WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM Assembly 2015 welcome program guide
welcome 22 Cheshvan 5776 November 4, 2015 Welcome to Women of Reform Judaism s 50th Assembly! We are delighted you have joined us for this one-of-a-kind experience for Reform and Progressive Jewish women. Over the next five days, we will come together to learn, worship, share ideas and best practices, make decisions about WRJ policies that will determine our organization s future, hear from inspiring presenters, dance and sing to exciting music, shop at one of the largest Judaica exhibitions in North America, reconnect with old friends, and form new bonds. Within these pages, you will discover many paths to learn and grow together as we explore ways to strengthen our sisterhoods, our congregations, and the Jewish community at large. You will be able to choose from more than 40 workshops as well as numerous worship experiences and musical entertainment. Some of the highlights of our time together will include: Hearing a keynote address from women s equality activist and 2015 WRJ Jane Evans Pursuit of Justice Award recipient Lilly Ledbetter. Worshipping together with members of the Women s Rabbinic Network (WRN). Learning about the amazing work of WRJ s YES (Youth, Education and Special Projects) Fund. Spending Shabbat with thousands of other committed Reform Jews as we join with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial convention. Installing WRJ s new Officers, Executive Committee, and Board members. Making connections with members of our global affiliates from Israel and around the world. Connecting with friends, new and old, during a week full of exciting adventures! And don t forget to stop by the WRJ booth in the Biennial Exhibit Hall (Booth #317) to purchase Uniongrams, art calendars, and all of your favorite WRJ products! If you have any questions, please ask a member of our amazing Local Arrangements team or a WRJ staff member. The URJ Biennial Solution Center is also a place to get information about local restaurants, things to do in Orlando, and the various programs and events taking place at both the WRJ Assembly and URJ Biennial. We know you will find inspiration, insight, and renewed energy during this special time with WRJ. We are, as always, Stronger Together! Blair C. Marks Susan C. Bass Rabbi Marla J. Feldman President First Vice President Executive Director Sherri Feuer Rachel Lambermont Robin Sobol Assembly Program Chair Assembly Program Co-Chair Assembly Program Co-Chair Wendy Adamson Helene Becker Barbara Gitomer Local Arrangements Chair Local Arrangements Co-Chair Local Arrangements Co-Chair Marlene Wain Local Arrangements Co-Chair 2015 Assembly program guide 3
CONTENTS Things to Know 5 Assembly Highlights 7 Assembly Rules 10 Assembly Maps 12 Daily Program 17 WRJ Officers and Board of Directors 48 WRJ Proposed Slate 50 WRJ 50th Assembly Committees 52 A Special Thank You 53 Congratulations 54 4 women of reform judaism
things to know LOCATIONS The WRJ Assembly will take place at the Orlando Marriott World Center Hotel. Most WRJ programs will be held in the North Tower (NT) but some events will occur in the Convention Center (CC) or at other locations within the hotel. The NT is at lobby level (Level 2) and the CC is one level down (Level 1). Please refer to the Daily Program in this Program Guide for specific room locations. REGISTRATION All WRJ registrants (full, weekday, and Shabbat attendance and Friday night guests) must check in with WRJ to pick up their credentials and can request any changes to their registration at the WRJ Registration Desk located in the NT Entrance (and in the hotel main lobby on Tuesday only). There is no WRJ registration desk in the URJ Biennial convention center space, and WRJ credentials cannot be picked up there. Changes to your Shabbat attendance and seating must be made at the URJ Biennial Solution Center (see Assembly/Biennial Information below). Please refer to the Daily Program. BADGES & SECURITY The Assembly badge given at WRJ Registration must be displayed at all times in the NT and CC. No one will be admitted to Assembly or Biennial events without the appropriate credentials and, as such, volunteers, staff, and security officials are instructed to check badges at all Assembly/Biennial events. To further ensure your security, please cooperate with these individuals and their instructions. ASSEMBLY/BIENNIAL INFORMATION Questions? Ask at the WRJ Registration Desk located in the NT Entrance. Volunteers and staff can help with program questions, room changes, general logistics, and local attractions and restaurants. The URJ Biennial Solution Center (where you can make Shabbat-related changes) is located in the CC Atrium Area (outside the Crystal and Grand Ballrooms). Volunteers and staff can help you with questions about the Biennial program, room changes, general logistics, local attractions, and restaurants. SHABBAT GUESTS Once they have picked up their credentials at the WRJ Registration Desk, guests coming for Friday Shabbat services, dinner, and song session may shop in the Exhibit Hall on Friday afternoon before worship services. Please see Badges for more information. 2015 Assembly program guide 5
things to know WI-FI Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is available in the CC level and the hotel lobby. SOCIAL MEDIA The discussion doesn t end when you leave a workshop or plenary! Keep the conversation going on the WRJ Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/wrj1913) and WRJ Twitter Page (@WRJ1913) by using #Assembly2015, posting your photos/ comments, and following what others are saying! Also be sure to stop by the WRJ Photo Booth on Thursday, November 5 in the NT. WRJ BOOTH IN THE EXHIBIT HALL Visit the URJ Exhibit Hall in CC Crystal H to see and purchase jewelry, art, and more at the largest exhibition of Judaica in North America. Be sure to visit WRJ at Booth #317 to purchase your favorite WRJ products. You may also purchase Uniongrams to honor WRJ Board members at the WRJ Booth. All such Uniongrams must be dropped off here by Friday afternoon for delivery during the WRJ Installation. Exhibit Hall Hours: Wednesday, November 4 Thursday, November 5 Friday, November 6 Saturday, November 7 Sunday, November 8 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. KIKAR BIENNIAL & REFORM MOVEMENT RESOURCES The Assembly provides an opportunity for you to meet with professionals from WRJ, URJ, and other Reform organizations at booths at the Kikar Biennial The URJ Biennial Town Square in CC Cypress 1. Drop in to meet up with friends and fellow leaders, enjoy some great music, shop for books by your favorite authors, visit with representatives from Reform Movement affiliates and partner organizations, or simply relax for a few minutes between sessions in a comfortable space. Kikar Biennial The Biennial Town Square Hours: Wednesday, November 4 1:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 6 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 6 women of reform judaism
assembly highlights ATTENDING URJ PROGRAMS WRJ registrants are permitted to attend any URJ program (and vice versa), such as workshops, learning sessions, and services, as long as space allows and the program does not require pre-registration and/or extra payment. Please visit the Schedule tab on www.urj.org/biennial or download the URJ Biennial mobile app (search for URJ Biennial 2015 in the Apple or Android stores) for details and locations of URJ workshops and other programs only. WRJ PLENARY SESSIONS WRJ s most important actions occur during plenary sessions where there are serious discussions about fundamental issues that will determine the work and future of WRJ. Your presence, voice, and vote at the plenary sessions are vital. Program and schedule changes also may be announced at these sessions. WRJ Plenary Session Wednesday, November 4 2:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Lilly Ledbetter, Author of Grace and Grit and Recipient of the 2015 WRJ Jane Evans Pursuit of Justice Award Highlights: Election of WRJ Board, Welcome by Local Arrangements & Program Committees WRJ Plenary Session Thursday, November 5 8:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Rabbi David S. Wolfman, Consultant & Coach, The Human Side of Change Highlights: Constitutional Revisions and Resolutions WRJ Plenary Session Friday, November 6 8:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Highlights: WRJ Or Ami Awards, 2017 WRJ Fried Leadership Conference Kick-Off, Remaining WRJ Business, and WRJ Town Hall Meeting JOINT WRJ/URJ PLENARY SESSIONS WRJ will join together with URJ for several plenary sessions to hear keynote speakers and Reform leaders discuss issues and topics important to the Movement. Joint WRJ/URJ Plenary Session Wednesday, November 4 8:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Nicholas Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times Highlights: Audacious Hospitality Panel with Michael Douglas, Actor and Inclusion Activist; Presentation of Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award to Charles Bronfman on behalf of Taglit-Birthright Israel, Tribute to Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin z l 2015 Assembly program guide 7
assembly highlights Joint WRJ/URJ Plenary Session Thursday, November 5 8:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President Highlights: Presentation of NFTY Alumni Award and Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award to Rabbi Seth Limmer on behalf of America s Journey for Justice participants Joint WRJ/URJ Plenary Session Saturday, November 7 8:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Highlights: 2016 Presidential Candidates Forum, hosted by Chuck Todd of NBC s Meet the Press WRJ Workshops and URJ Learning Sessions WRJ and URJ attendees are invited to cross-participate in each other s workshops (WRJ) and learning sessions (URJ). At many points during Assembly and Biennial, workshops and learning sessions are offered in the same time block. At other times, the type of programming offered differs by convention. Titles of WRJ workshops can be found in the Daily Schedule beginning on page 17 and descriptions can be found at www.wrj.org/assembly2015. Titles and descriptions for URJ learning sessions can be found on the Biennial mobile app (search for URJ Biennial 2015 in the Apple or Android stores) or at www.urj.org/biennial. WRJ Workshops: URJ Learning Sessions: Block A: Thurs. 11:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Block A: Wed. 1:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. Block B: Thurs. 2:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Block B: Wed. 3:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Block C: Thurs. 3:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Block C: Thurs. 11:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Block D: Fri. 11:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Block D: Thurs. 2:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Block E: Fri. 2:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Block E: Thurs. 3:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Block F: Fri. 11:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Block G: Fri. 2:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. WRJ Booth in the Exhibit Hall Visit the URJ Exhibit Hall in CC Crystal H for exciting displays, presentations, and items for sale, including the WRJ Booth. Please see the Things to Know section. WRJ Game Night Time to change into your PJs, relax, and have fun! Join us on Wednesday, November 4 at 9:30 p.m. for game options, including Mah Jongg, cards, and more. Experts will be there to teach beginners and there will be tables for experienced players. 8 women of reform judaism
assembly HIGHLIGHTS WRJ CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS DROP-IN MEETINGS Stop by Wednesday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. with your questions about the WRJ Constitutional Revisions for WRJ President Blair C. Marks and WRJ Constitutional Revisions Committee Chair Hilda R. Glazer. WRJ Worship WRJ will partner with the WRN (Women s Rabbinical Network) on Friday, November 6 at 7:45 a.m. for a special worship opportunity and will also offer yoga on Thursday, November 5 at 7:30 a.m. All are invited to attend. Other joint worship options with URJ are available throughout the Assembly. WRJ YES (Youth, Education, & Special Projects) Fund Luncheon The YES Fund Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 6 from 12:30 p.m. 2:15 p.m. in CC Grand 8. This luncheon will honor former Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) Director Rabbi David Saperstein and feature current RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner. The luncheon will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn how the YES Fund impacts individuals worldwide and ensures the future of the Reform Movement. Individuals and sisterhoods who have made significant contributions in recent years also will be recognized. Note: The YES Fund Luncheon is open to any Assembly or Biennial attendee. Advance registration and payment required. Joint WRJ/URJ Shabbat While together on Shabbat, WRJ and URJ attendees will worship, dine, and learn with combined services and dinner on Friday night, followed on Saturday by joint Torah study, services, and attendance at a topic-based lunch program of your choosing (prior registration is required). WRJ Installation The WRJ Installation will take place Saturday, November 7 from 3:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. and will include the installation of WRJ s incoming Officers, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. Rabbis Steven Lebow and Erin Boxt of Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta, GA along with WRJ President Blair C. Marks have crafted and will lead the service. The WRJ Choir will participate in the service, under the direction of Stacy Beyer, who will introduce new music especially written/arranged for WRJ. Note: Changes may have been made to the schedule since this Program Guide went to press. We apologize for any errors or omissions and hope it does not cause any inconvenience. Please listen to announcements at the plenary sessions for room or schedule changes. 2015 Assembly program guide 9
assembly rules The following are the rules for this WRJ Assembly, based on WRJ constitutional requirements and experience. Respecting these rules allows the business of the WRJ Assembly to be conducted in a democratic, impartial, and expeditious manner. The acceptance of the following rules will be voted upon at the opening plenary session of the 50th Assembly on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. Badges: Each registrant must wear her official badge at all times in order to gain entry into plenary sessions, workshops, or other Assembly functions. If an alternate is to take the place of a delegate, in order to vote she must be wearing her official badge and she must be in possession of a voting card. Voting: While any registrant may attend plenary sessions, only accredited registered delegates and ex-officio delegates shall be entitled to vote or make motions. Each registered delegate will receive a voting card which is to be brought to each plenary session. If a delegate is not able to attend a plenary session, she may give her voting card to a designated registered alternate from her sisterhood. The only way a vote can be counted is with use of this voting card. Each delegate or her alternate may cast only one vote; she may vote only in one capacity and must, when recognized, state that capacity. The presiding officer will appoint tellers to count the vote. Quorum: Twenty percent of the registered and accredited delegates present and voting shall constitute a quorum. Floor Privileges: Accredited registered delegates and ex-officio delegates shall have priority on the floor over alternates and official visitors to discuss any questions that may come before the Assembly. When possible, speakers shall alternate, one speaker pro, one con, on subjects under debate. In the interest of conserving time and clarifying complicated subjects, structured debate whereby one speaker pro and one speaker con are given equal time before opening the floor to additional debate may be introduced at the discretion of the presiding officer. Each member when recognized shall identify herself and her group by name and voting capacity, that is, whether as a delegate from a sisterhood, WRJ District, or member of the WRJ Board of Directors; or as an alternate or observer from a sisterhood or WRJ District. No sisterhood delegate, alternate, or observer may have the floor for a second time until all sisterhoods and delegates desiring to speak on a question have done so. No delegates, except by unanimous consent, shall have the privilege of speaking more than twice on the same subject. 10 women of reform judaism
assembly RULES Time Allotment: No one shall speak for more than two minutes on any one motion or topic of discussion, except in the opening statements of structured debate, which shall be no more than three minutes for each side, unless there shall be granted an extension of time by majority vote of the Assembly. Decorum: Each seat should be occupied without spaces between seats. Please do not reserve seats. All members are expected to cooperate with the presiding officer. Members are asked to refrain from gathering in the rear of the room or talking during sessions. All electronic devices should be silenced. Convening and Adjourning: The sessions of Women of Reform Judaism shall assemble and adjourn promptly as scheduled in the program or as announced. 2015 Assembly program guide 11
ASSembly maps convention center: urj meeting Space (Joint & other Programs. See pages 14-15 for details.) North tower: WrJ meeting Space (WrJ registration & Programs. See opposite page for details.) 12 WOMEN OF REFORM JUdAISM
WRJ PLENARY SESSIONS North tower: WrJ meeting Space (level 2) WORKSHOP MEETING ROOMS ASSembly maps 2015 Assembly program guide 13
assembly maps CONVENTION CENTER: URJ MEETING SPACE (Level 1) CRYSTAL BALLROOM CRYSTAL H (EXHIBIT HALL) GRAND BALLROOM (WRJ YES FUND LUNCHEON) CRYSTAL LOBBY 14 women of reform judaism
assembly maps CYPRESS 2 & 3 (JOINT WRJ/URJ PLENARY SESSIONS) SAGO CYPRESS BALLROOM SABAL PALMS BALLROOM CYPRESS 1 (KIKAR BIENNIAL: WRJ RESOURCE TABLE, URJ MUSIC STAGE & BOOKSTORE) ROYAL CANARY CONVENTION CENTER ENTRANCE 2015 Assembly program guide 15
NOTES 16 women of reform judaism