Women of NSCI
WNSCI is an active group of committed women working together to help enrich our NSCI community and connect with others beyond the NSCI walls. The programs and services we provide benefit all members of the NSCI community!
When you become a member of WNSCI, you can help support and engage in:
• WNSCI annual retreat
• Book club
• Mah jongg and canasta
• Museum field trips
• Holiday events
• The finest Judaica shop on the North Shore
• Interfaith activities
• Gifts to our religious school children
• Supporting our sister community of Zviahel in Ukraine
• Senior programs
• Membership in Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) (See more below)
Whatever your area of interest, we welcome and encourage you to attend any WNSCI events and meetings. All WNSCI events are open to those who are female-identifying, non-binary, and gender fluid. Additionally, some events are open to all members of the congregation. Click here to contact us for more information and feel free to reach out with questions. Also, please make sure to like us on Facebook.
Our annual dues are $60 for the 2024–2025 membership year.
If you have paid in the past, the charge should be on your NSCI ledger.
If you know that you are not already a member, please click the button above to join.
Not sure if you’re a WNSCI member? Email WNSCI here to check.
WNSCI Board Meetings
Our board meetings are open to all. Our next board meeting is Sunday, December 8th. If you'd like to attend, RSVP to wnsci@nsci.org.
WNSCI Newsletter
The newsletter comes out monthly, with lots of news about upcoming programs. If you'd like to be added to our email list, please contact us here. To view the November 2024 newsletter, click here.
WNSCI’s Judaica Shop
Our selection of talitot, ritual items, and the full line of Michael Aram Judaica & Tabletop is the best on the North Shore! Click here for more information and hours of operation.
WNSCI Leadership
L to R Back Row: Michelle Scheinkopf, Judy Wexler, Cecile Levy, Denise Heimlich, Janie Skolnick, Susan Schencker, Nancy Mantynband, Fran Morof, Jill Ruffman, Susan Ellenby (NSCI)
L to R Front Row: Ann DuBois, Debra Cohen, Karen Dillon, Blythe Trilling, Michele Tuvel
Upcoming EventS
Shop for Israel
Sunday, November 24th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Last year's Shop for Israel event was a huge success, and we look forward to again showcasing beautiful items from Israel. By special arrangement with the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, as well as some of our favorite Israeli vendors, the WNSCI Judaica Gift Shop will feature a unique array of Chanukah menorahs, dreidels, mezuzot, candleholders, kiddush cups, jewelry and so
much more. It's a Double Mitzvah! Our Shop for Israel event is on the same day that NSCI is packing Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. We hope to see you there!
Chanukah Candle Making
Tuesday, December 17th, 6:30-8:00 pm
Brighten up your Tuesday night just in time for Chanukah celebrations! Learn how to make candles, then create and take home enough to light your Menorah on the 8th night! There will be delicious desserts as well. Guests are welcome (ages 13 and up)—
$ 18/person. To register, click here.
SAVE THE DATE
19th Annual Women's Weekend Retreat
Friday, January 31st–Sunday, February 2nd
The WNSCI Women's Retreat has become a highlight of the year. Gather with other NSCI women of all ages for a spiritual, reflective retreat, led by Rabbi Greene. We’ll mark Shabbat and create community with interactive learning, meaning, and fun. Rabbi Dalia Marx of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem will join us on Saturday.
Reach out to retreat co-chairs Jill Ruffman and Mika Weyland if you would like to help plan the weekend: wnsci@nsci.org
ONGOING EVENTS
WNSCI Book Club
Contact us at wnsci@nsci.org to be added to the book club email contact list.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 1:00–3:00 pm at NSCI
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Discussion led by Jackie Guon
Tuesday, January 14th, 1:00–3:00 pm at NSCI
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Discussion led by Barbara Mazur
Mah Jongg Games
Thursdays, 1:00–3:00 pm in the Rosenthal Family Gathering Place
Join us for fun and friendly games of Mah Jongg. Beginners and the “just curious” are welcome. There’s no betting allowed, just a voluntary contribution to our Tzedakah Box!
There will not be a game on November 28th.
Canasta
Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 pm at Makom Solel Lakeside (resumes November 6th)
1301 Clavey Road in Highland Park
Join members of Makom Solel Lakeside and NSCI for weekly play. There is no fee. We only ask that you bring canasta supplies (cards, trays, and shuffler) if you have them. Janet Buckstein from Makom Solel Lakeside will provide written rules and teach those who are interested. Please email her at jfbuckstein@gmail.com and let her know if you plan to attend and if you would like lessons. There will not be a game on November 27th.
Knitting Hearts Together for Good
Glencoe Union Church is starting an interfaith knitting group to make hand-crafted items for those in need. The group will meet twice a month at various North Shore congregations. Beginners welcome. Learn more here.
WNSCI is part of the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), a network of Jewish women working together to empower women and communities through the bonds of sisterhood, spirituality, and social justice. WRJ members come from congregation sisterhoods, women’s groups, and individual members from all over North America. Our sisterhood belongs to the WRJ Heartland District. Click the links below to learn more about WRJ as a whole or the WRJ Heartland District.
Hundreds of WRJ-affiliated sisterhoods like WNSCI gain access to a vast network of
membership, programming, and leadership resources as well as the opportunity to network with thousands of other women and make a difference around the world. Two of our most active WNSCI members serve major roles in WRJ:
Michelle Scheinkopf is Vice President for Social Justice, and Judy Wexler is 1st Vice President and will serve as President of WRJ in 3 years.
Learn more about the WRJ Heartland District.
WNSCI at the WRJ Fried Women's Conference 2024 in New Orleans
Pictured L to R: Michelle Scheinkopf, Judy Wexler, Blythe Trilling, Karen Dillon, and Debra Cohen
Every Voice, Every Vote
Want to make a difference in the remaining primaries and the national election in November? Then get involved with Every Voice, Every Vote, the Reform Jewish Movement’s new campaign to protect, expand and strengthen democracy.
The History of WNSCI with Merle Branner
The Ruthie & Bill Katz Archives Archivist, Merle Branner, presented the History of Sisterhood/Women of NSCI.
Click here to view the recording and enter the password "G6kA6^vE". To learn more about the archives, click here.
Thu, December 5 2024
4 Kislev 5785
Come Check Us Out
Karen Dillon
Co-President
Blythe trilling
Co-President
Whatever your area of interest, we welcome you to attend any WNSCI events or meetings and click here to contact us for more information.
We've created a short survey so you can tell us something about yourself and what interests you! Please fill out the survey here.
