(use the picture from the JTA) Pictured (l to r): Joyce Laiter, Paula Kaplan, Shelli Keeny, Sheila Levinsky, and Bonnie Kallen with Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick
Hadassah of Greater Philadelphia
Recently members of Hadassah of Greater Philadelphia met with U.S. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, (R-PA), who represents Bucks County and a part of Northeast Philadelphia, as part of the Influentials at Home program. This program encourages constituents to meet with their State and National representatives in order to inform them about the work of Hadassah and discuss issues that are of concern to us both in Israel and the United States.
Congressman Fitzpatrick was respectful, genial and welcoming, as well as knowledgeable of Hadassah's goals. The women, who were his constituents, briefed him on some of Hadassah's specific concerns and accomplishments. He realized that they are educated on the issues and are involved, active voters. The conversation was warm and personal, resulting in Congressman Fitzpatrick's offer to attend any Hadassah meeting to keep the members aware of what is happening in Washington and the world.
Noar of Newburgh Chapter
Recently the Noar of Newburgh Chapter of Hadassah hosted a special showing of the film "Song of Life" by Tony Lycourissis. This film tells the story of the Jewish community on Zakynthos, a small island in the Ionian Sea, from the mid-15th century to the present day, including the uplifting story of the survival of the Jews during the Nazi occupation there. When the Nazis demanded a list of the island's Jews, the Mayor and the Bishop of the island made a decision that stood as an inspiring bit of light amid the darkness. Following the film, Mimica Tsezna-Hyman, of Newburgh, a member of the "American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece" that provided the film, shared stories about her parents and grandparents who fled and were sheltered during the Nazi occupation in Greece. Her daughter, Sabrina, presented a song she wrote, which addresses the issue of bullying and was inspired by what took place in Greece.
North Shore's Henrietta Szold Hadassah
North Shore's Henrietta Szold Hadassah held a program on Holocaust Remembrance Day at a member's home in Long Grove. Author Marty Brounstein discussed the book "Two Among the Righteous Few," a story about a Catholic couple in the Netherlands who risked their lives to save two dozen Jews during World War II.
Roselle-Cranford Chapter
The Roselle-Cranford Chapter of Hadassah and the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim held their annual program commemorating the Holocaust at the Temple in Cranford NJ on Sunday April 22. Children from the Terezin Concentration Camp were memorialized. Members of both organizations read poems written by the children while they were confined at this camp. A candle lighting ceremony was conducted in memory of those who perished.
Shalom Hadassah
Shalom Hadassah and Congregation Sons of Israel Sisterhood of Peabody, MA co-sponsored a celebration of Yiddish heritage. A dairy supper was served, followed by a "Potpourri of Yiddish Shtick." Marcia Kestenbaum served as the emcee.
Stamford Chapter
Recently, the Stamford Jewish Community Center in partnership with Stamford Hospital, First County Bank and the Stamford Chapter of Hadassah hosted a women's health and wellness fair. The free event, "Women Living Healthy in 2012" was open to the community. This is the second year for the event that focuses on women ages 25-60 offering health screenings, fitness classes, food demonstrations, panel discussions and presentations.
Enid Shapiro, Health Professionals' Council Co-chair, addressed the group.
Boston Chapter
In the beginning of April, the Boston Chapter Health Professional Councils sponsored a program entitled "Health Care from the Inside/Out: Two Sisters, Two Perspectives" with over 80 Hadassah members and health professionals attending. Following a delicious breakfast, the group heard Suzanne Salamon, M.D. of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and her sister, Julie Salamon, author, exchange professional experiences which informed and delighted those present. The program was followed by a lively discussion and was financially successful. Nurses and social workers received continuing education credits for the morning.
Knoxville Chapter
The Knoxville Chapter sponsored "Hats, Hemlines and Hadassah," for high tea and Silk Purse fashions, on Sunday, April 15.
Henrietta Szold Hadassah of North Shore
Henrietta Szold Hadassah of North Shore sponsored a fashion show luncheon "The Magic of Hadassah" at the end of April at the Hyatt Deerfield.
Boston Chapter Chai Society
The Boston Chapter Chai Society Brunch was held on Sunday, April 29th at a member's home. Incoming Chapter President, Ellen Zarrow-Nissenbaum, was the guest speaker. Her topic, "Exploring Jewish Buenos Aires" highlighted her recent trip to Argentina. All Chai Society members were invited to the festive brunch. New members received a Chai Society pin designed by Israeli artist, Yossi Steinberg. The Chai Society is a giving opportunity designed for Boston Chapter members to annually support Hadassah.
Hadassah North Shore Chapter
Hadassah North Shore Chapter recently held its annual Book & Author Luncheon at the Highland Park Country Club. The guest author was Goldie Goldbloom, a Northwestern University professor who has written "The Paperbark Shoe." The event benefited stem cell research at Hadassah Hospital.
Canton (Ohio) Chapter
The Canton (Ohio) Chapter celebrated Home Sweet Hadassah by sponsoring a Women's Seder. Many multi-generation families attended including Rossetta Wilkof and Susan Wilkof, Past President of Central States Region (pictured)
Henrietta Szold Group in Buffalo Grove
Henrietta Szold Group in Buffalo Grove celebrated Hadassah's 100 years with a special candle lighting ceremony to honor the initiative taken by Henrietta Szold. The members enjoyed playing games and were treated to a delicious birthday cake and grab bag.
Nashoba Valley Hadassah
Members and supporters of Nashoba Valley Hadassah celebrated Hadassah's 100th birthday at the Main Street Café in Groton. They enjoyed Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Klezmer music as well as savored the Café's special menu of Israeli and Jewish foods.
Philadelphia Electric Company celebrated Hadassah's 100th Anniversary by displaying the lights at the top of the building on April 28 and 29, 2012.
Greater Philadelphia
Happy Hundredth Hadassah, Greater Philadelphia's spring gala and fundraiser, was held on Sunday April 29 at the Marriott Hotel, with 300 people in attendance. Multi-generations of Philadelphia women and men came together to celebrate Hadassah's efforts on behalf of Israel. The event featured raffles, a silent auction and a special performance by The Israeli Scouts. At the brunch, 23 women from throughout the area received Hadassah's prestigious Myrtle Wreath Award. The award is given to members chosen by their groups who exemplify the Hadassah ideals of commitment, leadership and philanthropy. Roz Holberg, President of Hadassah of Greater Philadelphia stated, "We are thrilled to take the opportunity presented by our Centennial to share with the Philadelphia community that Hadassah is an organization with active and committed members. Our organization is a powerhouse creating significant advances in healthcare, education, caring for at-risk youth and sharing our Jewish heritage. We are proud of what we accomplish and hope the region will take note of our incredible network of devoted and philanthropic women."
Arlington-Lexington Chapter of Hadassah
The Arlington-Lexington Chapter of Hadassah held its Spring Affair on April 28, 2012, supporting the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Mother and Child Center of Hadassah Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. The Kickbacks supplied the music of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s while participants were able to sample and learn about craft beers. A silent auction was also part of the festivities.
Central States Region
Pictured (l to r): Renee Sandler, President of Central States Region Teri Junker, Amy Perlman, Bobbie Signer, Jan Shulman
Donor Chair: Ghita Sarembock as Henrietta Szold
Merrimack Valley Chapter of Hadassah
The Merrimack Valley Chapter of Hadassah held its Centennial Donor Dinner at the end of at Temple Emanuel in Andover to celebrate Hadassah's centennial year. Dr. Ronen Beeri, a cardiologist at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Beeri is a visiting scientist at Harvard Medical School. Boutiques, dinner and dessert preceded Dr. Beeri's presentation.
New Orleans Hadassah
New Orleans Hadassah's "Shining Star" brunch and style show was held at the end of April at the home of one of its members in Metairie. Marcie Natan, Hadassah's National President, was the guest speaker at this event celebrating Hadassah's first 100 years. Hadassah members modeled new spring fashions from Dillard's Department Store and the University of New Orleans Allstars Jazz Band provided the music.
St. Petersburg Chapter
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster presented a proclamation on the steps of City Hall to St. Petersburg Chapter President Susan Kagan with other members present. The proclamation recognized Hadassah's achievements in health care, cutting-edge medical research, education and youth programs. It also proclaimed March 25, 2012 as Hadassah Day in St. Petersburg when the chapter was holding its Centennial Gala Event.
President of the Cincinnati Chapter, Susan Kagan, Laurie Reiskind, Livia Wein and Aaron, Rhoda Ross, Lea Davis, Harriet Johnston, Marilyn LeVine, and Adele Morris. National Board Member Patricia Levinson is holding the Hadassah sign.
Cincinnati Chapter
The Cincinnati Chapter celebrated Hadassah's Centennial and the Chapter's 90th anniversary at its annual donor event on March 22, which coincided with Home Sweet Hadassah. As part of the celebration the Chapter honored its 90-year-old members.
Charleston (West Virginia) Chapter
Members of the Charleston (West Virginia) Chapter celebrated Hadassah's Centennial at Governor Tomblin's mansion, where a Proclamation was issued.
Wilmington (Delaware) Chapter
The Wilmington (Delaware) Chapter held a big birthday party on March 25 to honor Hadassah's Centennial, and the entire community was invited. Special guest speakers included Ann Eisenberg, President of the Southern Seaboard Region of Hadassah, and the Region's Vice President Sara Jacobs, as well as National Board Member, Dr. Sandra Alfonsi.
Southern New Jersey Region
A century after the founding of Hadassah, the Southern New Jersey Region proved the organization's message has transcended the decades. At the Region's annual Myrtle Wreath Luncheon on March 25, more than 300 women gathered to celebrate the successes of all those years, particularly the last one, which saw a 24 percent increase in membership. Calling the membership figures "something to be proud of," Region President Sue Beller said, "We have surpassed our fund-raising goals and have brought in capable leaders to take us into the next century." The region raised $1.1 million — almost $3 million if bequests are included — for Hadassah projects and the new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. As part of the celebration each chapter had its "centennial stars" recognized. A facsimile of the Scroll of Esther created to celebrate Hadassah's 90th anniversary in 2002 was passed among families with members spanning generations.
Hadassah New England
Hadassah New England celebrated its Centennial at Fenway Park recently with over 300 people participating. Joining in the celebration were Hadassah's National Past President Nancy Falchuk, AJC Boston Director, Robert Leikind and ADL New England Director, Derrek Shulman. "It is exciting to open our Centennial ceremonies in New England, celebrating two historic birthdays of two iconic institutions that have stood the test of time," said Kathy Hershfield, Chair of Hadassah New England. "Fenway Park is considered to be one of the best-known sports venues in the world, and we are proud to celebrate one hundred years of promoting health, education, advocacy and empowering women at this prestigious New England icon".
