P. 5 / SO, WHAT’S NU? P. 7 / WRAP ON 2019 P. 9 / TASTY TWIST ON P. 10 / MITZVAH-IN- Group formed from LEGISLATIVE SESSION HANUKKAH LATKES A-MINUTE EVENTS leadership program to With your advocacy, We remember the Volunteer your time in explore Judaism and help Governor signed many miracle of the single day’s meaningful community make a difference in the bills that advance NCJW worth of oil that burned service opportunities. Sacramento region. priorities. for eight days.
BULLETINSACRAMENTO SECTION NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN WINTER 2019-20 VOLUME 32 ISSUE 2 ON THE WEB: ncjwsac.org INFORMATION: [email protected] IT’S PERSONAL Immigrants and refugees are us. At Sukkot, we welcome those who seek refuge in our country with shelter and hospitality Miriam Joffe-Block of this administration. for-profit prison providers, On Oct. 15, the we also said kaddish for the ccording to Rabbi second day of Sukkot, 10 adults and six children who A Jonathan Sacks, NCJW joined other groups died in ICE custody this year. Sukkot is a festival where in a sukkot service and Each speaker we celebrate joy and demonstration outside of participated in the tradition courage amidst insecurity. the downtown Sacramento of welcoming Ushpizin, We construct temporary office of Geo Group. ancestors, into the sukkah. huts that remind us as Jews Geo Group is a for-profit Traditionally, these included of our vulnerability and prison company that the patriarchs and prophets – historical displacement; yet earns its revenue through and a midrash teaches us we rejoice. detention of immigrants the Ushpizin will not enter a It is a holiday apt for and is ICE’s largest sukkah that does not welcome us to recognize the current detention contractor. For the poor and the stranger. displacement of so many clear details, see www. Participants chose people, who are seeking freedomforimmigrants.org/ to invite an ancestor that refuge in our country, to detention-statistics. inspired them to take action welcome them with shelter NCJW member Miriam While we celebrated for immigration rights. Joffe-Block and her four- and hospitality and to have month-old daughter, Devorah, the passage of AB 32, a law Below you will read about the courage to fight against participated at the Sukkot that prevents the state from ancestors from two speakers the dehumanizing actions demonstration. renewing contracts with at the Sukkot event. Courageous great-grandmother was her inspiration Ann Kanter later trafficked, for labor or sex. Nationally, NCJW has over 90,000 y name is Ann Kanter and I’m members and we are keenly aware Mrepresenting the Sacramento of the terrible trauma that is being Section of the National Council of inflicted on detained immigrants in Jewish Women. Today, our NCJW our country. We have advocated Sacramento members work to raise on issues that impact women and awareness of human trafficking in children since our founding in 1893. our own city and statewide. We are NCJW set up a permanent immigrant tremendously saddened that so aid station at Ellis Island. We helped many women immigrants and asylum women arriving alone to find shelter seekers traveling across Central and jobs. In addition, a network Ann Kanter spoke about and welcomed America and Mexico are raped and Please see Immigrants, Page 4 her great-grandmother into the sukkah. OFFICERS DIRECTORS Anne Eisenberg Barbara Baran Claire Lipschultz PRESIDENT ADVOCACY AND ADVOCACY AND [email protected] EDUCATION EDUCATION [email protected] [email protected] Board meetings are open to all Karen Soskin NCJW members. Monthly meetings TREASURER Elena Friedman-Weiss Naomi Rice are held the second Tuesday, 6:45 [email protected] AT LARGE AT LARGE p.m. Check location before planning [email protected] [email protected] to attend. Please confirm time and Pat Sturdevant Laurel Hollis Shirley Rosenbloom place with any Board member. RECORDING SECRETARY AT LARGE AT LARGE Minutes can be downloaded from our [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] website: ncjwsac.org/membership. Beryl Michaels Eileen Jacobowitz Jodie Weber The BULLETIN is the official publication of IMMEDIATE PAST AT LARGE AT LARGE the National Council of Jewish Women, [email protected] [email protected] Sacramento Section. PRESIDENT [email protected] Carol Blackman, Editor Leslie Levitas Martin June Wiaz [email protected] JCRC REP AT LARGE Like us at: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nela Lee, Webmaster and Twitter @ncjwsac [email protected]
WELCOME TO NEW NCJW MEMBERS LEESA SPEER BARISH...... [email protected] JENNIFER GOLDWYN...... email not available ANDREA ROSEN...... [email protected] STELLA CONNELL LEVY...... [email protected] DEBORAH SMALL...... [email protected] AMY SOLOV...... [email protected] MIRIAM JOFFE-BLOCK...... [email protected] ANN SOLOWAY...... [email protected] SYMA SOLOVITCH...... [email protected] SHELLEY ELLINGHOUSE...... [email protected] LESLIE JACOBS...... [email protected] ANNA JOY...... [email protected] RANDEE HESELOV...... [email protected] JACQUELINE FIELDS...... [email protected] ANITA FORTMAN...... [email protected] BARBARA KRONICK...... [email protected]
Help more TO DO: Americans • SIGN UP FOR AMAZON SMILE VOTE so that .5% of your online Just a reminder… purchases will go to NCJW. It’s NCJW Sacramento news and in 2020 easy; go to our home page at messages arrive in your email he path to improving the lives of ncjwsac.org. women and children and nurturing every Tuesday. Please be sure the T • BUY FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATES our democracy rests on getting eNews goes to your inbox and from Naomi Rice at 916 359-0787 not into your spam folder. Keep more Americans to vote. One of our or [email protected]. NCJW up to date about events and national organization’s key goals is Sacramento gets a portion of sales. important issues. voter registration and participation. • MAKE A TRIBUTE to celebrate, If you have changed your If you want to grow our section’s congratulate, appreciate, send email in the last year, let us know involvement in voter registration get well notes or condolences. drives, please contact Laurel Hollis at [email protected] Recognize family and friends with ([email protected] . You’ll get the latest news a Tribute, while helping NCJW and updates with your Tuesday Additionally, there will be sign-up Sacramento. Email Sheila Budman at NCJW Sacramento eNews. sheets at Speaker Series programs. [email protected] (see page 11). – Laurel Hollis 2 EVENTS DECEMBER 1 TEA WITH ABBY STEIN MESSAGE FROM A BOARD MEMBER 3 p.m. Details, page 10 Congregation Beth Shalom Pat Sturdevant Suggested donation: $10
Making the world a better place 8 RELIGIOUS PLURALISM IN ISRAEL CJW is continuing to broaden The Opening Meeting 1–4 p.m. Details, page 7 Nour reach and enhance our presentation received so many Sponsor: The Israel Civil Voice effectiveness with programs in positive comments that the Alliance (TICVA) our Speaker Series programs that Speaker Series Committee will offer Congregation Beth Shalom identify ways to make a difference. another program from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 at Congregation 16 MIM AT THE FEDERATION Our Opening Meeting B’nai Israel, entitled Humanitarian Time: Watch for Tuesday eNews. addressed immigration, with Crisis For Migrants Continues: Find Making Hanukah gift bags for seniors and others inspiring remarks from NCJW Out What You Can Do; Act Your with special needs. President Anne Eisenberg and Conscience. The emphasis will be 2130 21st St. from moderator Jennifer Kaufman. on identifying actions that NCJW Dr. Dale Stark gave a compelling members can take to make a HANUKKAH: DEC. 22-30 presentation about her recent positive impact in our community. experience assisting immigrants at A program on gun violence JANUARY a medical clinic in Tijuana. prevention is planned for March 1, 5 THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS Representatives from four in collaboration with other FOR MIGRANTS CONTINUES local groups described their organizations actively engaged in 3-5 p.m. Details, page 10 work: Abuelas Responden, or work to address the scourge of NCJW Sacramento Speaker Series Grannies Respond, also known as gun violence in our communities. Congregation B’nai Israel the Overground Railroad; NorCal And, later in the year, the Suggested donation $5 Resist; the Refugee and Immigrant committee is planning a third 19 MAH JONGG & CANASTA 2020 Center for Education and Legal immigration program, collaborating 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Services (RAICES); and SacAct, of with the Japanese community, on Details/order form on back page which NCJW is a member. SacAct the adverse effects of detention works for economic, racial and and incarceration of children. FEBRUARY immigrant justice. Also, our Mitzvah-in-a-Minute JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL On the second day of chair, Sheila Wolfe, has exciting Feb. 19,20, 22,23, 2020 Sukkot, NCJW joined with Jewish plans for at least six MIMS for the MARCH Action NorCal for an action that year. For example, she collaborated 1 GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION connected with our Jewish values with the Freda Fund of the Child 3-5 p.m. of justice and compassion for Abuse Prevention Council of NCJW Sacramento Speaker Series immigrants and refugees. Sacramento and Congregation It took place near the office Beth Shalom and organized a MIM MAKING PB&J of the GEO Group, a private birthday party on Nov. 3 for 40 SANDWICHES prison corporation that profits youth in foster care, plus one FOR THE FOOD BANK from imprisoning people who are guest each. In recognition of their (Date and location TBD) seeking refuge and safety in this birthdays, this special celebration Watch for upcoming eblasts. country. included dinner, entertainment, APRIL NCJW member Ann Kanter desserts and gift cards. energized the audience with an These are just a few of the April 23 - 25, 2020 impassioned and impactful speech ways NCJW is actively involved NCJW National Convention on the importance of working for in improving the lives of women, Chicago, IL immigrant justice. children and families. Watch for upcoming eNews. 3 Learn more about how NCJW Sacramento members come together to make the world at large and our communities a positive, better place. Visit www.ncjwsac.org and view NCJW Sacramento’s home page or Photo Gallery to view event or program highlights.
BECOME INVOLVED — MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Immigrants: Justice and compassion CalPERS sells (Continued from Page 1) and send for Sam. Together they of NCJW representatives assisting joined the baker’s union and later off holdings in immigrant girls grew to cover over started their own bakery. private prisons 300 cities. One of those women could I am grateful that they did not have been my great-grandmother have to endure incarceration coming or-profit detention of who arrived alone in the early 1890s to this country and that they were Fimmigrants is a lucrative at the age of 19. never separated from their children, business with 71% of ICE I want to invite my great- my grandmother and her brothers. I detainees held by private grandmother, Sadie Reicher wish I could have tasted their baking – contractors. While many of Schlossberg, because though she especially their challah – and I invite us abhor the idea of profiting could not read or write and had them into our sukkah. from the desperate situation survived smallpox, she had the Their example inspired me to of asylum seekers, until now, courage to leave her small town in become an immigration lawyer CalPERS members’ retirement Southern Poland, which had been almost 43 years ago. For my first 20 was, in part, financed by mostly destroyed by fire. She left her years in practice here in Sacramento, these operations. In October, parents and 12 brothers and sisters. I represented people seeking after pressure from members The story goes that she also left asylum – from Chile, Iran, Ethiopia, led by the California Faculty her fiance Sam, who had escaped El Salvador, Guatemala, Serbia and Association and Educators for from a pogrom as a boy and been Bosnia. Migrant Justice, CalPERS sold taken in by her family to help work Asylum is a difficult process, and their holdings in Geo Group and in their bakery. When she got to since the 1990s the average number Core Civic, two of ICE’s largest America, my great-grandmother of cases that are actually granted has contractors. While CalPERS worked as a maid for a Jewish family ranged from a low of about 10,000 only owned about $11 million in Memphis, and eventually saved to a high of 40,000, many of them in stock of these companies, as enough money to move to New York women and children. the largest pension fund in the country, the divestment carries symbolic weight and provides Sukkot Drash: Migration and refuge a signal to other investors. The Margee Burch CalPERS action already follows divestment by CalSTRS and ne of the last things my New York City pension funds grandfather said on his deathbed as well as decisions by major O was, “We beat the Nazis.” What banks such as Bank of America he was talking about was us. He and Wells Fargo not to provide was looking at his children and financing to Geo Group and grandchildren and our lives were Core Civic – also in response proof that he had survived the to activist demands. This Holocaust, even when so many didn’t. financial strategy is an important I am here because my grandfather component of the fight for spent four years in a closet, much justice for immigrants which like Anne Frank’s attic, sheltered by takes place on many fronts. Margee Burch chose to welcome her strangers who fed him, housed him, Thank you to all of the grandfather into the sukkah. and hid him while the Nazis killed NCJW members who are anyone who was different. because a stranger saw this twelve- CalPERS members and who Most of my family died in the year-old boy as more than Jewish, but signed postcards urging the Holocaust, a large family diminished to as a citizen of his country and a human board to take this step. almost nothing. whose life deserved to be saved. — Miriam Joffe-Block I am here today because someone My name is Margee Burch, I saw the humanity in my grandparents Please see Tradition, Page 5 4 TURNING OUR PASSION INTO ACTION So, What’s Nu? Eileen Jacobowitz experience makes the u? is an outgrowth of last year’s group that much Ninaugural NCJW Leadership richer. Program. At the program’s conclusion, The group’s many participants expressed an interest first gathering in deepening the relationships forged was a potluck over the course of the four-month dinner in June at program. Sheila’s home. Under the leadership of long-time Since that time, NCJW member and Leadership Program Nu? members Photo/Sheila Wolfe Nu? Group, from left front to right, Rachel Phillips, Sharyn Bernstein, grad, Sheila Wolfe, the desire to stay have been busy: Davita Levin-Robinson, Miriam Joffe-Block, June Wias, Hailey McNair, connected has evolved into “Nu?” In July, the Shelly Kremer, Annie Hohn, Amy Solov and Eileen Jacobowitz. Nu? is a group of a dozen or so Nu? network dynamic Jewish women of all ages helped stuff backpacks for children as Annie Hohn, is new to NCJW and and backgrounds with a common part of NCJW’s MIM in partnership excited to be part of Nu?. As she says, desire to create community and build with the Jewish Federation’s PJ Library; “My experience with Nu? so far has friendships while exploring Judaism and Nu? members gathered to explore been nothing short of wonderful. We making a difference in the Sacramento high holiday traditions and took to have such a great group of generous, region. Some Nu? members are NCJW the trails for a hike to usher in the new interesting women and they have given Leadership Program alums, others are year. They decorated a Sukkah and sat me a strong sense of community. I love friends of friends; many are new to under the stars, discussing the rituals getting the opportunity to explore NCJW, others have long ties to the associated with the holiday. Some my Judaism while developing lasting organization. Some are single and some Nu? members participated in the friendships with like-minded people. I are married, some with young children Oct.15 Sukkot immigration service and am so grateful.” and others with adult children. Some action. Nu? members also supported For more information about Nu?: have strong Jewish identities while NCJW’s November MIM – the birthday Sheila Wolfe at [email protected] others are new to Jewish practices and celebration for local teens in Foster or Eileen Jacobowitz at ritual. The diversity of Jewish and life Care (story, page 10). [email protected] Tradition: Welcoming the stranger with safety and loving kindness (Continued from Page 4) better place and welcome the stranger. Not to limit them, am the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors and or detain them, or send them back to where they came refugees. I was able to co-found the Jewish organization of from. Just as my grandfather found refuge and safety in the Kol Rinah, a welcoming place where people pray and sing, United States, so too should immigrants of all religions and all because my grandfather survived and found a better life national origins. in the United States. During Sukkot we celebrate the abundance by taking Today, so many migrants aren’t as lucky. Thousands away comfort. We show all that we have – a roof that have died in 2019 as they try desperately to seek freedom shelters us, food that feeds us, water that sustains us. We from violence. Others are jailed for simply asking for the celebrate all we have, by moving our lives outside, by chance to live. living in a temporary place. This temporary shelter is more Each day of Sukkot has a special meaning, and today than many migrants have. It is our job to make the world is Chesed of Gevurah, loving kindness of judgment and a better place, to give proper shelter and care to those restraint. Today asks us, “How can we make the world a seeking refuge. better place in a way that radiates Godliness?” There is a tradition, called Ushpizin, where we invite in In Leviticus, our Torah commands us, “When a stranger those prophets and family who are no longer with us. I invite resides with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. in Sarah and Isaac, who saw the impossible happen and then The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of created a nation of greatness. And I invite in my grandfather, your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were John Gardon, who survived the Nazis and found shelter strangers in the land of Egypt.” within the U.S. May his memory be for a blessing that helps Our tradition is clear: We are to make the world a give freedom to all and refuge to all who need it. 5 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Bridge to Success continues to impress
Iris Bachman bless you all so others can receive the Grant applications are vetted love I received from you. Thank you!!!” by Women’s Empowerment staff arole Jacoby and Andrea Segal D. began her thank you note on and then reviewed by the BTS Cmade a presentation about the outside of the envelope: “To: The committee. The application packet NCJW’s Bridge to Success grants to the beautiful NCJW women who made my contains the application form and the Women’s Empowerment graduating dreams come true, From: One Lucky applicant’s financial request. There class on Sept. 13. It was impressive College Student Scholarship Winner.” is also a Women’s Empowerment to see the women graduating fill the Inside the note read, “To the National employment specialist or social classroom. The energy in the room was Council of Jewish Women, Thank you worker’s recommendation specific so positive, and was expressed with at so much to have blessed me with the to the applicant. And, in most cases, least three impromptu “wows” during scholarship and I promise to work documentation is provided to support NCJW’s talk. hard and study harder with these new the request (e.g. class registration After the presentation, Carole books that I am about to purchase. information; invoices for materials and Andrea were given two thank you Thanks a million to Jesus and to you needed for work; past due utility bills notes from grant recipients. for Bridging me to Success as a first and rental applications). N., who needed immediate help year 48-year-old college student.” The committee thoroughly reviews for her rent deposit, wrote, “Dearest These notes resonate very each document and discusses each NCJW, I would love to express my powerfully with the BTS Committee applicant’s story, reviews her long-term gratitude for the help you have members. They provide validation for goals, then chooses those recipients provided for me. May God continue to the application process. who can be helped most by NCJW.
SCHEDULE FEB 19+20+22+23 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 JEWISHSAC.ORG/SJFF 3:15pm Golda 5:00pm Reception with filmmaker Dani Menkin and photographer Amos Nachoum 6:00pm Picture of His Life So many ways 8:30pm Aulcie to be a Jew: religious THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 2:00pm Love in Suspenders pluralism in Israel 5:30pm Carl Laemmle oin us 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 8:10pm Tel Aviv on Fire Jto learn about religious pluralism in Israel. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020 The Israel Civil Voice Alliance 6:00pm Reception with Joel Westheimer (TICVA) invites the Sacramento 7:00pm Ask Dr. Ruth Jewish community to learn about 10:15pm Leona religious pluralism in Israel, encompassing issues of acceptance SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020 of worship and status for Jews of all 10:30am There Are No Lions in Tel Aviv denominations. 12:15pm Crescendo The event will take place at 2:30pm Reception with filmmaker Yael Katzir Congregation Beth Shalom, 4746 3:30pm The Albanian Code El Camino Avenue, Carmichael, 5:20pm Dimona Twist California 95608. Please RSVP 7:20pm Those Who Remained to [email protected]. 6 A FAITH IN THE FUTURE — A BELIEF IN ACTION
It’s a wrap on the 2019 CA legislative session NCJW Claire Lipschultz Sacramento’s hile there were some state policy Wdisappointments, the Governor signed many bills that advocate speaks advance our priorities. This could out at Capitol not have been possible without your advocacy and that of our partners, including Stronger California Network, CA Interfaith Claire Lipschultz and Barbara Baran represent NCJW Sacramento as state policy advocates. Coalition, CAST and California Women Lawyers, among others. Now we look forward to the 2020 AB 629 (Smith, Gonzalez) secures NCJW CA Lobby Day. We hope you lost income for human trafficking will join us to continue our fight for survivors from the California Victim’s social justice and economic justice for Compensation Fund. women, families and children. As your Status: After seven years of advocacy state policy advocates, Barbara Baran on this issue, and a veto last year by and I thank you for all you do. We are Governor Brown, the bill which was grateful for your support. co-sponsored twice by NCJW CA, was signed by Governor Newsom – Child Care great win for survivors. AB 194 (Reyes) seeks to improve access to subsidized child care by Health Care Access Claire Lipschultz, at the U.S. providing $1 billion to child care SB 29 (Lara and Durazo)/ Senate building, spoke about the services. AB 4 (Bonita, Chiu, Santiago) NCJW’s effective advocacy network Status: The bill did not make it out of would provide Medi-Cal coverage across the country and urged Assembly Appropriations Committee. to undocumented adults who are Congressional staff to pass gun However, the Governor’s budget otherwise eligible from ages 19-25 violence protection laws and ensure competent and fair federal judiciary allows for 12,000 plus new vouchers and seniors over 65 years. appointments. Claire is a NCJW (the ask was for 30,000). AB 194 will Status: The bill was amended and Sacramento board member and likely be a two-year bill. passed to expand coverage only to NCJW CA State Policy Advocacy undocumented young adults ages co-chair. SB 321 (Mitchell) A Strong Start to 19-25 and the Governor’s budget CalWorks would allow families first includes funds to do so. entering CalWORKS to have continuity of childcare (budget ask). Ending Childhood Poverty Join NCJW-CA Status: The bill passed both houses AB 24 (Gonzalez and Burke) provides Rapid Response Team and is in Governor Newsom’s for targeted child tax credit to help lease sign up to be part of the 2019-2020 budget. low income families. NCJW-CA Rapid Response Team. Status: The bill did not make it P Human Trafficking It takes just a few minutes each to the Governor’s desk. SB 630 (Stern) gave local governments time a ‘request for action’ on state clear ability to enforce the Human Paid Family Leave legislation is sent out. You can do it at Trafficking Hotline poster law. SB 135 (Jackson) extends job your computer, on your phone and/or Status: protection to workers who take such come to a rally at the Capitol. It’s fun! The bill, which was co-sponsored leave at businesses with five or more If you would like to be part of by NCJW CA, was passed by both employees. our statewide network of houses and was signed into law Status: The bill did not make it to “just in time” advocates, by the Governor. Governor’s desk. contact [email protected]. 7 NCJW SACRAMENTO SPEAKER SERIES
Afternoon Tea with Abby Stein on Dec. 1 Beryl Michaels when she came out as the woman she always knew she was. s part the NCJW Sacramento Speaker Hear about the personal journey of this A Series, we are pleased to co-sponsor Jewish educator, writer, speaker and activist, Afternoon Tea with Abby Stein at 3 p.m. and learn how she works to build awareness Dec. 1 at Congregation Beth Shalom. Abby and support of transgender rights and those Stein is a direct descendant of the Baal Shem leaving ultra-orthodoxy. Tov. Born and raised as a boy in a Hasidic This event is sponsored by the Jewish enclave in Brooklyn, she also attended yeshiva Federation of the Sacramento Region, JCRC, and completed a rabbinical degree in 2011. NCJW Sacramento and Congregation Beth The following year, she left the Hasidic world Shalom. Suggested donation: $10. Abby Stein
Find out what you can do: Act your conscience on Jan. 5 Humanitarian crisis for migrants continues Bobi Gould camps. These groups help with everything from basic necessities he response to NCJW’s Opening to doctors and legal advice. TMeeting on Sept. 8 was so strong, The program will be held from that as part of the NCJW Sacramento 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 5, 2020 at Speaker Series, we will present an Congregation B’nai Israel. event featuring attorney for the state The advocacy groups are the Overcrowding of families observed by the Office of Inspector General in June 2019, at Border of California Anna Molander Hermann. Refugee and Immigrant Center Patrol’s McAllen, TX, Station. Molander Hermann volunteers for for Education and Legal Services Refugee and Immigrant Center for (RAICES), Abuelas Responden, (Grannies Attendees will be able to stop Education and Legal Services. She Respond, also known as the Overground at each group’s information table for will give an eyewitness account of the Railroad), NorCal Resist, and SacACT personal contact with an advocate. detention conditions in San Antonio. (Area Congregations Together). If you have ever wondered what A panel duscussion will follow, They will explain their work to you can do to assist asylum seekers including four advocacy organizations help refugees and migrants and or children separated at the border, actively involved in assisting asylum will describe specific ways in which this is the opportunity to act your seekers and children in detention volunteers can assist. conscience. NCJW will offer scholarships for National Convention in Chicago Leslie Levitas convention in the past three years. leave attendees reinvigorated and 2. Those who have demonstrated their inspired to continue social justice s part of our ongoing goal of commitment as an emerging leader work with new skills, ideas, and A developing future leaders for our by their work over the past year. knowledge when they return home. section, NCJW Sacramento is making At the convention, participants The future of NCJW is brighter a number of scholarships available will learn more about the work NCJW than ever. Be a part of that future by to attend the upcoming National does at a national level and how to be applying for a scholarship to attend Convention to be held April 23-25, involved with activism and advocacy the National Convention in 2020. Feel 2020 in Chicago, IL. at the local level. Participants will free to nominate a section member Scholarships and stipends of help set NCJW’s path forward as for a scholarship to the convention. various amounts will be available in resolutions and bylaws that drive Deadline for submitting scholarship two categories: our work are adopted. The many application is Feb. 1, 2020. To apply 1. Those who need financial support workshops, engaging speakers and for more info, please contact: Nela and have not attended a national and networking opportunities will Lee at [email protected]. 8 CREATIVE CUISINE FROM EVIE A tasty twist on latkes at Hanukkah
“Sweet Potato” Latkes Evie Lieb Here’s a tasty new take on potato latkes; it’s from GOURMET 2001. hy do we eat latkes Some readers who commented W for Hanukkah? In on the recipe on www.epicurious.com fact, not all Jews do! The suggested adding flavors like cumin significance of this dish and nutmeg; others tried baking the latkes. I have specified garnet yams isn’t the pancakes, but and cut down on the original amount of frying oil. Makes about 26 pancakes. rather the oil in which they are fried. The oil is a 1 lb garnet yams, peeled and 2 large eggs, lightly beaten reminder of the miracle of coarsely grated 1 tsp salt the single day’s worth of 2 scallions, finely chopped 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/3 C all-purpose flour Canola oil for frying oil that burned for eight days when the Maccabees Stir together potatoes, scallions, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Heat 1/8-inch oil rededicated the Temple. in a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not It is only in Ashkenazi smoking. Working in batches of 4, spoon 1/8 cup (2 TBSP) potato mixture per Hanukkah cuisine that latke into oil and flatten to 3-inch diameter with a slotted spatula. Reduce heat latkes, pan-fried pancakes, to moderate and cook until golden, about 2 minutes or more on each side. are featured. Sephardim Transfer latkes with spatula to paper towels to drain. Good plain or with celebrate with dishes that applesauce, sour cream or tzatsiki. Also delicious with caramelized onions! are deep fried, like fritters and donuts. Caramelized Onions for Latkes As we enjoy our Chef Rachel Klein of Cambridge, MA offers this onion topping for traditional potato latkes, it’s funny potato latkes. It’s delicious with the sweet potato pancakes as well. You can to think that the original prepare the onions a couple of days ahead and store them in the fridge. Serve Hanukkah heroes, the at room temperature or warmed up in the microwave. This doesn’t make a huge Maccabees, never heard batch; so consider making more if there are real onion fans at your table! of potatoes. And since they weren’t from Eastern 1 TBSP unsalted butter Europe, they wouldn’t 1 ½ tsp canola oil have eaten latkes anyway! 1 large onion or 2 weighing a total of about ¾ lb, thinly sliced* Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 TBSP cider vinegar “Part of the secret 1 ½ tsp golden brown sugar
of success in life is * I like to slice the onions in half from top to bottom, then slice each half into thin slices from top to bottom instead of across. If the pieces aren’t even, it doesn’t to eat what you like matter; after long cooking they blend into a sort of jammy consistency.
and let the food Melt the butter in the oil in a large saucepan over moderately high heat. Add the fight it out inside.” onion slices, salt and pepper. Mix well, lower heat to moderate and cook, partially covered, for about 10 minutes to soften the onions. Uncover and continue to — Mark Twain cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden, up to an hour. Watch carefully to avoid scorching. Add the vinegar and brown sugar and cook until mixture is brown and almost dry, about 10 minutes. Cool and set aside or store for later use.
9 MIMS: WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Photos from left, NCJW MIM group sets up for the birthday celebration. Anne Eisenberg gets into the rhythm with drumming. Drumming was a “hit” with Sheila Wolfe.
Photos/Beryl Michaels MIM volunteers enjoyed the birthday fiesta as much as foster youth Sheila Wolfe and Anne Eisenberg ongoing drumming circle. About 40 Just a part of a thank you letter teens and their foster families enjoyed from the MusicLandria leadership CJW Sacramento collaborated a delicious Mexican buffet, birthday reads, ”Thank you so much for inviting Nwith the Freda Fund of the cake and ice cream, thanks to NCJW. us to take part in Sunday’s birthday Child Abuse Prevention Council of The quarterly birthday parties celebration. It was a real dream to Sacramento and Congregation Beth were started by the Freda Fund, now see and hear so many youth engaged Shalom to organize a birthday party a project of the Sacramento Child and happy, making music together. on Nov. 3 for 40 youth in foster care. Abuse Prevention Council. In addition We appreciate all the effort you put The birthday party was filled with to a festive party, each youth received into making Sunday special for the the joyful, rhythmic sounds of drums a gift card from a store of their choice kids, and the contribution of all the and other instruments, courtesy of provided by the Freda Fund. volunteers and NCJW members who MusicLandria. Buddy Hale, himself a NCJW volunteers decorated the made the event a success.” foster child at one time, envisioned room like a birthday fiesta, served If you have want to volunteer and a music library available to all. He and cleaned up and contributed to contribute to upcoming Mitzvahs-in-a- and about 10 others from the group the cost of the event. Everyone had a Minute, please contact: Sheila Wolfe, joined our foster youth guests in an great time and left full and happy. [email protected] or 916 955-1587. Upcoming MIMs to volunteer your time and support DECEMBER 16 MARCH Holiday Outreach: Hanukkah Gift Bags Peanut Butter & Jelly Lunches Time: Watch for Tuesday eNews. Date and time: Watch for Tuesday eNews. In coordination with Jewish Family Services, NCJW Make Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches and fill lunch members are encouraged to contribute to and/or join us. bags with food and beverages for Sacramento children, We assemble and deliver holiday gift bags for seniors and adults and families in coordination with Congregation those with special needs throughout our area. Bnai Israel and a local food bank. To sign up now, contact Gloria Storer, senior programs associate at the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region: 916 486-0906 or [email protected]
FEBRUARY 19, 20, 22, & 23 Mitzvah at the Movies Time: Watch for Tuesday eNews. Volunteer your time and support the special events at the 21st annual Sacramento Jewish Film Festival at the Crest and IMAX theaters. For details: [email protected] or 916 955-1587. Proud group at the Peanut Butter & Jelly Lunches MIM in 2017. 10 CARING IN THE COMMUNITY
Purchase a Tribute TRIBUTES Your Tribute funds support our programs and projects both locally and in Israel. Sheila Budman, NCJW To: BETTY REUBEN in honor of her birthday Sacramento’s Tribute From: Phyllis Jacobs, Ceal Kaplan, Carry Cohn, and Marianne Laws chairperson will send a personal note on your behalf to the persons and/or COUNCIL NOTES families you choose to honor. Our Section recognizes and honors members’ news with sincere thoughts. Want to honor a friend or To: ROBERTA SPIVEK and BEVERLY SPIVEK MORRIS celebrate an occasion or • The NCJW Board sends condolences on the death of their mother, Ilse Spivek. remember someone in the nicest possible way? To: HENRIETTA BARON • Congratulations on her 106th birthday! Also, get well wishes for broken hip. Purchasing a Tribute is a great way to honor a loved one To: NELA LEE and share your sentiments • The NCJW Board sends condolences on the death of her father-in-law. with friends and family while To: RICCI ACHTEL supporting NCJW projects • The NCJW Board sends condolences on the passing of her husband, locally and in Israel. Dr. Robert Achtel. You can designate a Tribute in the name of a family member, colleague, friend or loved New nonprofit will support community Mikveh one, or to commemorate Leslie Levitas and Carolyn Reuben so will also be available for women to a special occasion or mark the monthly end of their time holiday, by emailing sheila@ ollowing a long effort from a of separation, and a new location for ncjwsac.org or visiting our Fgroup of dedicated volunteers, a men who enjoy immersing before website, ncjwsac.org/giving. new non-profit has been established Shabbat or the High Holidays. PURCHASE A TRIBUTE to support a community Mikveh in the The board of directors represents ONLINE OR BY MAIL: Sacramento Region. several Jewish institutions our region. Send your name, check, The goal is to make the ritual of It includes Carolyn Reuben, Rabbi indicate the number of Mikveh available to the full diversity of Ricki Lobel, and Mehrnaz Halimi from cards, dedication, name the Jewish people, men and women, Mosaic Law, Dr. Sara Shakked from of honoree and address gay and straight, those who lost a Or Rishon, and Robyn Asch from Beth of the honoree to NCJW child and those who healed from Shalom. Rabbi Lobel and Mehrnaz disease, those who just adopted a also are members of Kenesset Sacramento, Attn: Sheila child, those who safely returned from Israel. We are seeking additional Budman, P.O. Box 340174, a perilous journey or to acknowledge representatives on our Board from Or Sacramento, CA 95834. a momentous transition in life of any Rishon, Bet Haverim, and B’nai Israel. Tribute minimum donation nature. We meet regularly to design our is $10. A Tribute card will The new non-profit has created a fundraising, our building plans, and be sent out in your name to board of directors representing the full our maintenance support. Carolyn your honoree. spectrum of Jewish religious institutions says, “We are a dream in the making in our community with the intent and welcome community support.” You may also purchase blank to spread the word of our progress. To make a tax deductible donation Tribute cards to personally The hope is that this regional or learn more about this project, send yourself— $45 for a Mikveh will reduce rabbi fatigue please contact Carolyn Reuben package of five cards. caused by travel to other areas at [email protected] or NCJW appreciates all of and create a neutral, happy, useable 916-214-060. Please send donations your Tribute donations. site to express our Jewish souls. to HaMakor at 2443 Fair Oaks Blvd., It will be a kosher Mikveh , and #135, Sacramento, CA 95825-7684. 11 NONPROFIT ORG
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VOLUME 32 ISSUE 2 WINTER 2019-20 Email: [email protected] Web: ncjwsac.org Family Shalom: 916 204–8777
EAT, PLAY, WIN. CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR AT OUR ANNUAL Mah Jongg & Canasta 2020 Enjoy a delicious lunch with old and new friends. Fabulous raffle prizes. Proceeds support NCJW Sacramento helping women, children and families. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 LUNCH CHOICES (choose one): Please circle whole sandwich or half sandwich and half salad: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. q TURKEY BREAST (whole/half sandwich & half salad) q TUNA SALAD (whole/half sandwich & half salad) q VEGGIE (whole/half sandwich & half salad) q ENTREE SALAD WITH TUNA (whole/half sandwich & half salad) Silverado Design Center 5250 South Watt Ave., Sacramento PLAYERS AT YOUR TABLE Donation $40 Select table: q Mah Jongg q Canasta Please bring your own Mah Jongg set and or playing cards ______for canasta, and let us know who will be sitting at your table. If you don’t have a table, we will help to arrange one. ______Contact Suzie Lauer at [email protected]. ______Register online: ncjwsac.org, or complete the form (at right) and mail it with your check for $40 to NCJW ______Sacramento by Dec. 30, 2019, to: P.O. Box 340174, Sacramento, CA 95834-0174. Please note “Mah Jongg & Canasta 2020.” ______