Grace Schessler, Vice President of WLCJ, and Karen Seltzer, Program Activity Chair, have collected these programs which can be adapted for use by many Sisterhoods.
July 20, 2021
Forgive Us Our Trespasses – A Memoir of a Jewish Teacher in a Catholic School
Have you ever been the odd man out? A different breed? A fish out of water? Join Diane Gensler, author of Forgive Us Our Trespasses. A Memoir of a Jewish Teacher in a Catholic School, as she navigates foreign territory as the only Jewish person teaching in a Catholic school. Experience the joy and memorable moments as well as the sting of anti-Semitism and ignorance. Despite the challenges, Diane discovers that the job was a blessing in disguise and fate may have played a hand in her school placement.
Diane Gensler is a certified English and special education teacher. In addition to teaching in public and private schools, she developed educational software, tutored online and wrote and managed online curriculum. She is a Maryland Writing Project Teacher Consultant and a mentor. A native Baltimorean and mother of three, she is an active member of the Baltimore Jewish Writers Guild, the Jewish Genealogy Society of Maryland and other clubs and organizations.
Diane would be thrilled to bring her book talk to your Sisterhood Affiliate and can customize her presentation to suit your needs and preferences.
To purchase or learn more about the book click HERE. To contact Diane email: baltodi@verizon.net
July 6, 2021
Continuing with the Mavens… Program or Conference Planning
Last week I introduced you to The Word Mavens, Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic. Their popular hour-long program celebrating Jewish traditions, holidays and beloved foods and the Yiddish and Hebrew words that describe them is only one of their many program offerings. Joyce and Ellen have developed a Mavens-in-Residence program, similar to a Scholar-in-Residence series but a lot more fun! Women’s League Regions or Sisterhood Affiliates can choose from one or more presentations for a single event, a Shabbaton, or a Region Conference full of entertaining and educational programming.
Two of these sessions make use of The Word Mavens books, which can be ordered in advance. Quantity discounts are available.
For available dates, and more information about booking The Word Mavens in person or on Zoom, visit their website: www.thewordmavens.com or contact:
Ellen 610-952-3141, ellenscolnic@gmail.com Joyce 610-574-8025, writestuff29@comcast.net
June 28, 2021
Shmoozing with the Word Mavens
Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic are The Word Mavens, two Philadelphia Jewish mothers who have been writing, blogging, speaking, and tweeting together for more than 15 years.
They’ve presented their popular Shmoozing With the Word Mavens program to over 100 synagogues, JCC, and communal groups in person; since the summer of 2020, they’ve been Zooming around the country.
In their entertaining and educational presentation, they answer burning questions like:
Their hour-long program celebrates Jewish traditions, holidays and beloved foods, and the Yiddish and Hebrew words that describe them. The Word Maven’s program – which includes everything from fun facts about kugel to why there is no substitute for a good “Oy!” – rekindles childhood memories and makes audiences laugh out loud.
The Word Mavens has co-authored three books: The award-winning Dictionary of Jewish Words (Jewish Publication Society 2006), The Whole Spiel: Funny Essays About Digital Nudniks, Seder Selfies and Chicken Soup Memories (Incompra Press 2016) and Stuff Every Grandmother Should Know (Quirk Press Feb. 2019).
The cost of the presentation is $500 in person, $400 via Zoom. For available dates and more information about booking The Word Mavens in person or on Zoom, visit their website: www.thewordmavens.com or contact:
Ellen Scolnic: 610-952-3141, ellenscolnic@gmail.com
Joyce Eisenberg: 610-574-8025, writestuff29@comcast.net
June 22, 2021
Fascinating Film Presentation with Q&A
A multi-faceted filmmaker and entrepreneur in the arts, Gabriela Böhm uses the power of storytelling to raise awareness and illuminate social issues to impact our perceptions of the world. Her award-winning films have screened world-wide.
Gabriela’s family was forever changed by the events of The Holocaust, leaving a trail of ghosts in its residue. Her creative work is alive, pulsating, and fed by questions that reflect back to this dark source. Born to émigré refugee parents, Gabriela identifies with the “nomad Jew.” In contemporary terms, she sees herself as “a citizen of the world.”
A native of Argentina, Gabriela studied art and photography in Israel prior to receiving a BFA at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a MFA at Maine Media College. Whether in the field of ideas, traveling the globe, or working on a project, she is at home with people of all cultures and languages. She is a US citizen and speaks Spanish, English, and Hebrew.
Gabriela is the founder of Böhm Productions, which produces creative, thought-provoking, character-driven films that explore our common humanity through inspiring stories – past and present.
Raquel: A Marked Woman
Raquel’s story is from another time but resonates today. A mother, she was torn from her children and tricked into prostitution. In the early 20th century, thousands of Eastern European Jewish women were lured to Argentina and forced into prostitution. Others gave up. Not Raquel. Bravely, she exposed her oppressors.
Your affiliate can invite Gabriela Bohm to host a viewing of “Raquel” followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker herself!
Contact Gabriela at gabrielabohm@gmail.com for more information and visit gabrielabohm.com to view a trailer of the film.
Thank you to Iris Lasky for sharing this programming idea with us!
June 15, 2021
Helene Herman Programs for Jewish Organizations
Helene Herman recently retired as President of a 400+ member lifelong learning club in South Florida. She is a lecturer for the adult learning programs at multiple universities on a variety of historical and cultural topics. Helene has had over 30 years of executive level experience in global marketing for a variety of American manufacturers. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from NYU; her background in cultural anthropology was instrumental in putting her on the path to her marketing career. Helene is the Sisterhood Executive Vice President at Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek in Tamarac, FL. She has done complimentary programs for Jewish organizations in Florida and beyond including Hadassah, the JCC, Synagogues, and Sisterhoods.
The History of Mah Jongg: 75 min
What does Confucius, the sparrow, Abercrombie & Fitch and many of our mothers have in common? Come discover the history of Mah Jongg in China and America and learn why so many Chinese people and Jewish-American Women have a love affair with this historic game.
The Ancient and Modern Kingdom of Morocco: 75 min
Learn about the diversity of this ancient and increasingly modern kingdom. Morocco, a storied country, distinguished by Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences has ties to Sub-Saharan Africa as well. It has a history beyond tolerance, celebrating its multi-cultural history that continues today.
Secrets of the Shanghai Ghetto: either 60 0r 90 min
By the outbreak of WW2, Shanghai sheltered more Jewish refugees than any other place in the world. We will learn about the history of Jewish Shanghai from the turn of the 20th century and the ultimate creation of the Shanghai Ghetto in 1943, a story that many Americans do not know but one that is taught throughout China.
But They Were Good to Their Mothers: Jewish Gangsters in America: 75 min
This lecture addresses a seldom-covered aspect of the darker side of the immigrant experience, delving into the rise and fall of Jewish gangsters who dominated crime from the 1920’2 until the end of WW2. Beyond exploring famous crime figures (e.g., Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky) and organizations (e.g., Murder Inc., The Brownsville Boys), we will learn about some lesser known but quite fascinating characters.
History and Culture of Cuban Jews. 75 minutes
Cubans of Jewish heritage have lived there for centuries, some tracing their ancestry back to early Spanish colonization. This program will trace Jewish Cuban history from 1492 through the 1959 revolution and up to the present. We will look at Jewish Cubans both in Cuba and in the United States, including both history and culture.
From Honey to Big Money: The History of Candy (Fall or Spring versions) 75 minutes
Fall brings Holidays …a time when candy will be on many minds… and many lips …We will cover the history of candy going back to ancient Egypt through the present day. We will visit various holiday candies as well as the ties some brands have had to WW2. Along the way, we will see candy making in action as well as taking a trip down memory lane to the confections of our youth.
Contact Helene Herman at helene.tbtst.sisterhood@gmail.com for more information!
Don’t miss out on this extremely generous offer as you plan your 2021-2022 calendars!
June 2, 2021
Jewish Majorca
Let Jewish Majorca take you on a (virtual) journey through time and space as we learn about Jewish stories from all corners of the world.
Jewish Majorca was born as a project to learn about the taboo topic of Jewish, Converso and Chueta heritage of the island. They are a group of diverse and passionate history buffs – some originally from the island and other “foreigners” who now call Majorca home. Though they come from different backgrounds, some Jewish and some non, they all share the same idea: that they can fight ignorance and intolerance through learning about the past. They believe there is a need to share the unknown stories about the Mallorquin Jews and their inspiring resistance and perseverance through traumatic times.
Jewish Majorca’s intention is not to be just another guided tour but to create a space where we can learn together, share and connect their personal stories all while participating in an experience of continuous discovery. To learn about their live Zoom Tours, click here.
Are you looking to explore Jewish communities around the world? Jewish Majorca invites you to get on their Hot Air Zoom Balloon to meet exceptional guides and Jewish community members who live around the world and will tell you first-hand the history and current activities of their communities. To learn about their Hot Air Zoom Balloon Tours, click here.
Note: Prices range from $18 for an individual ticket to board the balloon to $300 or more, depending on the tour.
May 25, 2021
Sisterhood Virtual Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can be done two different ways. Let’s discuss the options:
First, you could have the scavenger hunt happen during a virtual meeting. As soon as you are sure that everyone is signed on, you email everyone who is in attendance “the list.” We have 11 items mentioned below, so give everyone eleven minutes on a timer to find all the items. (Depending on the number of items on the list, that is how much time is on the timer, per minute.) The first one back to the zoom screen with all 11 items wins. If no one is back in time, them the person with the most items win. Always prepare for more than 1 winner.
The other option is to have the list sent out to everyone exactly one hour before the meeting begins. Have everyone come to the meeting with all their items on the table. Make everyone hold up their items as you call them out. Some items will come with funny stories, or memories or interpretations.
Below is a list of items you might have in your house. You may be thinking, “Sure I have them, but who the heck knows where they are?” The winner of the scavenger hunt…that’s who!
If you are the organizer, don’t share the list until it’s time to play.
And add or change anything that is on the list.
Enjoy the fun!
Submitted by Ellen Wasserman ellenfwasserman@gmail.com
May 20, 2021
Women on the Front Lines: Inside the Combat Units of the Israeli Army
Virtual Book Tour – Summer/Fall 2021
I am excited to share a new Virtual Book Tour to celebrate the publication of Debbie Zimelman’s book, Women on the Front Lines: Inside the Combat Units of the Israeli Army. The tour will take place in Summer/Fall 2021 via Zoom. Dates are now available for you to book as you plan your Sisterhood’s next Calendar of Events.
Women on the Front Lines is the only book to explore the lives of women who serve in the combat units of the Israeli army. It is the culmination of five years of Debbie’s work photographing and interviewing soldiers in twenty Israeli army units. Through color photography and the soldiers’ own words, the book offers a glimpse into the experiences, fears, challenges, and accomplishments of these brave young women. Women on the Front Lines has received wide press coverage, and more than 25 audiences in the US, Israel, Hong Kong, and Tokyo have already enjoyed presentations about it.
Each event in the Women on the Front Lines Virtual Book Tour includes:
The Women on the Front Lines Virtual Book Tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the remarkable young women who protect the State of Israel— both through the eyes of a professional photographer and the first-hand experiences of a female combat soldier. Contact Debbie to arrange a date or to learn more.
Visit the Debbie Zimelman Photography website to learn more about her, her work, and Women on the Front Lines.
The cost is generally $375 with some flexibility depending on each Sisterhood’s needs.
The additional female ex-combat soldier is optional and would be an additional $65.
May 14, 2021
Rabbi Michael Lotker is a second career rabbi having been ordained at age 55 from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in 2003. He is a physicist who spent his first career in Alternative Energy focusing on wind, solar and geothermal energy.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics from Queens College in New York City and from the University of Illinois. Prior to his ordination from HUC-JIR (the Reform movement’s rabbinic seminary) in 2003, he received his Master of Hebrew Letters degree from this same institution. An entrepreneur, he started a number of alternative energy firms including a wind power development company that installed and operated wind farms in Hawaii and California.
He is presently Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Ner Ami in Camarillo, California, the Scholar in Residence at Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks, CA and the Community Rabbi for the Jewish Federation of Ventura County. He is a member of the Central Conference of America Rabbis and the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. He is a sought-after speaker at synagogues, churches and campuses.
Rabbi Lotker’s expertise covers a wide range of subjects including:
In lieu of a fee, Rabbi Lotker requests an honorarium be given to the Jewish Federation of Ventura County, CA. Click HERE to contact Rabbi Lotker.
Thank you to Pixie Cohn, Programming Chair at Austin WLCJ Chapter at Congregation Agudas Achim Sisterhood, for sharing Rabbi Lotker’s information with me.
With many of us longing to travel, especially to Israel, perhaps your Sisterhood would like to schedule a Zoom talk with Eitan Morell. Eitan was born in Binghamton, NY but went to Israel to study for a year after high school in Yeshivat Shaalvim. He then served in the IDF as a tank gunner. Following his service in the army, Eitan studied Middle Eastern and Jewish History at Bar Ilan University, eventually becoming a licensed tour guide. Eitan lives in Talmon with his wife and six children. Whether you have been to Israel many times or never before, Eitan creates unique touring experiences for everyone!
Tour idea #1: The Story and Origins of the Song “Jerusalem of Gold”
Written a few weeks before the Six Day War, this beautiful song has entered the pantheon of great songs about Jerusalem and is loved by Jews throughout the world. In this song, Naomi Shemer relates Jerusalem to many concepts and issues which appear in Talmudic and other historical sources throughout the generations. The song, which captures a fleeting moment in the history of Jerusalem, also gives us a sense of the eternity of the city. In this tour we will see the Old City of Jerusalem through the prism of this song. The streets of Jerusalem will give us a deeper understanding of this famous song but more importantly – this song will give us a deeper understanding of Jerusalem.
Tour idea #2: A Connecticut Yankee in King David’s Court: Americans in Jerusalem
Throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. many famous Americans visited Eretz Yisrael. Americans such as Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Herman Melville and Mark Twain all frequented Jerusalem. Others, less well known, made important contributions toward achieving an independent Jewish state. In this tour the focus will be on these Americans in Jerusalem.
This tour will introduce you to fascinating stories which took place in Jerusalem. We will “meet” the first American Consul in Jerusalem and learn of his conversion to Judaism, be shocked by the American Consul whose murder remains unsolved till today and learn of the connection between Jerusalem and the battle of Bunker Hill. Our discussion will conclude with Americans who played crucial roles in the defense of Jerusalem in 1948.
For more information check out: Eitanmorelltours.com (Fees range from $150 – $400 depending on the size of your Sisterhood).
Thank you to Pixie Cohn, Programming Chair at Austin WLCJ Chapter at Congregation Agudas Achim Sisterhood, for sharing these programming ideas with me.
April 30, 2021
Throughout history, and across America today, seltzer’s fizzy flavor has attracted a loyalty and passion that often defies logic. Seltzer is more popular now than at any time in the past, reflecting the desires and cultural expectations of those who partake of its bubbles. How did such an ordinary drink become so extraordinary?
In the program (based on the book of the same name), Seltzertopia, Barry Joseph will share the untold story of seltzer, and you will meet the seltzer men and women who turned a hobby into a passion. From health to refreshment, identity, and even comedy, explore all the ways we infuse this unassuming drink with meaning. Discover . . .
Based on more than fourteen years of research and countless interviews, and including more than 75 photos, Seltzertopia
Virtual Option:
For remote presentations – which are lively, interactive, fun and engaging – Barry recommends an hour. You can add an optional egg cream mixing/drinking component at the end (another 15 minutes); Sisterhoods can encourage folks at home to get the required ingredients. Barry is currently booking now for remote engagements over the next 12 months.
In-Person Option:
This is the same hour-long presentation but, in person, Barry adds all sorts of extras. The egg cream mixing is one – and in person you can all do it together. Also popular is a flavored seltzer tasting competition, where people from the audience try to guess the flavors of the seltzers they are drinking which also brings down the house. In the next year Barry is only traveling in the New York Metropolitan area, but post-pandemic he’d love to get to the west coast and northwest.
Barry’s price is negotiable. He wants to spread the love of seltzer everywhere he can. Barry’s preference is to talk to a group of 40 or more people. He’d also like to connect with book clubs – people who don’t just want to hear a presentation but want to be part of a conversation.
You can contact Barry Joseph HERE for more information.
April 23, 2021
Calendar Planning Made Easy…Step-by-Step Guide!
There are many things Sisterhoods must consider as they begin calendar planning for the year ahead. So, this week, instead of sharing an idea of what to plan, I’ve created a guide to help you do the actual planning!
April 17, 2021
Memories Roadshow vs. Antique Roadshow
As many Sisterhoods begin planning next year’s Calendar of Events, you may be looking for a “Getting to Know You” ice breaker-type of Welcome Back Program. Why don’t you consider planning a Memories Roadshow? Each Sisterhood member is invited to bring an item of personal significance to the Zoom Room (or soon, in person!). It can be a piece of Judaica or art, an heirloom or something new. She will share what the item is, why it is important to her and what it represents. A Memories Roadshow is a fantastic way to get to know each other or to learn something new about a long-time friend.
Want to kick this idea up a notch? Are you curious to know what Bubbe’s candlesticks might be worth? Your Sisterhood can hire an appraiser/antiques dealer to bring their expertise to this event. The first 25 Sisterhood members to RSVP will get to have her item appraised. (Extra time can be assigned by a lottery system). This virtual Antiques Roadshow will be fun for participants and viewers alike! Need a suggestion on how to find an appraiser? Check out Mike Ivankovich’s “What it’s Worth Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow Events” at michaelivankovichappraisals.com.
April 10, 2021
Kehila Kedosha Janina Virtual Tour
Learn about the community of Kehila Kedosha Janina (the Holy Community of Janina) and discover the nearly 2,300-year-old history of the Romaniote Jews of Greece and their American descendants. Romaniote Jews are a unique community of Jewish people whose history in Greece dates back over two thousand three hundred years to the time of Alexander the Great. The Romaniotes are historically distinct from the Sephardim, who settled in Greece after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.
The congregation was first organized in New York in 1906 by Greek-speaking Romaniote Jews from the city of Ioannina in Northwestern Greece. Kehila Kedosha Janina was built in 1927 and is still at its original location on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places and a designated New York City Landmark since 2004, it is the last remaining Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
The approximately 45-minute Zoom presentation by Marcia Ikonompoulos, Museum Director and congregant, takes you through the history of the Romaniotes in Greece, their immigration to the United States, the effect of the Holocaust on their Greek community, and into the present day with descendants now spread across the United States. Historic photographs and artifacts from the congregation’s museum add unique insight and meaning into the presentation. A question-and-answer session is included.
In lieu of a fee for this program a $100 donation to help support this historic congregation is requested. For more information, go to https://www.kkjsm.org or contact Ms. Ikonompoulos at (516) 456-9336 or museum@kkjsm.org.
March 22, 2021
This program is both a culinary history of the Jewish delicatessen as well as a cultural history of four generations of Jews in America, from 1880 to the present. This humorous and educational multimedia history is based on comedian Seth Front’s Jewish Zodiac, a deli food parody of the Chinese zodiac. Using the twelve most iconic deli foods which comprise his Jewish Zodiac (Year of the Bagel, Year of the Pastrami, Year of the Schmear, etc.), Seth explains how deli foods – and Jews – arrived, adapted, assimilated, and returned to authenticity over four generations in America.
About Seth Front:
Seth Front is a comedian and rabbi’s son who uses humor to emotionally connect Jews to their heritage and faith. A graduate of the USC School of Cinema-Television, he co-wrote the feature film comedy “Nickel and Dime.” In 2009, Seth turned a joke about a deli food zodiac into a gift company called Jewish Zodiac. Jewish Zodiac has been profiled on KCRW’s Good Food radio show as well as in the LA Times and LA Weekly, and he has performed stand-up in Los Angeles at venues including The Comedy Store and Flappers.
Pre-COVID, Seth entertained synagogues all over the country with this program. In this era of social distancing, it is the perfect “ed-Jew-tainment” event for Zoom audiences. And we could all use a laugh these days.
The cost for Seth Front’s presentation is $360 making this the perfect program on which to partner with another sisterhood or even your Men’s Club. To round out this event, plan a parking lot Deli Dinner Pickup for your participants to enjoy!
He can be reached at SethFront5@gmail.com or via phone at 818.645.2670.
March 16, 2021
Reimagining the Balabusta–A Workshop with Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein
What comes to mind when you think of the word “Balabusta”?
Do you see a stocky woman baking challah, hand rolling kneidlach, and curing every ailment in her family? Let’s rethink the powerful Jewish woman for our world.
This interactive Zoom workshop is about:
This is Judaism for the 21st Century
Tradition and change. Deep, impactful, life-altering wisdom that was there all along. Contact Rabbi Bernstein at rabbi.bernstein@cbohr.org so she can help your Sisterhood reinvent the Balabusta for the 21st Century.
There is no fee for this program.
March 9, 2021
Plan Now for Shavuot!
March 2, 2021
If These Knishes Could Talk… The Story of the New York Accent
Want to have a free and fun night with your Sisterhood? Plan a movie night via Zoom! Free through this YouTube link, https://www.youtube.com/knishes, or available for just a few dollars on Amazon, your Zoom host can click to “Share Screen,” “Share Audio” and “Optimize Video” and you’ll be at the movies with your friends!
This comical documentary explores the history of the New York accent, what it is, how it evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It showcases writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride. It also follows why New Yorkers eat chawclate (chocolate) and drink cawfee (coffee), and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of the city.
Be sure to make this a B.Y.O.P… Bring Your Own Popcorn and allow time after the movie (which is 53 minutes) for discussion and schmoozing.
Other movies to consider:
February 26, 2021
Go Where You Haven’t Gone Before!
Would you like to tour secret and hidden places in Israel? Contact Itamar Ben David, a young, friendly and enthusiastic guide who knows all the most interesting places to take you to! Itamar is a VIP tour guide in Israel and due to the Covid19 pandemic, he started to guide live, interactive tours via Zoom! With over 14 years of experience guiding thousands of happy travelers all over Israel, he’d be more than happy to share his knowledge and passion with you! Check out his website: www.itamarbendavid.com.
Suggested Virtual Tour: Jerusalem’s Temple Mount
Amazing virtual tour of the holiest place on earth…The Temple Mount! You will hear all about the traditions at the bridge between Heaven and Earth and learn about the cradle of monotheism. After a short “flight” from your homes to Israel, you will take the highway from Ben Gurion airport directly to Jerusalem. You will learn about the Old City and focus on the Temple Mount/Mount Moriah, the cradle of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. You will virtually walk and explore the plaza, admire the buildings, and learn about the different traditions that make this place so important to billions of believers.
Another Suggested Virtual Tour: Jewish Heritage Tour to the Galilee
From the ancient synagogues of Tiberias and Meron to the ones in Tzfat, from Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon to Ha-Ari, you will cover the history of the Jews in the Galilee after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and all the way to the glorious days of Kabbalah. You will also see how the spiritual development affected modern Israel!
For up to 50 participants, the fee is $220 for a one-hour presentation plus time for Q&A. For 50-99 participants it is $300. This is the perfect program to consider partnering with another Sisterhood or your synagogue’s Men’s Club to halve your expenses!
February 19, 2021
Now is the time to plan for Spring!
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Home gardening has boomed during the coronavirus pandemic. Stories of lockdown-driven home gardening leading to sales booms have been reported in garden stores around the country from Oregon to Minnesota to Ohio to Florida. Home gardening has offered a safe outdoor pastime while growing food for your own table.
However, there’s a learning curve to outdoor gardening. Without proper knowledge, visions of a fresh garden salad can become wilted leaves and inedible vegetables. What is soil pH? Blossom end rot? Powdery mildew? Spider mites?
Spring will be here before you know it and along with it will come planting season. Many members may be interested in a Zoom gardening class. There are a number of resources that should be available to Sisterhoods.
Greatgardenspeakers.com has a wide variety of topics. Their experienced speakers come from virtually every state. Contact information is on the site.
Gardening provides exercise, an outdoor experience, and the pride of growing your own food. Let’s help our members have a great harvest this year.
February 12, 2021
Passover Programming Ideas
With Passover beginning this year on March 27, many of us are thinking about what our Sisterhood can do virtually to recognize, celebrate and honor the traditions of the holiday. Below you will find several ideas that ascend from the very simple to the more complex. As always, feel free to contact me to further discuss any of these concepts!
February 5, 2021
Mah Jongg Madness Continues in Quarantine
Whether your Sisterhood would like to plan an afternoon (or evening) of play or perhaps a fundraising tournament, not even a pandemic can keep us from enjoying Mah Jongg! Using the online option www.realmahjongg.com you can bring your members B’Yachad, together, for some distracting fun.
All your members will need is a desktop, iPad, iPhone, or android device and her own card to play.
For a tournament, play at rotating tables using tournament scoring to win prizes (Amazon eCards are super easy to send). You can also sell raffle tickets prior to the event day for chances to win additional prizes while raising even more funds.
Things you’ll need to do:
For more information, Helene Urbaitel, of Congregation Beth Shalom Sisterhood in Atlanta, GA, has graciously agreed to be available to answer questions via email at helene@bethshalom.net.
January 28 2021
January 22, 2021
It is Possible to Fundraise Virtually!
As you may know, Headline Entertainment has been successfully booking virtual/zoom shows throughout the pandemic. Although we now see light at the end of the tunnel, we still have months to go before we can see in person live shows. Headline Entertainment is offering special pricing for bigger name talent during the pandemic from The Tonight Show, to America’s Got Talent, and more – most of whom are on their website, www.headlineentertainment.us.
If you’d like to learn more about booking a Comedy Show Fundraiser, call Johnny Lampert (845-639-0620) and he will walk you through the simple steps and secure something great for you while also helping everyone stay connected with one another!
Remember, laughter is good for the soul!
January 15, 2021
From Baghdad to Calcutta
Tel Aviv Street Art Tour will take you through the most visible and famous graffiti in town, as well as some of the most hidden pieces of street art, and it will uncover their stories for you.
Graffiti in Israel was boosted in the early 2000s largely due to the British artist Banksy, one of the world’s most famous street art artists, who visited Israel and the Palestinian Authorities, causing a stir in the local scene. Some pieces of Tel Aviv street art are well-executed artworks representing the artistic flair of the city while others have a political or social criticism and can serve as a crash course to Israeli society. Explore Tel Aviv’s urban art and, through it, explore provoking, moving, fascinating pieces of history, politics, and culture of Israel itself.
Contact LET for more information at shalom@let.travel
January 8, 2021
Tel Aviv Street Art Tour will take you through the most visible and famous graffiti in town, as well as some of the most hidden pieces of street art, and it will uncover their stories for you.
Graffiti in Israel was boosted in the early 2000s largely due to the British artist Banksy, one of the world’s most famous street art artists, who visited Israel and the Palestinian Authorities, causing a stir in the local scene. Some pieces of Tel Aviv street art are well-executed artworks representing the artistic flair of the city while others have a political or social criticism and can serve as a crash course to Israeli society. Explore Tel Aviv’s urban art and, through it, explore provoking, moving, fascinating pieces of history, politics, and culture of Israel itself.
Contact LET for more information at shalom@let.travel
January 1, 2021
Then and Now: 100 Years Ago. A look at the amazing similarities between our world 100 years ago and today.
The Word Havens
Authors Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic are the award-winning authors of the Dictionary of Jewish Words (Jewish Publication Society 2006), The Whole Spiel: Funny Essays About Digital Nudniks, Seder Selfies and Chicken Soup Memories (Incompra Press 2016) and Stuff Every Grandmother Should Know (Quirk Press Feb. 2019).
For more than 15 years, The Word Mavens have shlepped around the country to schmooze with Sisterhoods, Men’s Clubs, JCCs, seniors and communal groups, sharing their insights from years of researching and writing about Jewish life. Since the spring, they’ve been Zooming around the country to speak to their audiences.
In their humorous book talk, The Word Mavens celebrate Jewish traditions, holidays, beloved foods and the Yiddish and Hebrew words that describe them. Their program which includes everything from fun facts about bagels to why there is no substitute for a good “Oy!” – rekindles childhood memories and makes audiences laugh out loud.
They are charging $200 for an hour long program over Zoom, with extra time at the end to read and answer questions and to schmooze.
People really love their take and they have some funny props that they show (because they can’t really talk with the audience).
Sisterhoods can reach them by email -info@thewordmavens.com – or get more information (samples of their writing and their presentations) on their website: thewordmavens.com
This can be used as a joint program with other Sisterhoods or even with your Men’s Club. It can also replace your paid-up membership program as a thank you to your members.
December 1, 2020
November 25, 2020
Meet Me at the Met
Photo by Tomas Eidsvold
Your Sisterhood or Region may find a virtual tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City a fascinating program. Whether distance or the coronavirus makes a Zoom visit the most appropriate, The Met offers a number of engaging online discussions led by a Museum guide.
Current offered tours include:
Museum Highlights: Discover works of art that highlight the diversity and breadth of the Museum’s collection, which spans more than 5,000 years.
American Art: Explore The American Wing, including Native American art, through paintings, sculpture, and historic interiors, ranging from the seventeenth century to the early twentieth century.
Art of the Ancient World: Contains art created across cultures in the ancient world, from China, Egypt, Greece and Rome, to the Americas.
The Met Cloisters: View highlights of The Met Cloisters, the only American museum dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, home of the famous Unicorn Tapestries.
Modern and Contemporary Art: A wide range of art created across the world in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries will be showcased.
Special Exhibition About Time: Fashion and Duration The Costume Institute’s 2020 exhibition traces a century and a half of fashion—from 1870 to the present—on the occasion of The Met’s 150th anniversary.
A 60-minute online tour has a maximum 40 people per reservation. Tours are available Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm. Limited appointments are available on weekends.
There is a $300 flat fee per adult group. However, discounts are granted on a case by case basis. The administration recommended contacting them directly to discuss your group. Payment is due one week in advance.
Grace Schessler
International VP WLCJ and Program Chair
gschessler@wlcj.org
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Bingo
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NOVEMBER 9, 2020
New Year Greeting Card
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Your Sisterhood may want to do something to help raise funds for programming and for your synagogue. Here is a New Year Greeting Card fundraiser held annually by my Sisterhood in Las Vegas.
We send out a solicitation card to the whole congregation. [To view a copy of the card, click here]. It is printed on card stock and as you can see, will be cut in two after it is printed. I have shown both sides, so you can see how to do it. We send this out in late summer so that people have plenty of time to answer.
Sometimes it is necessary to call people, who have participated in the past or those you think may wish to be included in your card, with a friendly reminder.
Involvement is strong and we have raised thousands of dollars, even after printing and mailing expenses!
Also available for you to view is the format we used for our card. It is a tri-fold layout. [To view a copy of the trifold card, click here]. When you see it on the computer, the middle section, when folded, is actually the front of the card. You can attach your mailing label directly on the card there. The left side is on the inside when folded and the right side is the back when folded.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me: memarkfas@cox.net
Kim Memar
WLCJ Programming Committee Member
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Bob Alper: The World’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up comedy… intentionally!
Bob’s unique background (he’s an ordained rabbi who served congregations for fourteen years and holds a doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary) prepared him well for a twenty-seven year comedy career with wonderfully unique material presented in a way that’s intelligent, sophisticated, and 100% clean. Bob performs all across North America and England, at corporate events, theaters, non-profits, conventions, private parties, churches, and, naturally, synagogues.
“The Spirituality of Laughter” Has been adapted to a Zoom format. It’s a Jewish look at the Holiness of Humor. This program is part informal sermon (with plenty of laughs) exploring how Judaism values the spiritual, psychological, and physiological benefits of laughter, followed by 30 minutes of pure stand-up comedy! Rabbi Alper has other Zoom formatted programs available as well.
To find out more, check out www.bobalper.com or
contact Rabbi Alper at 802-362-5151 or email info@bobalper.com
OCTOBER 19, 2020
About the Exhibit:
Judith Leiber: Master Craftsman tells the story of a fearless woman ahead of her time. This exhibition honors the Holocaust survivor-turned-mega-designer’s life, work and legacy and will feature photographs of Leiber alongside a comprehensive selection of Judith Leiber’s bags, belts, pillboxes and glasses, from collectors in Florida as well as from The Leiber Collection.
The contact person is Nancy Doyle Cohen, Museum Manager of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. Her contact information is:
Office 786-972-3164
Cell 305-332-7791
nancohen@fiu.edu
The tour takes about an hour, which includes time for your sisterhood president/leader to make announcements plus have a few minutes of “socializing.”
They give a brief overview about the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, followed by a two minute video explaining how the purses are created. Then, the museum curator shares her desktop and takes sisterhood members through the exhibit, providing commentary and information about the Leibers. There is also time for questions from your members at the end.
If anyone in your sisterhood has a Judith Leiber bag they would be welcome to share their bag and tell when and where they got it.
There is not a set fee for the tour. Organizations have sent donations from $180 to as much as $500.
This exhibit could be a “gift” given to your sisterhood rather than a paid up membership brunch, luncheon or dinner.
It is also an excellent program to do as a joint program with other Sisterhoods in your “neighborhood” whether that is locally or by zoom.
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Wonderful “get to know my sisters better” program.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
Let’s go to the Movies: Join a Film discussion with (your Sisterhood name here)
With movie theaters closed or attendance restricted, choose a film for online viewing and schedule a discussion date. You can click on the attachments below for a selected list of Jewish themed films available online (of course, you can choose your own) and questions for the discussion facilitator. The facilitator can look up films on Wikipedia for synopses and information. A co-leader may be needed to help with discussion. Don’t forget your microwave popcorn!
This program can be held once a month or any frequency that suits your Sisterhood members.
Jewish Films Available on Streaming Services
Questions for Leading a Film Discussion
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
The Mob Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada
You can have your guests view the online tour by themselves and give them a couple of days to get it done. Then you can all meet via zoom with an Educator from the Mob Museum for Q & A. Your guests view the current online tour at www.themobmuseum.org. You will need to email or call to set up the Zoom day and time for the Educator to meet with your guests. Plus, if people have other Mob-related or Las Vegas questions that are not featured in the Museum, they can still have those questions answered.
Contact info: Rodney Arnett, Jr., Sales Manager
702.724.8622
rarnett@themobmuseum.org
PS: Their AV/IT team is working on creating a fun virtual tour that multiple people can join.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Volunteer to Present: Homemade with (insert Sisterhood name here)
The nicest part of this program is that everyone gets to spend about an hour together cooking, learning and schmoozing!
This program can be held once, once a week, once a month, or a few times a year around holiday time.
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