2021 Events
At Home Series: How Our Diets Change As We Age
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 2:00 pm, Zoom
Randi Weissberger, registered dietician/nutritionist, will give us tips and techniques that will improve our eating habits as we age and help us make healthy changes in our life. She will address questions like:
- How much water should we be drinking?
- How do we lose weight without jeopardizing our muscle integrity?
- What should our caloric intake be?
NCJW BCS OPEN BOARD MEETING & CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
Monday, December 13, 2021, 9:45 am
Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck, NJ
Celebrate the holidays with the Bergen County Section Board. See the Board in action and enjoy a diverse repertoire of holiday activities.
Virtual Trip: Off the Beaten Path in Israel
Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 11:00 am, Zoom
Join us for a unique tour of Yavneh, tailor-made for our group.by our guide Julia Newman. Yavneh is the central coastal Mediterranean city where modern Judaism was born. A relatively new archaeological site, it dates back to the late Iron and Bronze Ages and is one of the most important sites of post-Biblical, post-Roman, modern Jewish history. It was the seat of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE and a major and prosperous producer of wine in medieval times.
Cost $18. For more information contact Paula Star at pstar66444@gmail.com. To learn more about Julia Newman, visit her Facebook page.
JEWISH HOME’S ELEGANT CHANUKAH LUNCHEON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Monday, December 6, 2021, 11:30 am, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, 10 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ
Come join the fun: Serve, sit, and socialize with Rockleigh elders. Luncheon followed by live musical performance. First time volunteers welcome! Proof of vaccination required.
Timely Topics: Frauds and Scams
Thursday, December 2, 2021, 1:00 pm, Zoom
Free and Open to the Public. Registration required.
Responding to a skyrocketing increase in scams during the pandemic, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, our featured speaker, has a new crime prevention priority to keep Bergen County residents safe, especially seniors. Seniors are targeted because they are trusting and polite and often have accumulated income. Come to learn about common scams, how they are perpetrated and how to avoid them. Prosecutor Musella was sworn in as Bergen County Prosecutor in May 2019. He oversees a staff of approximately 270, exercises authority over 2,700 sworn law enforcement officers in 72 Bergen County agencies, and oversees the Bergen County Police Academy and the Bergen County SWAT Team. Read more about Prosecutor Musella here.
Teaneck International Film Festival
Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 7:30pm, Online
“Truman and Tennessee” paired with “Coded”
NCJW BCS is happy to co-sponsor two films. “Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation” explores the work, lives and personal journeys of two iconic journalists, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams. It looks at their identity as gay Southerners and their relationship to their family and most significantly their relationship to each other. The second, “Coded,” follows the illustrator J.C. Leyendecker, whose legacy laid the foundation for today's out and proud LGBTQ advertisements. It stars Neil Patrick Harris.
At Home Series: Grandma Still has Sex. Part 2
Tuesday, November 16, 2021, 7:30 pm, Zoom
Back by Popular demand, Dr. Jane Fleishman joins us again to educate us on aging and sexuality and how to promote sexual well-being.
Cost: $20. For more information, contact Joan Ornstein at joanornstein@gmail.com. To find out more about Dr. Fleishman, visit https://www.janefleishman.com/.
General Meeting: The Voices that Wouldn’t Be Silenced
Monday, November 15, 2021, 12:30 pm, Zoom
Free and Open to the Public.
Talia Carner, award-winning author, activist and acclaimed speaker, will relate the historical account of over 150,000 Jewish girls who dreamed of America with promises of marriage and jobs but fell prey instead to the Zwi Migdal, a legal sex-trafficking union that operated in South America for 70 years in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Talia will reveal how the cries of these women, shunned by the Jewish community, forced her to expose this shameful chapter in Jewish history and will educate us about what steps can be taken today to abolish the horror of modern enslavement to prostitution in our own communities. For more information on Talia Carner, please visit taliacarner.com.
General Meeting: The Alarming Rise of Antisemitism
Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 12:30 pm, Zoom
Antisemitic incidents were at their third highest levels in 2020 in the NY/NJ area since the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) began tracking them in 1979. Scott Richman, New York/New Jersey Regional Director of ADL, will present the current situation in our area and how NCJW BCS and you can join the the fight against antisemitism. Free Event.
NJ’s Fight to End Human Trafficking
Monday, October 18, 2021, 7:30 pm, Zoom
From Busting Rings to Serving Survivors
In February 2021 the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office uncovered an international human trafficking ring operating in and around Bergen County. The BC Assistant Prosecutor, Section Chief, and the lead detective on the case will discuss this Operation. Covenant House NJ will also be represented and speak about its efforts with the victims identified in this Operation. NCJW Bergen County Section is proud to join with NCJW Essex and Morris County Sections in presenting this important program. Free Event for NCJW Members; $18 for Non-Members!
Timely Topics: Language and Identity
Thursday, September 23, 2021, 1:00 pm, Zoom
Many individuals are including gender pronouns as part of their signatures. The use of “they” as a singular pronoun has caught on and new gender-neutral pronouns are emerging. What does this reflect about gender identity, acceptance, respect and social justice in today’s evolving world?
Our speaker is Julie Jamison Benay, a graduate of the University of Vermont with a Master’s degree in education leadership. She has extensive experience as a teacher, administrator and consultant and has just completed a four-day seminar on gender pronouns at the University of Vermont. Contact Paula Schwartz a Pkschwartz39@gmail.com.
Fall Luncheon
POSTPONED
Regretfully we have decided to postpone our Fall Luncheon as, with Covid numbers rising, many of our members have voiced their reluctance to attend. While this is a big disappointment, we are working with Montammy Golf Club for a new date.
Those who have paid for the luncheon are being contacted directly and given the option as credit for the next scheduled lunch, to donate the money to the Section, or to receive a refund. For more information, call the office at 201-385-4847.
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY UPDATE
NCJW BCS will not be “sponsoring” a Symphony Series in 2021.
If, however, you want to attend the Symphony, please call PATRON SERVICES TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-800 ALLEGRO (255-3476). Although NCJW BCS is not sponsoring the series for 2021-2022, NJPAC will be providing a bus for those who wish to attend on their own. For concert dates: Oct. 14th, Nov. 4th, March 10th & 31st, April 28th and June 2nd the bus will still leave Temple Emeth's parking lot at 12:30 sharp.
Vaccination Protocol Information is on the NJPAC website under Frequently Asked Questions.
For questions or concerns, please contact Peggy Fine at 201-390-9650 or Joan Schnuer at 201-927-1164.
Summer Social: ENGLISH GARDEN TEA PARTY
Monday, July 19, 2021, 4:00 pm. Rain date: Tuesday, July 20, 2021
At the home of Elizabeth Halverstam. Entrance Fee: Bring a dessert. Email Elizabeth to discuss what dessert to bring.
YOU MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED TO ATTEND. First come, first served – maximum 20 people at each party. You may only attend one party - the Tea Party or the Barbecue. If the party of your choice is full, we will contact you. RSVP by JULY 12.
Summer Social: BARBECUE AND POOL PARTY
Monday, July 26, 2021, 4:00 pm. Rain date: Tuesday, July 27, 2021
At the Home of Joan Ornstein. Entrance Fee: Bring a dish. Email Joan to discuss what dish to bring.
YOU MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED TO ATTEND. First come, first served – maximum 20 people at each party. You may only attend one party - the Tea Party or the Barbecue. If the party of your choice is full, we will contact you. RSVP by JULY 12.
Virtual Trip: Our Jewish Heritage in Majorca
Thursday, June 24, 2021, 10:30 am
Get your travel documents ready and join us as we learn the unknown stories about the Mallorquin Jews and their inspiring resistance and perseverance through traumatic times. Learn about the Converso and Chueta (Crypto-Jews) heritage of today’s island Jews. Led by a professional guide, we will delve into this little-known history of our Spanish ancestors. Cost $20.00. Pay by check (see below) or online! Refunds will only be honored if there is a waiting list. Contact Paula Star at pstar66444@gmail.com.
Send a check in the amount of $18, payable to NCJW BCS to NCJW BCS, 75 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621, Please indicate “Virtual Trip, 5/13/21” on the memo portion of your check.
Installation and Awards Celebration
Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 12:00 pm
NCJW Bergen County Section’s Installation and Awards Celebration
as we look forward to A Bold & Bright Future. We will be installing our 2021-2022 Co-Presidents Elaine K. Meyerson, Ina Miller-Silverstein and Bari-Lynne Schwartz and our incoming officers. Charlotte Bennett Schoen will receive the Hannah G. Solomon Award and our Woman of the Section will be Nanette “Nan” Matlick. We are delighted to welcome New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg as our Special Guest.
Voluntary donation of $18+. Payable by check to NCJW BCS, 75 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621.
We wish to thank Double Chai Sponsors Valerie and Allen Hyman.
Click here to view the Installation Journal
General Meeting with NCJW, Inc.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 12:30 pm, Zoom
A Seat at the Table Brings Positive Results.
With rising anti-semitism, racial unrest and white supremacy, the NCJW Board, under the leadership of Board President Dana Gershon, has initiated a task force on Racial Justice and Equity. Dana will report its key objectives and progress to date. Beginning with the Biden-Harris Transition Team, NCJW has had a seat at the table advocating for its agenda to safeguard human rights. Jody Rabhan, NCJW’s Chief Policy Officer, will report the actions the Biden Harris Administration and 117th Congress are taking to further NCJW’s mission. Learn about the role of the Second Gentleman and hear actions you can take to advance this work. Contact Bari-Lynne Schwartz at barilynnes@verizon.net .
Virtual Trip to Russia in New York and Coney Island
Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11:00am
Join us for another exciting trip to one of New York’s most famous neighborhoods. We'll tour Brighton Beach and Coney Island, enjoy the culture of “Little Odessa”, venture into the shops & visit Russian style food and fruit markets. You'll meet the “old country” people who waited on line for toilet paper 25 years ago, stroll the scenic boardwalk, find out about the “Polar Bear Club”, explore the history of Coney Island and its fabulous hotels, bath houses, and amusement parks.
Our tour guides, Art and Susan Zukerman are successful entrepreneurs, teachers, and specialists in New York City history.
This will be a minimum one-hour interactive, multi-media tour, with opportunities to ask questions and engage with our tour guides.
The cost is $18.00.
Virtual Tour of the Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 1:30pm
Join us for a vibrant exploration of Justice Ginsburg’s life and her numerous, often simultaneous, roles as a student, wife, mother, lawyer, judge, women’s rights pioneer, and Internet phenomenon. This multimedia tour tells the parallel stories of RBG’s remarkable career and her efforts to expand the ideal “We the People” found in the preamble to the Constitution to include those long left out of the Constitution’s promises. Developed by Los Angeles Skirball Cultural Center this exhibit has traveled throughout the country to rave reviews. Curator Arielle Weininger will guide the tour and discuss the photos, videos and artifacts. Live Q&A celebrates the life and influence of Justice Ginsburg!
Israeli Women Making Changes
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 12:30pm, Zoom
Our members were joined by a large audience from across the USA, Israel and the UK on Zoom. In the words of NJ State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a life member of NCJW and recipient of the prestigious Hannah G. Solomon award: “National Council of Jewish Women, brought to us via Zoom, Israeli feminists working on behalf of both Jewish and Arab women. They are fighting for aid to domestic violence victims, appropriate family leave and equal justice before the law just to name a few of the issues. It was such an extraordinarily impressive program. I want to thank each and every one of you for the constant battle you do every day. If I could wave a magic wand that I am sometimes called upon to do, I would put this group of women in charge of Israel starting tomorrow morning and all our problems would be solved.”
Musical Treats from Our Roots - Klezmer (Jewish Music)
Thursday, January 28, 2021 1:00pm, Zoom
Benjamin Baron, an acclaimed musician, performer and educator, will present a multifaceted program about Klezmer music. Through lecture and demonstrations and by performing with his clarinets, Ben will entertain and inform us about the history and the unique musical forms of Klezmer. Ben has a doctorate from the famed Manhattan School of Music and has performed as a principle clarinetist around the world, on Broadway, with major New York area orchestras and chamber music societies, and at New York and New Jersey Jewish congregations. Settle into a comfy chair and enjoy a musical afternoon!
General Meeting: Community Services During The New Normal
Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 12:30pm, Zoom
Come to learn, celebrate and honor the innovative work of four of our
Community Services agencies, including Bergen Family Center, Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Center for Food Action, and the Women's Rights Information Center.
Hear about the challenges they have faced due to the pandemic,
how they have pivoted and maintained their services and what they have learned from these experiences.
We'll send you information will be sent the day before and the day of the program. This presentation by these dedicated and accomplished leaders will make you feel proud to be a member of National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section. Together we will explore how
we can assist these agencies now and in the future to benefit the women, children and families in our local communities. We're proud to support other community agencies as well and we'll be highlighting their work and our in our Council Connections,our new monthly publication, under “Celebrating Our
Community Services.”
Romance Novelist Shares Secrets with NCJW
Join us December 9th, 2020, for a for a fun-filled discussion with romance novelist Damon Suede. Register now, before this event fills. There are only 30 ‘seats’ available. The cost is $18 per person. Register and purchase tickets online and a Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees December 8, 2020. Beyond writing romantic fiction, Damon has been writing for print, stage and screen for over three decades. Go behind the scenes and join us.
Celebrating Our 2020 Installation Via Zoom
National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section went virtual for its installation celebration for the first time in 97 years when it installed and honored its new officers on June 23, 2020. Ruth Seitelman, outgoing Co-President, hosted the stunning event and welcomed over 130 members to our installation celebration. The program opened with a virtual flip page Journal, titled Together We Make a Difference, our theme for the year, accompanied by Beatles background music, “Here Comes The Sun.” Ms. Seitelman introduced Cantor Nitza Amit Shamah of Temple Sinai who gave the invocation – a heartfelt and inspiring prayer. She was followed by NCJW life member, NJ Senator Loretta Weinberg, who offered congratulations to the entire executive team and award recipients.
Subsequently, we were afforded an opportunity to view the 2019 National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Washington Institute film which highlighted the vast scope of issues undertaken by advocacy and showed how change can happen when we turn passion into action. Ms. Seitelman then introduced NCJW life member, NJ Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, who recently introduced legislation to protect the most vulnerable in long-term care facilities. She reflected on the significance of NCJW Bergen County Section’s advocacy and community service efforts vis a vis the most vulnerable in the county.
Hats Off to NCJW Award Winners
National Council of Jewish Women’s recent Annual Fall Membership zoom event was bursting with creativity, music and fun. Members and guests designed and modeled their own hats and the zoom ‘windows’ lit up with spring flowers, fall foliage, a birds-nest and reminders to vote. Prizes were given for the Most Colorful, Funniest, Most Creative and Most Outrageous hats, and renowned pianist Mel Nusbaum delighted the audience with a selection of jazz. The Membership Event was also the setting for NCJW Bergen County Section’s presentation of our annual awards. Paula Star received the Emerging Leader Award, and Pacesetter Awards were presented to Joan Cooper and Joan Schnuer. Celia Argintar was made a Colleague for Life. For more information on the Award Recipients, click here, Membership Vice Presidents Marilynn Friedman and Joan Schnuer, who organized the event, agreed that, “The hats were incredibly creative and this turned out to be a perfect Zoom event. Everyone agreed that, even though we missed being together in person, we all had a great time.”