Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 26 of Iyar, 5786

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To see the full schedule of WLCJ events and programs, visit our calendar.

This is the last week that early-bird pricing is being offered for WLCJ Convention 2026! You now have until Tomorrow, May 14 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time to lock in your discounted registration.

Did you know that this week is National Women’s Health Week? As we continue to support one another and strengthen the vibrant community we share, we want to gently remind you to take a moment to prioritize your own health, mind, and spirit. Whether you are scheduling a check-up, enjoying a mindful walk, or simply carving out a quiet moment of rest, this is a beautiful time to celebrate our vitality and cherish the uplifting bond of our sisterhood.

May your week be filled with nourishing choices, joyful moments, and a renewed commitment to your well-being. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and empowering week ahead!

THE WILDERNESS ACCORDING TO WOMEN'S LEAGUE

What do the Israelites in the wilderness and the upcoming WLCJ Convention 2026 have in common? Think "Bamidbar in business casual." Read International President Julia Loeb's message to discover why our July gathering in Alexandria, VA, is the perfect start to a brand-new chapter, complete with shared purpose, familiar and new faces, and great coffee. Plus, catch the extended early-bird deadline!

WLCJ SHABBATON & CONVENTION 2026

Friday–Wednesday, July 10–15, 2026

Registration is now open!

Take advantage of our $1,150 Early-Bird special through May 14, 2026! Regular registration is $1,295 beginning May 15.

Hotel room rates are guaranteed through June 7, 2026, so be sure to make your reservations early.

Click here to register and learn more. We look forward to seeing you there!

GET YOUR VIRTUAL JOURNAL AD TODAY

Whether you want to honor a trailblazing President, past or present, celebrate a major Sisterhood Affiliate milestone, or simply share a heartfelt message of gratitude, a virtual ad ensures your tribute will be seen and celebrated by attendees far and wide.

FROM A SISTERHOOD OF NONE TO ONE OF MY OWN

Where do you turn when your local synagogue is no longer an option? For Lori Beth Susman, finding connection meant embracing the path of a WLCJ Individual Member. Discover how joining a virtual space to say Kaddish blossomed into building a vibrant new chavurah (a small, informal Jewish fellowship group that meets for study, prayer, and socializing) on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and finding her voice in our community.

THE MID-19TH CENTURY AND CIVIL WAR

As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and look ahead to America 250, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations continues its inspiring initiative to highlight the rich history and enduring contributions of Jewish Americans. This week, they explore the Mid-19th Century and Civil War (1826-1875). From heroic military figures like Uriah P. Levy, the first Jewish Commodore in the U.S. Navy, and Benjamin Levy, the first Jewish Medal of Honor recipient, to cultural and religious trailblazers like Adah Isaacs Menken and Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, who pioneered American celebrity stardom and organized the American Reform Movement respectively, the stories of these individuals highlight the vital role Jewish Americans played in shaping the nation's cultural landscape and defending its unity during a time of profound division.

ROSH CHODESH SIVAN WITH WOW: FIGHTING AVI MAOZ'S '7 YEARS LAW'

Sun | May 17 | 7:00 am Israel Time; 12:00 am ET | In Person and Online

Extreme new legislation by MK Avi Maoz threatens to punish women with up to seven years in prison simply for holding a Torah at the Kotel. Stand in solidarity with Women of the Wall at their Rosh Chodesh Sivan prayer service to send a clear message: women’s prayer is not a desecration, and the Kotel belongs to all Jews.

DRESS AS YOUR BEST SELF!

Thurs | May 28 | 12:00 pm ET | Online

In preparation for Convention, join us for an exclusive webinar on mastering your Convention wardrobe. Learn from travel expert Alexandra Jimenez (Travel Fashion Girl) on how to "Dress as Your Best Self," and get creative tips from WLCJ Creative Judaic Arts Chairperson Jody Glass on perfecting your look for our "Midnight at the Masquerade" gala. From capsule wardrobes to masquerade masks, we’ve got you covered.

STRATEGIES FOR PROGRAM SUCCESS

Thurs | May 28 | 7:30 pm ET | Online

Ready to add some serious zest and zing to your sisterhood events? Join Kehilah-Education for an energizing workshop dedicated entirely to strategic programming and fresh ideas. You'll learn proven best practices directly from Region Vice Presidents Jodi Jacklin, Gilda Schwartz, and Susan Winter. Additionally, WLCJ Vice President Anise Parnes will show you exactly how to unlock available program materials on the WLCJ website. 

Click the image to read the latest Chadashot.

Click the image to read Torah Fund’s message about the Creating New Spaces campaign!

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 a future edition of WL Week.

UPCOMING REGION EVENTS:

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday | Online

12 noon ET, 9am PT, 10am MT, and 11am CT

There will be no Makom B'Yachad on Friday, May 22.

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.

Parashat Bamidbar

How can the structured encampments of the wilderness teach us to heal the fractures of our modern community? In this week’s reflection on Parashat Bamidbar, Rabbi Margie Cella explores the sacred bridge between the ancient tribes united around the Tabernacle and the diverse landscape of the Jewish people today and how we  can turn our divided camps into a radiant, collective commitment to stand together as one nation, honoring our distinct identities while protecting our sacred inheritance.

Order the official WLCJ 5786 Calendar Diary here (for mail-in orders, use this link).

Find additional resources and shortcuts here.

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