July 2020

“Hadassah stands in solidarity with communities of color and with all those from Jewish and other communities denouncing instances of police brutality and all aspects of systemic racism. As an organization and as individuals, we must listen, question our own biases, and speak out against racism and bigotry in our country.”  That’s a lot.  Where is Seattle Hadassah to start?  Maybe with our mission to women’s health and well-being.

I recall four years ago, then Hadassah President, Ellen Hershkin, launched a Coalition for Health Equity to address inequities in quality of care, funding and support as well as gaps in women’s health awareness.  While one of the organizations that signed on—and was present at the Health Summit in 2017 and 2018— was the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), I admit I was not paying attention.

Now with today’s focus on racial justice, the BWHI’s message resonates.  Before we can look at health inequities, we have to first look at social inequities that create a state of chronic stress for Black women.  Being forced to live in a perpetual state of survival leads to diabetes, obesity and depression.  Black women are 4 times more likely than white women to die during childbirth.  Black men and women of color are 2-3 times more likely to be diagnosed with or to die from COVID-19.

Where is Seattle Hadassah to start?  Maybe with ourselves.  I encourage you to read the recent online Hadassah Magazine article, which can be read here.

We are all in this together.

Warm regards,

Ettie Davis, President

Let’s Talk Movies Thursday, July 9, 5:30pm
	Seattle Hadassah co-sponsored “Mrs. G” with the Consulate General of Israel to the PNW. Join us as we welcome Matan Zamir, Deputy Consul General as he joins us in our discussion of this movie.  Our own Beryl Cohen is the moderator of this conversation. Register Here
Thrive Be the CEO of Your Life Presents: The Big ZZZ’sTuesday, July 21, 6:30pm
	Dr. Lina Fine is board certified in neurology, psychiatry and sleep medicine.She currently works as a sleep specialist at Swedish Sleep Medicine and as a neuropsychiatrist at Swedish Neuroscience Institute.   Dr Fine will share her knowledge on key issues like: Does lack of sleep contribute to illnesses or poor health How does ‘screen time’ effect our sleep Stress in both children and adults Register Here
One Book, One Hadassah – The Book of V Thursday, August 20, 4:00pm – A National Conversation Thursday, August 20, 5:15pm – A Seattle Conversation
	The next selection for our new national book club, “One Book, One Hadassah,” is The Book of V, which will feature a live interview with author Anna Solomon, author of the acclaimed novel Leaving Lucy Pear. Register Here for a National Conversation Take a 15 minute break and grab your favorite drink. Then join us as Gillian Witus leads a conversation about the book with your Seattle Hadassah Sisters. Register Here for a Seattle Conversation

Welcome Members New to Our Seattle Chapter:

• Madeline Kass