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EXODUS AWARENESS EVENT
McCORMICK SCOTTSDALE RESORT
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015
Arizona Section Bulletin
April 2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
March has come to a close with the culmination of a highly successful event for Arizona Section …
Exodus: NCJW Anti-Sex Trafficking Awareness Luncheon. On a glorious and sunny Sunday, in a room that
overlooked a placid scene of Camelback Lake, more than 80 people attended our luncheon and panel
discussion. They were enlightened and informed about sex trafficking by our four guest experts and our superb
moderator. We learned that sex trafficking predators find their victims in every race, gender/gender identity,
religious origin, ethnicity and socio-economic background, and in every part of the state, including McDowell
Mountain Ranch and Desert Ridge. That was a real eye-opener to everyone. The gasps of surprise were audible.
While the event may have concluded, the speakers left us with plenty to think about for next year and what
steps we can take to reduce sex trafficking in our community. Stay tuned for our Section’s continued
involvement with this issue.
Lest we forget the suffering of others, our sister Section in Sacramento has written a Passover Seder
Supplement that links the Jewish history of slavery and freedom to the tragedy of millions of men, women and
children enslaved worldwide. Please print this out and consider using it as part of your family’s celebration of
our freedom.
http://cl.ly/1w45353d3p3x/NCJW%20Sacramento%20Passover%20Seder%20Trafficking%20Supplement.PDF
In preparation for Passover, several members of our section participated in the Women’s Seder that was held
on March 25th at the Ina Levine JCC. We were proud to be acknowledged as a co-sponsor.
As the Section year comes to an end, we are already gearing up for next year with a series of planning
meetings. So please put on your thinking caps and share your thoughts with us: What do you want to see us do
in all aspects of planning, meetings, events, fundraising, interest groups and social justice issues, to name a
few? During May and June, the new board will schedule meetings and we will invite your participation.
Since 1893, NCJW has been and continues to be “a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who
turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the
quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.” As a local
section, we work within the framework of the NCJW Mission and Resolution to improve life locally, nationally
and internationally (Israel).
From my home to yours, Chag Sameach.
Debby
WOMEN’S SEDER AT THE JCC
What a week … first the Exodus Awareness luncheon on human trafficking and then the Women's Seder on
March 25. The Women's Seder was a wonderful afternoon. It definitely represented the woman and the role
she played in our history, from the bible period to the present. NCJW co-sponsored the event this year and
Arizona Section was well represented. A heartfelt thanks to all who came and helped support our organization.
It was wonderful seeing everyone there. Once again, thanks to all and best wishes for a very happy Passover.
Barbara London and Jo Adler, Co-Chairs
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Exodus Awareness Luncheon
On Sunday, March 22nd Arizona Section sponsored our Exodus Awareness Luncheon and Panel Discussion on
Sex Trafficking, a form of modern day slavery. This event, and our involvement this past year researching the
issue, is a continuation of NCJW’s proud 122 year-old tradition of protecting women, children, and families.
More than 80 people attended our informative awareness and outreach program, and we all learned from the
knowledgeable panel about how this crime affects our own community and our own children. The event was
held at the McCormick Scottsdale Resort in the beautiful Lakeside Ballroom. The venue, food and banquet
service exceeded all expectations, as did the program. It shocked, surprised and outraged us, and it will help
move us to action in continuing to work to reduce sex trafficking in our community. As I looked around I could
see that everyone was thoroughly engaged with the panel discussion. It was difficult to end on time due to the
level of interest and the numerous questions expressed by the attendees.
The expert panel consisted of Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, Associate Professor at ASU’s School of Social Work
and the Director of STIR (Sex Trafficking Intervention Research). Katie Resendiz, Community Activist & a
participant in the TRUST AZ Speakers Bureau. Savannah Sanders a survivor, author, and member of O’Connor
House SAFE Action Project. Commander James Gallagher a 19 year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department.
The distinguished moderator was Appellate Court Judge (Retired) Susan Ehrlich. The event culminated with a
raffle/silent auction, and a portion of the proceeds will be given to Tumbleweed; an organization that offers a
continuum of programs designed to meet the complex and individualized needs of its clients.
There were so many people involved in making this event such a great success. Thank you to Jan Aver, Claire
Bickel, Judi Chaskes, Francine Ebersman, Paula Eckstein, Olivia Finkel, Hannah Kaplan, Cheri LeMieux, Irene
Magerman, Lynn Schmelzer, Ann Spector, Rita Stahl, Barbara, Stern, Sydell Ukeiley, and Vicki Wallach. With
special thanks and gratitude to Bunny Berkowitz, Carol Consalvo, Debby Finkel, Judi Gross, Sondra Mesnik, Ellen
Widoff, and Connie Wolf for their tireless efforts. Together we CAN make a difference!
Wishing you and your families a sweet and happy Passover.
Susan Schesnol
Vice President,-Social Justice
Tired but happy luncheon committee members; Debby Finkel with ASU Professor Dominique Roe-Sepowitz.
FUNDRAISING
Yay, Team! I can’t begin to list all the people and establishments that I should thank. But you know who you are
and you have all my kisses and hugs for being there for us on this very special day. Everyone worked so hard to
make our Exodus Sex Trafficking Awareness Luncheon such a HUGE success. We raised money for Tumbleweed
and will be giving them gift cards after we have our final numbers. Also, if you were a winner of one of our
many wonderful raffle and auction items, make sure that you let the establishment know that you appreciated
their donation! Thanks again.
I have some fun ideas for next year and will be scheduling a meeting at the beginning of the summer. Please
join us. We know from experience that your participation definitely makes a difference. Inspired by Jewish
values, NCJW is the most satisfying place where women like you can come together to build a better
community through programs that educate, motivate, encourage and empower. NJCW members volunteer
their talents, skills and know-how, and we can make a difference. If you are a thinker and a doer … if you
believe in your head and your heart that things can and should be better, then National Council of Jewish
Women is the place for you!
I invite you to join us. If you have a fabulous idea from your “home state” let me know and we can discuss it.
Please feel free to call or email me with ideas, comments or questions. judigross@gmail.com 480.206.1261
Judi Gross, Fundraising Vice President
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Why NCJW? Because we are the amazing women who try to change the world, and we made another great
start on March 22nd. It was with great pride that I attended the March 22nd Exodus Luncheon and welcomed so
many of our wonderful members, both old and new, as we all came together to help in the fight against human
trafficking.
The year is racing by and now it is time to begin thinking about joining again for next year. And have we got a
bargain special for you! If you have been dragging your feet about paying your annual dues for 2015, you can
pay now and you will be paid up through 2016! This will assure you a listing in our directory and membership in
all of our interest groups. You may also want to consider becoming a Life Member at this time. We have a
special offer there too: you can pay the $350 over two years.
Our Interest Group options continue to grow and many will continue through the summer. Consider our new
Mah Jongg group or our exciting new Anti-Semitism Letter Writing Group. We are also in the beginning stages
of a Volunteer Visit a Shut-In group.
We invite you to join one (or more!) of these groups and meet other like-minded women for any of these social
activities. A complete listing follows or check the calendar at the end of this bulletin for dates and times in April
and May.
Contact me at hankaplan@gmail.com to learn more.
Hannah Kaplan, Membership Vice President
Check out these NCJW interest groups!
Anti-Semitism Interest Group
I am forming a new group to combat anti-Semitism in the United States and globally by letter writing to a
variety of media outlets. This group will be under NCJW's auspices and follow NCJW's guidelines and values. If
you are interested, please contact Ginette Weiner at gweiner200@gmail.com
Mah Jongg – Thursdays from 11AM to 3PM
New and experienced players meet each week. For information and location contact Paula Schulman
studio7611@gmail.com 602-616-4848
Movie Mavens – 2nd Wednesday of the month We meet about 4pm, October through May. All members are
welcome. We attend a movie as a group, then go out for a bite to discuss the film. An email goes out to
membership announcing the movie. RSVP for more information or contact Carol at cjkl@cox.net
Dine Around – 1st Wednesday of the month Dinner is always $20/person, which includes a family style dinner,
soft drink, tax and tip. Meals will be kosher style with an emphasis on vegetarian dishes. Contact
fundraising@ncjw.org to be added to the list.
Book Group – 1stt Monday of each month
The group meets 1:30 to 3pm in member homes and is open to all members. Contact Ellen Widoff at
ebwidoff@gmail.com. Here’s the upcoming schedule if you want to read ahead:
April 6: An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris: (Nancy Malman will be hosting and facilitating)
480-778-0807 nancymalm@aol.co
May 4: The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt’s Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele-Bauer by
Anne-Marie O’Connor (Facilitated by Elise Kesner)
June 1: The Children Act by Ian McEwan (Facilitated by Hannah Kaplan)
Multi-Generational Book Group
Calling Moms, Grandmas/Nanas/Bubbes to join this book club for girls, ages 9-11, their mothers and perhaps
their grandmothers. We meet every other month at a member’s home and discuss a book the girls have
selected. If you are interested, please contact Debby at president@ncjwaz.org
nd
Writing Group - 2 and 4th Friday of each month from 2:30 to 4
Tchachkas, aprons and cellphones are just a few of the ideas that set us writing. We meet at Pueblo Norte
(7090 E. Mescal) to stretch our creativity. Contact Hannah Kaplan at 602-293-3850 or hankaplan@gmail.com.
Knitwits & Happy Hookers: Fridays from 1-3 in the craft room at Pueblo Norte (7090 E. Mescal)
We create blankets for Project Linus, a national organization that tries to bring love, warmth and comfort to
children who are seriously ill or traumatized. Contact fredapine@gmail.com
Afternoon Canasta Group: Wednesdays from 1-3:30 PM.
Location determined by who is able to host. New players are welcome. Contact bzmayl@icloud.com
Evening Canasta Group – Thursdays from 6:45 -9:30 PM
Meets at McDowell Mountain Ranch. New players are welcome cheri829@cox.net
Have an idea for an activity you don’t see here? Contact membership@ncjwaz.org to suggest a new group.
BUNNY’S CORNER
Please save grocery coupons for needy families in our community. I am still collecting them, and the good
news is that THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE CLIPPED! Bring them to our meetings along with a can or package of
food, toiletries, baby diapers, toilet paper, etc. Add just one item to your shopping list or take something from
your pantry on your way to a meeting it will help the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank provide assistance
to those who are less fortunate.
KINDLES 4 KIDZ: This group will recycle empty computer ink cartridges at office superstores for store credit
which will enable them to buy KINDLES for underprivileged children.
Hope Phones: Seven phones were sent to them in January. They will responsibly recycle or refurbish all
mobiles, from old and broken to the latest smart phone. Their goal is to create communication networks for
health workers in fifteen countries. Any phone, working or not, with or without chargers or accessories, can be
recycled. Hope Phones receives the value of each phone to purchase new mobile technology for the field.
Eyeglasses: Any and all glasses you no longer need or use will be given to the Lions Club for recycling.
Here’s a big hug and a sincere “thank you” for helping with these programs!
Bunny Berkowitz fbunnyb@cox.net
TRIBUTES
FROM
TO
REASON
Lee and Debby Finkel
Sondra Mesnik
Susan and Jeffrey Schesnol
Lynn and Larry Schmelzer
Lynn and Larry Schmelzer
Lynn Schmelzer
Sylvia Ulan
Sylvia Ulan
Sylvia Ulan
The Javitch Family
Debby Finkel
NCJW Board
Sylvia Ulan
Sylvia Ulan
Happy Birthday to you
Wishing you a full recovery
Wishing you a full recovery
Wishing you a full recovery
In loving memory of Victor
Javitch
Wishing you a full recovery
Wishing you a full recovery
Judi Gross
Debby Finkel
Paula Eckstein
Judi Gross
Sylvia Ulan
Adriane Keene
Sylvia Ulan
Beverly and Norman Lane
Debby Finkel
NCJW Board
Judi and Steve Gross
Cheri LeMieux
Cheri LeMieux
Susan Gardos
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Wishing you a full recovery
Wishing you a full recovery
Mazel tov on your 50th
wedding Anniversary
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Wishing you a speedy recovery
In loving memory of your
husband Tibor
April
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
5
6 Book Group
1:30-3:30pm
7 Board
Meeting
6:30pm
Wednesday
1 Canasta
1-3:30pm
Dine Around
8Canasta
1-3:30pm
Movie Mavens
4pm
15 Canasta
1-3:30pm
12
13
14
19
20
21
22 Canasta
1-3:30pm
26
27
28
29 Canasta
1-3pm
Thursday
2 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
9 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
Friday
3 Passover
First Seder
Saturday
4 Passover
10 Knitwits
1-3pm
Writing Grp
2-4pm
11
16 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
23 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
30 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
17 Knitwits
1-3pm
18
24 Knitwits
1-3pm
Writing Grp
2-4pm
25
May
Sunday
3
Monday
4 Book Group
1:30-3:30pm
Tuesday
5
Wednesday
6 Canasta
1-3:30pm
Dine Around
10
11
12
17
18
19 6:30
General
Meeting
24
Shavuot
_______
25
Shavuot
26
Memorial Day
31
13 Canasta
1-3:30pm
Movie
Mavens 4pm
20 Canasta
1-3:30pm
27 Canasta
1-3:30pm
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
115 Knitwits
1-3pm
2
7 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
8 Knitwits
1-3pm
Writing Grp
2-4pm
9
14 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
21 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
28 Mah Jongg
11-3
Canasta
6:45-9:30pm
15 Knitwits
1-3pm
16
22 Knitwits
1-3pm
Writing Grp
2-4pm
29
23
30
NCJW 2014-2015 OFFICERS
President
Debby Finkel
l
Fundraising
Judi Gross
Membership
Hannah Kaplan Barbara Stern
Social Acton
Susan Schesnol
Advocacy/SPA
Carol Consalvo
Publicity
Sondra Mesnik
Financial Secretary Claire Bickel
Recording Secretary Ann Spector
Treasurer
Francine Ebersman
Bulletin
Sondra Mesnik
Done in a Day
Jo-Ann Mullen
Advertising
Irene Magerman
Hospitality
Janice Aver
Tribute Cards
Fran Richter
Website
Sandy Blumenfeld
State Public Affairs Carol Consalvo
Director at Large
Bunny Berkowitz
Director at Large
Paula Eckstein
NCJW Az
Claire Bickel
3935 E Rough Rider Rd
Unit 1007
Phoenix, Az 85050
www.ncjwaz.org
www.ncjw.org
NCJW is the oldest progressive Jewish women’s organization in the United
States. Founded in 1893, it was designed to “shape the destinies” of American
Lives