Snapshot is a publication sent exclusively to NCJW/Essex members, and we wanted you to be the first to hear about some exciting updates and changes happening in this department from ...

Adrienne Lewin, VP Membership

Spread the word, and we all look forward to an active, growing NCJW/Essex membership for years to come! 

~ Adrienne

FTI Consulting's Roseland's office sought a local organization to help during Women's History Month. After a few phone calls and conversations, they settled on the Center for Women!

FTI organized a collection by their employees of personal care items including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotions and more. Their committee chairs dropped off more than 50 bags which have been given to our CFW clients.

Thank you to FTI Consulting!

Parents of the Early Childhood Center at JCC MetroWest partnered with NCJW/Essex to prepare meals for 10 clients of the Linda and Rudy Slucker Center for Women. Bringing back the Fill the Freezer program after a years-long hiatus, the inaugural group prepared soup, lasagna, garlic bread and a dessert for the families to enjoy, all while learning about the CFW and volunteer opportunities with our Section. Thank you to Melissa Berger for organizing!

CFW Director Patty Kremen talked with participants about the challenges facing our CFW clients and thanked our volunteers for helping to ease their burdens with a prepared meal. The JCC parents also learned about NCJW/Essex’s advocacy initiatives and ways to volunteer, including at our signature Back 2 School Store, as well as the benefits of membership.

Additional Fill the Freezer events — a joint effort among the CFW, membership and volunteer outreach — are planned in April at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston and in May at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills. For more information, email Adrienne Lewin.

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar, complete with everything from feasts to costumes to wine. We got the party started with a Mitzvah-in-a-Minute to pack Purim baskets for local college students. Filled with treats, noisemakers, masks and homemade hamantaschen, one of our attendees called the baskets “a holiday hug.” Before we got to work assembling baskets, Rebekah Adelson, Director of Hillel of Greater MetroWest NJ, inspired a great conversation about what it means to be Jewish today and the ongoing fight against antisemitism. This was our third collaboration with Hillel so far this year, and we are looking forward to growing this partnership.  

Back by popular demand, NCJW/Essex took over the pickleball courts at Center Court in Chatham on March 14 for our second indoor pickleball round robin. Among the dinks and lobs and put aways was much laughter and fun. Congratulations to our winners:

1st Place: Michelle Sachs and Lisa Haaker

2nd Place: Lori Gelman and Elisa Madorsky

3rd Place: Andrea Mintz and Melissa Hames

More than 50 people attended the latest PACK (Post Abortion Care Kits) event on March 17 at Temple Emanu-el in Westfield. The group assembled 300 kits for the Cherry Hill Women's Center and Pilgrim Medical Center in Montclair and heard from Jasmine Winters and Eiko LaBoria from the Women's Center as well as Elle Kotopoulos from Pilgrim Medical. The speakers shared stories and information and answered questions from a rapt audience.

Thank you to PACK co-chairs Paula Green, Jessica Zirkel-Rubin and Marlene Tuch, and Phoebe Pollinger, Reproductive Rights chair, for expanding our initiative into the community, working so closely with our partners, spreading awareness and educating the public about NCJW/Essex and our mission.

Stop Jewish Hate postcard writing continues. Over 100 cards were distributed last month, in our new Advocacy to Go initiative, as we continue to pressure elected officials to address rampant, violent and dangerous antisemitism here and across the country. Please join us for our next Advocacy in an Hour postcard writing session this THURSDAY April 4. Click here to register!

Jackie joined NCJW/Essex last month as our Manager of Engagement and Community Impact, a new title that reflects changes recommended by the Board Task Force. Her role includes supporting our volunteers, promoting the benefits of NCJW/Essex in the community, and working with members of the Executive Committee to create and execute a diverse range of programs.

She brings strong organizational, editing and communications skills to this position, along with a background working with volunteers and mentees. Jackie’s professional experience also includes running her own businesses and working as a certified American Sign Language interpreter.

Jackie’s email is jdavidson@ncjwessex.org and her work hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 am – 4 pm. Stop by and say hello!

Activity around the Back 2 School Store is ramping up! Volunteer registration is just about a month away, and here are a couple things we’re thinking about to get ready:

• Background screenings are required for all volunteers who participate in the in-person shopping day (Sunday, July 28). Great news! If you volunteered in person at the 2023 Store last July, you DO NOT need another background screening. If you were not able to join us last year, you can complete a background screening by clicking here. 

• Many of the children and families who visit the Back 2 School Store speak Spanish, so we are seeking volunteers who speak Spanish as well to make this the best experience possible.

• Find out more about how you can support the Back 2 School Store.

Card Party: Throwback to 2023!

Memories of one of the most fun days on the NCJW/Essex calendar! Don't miss your chance to be part of this year's Card Party. Gather your group and RSVP now!

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