Jewish Women in Politics Share How To Make Your Voice Heard

Over 130 women (and a few men) gathered on May 7th at North Shore Congregation Israel in Highland Park to learn how they can make their voices heard in their local communities, at Leading The Way:  Jewish Women’s Voices in Politics presented by National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago North Shore Section, and Women of North Shore Congregation Israel.  

Panelists Nancy Rotering, mayor of Highland Park; Shelley Sutker-Dermer, Presiding Judge, Circuit Court of County, Second Municipal District; Marilyn Glazer, Niles Township trustee; Marjie Sandlow, president of District 113 School Board; and Amy Zisook, Moraine Township trustee shared their thoughts on term limits, heavy campaign and elected position workloads, balancing Jewish holidays with municipal calendars, and why women are successful at winning elections.  They cited respect for others and being a good listener as attributes contributing to their success.  The group encouraged women at any age to run for office, noting that many women raise families before beginning a political career, so often women are older when they get their start in politics.  Rebecca Sive, author of Every Day is Election Day: A Woman’s Guide to Winning Any Office, from the PTA to the White House served as moderator. 

Lead sponsors for the forum were the National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore Section and Women of North Shore Congregation Israel.  Co-sponsors included Congregation BJBE Social Action Network; Congregation BJBE Sisterhood; Hadassah Chicago-North Shore Chapter; NA'AMAT USA, Greater Chicago Council; The Jewish Women's Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago; Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Living; and JAC Educational Foundation.  Congregation B’nai Torah, Congregation Solel Social Justice Committee, and North Suburban Beth El Sisterhood partnered in support of the program.

For more information on National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago North Shore Section, go to www.ncjwcns.org, email info@ncjwcns.org or call 847-853-8889.