Connections links women here, abroad
By Deborah Moon
March 1, 2007
Connections proliferated throughout the Hilton Pavilion Room Feb. 11 and stretched tendrils out to bind women more tightly to each other, their families, the local Jewish community and the Jewish community worldwide.
Speaking to some 200 Jewish women gathered for a day of learning, sharing and giving at "Connections—Learn It to Live It," Connections co-chair Nicole Elovitz said that her recent first trip to Israel made her "want to learn more and get further connected to the Jewish community here and overseas."
"That's why we put this friend-raising and fund-raising event together—as a way for women to connect with the community, with each other," replied co-chair Dana Sacks.
Before giving women an opportunity to make their pledge to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, Women's Philanthropy Committee Chair Barbara Cohen told the audience that though she had been involved in her synagogue and on various boards, "It wasn't until I got involved with the Jewish federation that I realized how big an impact I could make. I didn't realize that my dollars could change lives right here in Portland and the lives of Jews around the world."
Cohen said that on a recent women's mission to Israel (see story page 11), she visited a bomb shelter that felt crowded to her with 35 people inside but was one of four rooms that was home to 600 Ethiopians during the 34 days of the war with Lebanon. Meeting the immigrants and learning that federations' Israel Emergency Campaign made those shelters more bearable with the addition of air conditioners, TVs and activity kits for the children, Cohen said she realized every dollar she gives changes someone's life.
"Consider whether your gift or an increase to your gift would significantly impact your life style," Cohen said to the women. "Would it change the way you live? … It will surely change the lies of those who depend on us."
The women responded and reached out to the global Jewish community with 90 new and additional gifts totaling more than $18,000. Of that, $3,645 was for the Israel Emergency Campaign.
In addition to connecting to the local and global Jewish communities through their pledges, the women also connected with each other as they schmoozed over a delicious brunch. Then during the keynote address and two sessions of workshops, they learned how they could take Jewish wisdom back to their friends and families.
Keynote speakers Meredith Jacobs, author of "The Modern Jewish Mom's Guide to Shabbat," and her mother Ellen Levin spoke about "Creating a Balance: Incorporating our Traditions in a Modern World."
Levin said that grandparents who live near their children reap the benefits of close proximity allowing them to have a natural connection with their grandchildren.
"My husband and I work very hard to ensure that geographical distance does not take away from that bond with our grandchildren," said Levin, noting that since their birth she has sung or spoken to her grandchildren daily over the phone.
Jacobs said that she is the person she is because of her mother. But she said there are major differences in today's world that influence her parenting.
"Neither of my children can remember a time when we were not at war," she said. "The violence of the time we live in surrounds our children. … We turn to our tradition and use it to achieve balance in our lives."
Jacobs said that the peace of Shabbat allows her family to refocus and turn off the outside world.
"For me it's like exercising," said Jacobs. "I can find so many reasons not to do Shabbat. But when I find the time, I feel amazing."
Jacobs also presented a workshop in each of the two breakout sessions. Jacobs spoke about "Shabbat in an Hour" and "Using Rituals to Build Your Family Traditions."
Other workshop leaders (see page 10) were Lois Shenker, Missy Gerber, Tsippora Dimant, Kim Rosenberg, Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Meg Oakies and Deborah Haynes, Terri Schwartz and Karen Hohwells, Rabbi Ariel Stone and Victoria Trabosh.
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