd for a full schedule
of the day’s activities.
Film Screening and Discussion:
FRESH Film by ana Sofia Joanes
Thursday, May 9
7:00pm
Private Residence in Evanston
(Address will be provided with registration)
Join us for the next installment in NCJW’s green
series. FRESH celebrates farmers, thinkers and
business people across America who are reinventing our food system. Each has witnessed
the rapid transformation of our agriculture
into an industrial model, and confronted
the
consequences:
food
contamination,
environmental pollution, depletion of natural
resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier,
sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical
vision for the future for our food and our planet.
The film will be followed by a moderated
discussion. Visit www.freshthemovie.com.
The cost is $5.00 per person. To register, please
go to [email protected] or mail a check (to NCJW
CNS) to 9028 Samoset Trail, Skokie, IL 60076.
Please bring gently used clothing and bric a brac
donations for NCJW’s resale shop, Encore&More.
Visit www.ncjwcns.org for more information.
Contact Becky at [email protected].
• • •
Mother’s Day at Tri-Con
Friday, May 10
12:30pm
425 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park
Spend an afternoon with the children at Tri-Con
and help them create a gift for their mothers.
To volunteer contact Laura at lauraerubin@yahoo.
com. If you are interested in volunteering with
any of our Tri-Con community service projects
contact [email protected].
There’s still time to join the
NCJW 2012 - 2013 Book Club!
You can still participate in the NCJW 20122013 Book Club. Guest fees are only $10 per
session! Be a part of lively discussions led by
professionals. Morning and evening sessions are
available.
April 3 (9:15am), April 17 (7:15pm)
Train Dream (2011)
by Denis Johnson
Discussion led by Elzbieta Foeller-Pituch
May 1 (9:15am), May 15 (7:15pm)
The Confessions of Nat Turner (1967)
by William Styron
Discussion led by Ben Goluboff
For information on times and fees, contact
Ilana Platt at [email protected].
•4•
An Evening in an Artist’s Home Wednesday, May 29
5:30pm–8:30pm
317 Ravine Drive, Highland Park
Join your friends for an intimate evening at the
Highland Park home of artist Jill Hurwitz. An artist
in multiple media, teacher, and longtime member
of NCJW, Jill’s beautiful and unique designs fill her
home and will make this an evening to remember.
Wine, appetizers and desserts will be served.
Contact Donna at [email protected] or
847.853.8889 to join the planning or host
committee for this event. Visit www.ncjwcns.org
for more information.
• • •
NCJW Soup Kitchen
Wednesday, June 5
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Emet Synagogue
1224 Dempster Street, Evanston
We continue our collaboration with Beth Emet
Synagogue “Project Hamotzi” to provide free
meals to the area’s homeless and working poor.
VOLUNTEERS & GROCERIES ARE NEEDED!
If you cannot attend that day, please help us by
donating groceries, baked goods or financial
support. You may drop off items in advance at
your convenience (contact Ellen to coordinate).
Thank you to all of our NCJW Chefs and Shoppers!
NCJW members and a limited number of children
(ages 6+) can volunteer to prepare and serve
dinner, donate groceries, and pack bag lunches.
To volunteer or for information contact
Ellen Stafman at [email protected] or call
847.948.7082.
• • •
Awards & Installation Luncheon
Friday, June 21
10:30am – 1:30pm
Location to be determined
This annual luncheon features the installation
of the 2013–2014 NCJW Chicago North
Shore Section Board, wonderful food and great
company and conversation.
This year’s event will honor Ellen Stafman for
her contributions to the two soup kitchens that
NCJW services in Evanston, and to our two
performing troupes, Council Cues and Clowning
Around (now retired, see page 5 for article).
Please join us in celebration of our wonderful
community service volunteers.
Invitations will be mailed in April. Please visit
www.ncjwcns.org for details as they become
available.
encore & more —
NCJW’s
Encore & More Upscale Resale Shop
NCJW’s upscale resale shop is our section’s
major source of funds. Donated items allow
us to help us provide resources for programs
and services. It allows us to focus our efforts
on our important work rather than perpetual
fundraising.
Your tax-deductible donations and in-store
purchases support our section’s programming and
projects, including Luggage for Freedom, Ready
for Reading, Soup Kitchen and Silent Witness
Initiative.
Encore & More celebrated its Spring Fashions
at the “Grand Re-Opening” on March 14. The
store changed over from winter merchandise
to spring styles. Stop in and browse the “new”
clothing, accessories and home fashions. Thanks
to the Encore Steering Committee and Section
volunteers who helped to display our Spring
fashions.
If you have items to donate, but can’t deliver in
person, call for a pickup at 847.853.8888.
And join us the evening of April 14th for
Fabulous Finds and Fashion Finesse. Gina Clark,
a Macy’s professional wardrobe consultant, will
be here to help guide you toward the perfect
style and fit purchase! The event is free!
Contact us at 847.853.8888
[email protected].
Shop Manager, Carmen Lara; Encore & More
Steering Committee Chair: Roberta Goldman.
1107 Central Street Wilmette, IL 60091
Shop hours are Mon. – Sat. 10:00am – 5:00pm.
programs & activities —
Soup Kitchen Needs Your Help!
Monthly calendars are emailed, you schedule
based on your availability. You are not required
to appear at a specific number of sessions.
Did you know that NCJW volunteers and their children serve twice
per year at two different soup kitchens in Evanston? Generous
volunteers help with grocery shopping, baking, preparing the meal
and then serving and cleaning up.
For more information, contact Joanne Liberman
at 847.412.1577 or [email protected].
Dorothy Cohen Fine Arts Initiative Update
In January DCFAI funded an early childhood
parent-toddler music class for families at Right
From The Start. The music entertainment was
provided by Jodi Koplin of Jigglejam Productions.
Over the course of the two six-week sessions,
14 parents and 19 children participated.
Right From The Start is a program that serves
low-income Latino families. Based in Highland
Park, the program provides education, advocacy,
and support services to families.
We are sad to report that the Clowning Around
Troupe has ended after more than 30 years
of performances. The Troupe performed at
hospitals and schools for kids with physical and
mental health care needs and was a constant
community service of NCJW Chicago North
Shore. Its most recent show was Winnie the
Pooh. They were fabulous!
A big Thank You to: Sheila Pizer, Elaine Ladany,
Daryl Anisfeld, Jill Bleiman, Lois Davis, Margie
Friend, Joanne Goodman, Leigh Hofman, Helene
Isaacs, Arline Kallick, Franny Kaplan, Sandra Liszt,
Carrie Parks, Judy Perlman, Cookie Robertson,
Ruth Skomurski, Nancy Wolff, and Sue Wolff.
email
To volunteer at the store call Carmen,
847.853.8888. We also welcome anyone who
would like to serve on our steering committee,
which meets every other month.
Court Watchers Needs You!
Sessions at the Skokie Courthouse are
9:30am–12:00pm, and 1:30pm–4;00pm. You will
be trained to watch, listen, and report what
occurs. There are two volunteers per session.
or
We are in need of more people to either SHOP for groceries
(you’ll receive a grocery list of items totalling no more than $35) or donate $35 to help pay for
groceries at each soup kitchen. We can always use bakers and on-site help as well. There is limited
availability, but we encourage children 6+ to help. Grocery donations can be dropped off (contact
Ellen for information).
Please help NCJW with this important community project. We’ll be at the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen
on June 5, and two more dates at the First Methodist Church will soon be scheduled.
To volunteer, shop, or donate, please contact Ellen Stafman at [email protected] or 847.948.7802.
Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project
Dani Snyder-Young and helper
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 21st, NCJW members and volunteers
gathered at Tri-Con Child Care Center in Highland Park to make Valentine’s
Day cards for our troops. Together with the two year-old children at Tri-Con
we made cards that were sent to the Chicago USO office to be distributed to
military personnel on Valentine’s Day.
The following volunteers gave their time: Lauren Absler and
her family, Andy, Ethan, Lucas and Emmet, Paula Alexander
with her children Seth, Mason and Julia; Leanne Boiskin,
Donna Fishman; Jill Hurwitz and Dani Synder-Young. Thank you
all for your time and involvement.
Adults, from left: Jill Hurwitz, Paula Marks Alexander, Dani Snyder-Young,
Leanne Boiskin
Mitzvah Day at Congregation Solel
On Sunday, January 20, students and families gathered at Congregation Solel to create projects for
various organizations around the larger community. Journals and bookmarks were decorated and
donated to Luggage for Freedom for our next pack and delivery day. These items will be delivered to
local domestic violence shelters and given to the children living at the shelters.
We appreciate the involvement of Congregation Solel, and look forward to collaborating with them
on future mitzvah projects.
•5 •
n
of
tol
e
ar
e
as
of
e
— community service & public affairs
The SPA Committee joined NCJW Inc. and
other organizations in signing onto the following
two statements on immigration reform.
Chicago North Shore Section Takes
Washington by Storm
This year's NCJW Washington Institute, held
March 17 - 19, was a huge success. Our section's
delegation included two generations of families,
and many new faces. Our delegation included:
Stephanie Victor,Cindy Wolfson, Ilana Platt, Donna
Gutman, Alison Baker Frank, Carole Levine, Becky
Brodsky, Julie Newman, Carolee Caplan, Julie
Ann Platt, Sharon Wolfson, Donna Fishman, and
Susan Werth.
We were excited that Becky Brodsky was
awarded a scholarship for young women to
attend the event this year. Many of our members
joined the 50% of the attendees that participated
in Washington Institute for the first time.
Mazal Tov to Carole Levine, NCJW National Vice
President and Co-Chair of 2013 Washington
Institute. Carole and her team did a fantastic job.
Our Section underwrote the opening dinner in
honor of Carole's leadership and she was very
appreciative.
NCJW announced the establishment of three
centers that will be the focus of the organization’s
national work in the coming future: the Center
for Social Change, the Center for Women’s
Empowerment in Israel, and the Center for
Women’s Leadership. The advocacy issues at
Washington Institute included immigration, gun
control, and reproductive justice.
• The first was a Statement of Principles on
Women and Immigration Reform from
the National Coalition for Immigrant
Women’s Rights to policymakers to ensure
that immigration reform is inclusive of
and responsive to the unique needs and
concerns of women.
• The second was a letter to President
Obama and members of Congress asking
that they pass immigration reform that
ensures access to quality healthcare that will
benefit all of us.
National Issues
• Violence Against Women Act: The Senate
passed an inclusive VAWA reauthorization on
February 12 in a bipartisan vote of 78-22 with
the support of both Senators Durbin and Kirk.
Thank them if you have not done so. Urge the
House to act quickly to approve the Senatepassed bill.
•C
omprehensive Sex Education:A comprehensive
sexuality education bill called the Real
Education for Healthy Youth Act, (HR 725/S
372) was introduced on February 14. Urge
your members of Congress to cosponsor the
bill and support its passage in the House and
Senate.
• P aycheck Fairness Act (PFA): The PFA (S 84/
HR 377) was introduced on January 23 and
Senator Durbin is one of 41 cosponsors. Urge
Senator Kirk to become a cosponsor. House
cosponsors include Bustos, Davis, Foster,
Gutierrez, Rush, Schakowsky, and Schneider.
Thank cosponsors. If your Rep is not listed,
urge him or her to become a cosponsor.
•R
eproductive Health: During the 40th
anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January) NCJW
called on the President and Congress to roll
back federal restrictions on abortion access
and end the Hyde Amendment which has
withheld coverage of abortion from women
who use federal health benefits or programs.
Urge the President to submit a “clean budget,’
one without the religious views of some
imposed on all.
There will be more coverage of Washington
Institute in the summer issues of the Councillor.
It was an exciting conference and we hope more
Section members will attend in 2016.
For additional information, and a day-by-day
review of events and happenings, visit National’s
new online community blog myNCJW at
my.ncjw.org/wi2013.
• Gun Violence Prevention: Urge Senators and
Representatives to support passage of an
assault weapons ban (HR 437/S 150) which
would prohibit the manufacture, importation,
possession, purchase and transfer of these
deadly weapons, and a bill (HR 138/S 33)
which would ban large-capacity ammunition
magazines.
•6•
•Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2013 (S 179):
Senator Gillibrand (NY) and Senator Kirk
introduced this bipartisan bill to ensure that
law enforcement has the tools it needs to crack
down on illegal weapons trafficking and makes
gun trafficking a federal crime.
•D
ebt Ceiling: This debate has once again been
delayed. In late January the House passed a
bill to suspend the debt ceiling until May 19th.
Those voting yes included 199 Republicans
and 86 Democrats, and it would not have
passed without bipartisan support. A few
days later the Senate passed the same bill also
with a bipartisan vote of 64-34. The president
signed it on Feb. 4.
The bills also require both House and Senate
to pass budget resolutions by April 15. If either
the House or Senate fails to pass its own budget
resolution, its members’ pay will be stopped.
Sequestration, which would cut billions more
dollars from vital human needs programs,
took effect on March 1. Senate Democrats
are aiming to produce a bill to replace the
sequester, but Congress is in recess until the
24th so when Congress returns they will only
have four legislative days to act.
Illinois Issues
•
Immigrant Driver’s License legislation: The
Governor signed this bill into law on Jan. 27,
2013.
• Gun Violence Prevention: The Illinois House of
Representatives Judiciary Committee held
two hearings on concealed carry and other
aspects of gun violence. The first hearing
was in Springfield on Feb. 19 and the second
was on in Chicago on February 22. The
StopConcealedCarry coalition urged the
legislature not to pass any concealed carry
legislation until all appeals have been taken
of the federal court decision that threw out
Illinois’ gun law. Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s
request for a rehearing of the decision was
denied on February 25 but the fight is not over.
•C
ampaign for Better Health Care: In
mid-February the federal government
approved an Illinois Health Exchange for 2015.
In January the State Consumer and Small
Business Exchange bill (SB34) was introduced
in the state Senate. Currently the Senate
Executive Committee is working on the
addition of a new amendment to strengthen
this bill.
•Medicaid Expansion Bill (S26). Urge your
Senator to pass SB26. You may use the
toll-free “Affordable Health Care Hotline”
1.888.616.3322 to be connected to your
legislators.
tributes —
Section Tributes
To: Donna Gutman
In Honor of Your Bat Mitzvah
From: Carole & Larry Marshall,
Carol & Marty Levine,
Peter & Ana Dubois,
Donna Fishman,
The NCJW CNS Board
•••
To: Carole & Marty Levine
Mazel Tov on the Birth of Your
Granddaughter, Hattie Ruth
From: The NCJW CNS Board
•••
To: Elana Boiskin
In Honor of Your 50th Birthday
From: NCJW CNS Board
•••
To: Julie Newman
In Honor of Your 50th Birthday
From: NCJW CNS Board
To: Terry Vismantas
In Honor of Your Mother’s 100th Birthday!
Congrats! Love Jill
From: Jill Hurwitz
•••
To: Judy Traub
In Honor of the Enduring Advocate Award
From: The CNS NCJW Board
•••
To: Marliss Levin
In Hopes of a Complete &
Speedy Recovery
From: The NCJW Board
•••
To: Carole & Marty Levine
Congratulations on Marty’s Retirement
From: The NCJW Board
•••
To: Susan Steinberger
Our Deepest Sympathies on the
Death of Gert Johns
Rayna & Joe Forman
To: Donna Fishman
In Honor of Your 50th Birthday
From Susan Werth & the CNS NCJW
Board
•••
To: Liz Xilas
In Memory of Your Beloved Mother
From: Donna Fishman & the CNS
NCJW Board
•••
To: Alvin & Elinor Bayliss
In Memory of Your Beloved
Mother & Grandmother
From: Bunny & Mark Oberlander,
Fern & Art Fischer
Advocacy & Action Tributes
To: Donna Gutman
Mazel Tov on Becoming a Bat Mitzvah
From: Cindy Wolfson
Dorothy Cohen Tributes
To: John Readdy
In Memory of Your Wife
From: Barbara & Gordon Cohen
•••
To: Myra Krangle
In Honor of Your 90th Birthday
From: Barbara & Gordon Cohen
Your Friends at NCJW Need to Know... Please inform NCJW of life events, births, illnesses
and deaths.Too often we find out about crises and hospitalizations long after they occur.
Your NCJW friends are here to support you in times in joy and sorrow.
Contact us at [email protected]
I would like to purchase a tribute in the amount of $ ______________ (minimum donation is $5.00).
_____ NCJW Chicago North Shore Section General Fund (supports Section programs and projects).
_____ Advocacy & Action Fund (supports programs that integrate NCJW’s pioneering spirit of advocacy and community service).
_____ Dorothy Cohen Fund (supports provides fine arts curriculum to disadvantaged children).
_____ Luggage for Freedom Fund (provides packed suitcases and backpacks for women and children leaving women’s shelters).
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Bulk tributes are also available, six for $25.00
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__________________________________________________________
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Make check payable to NCJW or order at www.ncjwcns.org
Send checks to:
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email tributes to: [email protected].
Add $2.00 for single package, add $1.00 for each additional package.
Below is a brief survey.Your input is important, and will greatly help NCJW best meet your needs. Our goal is to maximize what you get from your membership.
Provide us with your name and email address, you will be entered in a drawing to win a complimentary entry into an upcoming NCJW event! Thank you for your time!
Name:__________________________________________________
email:________________________________________________
1. Why did you join NCJW? (mark all that apply) q Gift Membership q To meet other Jewish Women q To attend social events q To be involved in social action
q To make a difference on issues important to me q Other ________________________________________________________________________
2. What type of membership do you have?
3. When did you join NCJW…
… and what is your age group?
q Annual Membership q Life Membership
q This year q 1-5 years ago
q younger than 25 q 26-35
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q 36-50 q 51-65 q 66 or over
q More than 20 years ago
4. Overall, are you satisfied with the programs offered by NCJW CNS?
q Yes q No (please comment): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What types of events do you attend? (mark all that apply) q Social q Issue-focused q Social action/volunteerism q Book Club
q Events for families with young children
q None q Other ________________________________________________________________________________
6. What types of events would you like to see offered by NCJW CNS? (mark all that apply) q Meet and greet/social q Educational q Health & wellness
q Community service/Social action q Religious/Spiritual q Environmental awareness q Current issues for women & families q Discussion groups/panels
q Nothing – I am happy with programming q Other ________________________________________________________________________________________
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Where? q Loop q Northern Suburbs q Northwest Suburbs
When? q Early Morning (before work)
q Daytime
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Please mail this completed survey to NCJW c/o Claire Bernstein, 2920 White Pine Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062
You can also find this survey on our website at www.ncjwcns.org.
•7 •
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Donna Fishman, Co-President
Susan Werth, Co-President
Leslie Rubin, Councillor Co-Editor
Barbara Schwimmer, Councillor Co-Editor
top 10 historic advances for women
10. Founding of National Council of Jewish Women (1893)—
When Hannah G. Solomon founded NCJW in 1893, she forever changed the
role of Jewish women and the nature of volunteerism. Today, 120 years later,
NCJW remains distinct among organizations — courageous, compassionate,
powerful, and, above all, pioneering.
9. Women’s Right To Vote (1920)—The 19th amendment to the U.S.
Constitution, ratified in 1920, guaranteed American women the right to vote,
although many women of color did not win full voting rights until 45 years later
under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Currently women surpass men both in the
proportion and numbers of voters.
8. Equal Pay Act of 1963—The Equal Pay Act deals specifically with pay
discrimination on the basis of sex.
7. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—Prohibits employment
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, and national origin.
Title VII covers all employment actions, including hiring, promotion, pay, and
termination, as well as all other terms and conditions of employment. Both
this and the Equal Pay Act have been central to expanding women’s economic
opportunities and helping women achieve economic and retirement security.
6. Title X, the National Family Planning Program (1970)—
Title X is the only dedicated source of federal funding for family planning services
in the United States.Title X provides family planning and other preventive health
care to more than five million low-income and uninsured women who may
otherwise lack access to health care.
5. Title IX of the Education Amendments (1972)—Title IX prohibits
sex discrimination in federally funded education programs or activities. Title IX
greatly expanded equal access to college education, professional and graduate
schools and dramatically increased equal access to sports opportunities so that
today girls and women represent more than 40% of all high school and college
athletes. Title IX also plays a vital role in increasing gender equity in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by improving the
climate for women in those fields.
4. Roe v. Wade (1973)—In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Roe v.
Wade that a right to privacy under the 14th Amendment extended to a woman’s
decision to have an abortion.
3. Family and Medical Leave Act (1993)—At some point, nearly all
workers will need time away from work to deal with a personal or family illness,
or to care for a new child.The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees
eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year to care for a newborn
or newly adopted child, seriously ill family member, or to recover from their
own serious health conditions, while ensuring job security. The FMLA is the only
federal law that helps working men and women meet the dual demands of work
and family and it has been used by workers more than 100 million times.
2. The Affordable Care Act (2010)—The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
covers maternity care, eliminates pre-existing conditions and prevents health
plans from charging women more than men for the same coverage. ACA also
covers well-woman preventive health services, such as an annual well-woman visit,
contraceptives, mammograms, cancer screenings, prenatal care and counseling
for domestic violence, as basic health care for women at no additional cost and
includes the first federal ban on sex discrimination in health care programs and
activities. Combined with other provisions, the ACA is an historic step forward for
women’s health and economic security.
1. Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (2013)—
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) created the first U.S. federal legislation
acknowledging the severity of crimes related to domestic violence, sexual
assault, stalking, and violence against women. The reauthorization extended
the act’s protections to include Native American women and members of the
LGBT community.
For information on upcoming programs and events, see the calendar on page 4 or visit the NCJW Section website (www.ncjwcns.org).