News

Bonding and Leadership

Posted on December 9, 2025

By Debbie Zimmerman, WLCJ Leadership Institute Logistics Chair & International Board Member I look forward to my weekend as Shabbat approaches. Shabbat is special. It is a time to reflect on my past week and acknowledge all that is great in my life. I take the time to slow down, appreciate my family, friends, and surroundings. Continue Reading »

Becoming Messengers of Kindness

Posted on December 2, 2025

By Joyce Levitas, WLCJ CRM and Member Portal Developer This week in Parashat Vayishlach, we read: Vayishlach Yaakov mal’achim lefanav – “And Jacob sent messengers ahead of him.” (Genesis 32:4) Jacob sends mal’achim, “messengers”—not of war, but of peace, care, and preparation. His actions remind us that in moments of fear or uncertainty, the Jewish response is often to send Continue Reading »

Finding Holiness in Unexpected Places

Posted on November 27, 2025

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President There’s a classic parable about a man who dreams that a hidden treasure lies beneath a bridge in a distant city. He travels for days to find it, only to find the bridge under heavy guard. A captain notices him and asks what he’s doing. Embarrassed, the man explains Continue Reading »

Where the Parashah Meets Our Mission: Torah Fund and the Work of Peace

Posted on November 20, 2025

By Lori Snow, WLCJ Vice President and Torah Fund International Chair This week’s Torah portion is Toldot, meaning “generations” or “descendants.” Rebecca and Isaac have twins: the smooth-skinned Jacob and the hairy Esau. The narrative describes the brother’s contrasts—Esau (Isaac’s favorite) grows to be a skilled hunter and outdoorsman while Jacob ( Rebecca’s favorite) becomes a quiet man Continue Reading »

From “The Life of Sarah,” We Learn How Life Goes On

Posted on November 12, 2025

By Heddy Belman, WLCJ Co-Chair, Environment & Sustainability; Liaison to Mexico; Mentors / Consultants; Torah Fund Cabinet; Membership; Education, Past WLCJ Vice President, Financial Secretary, and Branch / Region President (2004–2006) From all my readings, the question often asked is: how can a chapter so beautifully written be called Chayyei Sarah–“The Life of Sarah,” and Continue Reading »

Reflections on the World Zionist Congress

Posted on November 5, 2025

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President Last week we read Parashat Lekh-Lekha, which opens with a divine call that continues to shape Jewish destiny: “Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). That journey, leaving comfort for purpose, is the Torah’s Continue Reading »

Ancient Books in Modern Times

Posted on October 20, 2025

By Anne R. Greenbaum, WLCJ International Vice President and WLCJ Israel Chair In July I spent a lovely four days on my own in New York. Among other things, I visited three magnificent libraries. The most memorable tour was at the Jewish Theological Seminary Library. Dr. David Kraemer guided a small group through the exhibit Continue Reading »

On Beginnings, Endings, and the Gift of Today

Posted on October 16, 2025

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President On Beginnings, Endings, and the Gift of Today This Shabbat we return to the very beginning: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Each year, when we start reading the Torah again, it feels both familiar and new. We know the words, yet they open fresh Continue Reading »

Finding Our Spiritual “App”

Posted on September 19, 2025

By Pam Schlosberg, WLCJ Financial Secretary Finding Our Spiritual “App” Have you been paying attention to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution with its ever-increasing circle of applications? Depending on how they’re used, these tools are hailed either as transformative innovations or disruptive forces. If AI came with a user manual, we’d discover algorithms applied in Continue Reading »

Holiness is in the Details

Posted on September 4, 2025

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President Holiness is in the Details Parashat Ki Teitzei is one of the Torah’s most detailed portions, filled with seventy-four commandments covering every aspect of daily life from family relationships and ethical business practices to reminders of compassion for the vulnerable. Reading it feels a little like packing for a Continue Reading »