President's Message
Lisa Raufman, President
Welcome to a new year and a new beginning for NCJW – Greater Long Beach & West Orange County (NCJW – GLB & WOC). Welcome to our new and continuing board members. Your commitment to our work is greatly appreciated. And, of course, thank you to all of our members for your continued volunteerism, donations, and participation in our events.
Since becoming President in July, I have had the honor of serving with a dedicated Board of Directors who are reshaping the way we engage our members, strengthening our partnerships and adapting to a National NCJW “New Business Model”. National NCJW is looking to prepare us to become a stronger, unified National “Movement” for creating positive change in the lives of women, children, and families. We have tapped our Board’s seasoned talents to set up a year-long taskforce to transition to a new national model that we are co-creating. We will have more to share in the next 4 months. I am very enthusiastic about what’s to come. I am representing the California Region on the “National Section Working Group.”
​
Although there are changes coming in the way the Board functions, we will continue to work on many of the ongoing programs that you will read about in this Pillars. More recently, we have been confronted with several significant Supreme Court decisions and global events that have profound implications for women, children, and families. These rulings include impacts on abortion rights, climate change policies with health implications, and the rise of antisemitism in our public schools and colleges. Additionally, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has affected many of our lives. Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for growth, change and partnerships as well as responding to ongoing needs that we serve via Comfort Kit Packing, HugPacks and our Early Learning & Kindergarten Festivals as well as continuing our zest as advocates for “Get Out The Vote”, Reproductive Rights and Economic Justice. We are committed to advocating with a strong voice regarding these issues.
​
As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, I encourage us all to pause, reflect, and take a deep breath. Let us celebrate the creation of this world with all its beauty and imperfections. While it is crucial to acknowledge past errors and mistakes, especially at this time of year, our focus will remain on how we can work together to shape a more just and compassionate future.
​
My belief is that Together We all Can Be the Change We Wish to See!
L ‘Shanah Tovah