100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

1918

National Women’s League of the United Synagogue founded January 21, 1918

Mathilde Schechter becomes the first president (1918-1919)

Germany and Allies sign the armistice, ending WWI — the War to End All Wars

January: Mathilde Schechter calls for establishment of Women’s Religious Union of the United Synagogue

The Spanish Flu epidemic kills 20 million people – about twice as many as died in World War I

Name changed to National Women’s League. Mission “to stimulate religious sentiment among Jewish women by stressing the observance of Sabbath and Festivals, religious ceremonies in the home, Jewish dietary laws and advancing Jewish education among women.”

Per capita 10 cents

Individual Members – $3.00

First Annual National Joint Convention of the United Synagogue of America (its 6th) and National Women’s League (NYC): New York, NY

Women’s Religious Union join Red Cross Auxiliary in knitting and rolling bandages, collecting funds and providing food for soldiers; collected matzah for soldiers

First publications: Aims and Ideals of the Women’s League (Mathilde Schechter); Prayers and Blessing Cards; Friday Night Stories (Series I) Adapted by Shulamith Ish-Kishor from Legends of the Jews by Dr. Louis Ginzberg, translated from German by Henrietta Szold

Kosher Canteen at Columbia University opens to Jewish soldiers and students in military training.

1919

Russian pogroms kill thousands

Jewish Student House established after the war. Sisterhoods sponsored Student Houses at Hunter and Barnard Colleges (NY) and Philadelphia at University of Pennsylvania and Temple; Cornell University and University of Michigan.

Jewish educational summer camping launched in US; what was later known as the Cejwin Camps.

Fanny Hoffman assumes presidency when Mathilde Schechter becomes ill and can no longer serve

1920

Women granted the right to vote in the U.S. with the 19th Amendment

Kiddush Cards

Prohibition begins in the U.S.

Daily Prayer Cards

The League of Nations is established

Women’s section of United Synagogue Recorder

First commercial radio broadcast aired

Convention, Philadelphia, PA

1921

U.S. immigration laws effectively exclude Eastern European Jews and other immigrants

WLCJ branches established

Convention, New York, NY

1922

Britain granted Mandate for Palestine by the League of Nations.

Convention, New York, NY

Jewish Agency representing Jewish community to Mandate authorities set up

Insulin is discovered

1923

Overthrow of Ottoman Muslim rule and the establishment of secular state.

Delegates to convention in Pittsburgh, PA, vote to support all agencies building Palestine

Technion, the first institute of technology, is founded in Haifa.

Charleston dance becomes the rage

1924

J. Edgar Hoover is appointed FBI Director

WEAF-WIN radio show focuses on Jewish holidays and customs, musical performers, actors, poetry, and literature. Later radio shows are introduced in Philadelphia and other cities

Bok Peace Award presented to Women’s League by American Peace Committee in recognition of Education for Peace Program

Begins work in Addis Ababa School providing Jewish education for Ethiopian (Falasha) Jews

September 15, 192: Mathilde Schechter passes away

1925

Hebrew University of Jerusalem opened on Mt. Scopus

230 sisterhoods with membership of 20,000.

Flapper dresses in style

Annual observance of Sisterhood Sabbath established in December, near 29 Kislev, Mathilde’s Hebrew birth date.

First joint annual convention with United Synagogue at which Women’s League holds separate sessions; Atlantic City, NJ

Branches organized in Metropolitan (NYC); Chicago, Philadelphia, New York State, New England and Toronto

Each Branch focus on pioneering projects: New England, circulating library for area religious schools; Chicago radio show for adult education and Deborah schools; Philadelphia Student Houses; NY State establishes Jewish/Hebrew reading rooms

1926

Henry Ford announces 40-hour work week

Joins with United Synagogue in Jerusalem Synagogue Center Fund Campaign to beautify sanctuary of Yeshurun Synagogue (United Synagogue project in Jerusalem)

Convention, Baltimore, MD

1927

Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic

The Three Pillars by Deborah Melamed: first book published in English about religious observance, prayers, and mitzvot for women (9 printings)

The first talking movie, The Jazz Singer

Passover seder records recorded by JTS rabbinical students

The annual observance of Sisterhood Sabbath was begun. First set in December near Mathidle Schechter’s Hebrew birth date it was eventually moved to January to commemorate the establishment of Women’s League on January 21, 1918

Convention, Atlantic City, NJ

1928

Penicillin discovered

Dora Spiegel becomes president

Bubble gum invented

Convention, Chicago, IL

First Mickey Mouse cartoon

Sliced bread invented

1929

Stock Market crashes and the Great Depression begins

New Jersey Branch established

First Academy Awards

Convention, New York, NY

Car radio invented

1930

Pluto discovered

First issue of Outlook magazine in September (Mrs. Israel [Carrie] Davidson is editor. She serves for 23 years)

Convention, New York, NY

1931

Empire State Building completed to become world’s tallest building

Convention, Atlantic City, NJ; Chairs: Mrs. Leo M. Abrahams and Mrs. Leon S. Lang. Resolutions: Oppose change to calendar endangering “fixity of Shabbat” (in response to Reform Judaism’s suggestion to change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday); Dissuades affiliates from holding meetings and social events on the Sabbath or Jewish holidays; Supports/encourages federal policies promoting immigration; Per capita raised to 20 cents

U.S. officially gets National Anthem

Connecticut Branch established

Women’s Institute of Jewish Studies at JTS (Metropolitan Branch in conjunction with Hadassah, Ivriah, National Council of Jewish Women, and Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations)

March 27, 1931: Women’s League of United Synagogue of America incorporated by State of New York, with approval of Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, “An act to incorporate the Women’s League of United Synagogue of America an association for promoting, in affiliation with the United Synagogue of America, traditional Judaism… and for furthering Jewish education among women.”

1932

Etzel (the Irgun), Jewish underground organization, is founded

Convention, Atlantic City, NJ; Chair: Mrs. Louis Gottschall

Scientists split the atom

Air conditioning invented

1933

FDR launches New Deal

Convention, New York, NY; Chairs: Mrs. Carrie Simon and Mrs. Jacon MinkinResolution commends President Roosevelt for his efforts “to restore normal conditions…and continued work of rehabilitation of the affairs of the country…”

Prohibition ends in the U.S.

Supports government policies ameliorating the condition of Jews in Germany; encourages all affiliates including national office to funnel already stretched funds to Joint Distribution Committee for Germany

Adolf Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany

First Nazi concentration camp established

1934

The Dust Bowl

Last joint convention with United Synagogue, Washington, D.C.; Chairs: Mrs. Isaac Potts & Mrs. Robert Ginns

Convention Resolution: “…in cooperation with the Jewish Theological Seminary… to assist [it] financially to the best of our ability.”

Establishes Education Fund for JTS with an annual goal of $2,000 (renamed Torah Fund in 1942)

1935

Social Security enacted in U.S.

Adventures of K’tonton, from earlier short stories in Outlook by Sadie Rose Weilerstein, published by Women’s League

Alcoholics Anonymous founded

What the Liberty Bell Proclaims, children’s stories by Rabbi Leon Spitz, published by Women’s League

Hanukkah song records

Members become Jewish Braille transcribers

Affiliates with National Conference of Christians and Jews

1936

King Edward VIII abdicates

First solo Women’s League convention in Washington, D.C.; Chairs: Mrs. Jacon Minkin, Miss Sarah Kussy, & Mrs. Leon S. Lang

Leon Blum becomes the first Jew elected premier of France, enacts many social reforms

Gone With the Wind first published

1937

Amelia Earhart vanishes

Western Pennsylvania Branch established

Golden Gate Bridge opened

Convention, Pittsburgh, PA; Chairs: Mrs. Jesse Bienenfeld & Mrs. Morris Klein

Japan invades China

1938

Kristallnacht—The Night of Broken Glass—German synagogues and Jewish businesses destroyed

Convention, Chicago, IL; Chairs: Mrs. Jacob Minkin & Mrs. Simon J. Winer

March of Dimes founded

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first full-length animated cartoon

Superman, created by two Jews, first appears in comic books

1939

President Roosevelt appoints Jewish Felix Frankfurter to U.S. Supreme Court

100,000 members throughout U.S. and Canada

S.S. St. Louis, carrying 907 Jewish refugees from Germany, refused entry everywhere

Texas Branch established

WWII begins

Convention: New York, NY; Chairs: Mrs. George Levy & Mrs. Barnett E. Kopelman

First commercial flight over the Atlantic

Theme of 21st convention at Hotel Commodore, NY, is “The Jew in the World Tomorrow” presents New York World’s Fair “Temple of Religion” pageant, My Country ‘Tis by Mrs. Morris Silverman

Helicopter invented

The movie The Wizard of Oz premieres

Jewish Irving Berlin introduces his song “God Bless America”

1940

Auschwitz opens

Convention: Atlantic City , theme: “Jewish Home Beautiful”; Chairs: Mrs. A.H. Kavovitz & Mrs. Jacob Weisberg

Battle of Britain

September 17, 1940: closing day of World’s Fair, “Temple of Religion” pageant, WL presents “The Jewish Home Beautiful” by Althea O. Silverman and Betty D. Simon Greenberg

Bugs Bunny debuts in “A Wild Hare”

Nylons go on the market

1941

Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and U.S. joins Allies fighting WWII

Convention: Detroit, MI “We Hold These Truths to Be Self Evident”; Chairs: Mrs. Jacob S. Minkin, Mrs. Simon Greenberg, & Mrs. L.B. Schwartz

Babi Yar Massacre

Eleanor Roosevelt speaks on “Women in Defense”

Jeep invented and M&Ms created

The Jewish Home Beautiful (Silverman and Greenberg) published (14 printings)

Cheerios first introduced

1941-45 involvement in war effort: first aid, nutrition and home nursing workers; air raid wardens, switchboard operators, ambulance drivers, spotters, Red Cross workers; synagogue social halls became emergency hospitals, kosher kitchen units; sisterhoods donate mobile kitchen units, ambulances, station wagons and organize blood donor days, sell savings stamps and war bonds

1942

Japanese-Americans held in U.S. camps

Torah Fund established with annual goal of $10,000; minimum contribution $6.11 (numerical value of Hebrew word Torah )

T-shirt introduced

1943

Warsaw Ghetto uprising

25th anniversary

Zionist Biltmore Conference at Biltmore Hotel in NYC, formulates new policy of creating a “Jewish Commonwealth” in Palestine and organizing a Jewish army

No convention because of wartime travel restrictions; simultaneous conferences held in Kansas City, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Boston, Hartford, NYC, Philadelphia, and Montreal. Delegates heard President Dora Spiegel speak coast to coast on national radio hookup announcing The League’s endorsement of the Emergency Committee to Save the Jews of Europe

1944

D-Day

Sarah Kopelman becomes president

Jewish Brigade formed as part of British forces

Ballpoint pens go on sale

1945

United Nations established

Major initiatives following conclusion of WWII: continuation of Red Cross groups formed during the war to aid and assist; active participant in the SOS (Supplies for Overseas Survivors) Drive, collecting clothing and food for Joint Distribution Committee; collecting medical supplies, household items and canned goods, layettes, and sefarim, sifrei Torah, siddurim, mahzorim and tefillin .

U.S. drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Koppelman convenes first Leaders Conference “How to Reconvert the Wartime Energies of our Women Into Sisterhood Activities”

Germany and Japan surrender, ending WWII

Torah Fund Chai Club establishes $18.00 donation

First computer built (ENIAC)

Microwave oven invented

1946

Dr. Spock’s The Common Book of Baby and Child Care is published

First biennial Convention: Chicago, IL (first since 1941) “We Will Do and We Will Heed”; Chair: Mrs. Samuel Glassman

Bikinis Introduced

Girl Scout Affiliation: Adele Ginzberg encourages Women’s League to support Girl Scouts of America, creates Girl Scout Jewish Advisory Committee and creation of Menorah Award for Jewish Girl Scouts

1947

UN approves the creation of a Jewish state and an Arab state in the British mandate of Palestine; partition plan rejected by Arab Higher Committee for Palestine

Sponsors National Program conference and Program clinics

Dead Sea Scrolls discovered

The Women’s League Handbook and Guide by Sarah Kussy

Jackie Robinson joins the Dodgers, the first African-American baseball player in the major leagues

Polaroid Camera invented

1948

David Ben-Gurion proclaims Israeli independence below a portrait of Theodor Herzl

Convention: Atlantic City, NJ “Am Yisrael Chai”; Chairs: Mrs. Emanuel Siner & Mrs. David A. Goldstein. Resolutions:Urge abolition of poll tax;Support Federal Fair Employment Practices Act;Support elimination of discrimination and segregation in Armed Forces; federal anti-lynch law;Elimination of discrimination in public transportation and hotels, restaurants and places of amusement;;End discrimination in U.S. against immigration and naturalization laws

Jewish exodus as up to a million Jews flee or are expelled from Arab and Muslim nations including thousands of Yemenite Jews during “Operation Magic Carpet”

Joins Conservative movement-wide effort to bring Jewish learning and living to smaller, non urban communities; supports United Synagogue Commission on Jewish Education, Camp Ramah and Leaders Training Fellowship

Resettlement of almost 250,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel begins

Affiliates with Jewish Braille Institute, National Jewish Welfare Board, United Jewish Appeal, Israel Bonds campaign, National Jewish Women’s organizations

Berlin Airlift

Leadership Training Year 1: 452 women from 71 sisterhoods, 4 branches came for training

Arab-Israeli War

May 14, 1948: League celebrates creation of State of Israel

Announces the $300,000 it raised with United Synagogue since 1935 transferred to Jewish National Fund to build Yeshurun Synagogue in Jerusalem

1949

China becomes Communist

Leadership Training Year 2: 1,270 women, from 227 sisterhoods in 14 of 18 branches complete training

NATO is established

February 7, 1949: Articles of incorporation amended. Name change to The National Women’s League of United Synagogue of America

Soviet Union fires atomic bomb

1950

Korean War begins

Marion Siner becomes president

Senator Joseph McCarthy begins Communist Witch Hunt

Convention: Minneapolis, MN (farthest west convention to date) “To Learn, to Teach, To Do”; Chair: Mrs. Simon Greenberg. Resolutions:Focus to renew commitment to Jewish learning and observance;Support United Nations;Control of nuclear weapons;Urge US to withhold aid from Franco Spain;Ratify Genocide Convention;Expel Nazis from government positions in Germany;Prevent remilitarization of Germany;Must be alert to infiltration by groups “wishing to undermine our democracy” …but also abhor “witch hunting”;Call on Rabbinical Assembly to relieve agunah problem; eliminate halitza; equalize women in ability to obtain a get;All subsequent conventions would sponsor kosher meals at the hotel (previously, conventions delegates would go out in search of their own kosher food)

First organ transplant

1950: 495 sisterhoods

First “Peanuts” cartoon strip

First modern credit card introduced

1951

Truman signs peace treaty with Japan, officially ending WWII

JTS citation to National Women’s League at 1951 Commencement: “…To each Sisterhood President and to each Torah Fund Chairman here present, and particularly to the noble women, who represent the National Women’s League and Torah Fund in accepting this citation, the Jewish people and the community as a whole owe a debt of gratitude which cannot be evaluated…..”

Color TV introduced

1952

Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen of England at age 25

Convention: Philadelphia, PA “How Beautiful Our Heritage”; Chair: Mrs. S. Joshua Kohn 1,058 delegates and guests in Philadelphia (largest convention to date) Dr. Chaim Weizmann’s death announced at opening Ma’ariv service, thirteen hundred people recite Kadish Resolutions: Petition Congress to repeal the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (McCarran-Walter Law) that discriminates against immigrant and naturalized citizens

Car seatbelts introduced

New departments: Adult Education to provide guidance and study materials; Ceremonial Objects and Gift Shop Department; Bookshop, Library and Publications

Granted NGO Status at the United Nations

Practice of starting each meeting with d’var Torah established

Participate in Women’s Organizations’ Services of the National Jewish Welfare Board to send packages and gifts to servicemen in 65 countries

“League Notes”: instructional sheets for sisterhood presidents and activity chairs

First professional Executive Director, Naomi Flax

Joins with United Synagogue to create United Synagogue Youth (USY)

1953

DNA discovered

Mrs. Baruch Treiger is National Director of Field Work (program and education)

Oneg Shabbat programs (based on Torah portions)

1954

Segregation ruled illegal in U.S.

Helen Sussman becomes president (1954-1958)

Jonas Salk’s Polio vaccine given to children in massive trial

Convention: Cleveland, OH “Open My Heart Unto Thy Torah”; Chair: Mrs. Simon Greenberg Resolution again petitions Congress to repeal the McCaran-Walter (anti-immigrant) law

League sponsors publication of the first Hebrew-English prayer book in Braille. Subsequent Braille publications include haggadot and haftarot

Becomes member of National Community Relations Advisory Council (NCRAC)

National Parliamentarian to develop policies used by all sisterhoods and branches

1955

Montgomery Bus Boycott begins

Jewish Book Council gives special award to Sadie Rose Weilerstein, author of K’tonton books for “her cumulative contribution to Jewish Juvenile Literature. Her books have greatly enriched the cultural and spiritual life of American Jewry.”

Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a bus

Warsaw Pact signed

The Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Assembly decide that women may be allowed to offer blessings (aliyot) on the Torah

Disneyland opens

1956

Suez Crisis and the Egypt-Israeli Suez War as Egypt blockades the Gulf of Aqaba, closing the canal to Israeli shipping

First convention at the Concord Hotel (Kiamesha, NY) “Let Us Rejoice in Thy Mitzvot”; Chair: Mrs. David A. Goldstein. Resolutions: Sisterhood members observe Shabbat and holidays and dietary rules; No sisterhood business conducted on the Sabbath; Modesty and decorum at religious service; Petition Congress third time to repeal the discriminatory parts of the McCaran-Walter Law; Abolition of Attorney general’s list of “so-called subversive organizations”; Demand wiretapping illegal; Urge end to secret informers;

Elvis first gyrates on Ed Sullivan’s Show

Commits to raise funds for Mathilde Schechter Residence Hall for female students – project goal: $500,000

Velcro introduced

National Women’s Division of State of Israel Bonds present Ayshet Hayil award to five League women, each of whom sold over $100,000 worth of Israel Bonds

1957

Soviet satellite Sputnik launches Space Age

First Torah Fund pin: Burning Bush

Dr. Seuss publishes The Cat in the Hat

1958

NASA founded

40th anniversary

Peace symbol created

Syd Rossman becomes president (1958-1962)

Hula Hoops become fad

Convention: Miami Beach, FL “In Thy Light Do We See Light”; Chair: Mrs. Joseph Kolodny. Resolution: Compulsory Sunday Observance Laws violate the principle of religious liberty

LEGO Toy Bricks first introduced

Plans for Mathilde Schechter Residence Hall officially presented at convention, each Branch accepts its fundraising quota. Annual goal: $100,000; members purchase “bricks” for $10.00

Torah Fund Ha’yay Olam donor category of $100; Patrons Society for gifts of $500 and $1,000

Leadership Training Program expands to include Speakers Training Program

1959

Castro becomes dictator of Cuba

Proposal for publication of calendar diary (initiated by Hadassah Nadich)

International treaty makes Antarctica scientific preserve

U.S. quiz shows found to be fixed

1960

First televised presidential debates

700 sisterhoods in 27 Branches

The birth control pill is approved by the FDA

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Remember and Fulfill All My Commandments”; Chairs: Mrs. H.H. Rossman & Mrs. Saul I. Teplitz. Resolutions: Abolition of capital punishment; Urge repeal of McCaran-Walter Law (third resolution); Sisterhoods resolve to be bound by and conform to national policy

Lasers invented

Coordinated Education Activities Committee (CEAC) comprised of Adult Education; Books, Libraries and Publications; Ceremonial and Gift Shop; Judaism-in-the-Home; Program; Publicity and Public Relations

First Calendar Diary

Kosher Cookery Unlimited (Ruth and Milton Perry), The Bat Mitzvah Treasury, ed. Azriel Eisenberg and Leah Ain Globe

Mexico joins

Eleanor Roosevelt speaks at National Social Action Conference

1961

Adolf Eichmann on trial for role in Holocaust

Representatives attend White House Conference on Aging

Bay of Pigs Invasion

Outlook Magazine sent directly to members’ homes

Berlin Wall built

Soviets launch first man in Space

Freedom Riders challenge segregation on interstate buses

Peace Corps founded

1962

Cuban Missile Crisis

Helen Fried becomes president (1962-1966)

James Meredith admitted into the segregated University of Mississippi

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Show Them the Way Wherein They Must Walk and the Work That They Must Do”; Chairs: Mrs. H.H. Rossman & Mrs. Saul I. Teplitz. Resolution: Congress to repeal McCaran-Walter law

Rachel Carson publishes Silent Spring

Torah Fund Residence Hall Campaign funds combined into Torah Fund/Residence Hall Campaign

First Wal-Mart opens

1963

JFK assassinated

Torah Fund Campaign expanded to support University of Judaism, Neve Schechter, the Institute for Religious and Social Studies, the Jewish Museum, the External Light TV program, and the JTS Library

First woman in space, Russian Valentina Tereshkova

March on Washington

Betty Friedan publishes The Feminine Mystique

1964

Jewish-Christian relations revolutionized by the Roman Catholic Church’s Vatican II

Convention: Chicago, IL. “Heed My Child The Guidance of Your Father and Forsake Not the torah of Your Mother”; Chair: Mrs. Saul I. Teplitz. Resolution: Congress to repeal McCaran-Walter law

Cassius Clay (a.k.a. Muhammad Ali) becomes World Heavyweight Champion

150 delegates attend the 1964 Biennial Convention in Jerusalem (first international conclave of synagogue women in Israel). Address by Foreign Minister Golda Meir; reception with President Shazar and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol

Civil Rights Act passes in U.S.

Beatles invade U.S.

1965

U.S. sends troops to Vietnam

Los Angeles Riots

New York City Great Blackout

Miniskirt first appears

1966

Mass draft protests in U.S.

Evelyn Henkind becomes president (1966-1970)

National Organization for Women (NOW) founded

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Lift Up they Voice With Strength”; Chairs: Mrs. Saul I. Teplitz & Mrs. Sol Henkind

S.Y. Agnon becomes the first Hebrew writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature

1,700 delegates; 770 sisterhoods in 28 Branches in US, Canada and Mexico and Puerto Rico at Concord for Jubilee Year; tribute paid to founders and earliest leaders

Mobilizes hundreds of workers to preserve books after JTS Library fire

1967

Six-Day War

Three U.S. astronauts killed during simulated launch

First heart transplant

First Super Bowl

1968

Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy assassinated

200,000 members; 800 sisterhoods; 28 Branches

My Lai Massacre

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Hineni” Here Am I”; Chair: Miriam Teplitz (Mrs. Saul)

Tet Offensive

Simultaneous study sessions in New York and Los Angeles with 1,000 participants in commemoration of Jubilee

1969

First group of African Hebrew Israelites begin immigration to Israel

Moves out of Seminary (housed there since 1918) and purchases the Jewish Braille Institute Building at 48 E. 74th Street in NY

Neil Armstrong becomes the first man on the moon

Yasser Arafat becomes leader of the PLO

Concert at Woodstock

ARPANET, the precursor of the Internet, created

Sesame Street first airs

1970

Palestinian group hijacks five planes

Selma Rappaport becomes president (1970-1974)

Kent State Shootings

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Veahavta” And Thou Shalt Love; Chair: Miriam Teplitz (Mrs. Saul)

The Beatles break up

1971

VCRs introduced

1972

Sally Priesand became the first female rabbi ordained in America

1972 Jubilee Year

Terrorists attack at the Munich Olympics

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Na’aseh” We Will Do!”; Chair: Ruth Perry (Mrs. M. Milton) Unanimous vote to change name to Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Remove husbands names from rosters (Mrs. Solomon Schechter now Mathilde Schechter) Ezrat Nashim invited to convention (after turned down by Rabbinical Assembly) Convention opinion poll: majority support women elected to congregational boards; serving as Torah readers; initiate divorce proceedings; 60% called for women to be counted in a minyan

Watergate Scandal begins

Recruit-Activate-Retain (RAR) Conference and National Board meeting In Los Angeles, first on the West Coast

Mark Spitz wins seven Olympic gold medals

First Masorti women’s groups established in Israel

Pocket calculators introduced

1973

The Yom Kippur War

President Selma Rappaport attends Soviet Jewry conferences in Washington and Brussels

Roe vs. Wade legalizes abortion in the U.S.

Rappaport goes on mission to Israel during Yom Kippur War

Skylab, America’s first space station, launched

March 29, 1973: Articles of Incorporation amended. Name changed to Women’s League for Conservative Judaism

U.S. pulls out of Vietnam

U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigns

1974

U.S. President Nixon resigns

Ruth Perry becomes President (1974-1978)

Civil war in Lebanon

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Layv HadashVeru’ah Hadashah” A New Heart and New Spirit; Chair: Ruth Perry (Mrs. M. Milton)

Helsinki accords signed

Becomes independent member of Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish

Microsoft founded

Organizations, World Zionist Organization, World Council of Synagogues

Saturday Night Live premieres

National Study Days at JTS instituted; Judith Hauptman, first female Talmud instructor (JTS)

Endorses the recent Committee on Jewish Law & Standards decisions that gave women greater equality in their synagogues

1975

Jackson-Vanik amendment ties U.S. trade benefits to freedom of emigration for U.S.S.R. Jews

1976

Soweto Uprisings in South Africa

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Hazak Ve-ematz Me’od!” Be Strong and Very Courageous; Chair: Goldie Kweller (Mrs. Murray). Resolutions: Freedom of choice is inherent in the civil rights of women; Freedom of choice as to birth control is inherent in the civil right of women

Apple Computer founded

NGO Adele Leaf first member of Jewish religious organization to sit on Executive Committee of the Council of NGO Representatives at the United Nations

World Affairs Department: combines Social Action, Israel Affairs, United Nations and Canadian Public Affairs

BA’OLAM published

Furnish Resource Center Library in Bernstein Youth Center at the Agron Street complex (Center for Conservative Judaism – now Fuchsberg Center for Conservative Judaism)

Resolution in support of universal health care: “adequate health care is a basic right of all, regardless of age or ability to pay”

Vote to endow Seminary sukkah as lifetime gift honoring Adele Ginzberg

Mathilde Schechter Residence Hall opens, 415 W. 120th St. Attended by President Ruth Perry and Past Presidents Evelyn Henkind, Helen Sussman, Helen Fried Kirschblum and Selma Rapaport; Adele Ginzberg, celebrating 90th birthday, recites Sheheh’yanu

For American bicentennial celebration, publishes Justice By the Book (Helene Schwartz) and reissues What the Liberty Bell Proclaimed (Rabbi Leon Spitz)

Offers response, “Resolution of Solidarity,” to UN Zionism is Racism resolution, signed by thousands of participants of Branch conferences, presented to Simcha Dinitz, Israeli Ambassador to the United States

1977

Israel rescues hostages taken to Entebbe, Uganda

Establishes Women’s League Institute at JTS

President Ruth Perry becomes the first female delegate to the World Zionist Congress from Conservative movement

1978

The Camp David Accord signed included the withdrawal of Israel from the Sinai

Goldie Kweller becomes president (1978-1982)

Yiddish writer Isaac Bashevis Singer receives Nobel Prize

Convention, Kiamesha, NY ”Ve’he’yaya V’rakhah” And Be Thou a Blessing; Chair: Goldie Kweller (Mrs. Murray). Resolutions: Support funding of child care centers and related services, enabling women for employment on a more nearly equal basis; Support plight of Soviet Jews, encourage greater advocacy and pressure from U.S.; To USSR to restore rights to Soviet Jews, either to live peacefully or be allowed to emigrate

First test-tube baby born

President Ruth Perry first woman to be given aliyah at United Synagogue convention

Goldie Kweller attends signing of Camp David Peace Treaty at White House (September 17, 1978)

1979

Iran takes American hostages in Tehran

Sisterhoods begin financial support of kehillot in Israel

Margaret Thatcher becomes first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain

Nuclear accident at Three Mile Island

Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat are awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Operation Elijah, Rescue of Ethiopian Jewry begins

Sony introduces the Walkman

1980

Ted Turner establishes CNN

Convention, Kiamesha, NY ‘‘U’Vaharta” Therefore Choose Life; Chair: Selma Weintraub

Pac-Man video game released

Resolution supporting ordination of women rabbis

Bernice Balter named Executive Director

Becomes autonomous member of National Jewish Relations Advisory Council (previously under the banner of United Synagogue)

1981

First woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court

AIDS identified

Personal computers (PC) introduced by IBM

1982

Falkland Islands invaded by Argentina

Selma Weintraub becomes president (1982-1986)

Israel invades Southern Lebanon to drive out the PLO

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “K’nay Hahmah, K’nay Binah” Get Wisdom, Gain Understanding; Chair: Dolly Moser

Vietnam War Memorial opened in Washington, DC

Creation of “special relationships” matching sisterhoods with Masorti congregations in Israel

Torah Fund dedicates the Mo’adon at Goldsmith Hall

1983

Reagan announces Defense Plan called Star Wars

Study Days instiituted by many Branches

Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space

Expanded publication department produces audio cassettes and video tapes and new program guides to prepare women for participation in synagogue ritual

The faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary votes to accept women as candidates for ordination. Amy Eilberg becomes the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi

Cabbage Patch Kids are popular

1984

Operations Moses and Joshua, rescue of Ethiopian Jewry, by Israel begins

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “L’ma’an tizk’ru V’asitem” Remember and Do; Chair: Helene Schachter

PG-13 movie rating created

Torah Fund surpasses two million dollar goal

1985

Hole in the Ozone Layer discovered

Welcome to the World: A Jewish Baby’s Record Book, First edition published

First Internet domain name is registered

Joint Leadership Conference within the Conservative Movement instituted

Amy Eilberg becomes the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi

1986

Space shuttle Challenger explodes

Evelyn Auerbach becomes president (1986-1990)

Chernobyl nuclear disaster

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Lkhol Z’man V’et” For Everything There is a Season and a Time; Chair: Evelyn Auerbach

Iran-Contra Scandal

Resolution urges the National Youth commission of United Synagogue to provide full egalitarian tefillot as an official option at all gatherings

U.S. bombs Libya

January 11, 1986: broken water pipe floods basement and entire first floor of the 74th Street office

U.S.S.R. launches Mir Space Station

Joint leadership conference with United Synagogue and FJMC paves way for Leadership Council of the Conservative Movement

Elie Wiesel wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Former President Syd Rossman (1958-62) is the first woman to receive the JTS Seminary Centennial Medal (for chairing the successful Mathilde Schechter Residence Hall Campaign)

1987

Beginning of the First Intifada against Israel

President Evelyn Auerbach makes several trips to Israel to participate in the “Who is a Jew?” debate fueled by large influx of Soviet Jewry

DNA first used to convict criminals

First biennial World Affairs Conference held in Washington, D.C.

1988

Pan Am Flight 103 Is bombed Over Lockerbie, Scotland

Convention: Kiamesha, NY “Lev Ehad V’derekh Ehad” One Heart, One Purpose; Chair: Evelyn Seelig

Fundraising project: “Flowers of Israel” cards, one of its most successful development campaigns

1989

Berlin Wall falls

Exxon Valdez spills millions of gallons of oil on coastline

Students massacred in China’s Tiananmen Square

World Wide Web established

1990

USSR allows emigration of three million Jews; many choose to move to Israel

Audrey Citak becomes president (1990-1994)

Iraq invades Kuwait

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Emet Tzedeh V’Shalom” Truth, Justice & Peace; Chair: Ruth Rosenfeld

Germany reunited

Resolution applauds decision to grant degree of hazzan and encourage all congregations to consider women cantorial candidates “without prejudice”

Hubble Telescope launched Into Space

First book in the Celebration series published: Celebration: Hanukkah

Cantor Marla Rosenfeld Barugel becomes first woman to be admitted into the Cantors Assembly

Bylaws changed to allow women outside the 100 mile radius of the Women’s League office to be president

1991

Collapse of the Soviet Union

President Audrey Citak joins mission to Israel during Gulf War

Israel airlifts 14,000 Jews from Ethiopia during Operation Solomon in a 24-hour airlift

New Training Services department created

Operation Desert Storm/Gulf War during which Israel is hit by 39 Scud missiles from Iraq

First national Shabbaton and open board meeting, Chicago, IL

South Africa repeals Apartheid Laws

1992

Bosnian Genocide begins

Convention, Kiamesha, NY “Evtah v’lo Efhad” I am Confident and Unafraid; Chair: Janet Tobin

Riots in Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict

Hundreds of members join 500,000 women in the March on Washington in support of women’s reproductive rights

1993

World Trade Center bombed

Kolot BiK’dushah established to acknowledge women who can lead services, read from Torah and recite a haftarah

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum dedicated

Sponsors first Elderhostel (University of FL, Gainesville)

Israel and PLO sign the Oslo Accords

Joint response to Hurricane Andrew with FJMC provides meals and other necessities to homeless victims

1994

Israel and Jordan sign official peace treaty

Evelyn Seelig becomes president (1994-1998)

Arafat, Rabin, and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres share the Nobel Peace Prize

Convention: Kiamesha, NY, “Walk in the Path of Understanding”; Chair: Lila Nass

Rwandan Genocide

Women’s League realignment from 28 to 25 Branches

1995

Oklahoma City Bombing

Torah Fund dedicates refurbished Women’s League Seminary Synagogue (WLSS)

Yitzhak Rabin assassinated

O.J. Simpson found not guilty of double murder

Auction Website eBay is founded

1996

Centennial Olympic Park Bombing during the Olympic Games

Convention: Kiamesha, NY. “And the World Is Entrusted to Us”; Chair: Marion Mohl

Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal, is born

Last Convention at Concord

WLCJNet (online Sisterhood Without Walls) established by a handful of savvy members, offering a way to maintain friendships and exchange ideas

1997

First Harry Potter book released

Princess Diana dies in car crash

1998

U.S. President Clinton impeached

Janet Tobin becomes president (1998-2002)

Viagra goes on sale

Convention: Philadephia, PA “Ask and Learn”; Chair: Gloria Cohen Dr. Ruth Westheimer closes the Convention Lois Silverman introduced her and wrote in the NY State Branch newsletter: “She was wonderful and I relaxed as soon as she started using the language of her field—words like “sex”; who would have thought just a few years ago that such words would be heard at a WL Convention?”

1999

Fear of Y2K Bug

School shooting at Columbine High School

2000

The world celebrates the turn of the millennium

Mitzvat Torah campaign launched to raise funds to write a Torah and provide an opportunity for all members to paarticipate in this mitzvah

Israel unilaterally withdraws remaining forces from its security zone in southern Lebanon

Etz Hayim He, Adult Bat Mitzvah Curriculum written by Dr. Lisa Grant

The al-Aqsa Intifada begins

Convention, Washington, DC “What We Do This Day Can Change Our Lives”; Chair: Cory Schneider Debbie Friedman concert, first time convention programming open to local community

Camp David Summit

Senator Joseph Lieberman the first Jewish-American to be nominated for national office (Vice President) by a major U.S. political party

Unclear winner in U.S. Presidential Election

The dot-com bubble bursts

U.S.S. Cole Bombed

2001

World Trade Center, Pentagon, and PA terrorist attacks

Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies to sponsor Days of Study for hundreds of Masorti women in Israel, in collaboration with Alice Shalvi, rector

Wikipedia is launched

Sale of townhouse at 48 East 74th Street Ny, NY and move to 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 820, New York, NY

2002

The Euro becomes the official currency of twelve of the European Union’s Members

Gloria Cohen becomes president (2002-2006)

George Bush creates the Department of Homeland Security to fight threats of terrorism

Convention: Philadelphia, PA “Lift Our Voices with Strength”; Chair: Janet Arnowitz

WLCJ Torah dedicated

2003

Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

Oprah’s Club, national book club: first selection The Singing Fire, by Lillian Nadel

Invasion of Iraq

Leadership Institute (3-day) developed and begun in different locations in North America

The Human Genome Project is completed

2004

Facebook is launched

Convention: Orlando, FL “Kulanu B’Yachad” All of Us Together; Chair: Rita Wertlieb

Beauty, Brains and Brawn: The New Balabuste, exhibit commemorating 350th anniversary of Jews in the United States

Education Pavilion at the Jewish Theological Seminary dedicated on October 3, 2004

2005

Hurricane Katrina floods New Orleans

Sisterhood Planner

Angela Merkel becomes the first female Chancellor of Germany

Women in Law, Women in Halakhah Symposium (NY)

Israel officially recognizes the Bnei Menashe people of North-East India as one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, opening the door to immigrate to Israel

Israel withdraws its military forces and settlers from the Gaza Strip

YouTube is launched

2006

Saddam Hussein is executed

Cory Schneider becomes president (2006-2010); first president beyond 100-mile radius of NYC

A military conflict in Lebanon and northern Israel

Convention: Philadelphia, “Praise Her for Her Works”; Chair: Sandra Schwartz Resolution supporting fair legal immigration policies and refugee protection Convention Social Action Project: Philadelphia Laurel House (women’s shelter) Convention committee creates new Eishet Hayil Award, focusing on one woman per sisterhood. Hundreds of recipients attend convention award ceremony

Twitter is launched

Individual membership reintroduced after bylaws change

2007

Global economic downturn

KOL ISHAH: A WOMAN’S VOICE; A Concert in Celebration of 20 Years of Women Cantors Sunday, December 16, 2007: Jewish Theological Seminary, New York

Arctic sea ice hits a record low

Website, www.wlcj.org, launched

Apple debuts the iPhone

WLCJ realignment from 25 Branches to 13 Regions

Amazon releases the Kindle

Outlook: final issue published (Spring/Summer 2007; Vol 77 No 3)

CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism, joint publication with FJMC and United Synagogue introduced

70,000 members; 13 Regions

2008

Oil prices hit a record high

Convention: Detroit, MI Lev V’Nefesh Heart and Soul; Chair: Carol Simon Convention social action project: WLCJ members knit and crochet 15,000 hats and scarves for homeless in Detroit

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launches Operation Cast Lead against Hamas in the Gaza Strip

Publication of With Strength and Splendor: Jewish Women as Agents of Change (author: Director of Education Lisa Kogen)

Global financial crisis spurred by the U.S. subprime mortgage market crash

Mitzvah Yomit Project

BookMarks, books newsletter first printed

First Vashti’s Banquet, New York, March 9, 2008

2009

Barack Obama is sworn in as 44th president and first African-American POTUS

Distance Workshops introduced, enabling women to participate in study and training sessions via conference call

Va’ani Tefillati: Jewish Women in Prayer Conference (historic gathering of Jewish women from all movements including Women of Reform Judaism, and the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance)

2010

Haiti is struck by a devastating earthquake

Rita Wertlieb becomes president (2010-2014)

BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico worst marine environmental disaster in U.S. history

Convention: Baltimore, MD Kehillah Kedoshah: Celebrating Community Woman to Woman; Chair: Sandy Myers Convention Social Action Project: Books for Baltimore, Purchase of 14,000 books for children in Baltimore Public Schools, Jewels in the Crown Awards established

Yom Yarok Project, A Tu B’Shevat Celebration

2011

Death of Osama bin Laden

Women’s League assumes financial responsibility for United Synagogue’s Koach kallah

Regions begin sending weekly or biweekly Shabbat emails

2012

Scientists discover the existence of the Higgs boson or God particle

Convention: Las Vegas, Uri, Uri Awake! Greet the New Dawn: Chair: Faye Laveson. Resolutions: Support full civil equality for LGBT Jews; Support full access for all women to the entire spectrum of reproductive healthcare and opposition to policies limiting full access Convention Social action project: Value Our Vets collects $40,000 in gift cards for West LA Fisher House

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting leaves 27 dead

2013

The first creation of human embryonic stem cells by cloning

Mishpachah I: The Modern Jewish Family – program to create inclusiveness for all family types

Black Lives Matter movement begun

2014

NATO ends combat operations in Afghanistan

Carol Simon becomes president (2014-2017) (first president from outside Northeast corridor)

Convention: Whippany, NJ Kodesh V’chol: Balancing the Sacred and the Everyday; Chair: Margie Miller. Resolutions: In favor of gun control: background checks, bans on assault weapons, and federal legislation against gun trafficking; Support women’s autonomous control over personal reproductive health, and advocate for continued funding for organizations and institutions that support personal choice

WLCJ megillah completed, commissioned by President Rita Wertlieb, written by Rabbi Hannah Klebansky (Israel)

Executive committee and Board meetings conducted using Zoom instead of via conference call

Initiated sending Shabbat greetings electronically from the Women’s League president to all members

2015

NASA spacecraft New Horizons becomes the first human-made object to fly past and observe the dwarf planet Pluto

Mishpachah II: the Modern Jewish Family

US Supreme Court rules same sex marriage a right

Last issue of CJ published

April 28, 2015: Obtained IRS status as a religious/church organization. Added a dissolution clause to Articles of Incorporation

Women’s League Reads begins, a worldwide conversation about books of interest to today’s Jewish women

2016

Completion of the Panama Canal expansion project

New Outlook for Women’s League, newsletter sent to all members to replace CJ

Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes the first woman to be a major party’s nominee for president

Bold Steps Strategic Plan developed giving each region the ability to restructure dependent on their needs

2017

Web-connected video devices exceed the global population

Margie Miller becomes president (2017-2020)

Donald Trump becomes first U.S. President without prior military or government service

First triennial convention: Crystal City, VA A Bold New Outlook; Chair: Barbara Ezring Service project: Mathilde’s Mentionables collects over 8000 bras for “Support the Girls” 

#MeToo movement became Time Magazine Person of the Year

2018

Mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, FL and Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh, PA

Women’s League celebrates its centennial and raises $54,000

Death of George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, and John McCain

First annual WLCJ Chanukah virtual candle lighting service

WL hires new Executive Director: Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields

2019

Notre Dame Cathedral fire

Torah Fund Legacy Society planned giving campaign is initiated

President Trump impeached by the House of Representatives

Joint Women’s League/Torah Fund Major Gifts trip to Argentina

Updated WL logo announced “We are Women’s League”

2020

Worldwide Covid-19 pandemic

Debra Kaner Goldich becomes president (2020-2023)

Black Lives Matter movement gains strength after death of George Floyd

First “Virtual” convention: “Sisters Journeying Together“; Chair: Debra Kaner Goldich

Shuly Rubin Schwartz becomes first woman chancellor appointed at JTS

Daily psalm reading and kaddish done virtually (Makom b’Yachad)

The Abraham Accordson Arab–Israeli normalization signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain

New nominations and election timeline allows for greater transition period between administrations

Resolution passed on LGBTQ acceptance and awareness

2021

United States Capitol is breached by pro-Trump mob protesting outcome of presidential election on January 6th

Focus on modernization of program delivery such as updating the database and access to zoom session recordings on WLCJ.org

Kamala Harris becomes first female Vice President of the U.S.

Zoom sessions are now recorded and available on WLCJ.org

By May 1, Covid-19 vaccine available to all

Sichot Beyn Achayot programming created to foster a deeper mutual understanding between Women’s League members and the Masorti women from Israel

Rise of antisemitism in U.S. more than doubles. Synagogues hire security guards

Resolution on Racial Justice

SpaceX launches first all-civilian spaceflight

World Engagement-Sisterhood Affiliate in Uganda joins Women’s League

America withdraws from Afghanistan

33,000 members; 323 affiliates

2022

Russia invades Ukraine

During and continuing after the pandemic a dramatic increase of online programming is developed to service members and international relationship groups

U.S. Supreme Court overturns abortion rights (Roe vs. Wade)

Environmental Committee works with FJMC to promote Reverse Tashlich in Women’s League affiliates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes wide spread

Update of many materials making them more relevant for today’s members, including a coordinated central calendar

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom dies after a reign of 70 years

Women’s League’s archives are organized and now catalogued and stored at the Jewish Theological Seminary

Moved offices from 475 Riverside Drive to 520 8th Avenue

2023

Illegal immigration in U.S. reaches historic levels

Julia Loeb becomes president 2023-2026

Global temperatures shatter historic records

First hybrid convention: Sisters Celebrating Together, July 16-19, 2023, Schaumberg, IL, Chair: Edna Schrank

Hamas attacks Israel on October 7 Hostage crisis initiated and become a defining issue for Israel and world Jewry

WLCJ engagement with Israel expands through programming, advocacy and interactions with partner Kehillot during this pivotal period in Israel’s history

American Jewish Awakening: Many more Jews become engaged with their Judaism. “”October 8 Jews” is used to describe this phenomenon

March for Israel, Washington, DC on November 14 (290,000 attend plus 250,000 watch virtually)

2024

Pro-Palestinian riots on college campuses

Resolution: Transforming the U.S. Criminal Justice System

Donald Trump is elected as U.S. president for a second non-consecutive term

WLCJ Executive Committee Retreat resulting in the Envisioning the Future strategic plan includes a new mission statement, governance reforms, restructuring, and a roadmap for the future

WLCJ Civil Rights trip explores the history and lessons of the Civil Rights Movement through a Jewish lens

2025

39th World Zionist Congress is held, the first in-person Congress in a decade

Raises $21,000 to support our Southern California sisters affected by wildfires

The last living hostage from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack is returned to Israel on October 13

Offices moved to The Jewish Theological Seminary at 3080 Broadway, Suite K900

Resolution: Food Insecurity

2026

The last body of a hostage from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack is returned to Israel on January 26

Resolution: Climate Change

Artemis II Mission: a lunar flyby representing the first human mission beyond low-earth orbit since 1972

After many months of planning, the administration of the Torah Fund Campaign is transitioned to WLCJ on July 1, 2026, creating new technology, financial systems, infrastructure, and processes for the campaign’s next chapter

Pamela Schlosberg becomes president 2026-2029

Convention: Engage, Enrich, Empower, Forging a Stonger Tomorrow; July 12-15, 2026; Alexandria, VA; Chair: Marsha Strongin. First “paperless” convention