Women of TIOH's New Year Newsletter 2022.pdf

5783 ‫ ֹראׁש ַה ָּׁש ָנה‬/ Rosh Hashana 2022

Happy New Year!

from the Women of TIOH

Newsletter Highlights Greetings!

Year In Review

Taking (Social) Action

Women of TIOH's New Year's greeting card from 2020

Back to the Future

FUNdraising

By Aliza Lesser

The long break endured during the pandemic of 2020, and beyond, forced us all to take time to reflect on what is most important to us

WRJ: Stronger Together

and to learn how to navigate uncharted territory. This was certainly true for the Women of TIOH. As we yearned to be together, we took a step back then ventured into Zoomlandia, holding our regular Women of TIOH meetings, hosting our first virtual event, Sangria in the Sukkah, which has become an annual tradition (Join us at TIOH on Sunday, Oct. 16!) and introducing weekly Chair Yoga, which continues to this day.

Now, we enter a New Year filled with optimism that COVID is mostly behind us and looking forward to the opportunities we will have to celebrate and serve the TIOH community in ways old and new.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

L'Shana Tovah Tikatevu!

wotioh.org

Greetings!

by Marsha Niles

When I became active in Women of TIOH, President Aliza Lesser asked me if I could be a greeter at the Sangria in the Sukkah event at TIOH last September.

Women of TIOH was a new group to me, and I was not sure how I would fit in. Being a greeter was the perfect role to get me started.

So far, I have greeted people at Sukkot, Chanukah Marketplace, the Woman’s Seder and other events. Faces and names have become familiar to me. Women of TIOH has made me feel welcome and being a greeter has given me a way to make others feel welcome as well.

What a joy it has been!

Marsha Niles, along with her megawatt smile, welcomes guests to the Women's Seder

A Message from Women of TIOH's President Welcome to Women of TIOH's first and probably only newsletter of the year!

We hope you enjoy this "gift" and that you share our excitement of all things possible for the upcoming year.

with our role at TIOH and an invitation to join us in our activities, as Temple volunteers. as active members that create connections between each other as part of what we hold dear here: our warm and welcoming community.

Please let this newsletter serve as a reminder of who and what Women of TIOH

All are included as part of Women of TIOH.

is, an introduction if you are not familiar

We are HERe for you and with you. -AL

We were able, for instance, to gather together in the Spring in the Rosove Chapel for our well-attended Women's Seder, an annual collaboration with our female clergy members to celebrate Passover creatively and in intergenerational community.

Despite constraints due to COVID, Women of TIOH succeeded in supporting TIOH through our usual social action, fundraising and social activities then built upon our successes Ladies who lunch enjoyed the Women of TIOH year end event at Temple

A Year in Review: Returning Stronger than Ever, Together

When the 2021-2022 year began for the Temple and for Women of TIOH, a high degree of uncertainty remained. Just as we thought life was returning to something resembling normal for us all, a new variant of the novel coronavirus emerged and, out of an abundance of safety, TIOH leadership gauged carefully when, how, even whether, certain activities could take place on site.

by expanding our reach to host arts programming and provide support to additional community organizations.

Best yet, we were able celebrate a challenging yet rewarding year together on campus at our year-end Volunteer Acknowledgement Lunch!

There were instances when milestone events, such as the installation of our first female senior rabbi, were pushed forward on the calendar. Rabbi Mari's celebration weekend was worth the wait!

Women of TIOH were eager to return and to resume the activities for which we are most known. We were able to do so albeit by modifying our approach when needed: boxing meals, brown bagging TLP lunches, separating community segments for inclusion at Chanukah Marketplace, hosting events outdoors or online, to meet members' needs and preferences.

(We kept our meetings on Zoom, as well as our weekly Chair Yoga sessions.)

Along the way, Women of TIOH received tremendous support from Temple leadership and staff, so many of whom were new to the community. This enabled us to bring back our signature activities, and then some.

Joyce Rubin and Karen Gilman, a dynamic duo of Doers

Women of TIOH: Taking (Social) Action

TLP Volunteers Return to the TIOH Kitchen during Summer of 2022

TLP: Time to pack... lunches!

A Little Help for Our Friends

by Alexa Pogue

After a forced hiatus due to the global pandemic, The Lunch Project (TLP) is back at TIOH! TLP is a longstanding, much loved Women of TIOH Social Action initiative which began as The Aids Lunch (spear-headed by Jody Porter, among others) delivering meals to patients atLA County/USC Medical Center After many years, TLP pivoted and began a relationship with My Friend’s Place, a drop-in center for homeless youth right here in Hollywood. With the help of many, many volunteer cooks, preps, and servers, TLP delivered and served hot casseroles to the young people at My Friend’s Place (MFP).

That’s what we were doing until the winter of 2020 when, sadly, MFP had to (like so many others) abruptly close its doors.

However, MFP continued to serve the community of young people outside in their parking lot, providing them with essentials like shower wipes, food, and bottled water.

Women of TIOH felt that it was important to keep showing up for our young neighbors in need and made monthly donations of these items over the course of the next year and a half. But, while meeting the needs of MFP is vital to our mission, so is working together and building community in the TIOH kitchen...

It was wonderful to return with a bunch of people, happy to roll up their sleeves and dive into making 60+ nutritious lunches. It was messy, fun, sticky and wonderful to be together! (For now, we make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, only. MFP is not yet open for indoor lunch service).

Please join us when we meet in the TIOH kitchen at 9:15 am, the second Thursday each month. We need people to pack, shop and deliver lunches to our young neighbors in need. Hope to see you there!

Questions? Please contact us at ajlmdpogue@gmail.com

Women of TIOH answered the call when Leeav Sofer of Urban Voices Project sought help with a holiday meal for Skid Row denizens.

We responded by calling upon volunteers to make 400 latkes, which we delivered downtown, adding 100 jelly donuts.

Women of TIOH ❤️the Arts

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Women of TIOH believes in the power of the arts to lift spirits and transform lives, and we were thrilled to offer programs to the TIOH community celebrating music, literature and film. It had been years since we hosted events outside our "Big Three" signature activities: The Lunch Project, Chanukah Marketplace and Women's Seder. Through our Sisterhood Surveys, we learned of our collective interest in attending cultural gatherings together and relished the chance to present some of our own programs in 2021-2022, which came by way of TIOH and by some of our own; e.g., hosting a dinner in honor and in advance of TIOH Arts & Culture's "Women's Voices, Women's Souls," with Maestra Dr. Noreen Green and composer Andrea Clearfield; a book night at Claudia Sobral's home featuring author Judith Teitelman and her novel "Guesthouse for Ganesha;" and a premiere Los Angeles screening of "Janka," with the filmmakers, as championed by Nancy Glassberg.

Janka: A Survivor's Journey, From Family Secret to Stage to TIOH's Screen

by Nancy Glassberg

On April 10, 2022, Women of TIOH brought to TIOH the LA premiere of “Janka”, a moving film based on a mother's Holocaust struggles to survive, which she never shared while alive. Her son, Oscar Speace, a writer and director, painstakingly had her letters translated from Yiddish upon their discovery.

Originally staged for live theater, the movie was filmed during the pandemic. (A shortened version exists for use in high schools.) At the Q & A after the film’s screening, Oscar and Janice Noga, the actress who starred in the stage and film versions, graciously answered all our questions.

Nancy Glassberg moderates Q &A with Janice Noga and Oscar Speace

Oscar and Janice are married and have worked on the “Janka” project for more than 20 years. They have performed the play in cities around the world including Janka’s hometown, Universally, they receive rave reviews for “Janka” and make lasting friendships when they bring the project to new audiences.

Women of TIOH was honored to host the screening with Oscar and Janice, in partnership with Holocaust Museum LA, as the movie culminates their family journey and ensures that future generations will hear Janka's story. If you missed this special showing, watch for “Janka,” when it makes its TV premiere on PBS next spring.

Putting the Fun in Fundraising Art & Soul's Texas Hold 'em Party!

Women of TIOH raised the stakes, as we raised funds as part of the TIOH campaign,.

Marketplace Moments Mmmmm...Massages. Ringing 'em up.

Soulful sounds. Doling out the delish!

The Return of Chanukah Marketplace

by Joyce Rubin

Chanukah 2021 was a celebration of not only the holiday, but the return of the annual FUNdraiser, the Chanukah Marketplace, IN PERSON! Women of TIOH hosted with enthusiasm the vendors (old and new, from within TIOH’s membership and outside of it), community members and their friends and TIOH Staff for shopping, schmoozing, noshing & schlepping.

Chanukah Marketplace benefits TIOH’s three schools, Bay-Nimoy Early Childhood Center, Briskin Elementary and the Religious School.

Tradition.

Behind the scenes, Women of TIOH volunteers brought life to Miller Hall, assisting the wide array of

participating small business owners and artisans find their booths, as well as stocking our own tables, under the direction of Karen Gilman, who was shadowed closely by me. .We were overjoyed to greet each other and our shoppers, as they made their holiday gift purchases and added to their Judaica collections.

Generations come together each year in community for the shopping, the refreshments and entertainment this year featuring prosecco and massage chairs for our adult guests and a Kombucha bar by and for our teens as organized

by Eva Mars. Tradition.

Fundraising (con.)

Women of TIOH thanks all that made the event so memorable: Terry Heller, for helming the successful online raffle and for providing the creative boxed lunches; Ruth Rose, for taking charge of the cashier crew; Women of TIOH President Aliza Lesser for organizing the Marketplace, both in person and online; our wonderful volunteers, Shari Cooper, Shelley Feinman, Vika Frumin, Nancy Glassberg, Ruth Kay, Jody Litvak, Sharon Lippman, Marsha Niles, Ilyse Pallenberg, Alexa Pogue.

Such a wonderful cooperative effort to make Chanukah Marketplace successful. Tradition!

Women of TIOH's Judaic gift shop

Revisit last year's Marketplace: https://tiohmarketplace.com/

Chanukah Marketplace Raises Awareness, not Just Funds

by Paulinda Schimmel

Every year Women of TIOH invites The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini to have a table at the Chanukah Marketplace. It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to educate and bring awareness about ovarian cancer to the community.

Paulinda Schimmel sets the stage for a successful, informative day at the Marketplace.

WRJ: Stronger Together

By Karen Gilman

Women of TIOH with WRJ Area Director and event organizer, Flo Cohen

On Sunday, July 17, 2022, Women of TIOH President Aliza Lesser, Jo Ann Lesser, Joyce Rubin and I journeyed to Temple Judea in Tarzana, CA, to participate in the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Pacific District Southern California Area Day conference, which presents guest speakers, WRJ leadership and workshops. The keynote speaker, Trudie Strobel, gave a moving account of surviving the Holocaust as a child thanks to her mother’s sewing skills, and she spoke about and demonstrated the embroidery that has sustained her since and helped her heal from the trauma. (Women of TIOH are bringing Trudie and her art to TIOH as an Arts & Culture event in 2023.)

I attended a workshop on social justice that motivated me to make sure to volunteer on a Get Out the Vote campaign this fall. I am convinced that we must mobilize ourselves at

"WRJ reinforces the skills and motivation we bring to our

the policy level as well as perform acts of

Women of TIOH life together.

direct tzedakah to make a difference. A

WRJ training and workshops

Sharsheret workshop featured a panel on

strengthen our ability to plan and

genetic testing and recommended four

execute meaningful Women of

action steps: getting family medical history, scheduling a doctor appointment,

TIOH activities..."

WRJ (con.)

determining if genetic testing is right for you, and sharing information with family

"Our own Women of TIOH events and activities enhance

members. Our Women of TIOH attendees discussed with great interest the TIOH Women’s Health and Wellness Day, co-

the camaraderie and

sponsored by Sharsheret, coming up on

commitment gained from

Sunday, November 6. Over lunch we were

creating connection together."

treated to a video illustrating the impact of WRJ YES! Fund fundraising, highlighting legislative action, youth group development, and rabbinic scholarships.

Overall, WRJ reinforces the skills and motivation we bring to our Women of TIOH life together. WRJ training and workshops strengthen our ability to plan and execute meaningful Women of TIOH activities, from spiritual to social justice. WRJ reinforces community. Our own Women of TIOH events and activities enhance the camaraderie and commitment gained from creating connection together. Activities such as The Lunch Project, Health and Wellness days, the Chanukah Marketplace and our spiritual and ritual events make it possible for me to deepen connections and make an impact in our Temple community.

Extraordinary embroidery artist Trudie Stobel addressing Area Day attendees.

Our Social Network Sipping Sangria in the Sukkah Women of TIOH's first in-person event at TIOH of 2021 celebrated Sukkot, as we brought back our Sangria in the Sukkah. Cantor Emerita Aviva Rosenbloom graced us with her presence and a program filled with spirituality and song. Terry Heller boxed beautiful snacks for us all. And, in keeping with our Spanish theme, we were treated to a dance lesson led by Flamenco artist Briseyda Zárate.

A more pleasant way to bring us back to TIOH, as sisters and friends, would be hard to imagine, and we look forward to doing it again soon. Olé.

Join us this year: tioh.org/event/wotiohsangriasukkah/

Sipping Tea with Rabbi Mari

by Joyce Rubin

You just never know what might become of a random conversation in the hallway of TIOH! As we admired the Chanukah Marketplace together, Rabbi Mari mentioned that she would welcome the opportunity to meet more TIOH members active in Women of TIOH. And so, it began…

An intimate “Sisterhood Tea” was held on Sunday, March 17, 2022, at Women of TIOH President Aliza Lesser’s home to honor Rabbi Mari and to allow more of us to get to know her. “Tea with Mari” was reminiscent of the many Sisterhood programs of the past: scones with jam and clotted cream, sandwiches, fruit and cheese and other delectable desserts were served. And, the conversation flowed as easily as the poured tea, as guests were given the opportunity to chat with Mari and share their stories.

It was a lovely event and the perfect way to begin personal relationships with our new Rabbi, who strives to create meaningful connections within the congregation at every TIOH gathering. If you have not had the chance to sit and spend time with Rabbi Mari, and would like the to do so, Women of TIOH would be delighted to facilitate an event for you.

Contact us to indicate your interest at joycemrubin@gmail.com.

Women of TIOH Gratitude Role/Roll Call We wish to acknowledge those that show up with and for us...

Adam Rosenberg-Wolf * Alexa Pogue * Alex Kojfman * Aliza Lesser * Allison Dworetzky Ariane Bushkin * Arlene Chernow * Armin Szatmary * Cantor Emerita Aviva Rosenbloom Rabbi Calvin Dox-DaCosta * Claudia Sobral * David Aaronson * David Wolinsky Deanne Kaner * Derek Simon * Diana Wyenn * Diane Demetras * Donna Feinstein Dorothy Davis Dorrie LaMarr * Emily Rogath * Eric Taslitz * Eva Mars * Flo Cohen Florene Rozen * Fred Vaysman * Heidi SegaI * lyse Pallenberg * Ira Klein * Jacquie Shabel Jamie Rubin Jennifer Morady * Jessy Lichter-Maret * Jill Cohen * Jo Ann Lesser Jody Litvak * Joyce Rubin * Judy Sachs * Julia Hewitt * Juliana Schwartz * Julie Olen Karen Gilman * Leia Grossman * Lisa Bates * Lisa Druker * Lisa Hofheimer Rabbi Mari Chernow * Marsha Niles * Melissa Sloan * Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh Mike Lesser * Mitzi Schwartz Molly Garvey * Nancy Glassberg Natalie Windsor * Paulinda Schimmel * Phyllis Klein * Phyllis Smith * Renee Wolf * Roz Siegel Ruth Kay * Ruth Rose Shari Cooper * Sharon Lippman * Shelley Feinman Cantorial Soloist Shelly Fox * Stephanie Bressler * Stephanie Rubel * Susan Segal Terry Berland * Terry Heller * Yael Dawson * Zach Lasker * Zöe Marcus

Calendar of Upomcing Events:

Sisterhood Online Shop

The Lunch Project, Thursday, Oct. 13 Women of TIOH Meeting, Thursday, Oct. 13 Sangria in the Sukkah, Sunday, Oct. 16 TIOH Women's Health & Wellness Event, Sunday, Nov. 6 Chanukah Marketplace, Sunday, Dec. 4 Learn more about these and other events at tioh.org/events

Tell Us What You Want; What You Really, Really Want We'd like to see you more! Let us know how what might entice you to engage further with Women of TIOH by completing our survey, found on out website: wotioh.org

Get Set for Sukkot and Get Your Lulav & Etrogs Now! Women of TIOH are HERe to help you meet your holiday needs. We have a limited supply available for purchase. Order your set today!

Visit our online store to take care of seasonal needs: women-of-tioh.square.site/