Wishing Our Members a Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you, the wonderful members who make Women's League such a vibrant community. As we look forward to a year of shared growth and connection, we are especially excited to celebrate with you at Convention 2026. May this year bring you and your families health, happiness, and only good things.

The New WLCJ Slate Has Been Announced!

The WLCJ Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the slate of officers for the 2026-2029 term. See below.

According to Section 7 Nominations by Petition of the WLCJ Bylaws, nominations may also be made by petition, provided the eligibility of the individual(s) so nominated has been established and is in accordance with these Bylaws. The nomination must be made by petition of an aggregate of seventy-five (75) WLCJ members representing at least three (3) Regions. The written consent of such individual(s) must have been secured and submitted with the petition to the WLCJ President within 21 days of the announcement of the slate.

Nominating Committee

Debbi Kaner Goldich, Chair

Barbara Ezring

Madeleine Gimbel

Gail Goldfarb

Judi Kenter

Iris Lasky

Margie Miller

Sherry Lynn Rubin

Edna Schrank

2026-2029 Slate of Officers

President: Pam Schlosberg | Central Great Lakes

Vice Presidents*

*Portfolios are recommended and subject to Board approval:

Torah Fund | Janet Kirschner | Mid-Atlantic and Seaboard

Education | Barbara Finkel | Seaboard

Membership | Teri Fields | Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island

Region Services | Deborah Bruce | North Atlantic

Consulting Services | Debbie Lempert | Central Great Lakes

Recording Secretary:

Lisa Green | MetroNorth

Treasurer:

Vivian Leber | Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island

Financial Secretary:

Jennifer Kalenscher | North by Northwest

2026-2029 Nominating Committee

Marilyn Berkowitz

Sandy Blumenthal

Debbi Kaner Goldich

Helene Herman

Toby Holtzman

Barbara Kaplan

Esta Lichtenstein

Teresa Samtur

Alternates:

Jeanette Brownstein

Marcia Toppall

WL Office Holiday Schedule:

Wednesday, December 24: Early closure

Thursday, December 25 - Thursday, January 1: Closed for end of secular year

Support Masorti Women’s Days of Study
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism invites you to support the Masorti Women’s Days of Study—when Conservative/Masorti women across Israel gather to pray, sing, and study. Organized by Diane Friedgut and a dedicated committee, your gift, of any amount, helps sustain this meaningful program. Giving is open through December 31—every donation makes a difference!

Donate to the Masorti Women's Days of Study

IN-PERSON

Registration Ends Soon!

Sunday, January 25 - Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Don’t miss the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Leadership Institute, January 25–27, 2026 in Hollywood, FL.

This inspiring, multi-day experience will strengthen your leadership skills, deepen your Jewish knowledge, and connect you with women from across the community. Space is limited—register now and join us for learning, growth, and meaningful connection.

QUESTIONS

Debbie Zimmerman

Leadership Institute Logistics Chair

dzimmerman@wlcj.org

ONLINE

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

at 7:15 pm ET

Meet Jerilynn Payne: Her Journey to Judaism

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jerilynn Payne—Sisterhood Affiliate member, Jew by Choice, WLCJ Board Member, and Co-Chair of Women’s League Cares. Jerilynn will share her path to Judaism and how faith, service, and activism have shaped her life and work. An engaging story you won’t want to miss.

QUESTIONS

Susan Farber Vivian Leber

WLCJ Individual Membership Co-Chairs

sfarber@wlcj.org vleber@wlcj.org

Doreen Bornfreund

WLCJ Membership Chair

dbornfreund@wlcj.org

ONLINE

Monday, February 9, 2026

at 3:00 pm ET

All That Jazz and More—Jews and 1970s Hollywood Musicals

Explore the Jewish connections behind iconic 1970s Hollywood musicals. Through film clips and visuals, these stand-alone sessions highlight the Jewish actors, composers, writers, and directors who shaped films like Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, A Star Is Born, and Saturday Night Fever. A must for movie and music lovers alike.

Session One—Monday, February 9, 2026—Fiddler on the Roof and Tradition—Traditional musicals

Upcoming sessions:

Session Two—Monday, March 9, 2026—No Laughing Matters—Dramatically themed musicals

Session Three—Monday, April 13, 2026—Not Your Parents’ Kind of Musicals—Rock and contemporary musicals

QUESTIONS

Lois Silverman

lsilverman@wlcj.org

ONLINE

Sunday, February 22, 2026

at 7:30 pm ET

Join us for an engaging conversation with Nina Manolson, M.A., NBC-HWC, Body-Peace Coach, as we explore the complicated relationship Jewish women have with food, body, and tradition. Discover why it’s so complex—and how to create more ease, nourishment, and peace for yourself and your legacy.

QUESTIONS

Debbie Bettan

Health & Wellness Chair

dbettan@wlcj.org

ONLINE

Sunday, April 12, 2026

at 1:00 pm ET

Join WL Reads for a lively conversation with international bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers. Known for her compelling voice and acclaimed novels, Meyers will discuss her latest book, The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone, a thought-provoking exploration of altruism, justice, and sacrifice. Registration is now open. Read along and join us on Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 pm ET—even if you haven’t read the book yet.

QUESTIONS

Karen Block

WL Reads Chair

kblock@wlcj.org

Weekly Words of Torah

Parashat Vayigash | December 27, 2025

Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to obtain food a second time. This time they brought Benjamin along. To test them, Joseph accused Benjamin of stealing his goblet and threatened to keep him as a prisoner . . . Continue Reading

Parashat Vayechi | January 3, 2026

Seventeen years after moving to Egypt, Jacob’s death was now at hand. Calling Joseph to him, he made him promise to bring his body back to Canaan for burial . . . Continue Reading