Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 9th of Shevat, 5786
As we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, our hearts are further stirred by the return of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, z"l, to Israel. In this sacred intersection of past sorrow and present hope, we reaffirm our commitment to "Never Forget" and to always bring our people home. We move forward this week with deep memory and renewed spirit.
Please join us tomorrow as Jerilynn Payne shares her journey of becoming an Individual Member, reminding us that every journey adds strength to WLCJ. We also invite you to check out our brand new Convention 2026 website. Also, read WLCJ Executive Director Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields' article recently published in Masorti: The New Journal of Conservative Judaism.
We encourage you to order Calendar Diaries for yourself, friends, and family; it is perfect for the new (secular) year. Are you a member of WLCJ and this email was forwarded to you? Subscribe to our emails here!
Happening Tomorrow!
Let’s Talk! WLCJ Individual Members
Wednesday, January 28, 7:15 PM ET
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Jerilynn Payne, a WLCJ Board Member and dedicated “Jew by Choice” who brings vibrant energy to everything she does. Jerilynn will share her unique path to Judaism along with inspiring stories from her diverse career and extensive volunteer service. Join us to discover how faith and activism intersect in her incredible journey.
Announcements
Please email the program name, a brief description, key details (presenters, materials, etc.), and contact info to Fran Hildebrandt at fhildebrandt@wlcj.org by March 15. If you have further questions, contact Fran via email or Whatsapp 248-318-8301.
PROGRAMMING WITH PANACHE
Searching for new programs to showcase and present? Wondering what kinds of educational programs are available to offer?
The WLCJ Kehilah and Education Committee is preparing a third edition of our program guidebook, aiming to refresh our reservoir of ideas for the first time in three years. Our goal is to create an updated, comprehensive resource filled with spectacular programming and valuable tools to support your Region and Sisterhood Affiliate.
We need your help to fill these pages! Submissions are open to everyone—not just officers—and can cover any topic from recent years or upcoming plans.
Upcoming Opportunities
Spring 2026 WLCJ Classes
Registration Is Open
for All Spring Semester Classes
If you would like to expand your Jewish literacy skills, and/or improve your ability to read Biblical Hebrew, you should take one of our classes. Classes begin on February 4, 2026.
Level 2+
Designed for returning students who do not yet read smoothly, this class utilizes Shabbat and holiday prayers to improve reading fluency and understanding.
Level 3+
This course is intended for students who have taken this class previously and wish to continue their studies at this current level.
Level 4 - Chumash
Proficient Hebrew readers are invited to strengthen their skills and build vocabulary by studying the weekly Torah and Haftarah portions.
Level 4 - Advanced Siddur
Ideal for strong readers or graduates of our Level 3 Grammar class, this course delves into prayer structure through the analysis of word roots, prefixes, suffixes, and essential grammar.
A minimum of 6 students is required for each class.
Special Online Briefing | Iran: A turning point… but to where?
Sunday, February 1, 2026
1:00 pm ET | 12:00 noon CT | 11:00 am MT | 10:00 am PT |
Join us for a special Zoom briefing on developments from Iran with former senior Mossad official and Deputy National Security Advisor Sima Shine.
For more information or questions: mercaz@mercazolami.org
Masorti Women's Days of Study 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
16:50 Israel Time | 9:50 am ET
Schedule Update for February 8
This program is moved to Zoom. Please join us online!
The Search for Harmony: Text, Prayer, Song
Schedule (via ZOOM)
Welcome (16:50): Rabbi Diana Vila
First session (17:05-18:15)
Class in English with Rabbi Diana Vila
Class in Spanish with Vila Balter
Second Session (18:25-19:35)
Class in English with Dr. Shana Mauer
Class in Spanish with Rabbi Diana Villa
Final Words (19:45-19:50): Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
The Masorti Women’s Days of Study were created and directed by Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, in cooperation with the Schechter Institutes of Jewish Studies and the Masorti Movement.
Diane Friedgut
World Wide Wrap
Sunday, February 8, 2026
WLCJ Executive Director to be Honored at JTS Convocation
Please join us as WLCJ Executive Director Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields receives an honorary doctorate from JTS.
Read her article recently published in Masorti: The New Journal of Conservative Judaism, "Halakhah and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism," here.
WLCJ Convention 2026
Shabbaton: Friday–Saturday, July 10–11, 2026
Convention: Sunday–Wednesday, July 12–15, 2026
The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22311
Click here or on the image to go to the online application or here for PDF version.
NEW - Click here to view the video of the application procedure.
PURCHASE YOUR AD FOR THE CONVENTION 2026 VIRTUAL AD JOURNAL TODAY!
Don’t let the moment pass without honoring the people who make our community shine. Whether it’s a thank you, "mazel tov," or a personal note of appreciation and gratitude, now is the time to secure your spot in the Virtual Ad Journal!
Torah Fund
Click the image to read Torah Fund’s message about the Creating New Spaces campaign!
Previously Promoted — Revisit the Details
Still need to register?
Click the image to explore each Zoom program. We’d be delighted to have you join us.
Tues. Feb. 3, 2026
Thurs. Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:30pm ET
Mon. Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:30pm ET
Feb. 13-14, 2026
Sun. Feb. 22, 2026
7:30 pm ET
Mon. Mar. 9, 2026
Mon. Mar. 9, 2026 at 7:30pm ET
Sun. April 12, 2026
1:00 pm ET
Mon. Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:30pm ET
Thurs. May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm ET
Ongoing Google Group
Region / Sisterhood Affiliates Events
Seaboard Region
Meet the Authors
Select Mondays at 7:30pm ET
Pacific Southwest Region
Every Wednesday from 9:30–10:30am PST
Florida Region
Sun. Feb 8, 2026 at 2:00pm ET
Central Great Lakes Region
Sun. Feb 22, 2026 at 12noon CT
Does your Region/Sisterhood Affiliate have any upcoming programs that are virtual or hybrid?
If so, please send the details to info@wlcj.org so we can include them in an upcoming edition of WL Week.
Makom B'Yachad
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
12 noon ET, 9am PT, 10am MT, and 11am CT
A virtual service for our WLCJ Sisters to recite Mishaberach (the Prayer for Healing) and Psalms, and study Kaddish.
Zoom link can be found in WL Week. Please email info@wlcj.org if you are not in our mailing list.
Weekly Words of Torah
Parashat Beshalach | January 24, 2026
Rabbi Margie Cella explores the rare, rhythmic appearance of Miriam the Prophetess and a groundbreaking change in modern liturgy that finally gives her song its due. Discover how reclaiming these hidden stories can help you find your own unique place in the ongoing history of our people.
3080 Broadway, Suite K900
New York, NY 10027
Office: (405) 870-1260