News

Cruising into 2026 with Jewish Pride and Joy

Posted on January 15, 2026

Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, WLCJ Executive Director At the end of December 2025, my husband and I were privileged to take a seven day cruise for an early 25th wedding anniversary celebration. One of my favorite activities on a cruise is attending the art auction. When I was waiting for the art auction on the Continue Reading »

Be A Friend

Posted on January 13, 2026

Be a Friend – Tell a Friend about Women’s League! Each of us likely knows at least one Jewish woman who doesn’t belong to a Women’s League affiliate or perhaps even to a synagogue. Perhaps she lives somewhere where there are none. But she does seek belonging in some manner – wherever she lives and Continue Reading »

Our Own Journey Into the Desert

Posted on January 6, 2026

Debbie Lempert, WLCJ Convention Programming Vice Chair, Leadership Institute Trainer and WLCJ Consultant This week’s parashah, Shemot, begins the Exodus story. I once asked my Rabbi why we read Shemot now instead of the spring. He suggested that it helps us prepare for our spiritual journey out of Egypt before the holiday arrives. While I Continue Reading »

Hyphen, Heritage, and Hanukkah: Celebrating Identity and Light

Posted on December 16, 2025

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President I have always been aware of the hyphen in my identity, Jewish-American or American-Jew, depending on the day, the moment, or the context. The order matters, and yet it doesn’t. The hyphen is a bridge, not a divider, a small punctuation mark carrying history, faith, culture, and citizenship. That Continue Reading »

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 »