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By Carol Ann Schwartz
The shamash — the ninth candle that brings the other eight to life — is such a powerful Hanukkah symbol. It is the helper, a reminder that every one of us can, in our own way, spread light.
This is what we do at Hadassah. And right now — as we face so many divisions in our country, in Israel and in the Jewish community — it seems important to remember that Hadassah’s tent is big, with members and supporters in every state who, despite differences, find common cause in their commitment to our mission and to making an impact.
We show up. And we help spread light.
That is just what we did at this year’s World Zionist Congress (WZC). Often called the Parliament of the Jewish People, the WZC represents the Jewish community itself — and that means a breadth of opinions that is truly remarkable, from far right to far left. As all who attended will attest: emotions ran high.
Yet like our own Hadassah family (and delegates), the WZC delegates were committed to the goals of the congress: to promote Jewish unity, support Israel as a Jewish homeland and advocate for Jewish rights and identity worldwide. Ever since the Second World Zionist Congress (no women were allowed to vote at the first), Hadassah has been a presence, advancing women in the WZC, and championing gender equity, diversity, education and religious pluralism. It’s been nearly 40 years since Ruth Popkin (Hadassah president, 1984-1988), broke the Zionist glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to serve as WZC president.
This, the 39th congress, marked the five-year anniversary of a rule Hadassah and other women’s organizations helped create, ensuring that at least 30 percent of delegates to the congress are women. (And now, each electoral slate must have at least 40% female candidates.) This year, I chaired the Women and Zionism Plenary in the Henrietta Szold Hall. I was deeply moved to lead this conversation in this very special place! Overall, though, I could not have been prouder of our delegation — 32 strong (including eight Young Judaeans)! Joining delegates from around the world, our Hadassah delegates sat on 10 committees, representing our 300,000 Hadassah women, men and supporters back home.
We brought our light.
While the shamash reminds us to find ways to make a difference, it also reminds us that resilience requires helpers.
Each of us at Hadassah must continue to fight antisemitism and champion women’s rights and health, and stand up for the pluralistic Israel that we hold so dear.
One of the powerful symbols of resilience I am thinking about this Hanukkah is in Jerusalem, housed in the lobby of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus. The “Boulevard of Revival” features imprints of the footprints of IDF officers and soldiers, reminding us that at Hadassah, progress is made step by step. Already, more than 2,000 soldiers and civilians have made huge steps forward thanks to the center’s cutting-edge facilities and therapies and top-tier staff — some literally learning to walk again.
As we look back to the Maccabees and the rededication of the Second Temple this Hanukkah, I hope you’ll also look to the future and recommit to being a helper. Together, we celebrate the footsteps of those who refuse to give up, as we face the future together and help light the way forward. Chag Hanukkah Sameach.
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