 26055 Emery Road Warrensville Heights,OH 44128
Office: 216.378.2204
Fax: 216.378.2205
MISSION
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is 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.
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Office Information
Faye Bass
President
ext. 102
Mindi Axner
Executive Director
ext. 103
Becky Brouman
Director of Volunteers
ext. 105
Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger
LiveSpecial Coordinator
ext. 104
Julie Hayes
Operations Administrator
ext. 100
Miriam Koval
Administrative Assistant
ext. 101
Annette Paley
Administrative Assistant
ext. 106
Meryl Simon
Bookkeeper
ext. 107
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RECENT EVENTS
In April, Joyce Gordon, a past President/Honorary Director, started an endowment benefiting NCJW/Cleveland. In January, NCJW/Cleveland held a small reception in her honor. We took the opportunity to sit down and talk with Gordon about her time at NCJW/Cleveland, what she was most proud of, and her hopes for the future.
Q: What attracted you to NCJW/Cleveland?
A: It's the volunteering that drew me in originally. My mother was a life member and she always told me this was the organization to belong to. I had tried a few other organizations and I was very unhappy. I wanted to give back, I wanted to do something meaningful, and this was the only organization that had those opportunities.
Q: What was the best part of being a member of NCJW/Cleveland?
A: Our social action was so strong. I loved my time in Washington DC, advocating for social change. We were always happily greeted by our legislators. I was proud of the fact that we always maintained an office in Washington to work on women's and children's issues. It was so great to be around such strong, driven women. It changed my life. I never went for the cards and the mah jong. I wanted to do real things and Council provided that outlet.
Q: What project were you most proud of working on at NCJW?
A: Bellflower. Junior League and Council started the Bellflower [Center for Prevention of Child Abuse]. Most of my volunteering was with disturbed kids. They had a hotline, and we got calls from all over town. It was run partly by volunteers and partly by therapists. I was shocked at first how much abuse there was - but you learned a lot about patterns of abuse, about parents who themselves had been abused as children. We felt good being on the front lines, there weren't a lot of hotlines or places like this in the country back then. I was proud that Council was such a large part of Bellflower.
Q: What is your hope for NCJW/Cleveland's future?
A: I hope they just keep doing what they're doing: look at core problems [in society] and help find solutions for them. I'm so proud to be a part of Council's past and future.I have had the privilege of working with great people - really sharp women - to look at the core problems and help solve them. The stuff they're doing in the schools is wonderful; everything you come up with. I'm so proud to be a part of it.
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A Message from...The President 
For 119 years, NCJW/Cleveland has led the way in providing innovative and creative solutions to social problems. From fashioning significant signature projects such as Council Gardens, Council House, The Access Guide to Cleveland, NCJW/Montefiore Hospice and LiveSpecial.com to advocating on issues such as a woman's right to vote, reproductive choice and equal pay for equal work, NCJW/Cleveland volunteers have worked hard to improve the lives of women, children, and family. We do not act alone, however.
NCJW/Cleveland is part of a larger National network of committed Jewish women, and through the years, our Cleveland Section has proven to be a training ground for leadership and innovation. With this rich history in mind, I will travel with 18 other NCJW/Cleveland women to St. Louis, Missouri next week to attend NCJW 46th National Convention. Held every three years, the Convention brings together women throughout the country from all of the NCJW sections to review and vote on the National bylaws and guiding principles. In addition, we will vote on a new slate of Officers and Board members who have been nominated to lead the organization for the next three years.
Our Cleveland delegates have many reasons to stand tall at this Convention, but two special ones stand out this year. Our own Debbie Hoffmann*, Cleveland Section past President and National Treasurer, has been nominated as National President, a great honor indeed. And Susan C. Levine*, also a Cleveland Section past President and National Board member, has been nominated as National Treasurer. Knowing they have cut their leadership teeth in Cleveland makes voting at the Convention even sweeter. How much prouder could we be than to watch leaders that were cultivated in Cleveland move confidently on to the National scene. We wish them both much luck and success...Mazel Tov!
Another important part of the Convention is the sharing of "what works well" in each section. Since Missouri is the "Show Me State", the Convention's "Show Me Showcase" will highlight successful projects/initiatives of many sections. This year, I chose to showcase our Partners in Reading (PIR) project. Chaired by Debbie Joseph, we will present and hope to inspire other sections to start this wonderful literacy project in their hometown.
Of course, inspirational speakers, networking and forging lasting friendships of our Cleveland delegates make Convention an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
As we come together at the National Convention, I will stand proud representing one of the oldest and largest NCJW sections in the country, knowing that what we have accomplished in Cleveland not only enhances NCJW nationally, but also motivates us locally to continue to be the forerunner in innovation and leadership.
Faye
*To read the articles published in the Feb. 28 issue of the CJN on Debbie and Susan click on these two links:
Debbie
Susan
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SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, June 8th at 10:00a.m.
Annual Fundraising Event
Celebration of Generations
Please mark your calendar for Sunday, June 8th and plan on attending our annual fundraising event. This year's event will honor present and former NCJW/Cleveland board members who have also served in leadership roles at NCJW's national level.
We will be recognizing Debbie Hoffmann, NCJW's incoming National President Susan C. Levine, NCJW's incoming national Treasurer, as well as Isabelle Brown*, Barbara Mandel, Ellen Rossen, Toni Scherzer, Barbara Sobel, and Lois Zaas*, who have all served on our National Board in the past. This event promises to be a very exciting morning. We hope to see you there. Invitation to follow. (*of blessed memory)
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PROGRAM AND EDUCATION
Ilene Nolish, Vice President
HISTORY OF JEWISH CLEVELAND TOUR 
Experience the beginning of Jewish Life in Cleveland as we travel to the first Jewish property in Cleveland, the Willet Street Cemetery. We will visit the former N'vai Zadek Synagogue, Anshe Chesed (The Euclid Avenue Temple), and the Jewish Center (Anshe Emeth Synagogue). The bus will travel through former Jewish neighborhoods...Glenville, Ansel Road, the East 105th area, Kinsman and Mount Pleasant.
Nate Arnold will be our guide.
Date: Wednesday, March 19
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We will meet in the parking lot of B'nai Jeshurun at 9:15
Lunch: Together we will dine at the Tudor Arms Hotel Canopy Restaurant.
There will be three choices and this is included in the cost.
Member Cost: $40.00 includes tour, snacks, lunch and all gratuities. Reservations confirmed with payment. No refunds after March 5th.
Non members: $45.00. Reservations can be made after March 5th.
RSVP: NCJW office. Limited space.
Chair: Myrna Arlen Bloch
PASSOVER TASTING 
Please join us for a delicious and fun tasting of your favorite Passover dishes. Plan on bringing an entrée, side dish, vegetable or dessert, along with copies of your recipe to share with everyone. We need to be sure all categories are represented and first responders will hopefully be assured of their preference.
Date: Friday, April 4
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ellen Young (hosting at her home)
2797 Belgrave Rd., Pepper Pike
RSVP: Ellen Young eky918@sbcglobal.net or
216-514-1415
Participants limited to 24
Chair: Ellen Young
CURTAIN UP: MUSICAL THEATER WITH ROY BERKO
 Roy Berko, a Cleveland and New York theater critic will use facts and anecdotes to trace the journey of the American musical from THE BLACK CROOK to KINKY BOOTS. He will also discuss why many musicals have a cantorial sound and social message. Date: Thursday, April 10 Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Medical Bldg. - 26900 Cedar Rd.
Complimentary Valet parking available at the Cedar Rd. entrance-Please tip generously.
Cost: $10
RSVP: NCJW office. Reservations required.
Chair: Judy Simkow
ART BIO SERIES: GUSTAV KLIMT
Gustav Klimt was a controversial figure in his time. His work was constantly criticized for being too sensual. Today, they stand out as a "visual symphony" and are
regarded as the most important paintings ever to come out of Vienna.
Felicia Zavarella Stadelman will present another fascinating lecture.
Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Medical Bldg - 26900 Cedar Rd.
Complimentary Valet parking available at the Cedar Rd. entrance-Please tip generously.
Cost: $10
RSVP: NCJW office. Reservations required. Seating is limited.
Chairs: Ellen Young and Ethel Schultz
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, BEHIND THE MUSICAL 
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of America's greatest musicals, Fiddler on the Roof, as performed by Bill Rudman and members of The Musical Theatre Project Company. You'll hear all of the songs and the back story behind the creation of the musical performed by George Roth as Tevye, Jacqi Loewy as Golda, Sheri Gross as T'zeitel.
Date: Sunday, March 9
Location: Performing Arts Center, Tri -C Eastern Campus (corner of Harvard & Richmond Rds).
Time: Two performances: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Discounted reserved seat tickets are available for NCJW members by calling the Box office
216-245-8687 or online at MusicalTheaterProject.org using Code NCJW13.
Chair: Claire Biel
NCJW BOOK GROUP
 Date: First Thursday of the month
Book Title: March 6 - Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
April 3 - How It All Began by Penelope Lively
Time: 1 - 2 pm (Those who wish, may bring a bag lunch to eat before the discussion.)
Place: Beachwood Library 25501 Richmond Rd.
NOTE: Our meeting will be in the library's LARGE meeting room.
Cost: $5 per session (cash donation for leader)
Chair: Susan Kahn
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ADVOCACY
Susan Reis, Vice President
Protecting our children by requiring Safe Storage of Firearms
NCJW/Cleveland is partnering with the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence and other agencies working to reduce gun violence for a one day informational session and rally in Columbus to lobby for safer firearm storage laws. Click here for the flyer.
Date: March 11, 2014
Time: 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
Location: Opening Gathering will take place at 172 East State Street, 6th Floor, Columbus Ohio 43215 (Parking is available directly across the
street from 172 East State Street for $5 per day.)
Cost: Free to attend - $10.00 (for boxed lunch)
RSVP: ASAP to info@ohioceasefire.org. Carpooling is available please contact Susan at sixreis@gmaill.com
Chair: Susan Reis
Click here to read the letter in support of the rally and legislation from Mark Barden, the father of a Sandy Hook kindergartner fatally shot a year ago.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
Shelly Friedman,Vice President
As part of NCJW/Cleveland's Dignity project, we will be partnering with the Cuyahoga County's Division of Children and Family Services to provide free college visits for foster children.
From April 15th-17th, foster children will be traveling to Washington DC to tour east coast colleges. For many of the students, this will be their first time out of Cleveland. The hope is to expose the teenagers to educational opportunities outside of Cleveland and for them to get a taste of campus life.
Additionally, every Wednesday in July, the County and NCJW/Cleveland will be sponsoring day trips to colleges through Ohio: Ohio State, Akron/Kent State, Toledo, and various vocational schools.
There are many opportunities for NCJW/Cleveland members to get involved in this worthy cause. Email Rebecca Brouman at rbrouman@ncjwcleveland.org or give her a call at 216-378-2204 ext 105, with if you interested in helping out with any of the following volunteer opportunities:
1. We will be supplying toiletries, snacks, and gift cards to accompany foster children on their trip to Dc. If you want to participate, please drop them off at the office between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
2. There will be free time for site seeing, tours, and museum visits in between the DC college tours. We are looking for connections with DC based speakers/museums/tour guides that might be able to spend time with teens. Please contact Rebecca Brouman if you have any ideas or can help facilitate any of these connections.
3.Starting in the spring, NCJW/Cleveland will be supplying and sending out care packages to foster children in college. If you are interested in sponsoring a care package, or would like to help put them together, contact Rosean Schmidt at roseaniphone@gmail.com.
4. In July, NCJW/Cleveland volunteers are invited to accompany foster children and social workers on the day trips to different colleges. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this opportunity, contact Rebecca Brouman at 216.378.2204 ext.105.
SHARE WHAT YOU WEAR MEETING 
Share What You Wear, a teen and NCJW/Cleveland led program that provides back-to-school clothing and school supplies for those in need, is entering its sixth year. This year, SWYW is in specific need of baby, toddler, and elementary school clothes, collared shirts and khakis, extra large clothes for teen-aged boys, and school supplies. We are also looking for captains to help reach out to more elementary schools and middle schools. For volunteers looking to get involved, NCJW/Cleveland will be hosting an orientation session with this year's chairs. Learn about the history of SWYW and how you can help.
Location: Kelly Markowitz's house
28975 North Park Boulevard, Solon, OH
RSVP: Contact Rebecca Brouman at rbrouman@ncjwcleveland.org
Chairs: Jill Braun, Kelly Markowitz, Dakota Davis
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MEMBERSHIP
Fran Steinbock, Vice President
Now What?
Continuing to Compose Your Life? Are you retired? An empty nester? Looking for productive ways to fill your time?
Join NCJW/Cleveland for a LUNCH AND LEARN with Ann Klotz, Headmistress of Laurel School, to explore transitions and finding new purpose, passion, and joy in the next chapter.
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: Registration 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Program: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Medical Building
26900 Cedar Rd. Beachwood, OH 44122
Cost: $10 (includes boxed lunch)
RSVP: By March 24th to Miriam Koval, Administrative Assistant at 216.378.2204 ext. 101
WELCOME NEW ANNUAL MEMBERS
Jill Morris Boardman
Robbi Dunn
Irene Krechetoff
MEMBERS IN MEMORIAM
Dorothy Blonder
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HONOR AND MEMORIAL TRIBUTES
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FUND DEVELOPMENT
Adrienne Siegel, Vice President
ANNUAL FUND UPDATE
Thank you to all the generous donors that helped NCJW/Cleveland reach our Annual Fund goal of $80,000. We appreciate all the support you have shown for NCJW/Cleveland. A very special thanks to
Susie Gordon and Myrna Arlen Bloch for their tireless work on this behalf.
AMAZON SHOPPING
If you shop on Amazon, here's a way to help benefit NCJW/Cleveland at no additional cost to you...USE THE LINK BELOW...
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/34-0714651
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EVENING BRANCH
Wendi Shapera and Amy Zlotnick
Co-Presidents
23rd ANNUAL WOMEN'S SEDER: "We Were Strangers Too" 
Date: Monday, April 7
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Point East, 27500 Cedar Road, Beachwood
Cost: $25 Adults (includes dinner provided by Chicago Deli) $15 Children under 13
RSVP: By March 31st, to the NCJW office
EVENING BRANCH BOOK GROUP
Date: Sunday, March 23 
Time: 10 a.m.
Book Title: The Matzo Ball Heiress by Laurie Shapiro
Place: Panera on Richmond Road
Date: Sunday, May 4 - The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult.
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Panera on Richmond Road
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RETAIL OPERATIONS
Linda Barnett, Vice President
We accept artwork, collectibles, household items, clothing, purses and shoes at our warehouse located at
26055 Emery Road
Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128
Open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM
CALL FOR A FREE PICK-UP OF
LARGER ITEMS!
216.378.2264
Each donor will be provided with a signed
letter acknowledging the donation with an IRS approved pricing guide to be used for tax purposes.
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