Seattle HadassahThe High Holidays are a difficult time for me. They have been so for many years. 45 years ago on Kol Nidre night, my mother died of colon cancer after a valiant battle. Only a few years later, on Erev Rosh Hashanah, my father died of a heart attack. Medical research was unable to save their lives. My children never had the chance to know them, although I see sparks of their essence in my sons’ characters and personalities.
With all my heart, it is my hope that in our lifetimes, the medical discoveries made at Hadassah Medical Organization continue to lead us closer to finding the research answers we seek. Every time I hear about the undaunted courage and innovative approaches embodied in Hadassah’s medical teams, I rejoice in the progress made and I stand a little bit taller.
I cherish the family I have; I also relish the lively extended “family” that has evolved for me because of the amazing women leaders I have grown to know through my service as Seattle Hadassah President. I reflect proudly on the momentum that has taken hold and catapulted our Chapter into national recognition, including our feature in the Hadassah Power of Leadership: 2017 Year in Review.
The Board and I enthusiastically invite you to come and be part of what we are creating in this new year. If you are interested in getting involved, there are a number of volunteer opportunities to choose from.
I leave you with a quote from Beth Huppin, Director of Project Kavod/Dignity, Jewish Family Service, with whom I have had the privilege of studying for many years. May her words resonate for each of as we begin our own preparations and reflections around this holiday period.
“This month’s period of introspection is intended to help us see our own lives more clearly, creating the inner space to live more meaningfully and fully in the world.”
With my deepest appreciation to every member of the Seattle Hadassah community,
Susan Adler, President, Seattle Hadassah
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, November 18
Excitement and anticipation are building around Seattle Hadassah’s 2018 Gala Brunch, taking place Sunday, November 18 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle. Under the theme “From Passion to Action – YOU Power the Work of Hadassah!” we will honor Lisa and Norman Behar for their significant contributions to Hadassah and the Jewish community over the last twenty years. Keynote Speaker Rep. Tana Senn will share her deep roots in Hadassah, telling stories of the four generations of Hadassah women in her family. Ilana and Adee Weismark will join us from Atlanta to recount how Hadassah Hospital provided life-saving miracles for them, “beyond expectations from anybody,” according to grateful patient, Ilana. Hadassah Associates are getting involved in this event, rallying around Norman Behar, who is an Associate himself.
Join us as we proudly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel, and these 100th-anniversary milestones: Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing and Department of Ophthalmology.
The Gala begins at 11 am. Kosher supervision for the brunch by the Va’ad HaRabanim. Save the date and watch your mailboxes. Invitations will be out, registration will go live, and opportunities for tributes will be available in mid-September.
Join us for the last two Seattle Hadassah Salons of 2018! Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun. Register below.
When do we “go along to get along” and when do we choose to speak up? The latest blog post by Advocacy Chair Kindra Cooper is live on the Seattle Hadassah Website. In it, she explores the perils of consensus, the benefits of conflict, stringy brisket, high-waisted pants, and the possibility that advocacy work is machloket l’shem shamayim – a series of arguments for the sake of heaven. Read Kindra’s blog post here.
On Sunday evening, August 20, just under two dozen young women convened at a home in Seward Park for Hadassah Seattle’s first EVOLVE event. EVOLVE will comprise quarterly events to attract first-time attendees and enlist new members.
The attendees mingled, heard testimonials of the Hadassah mission and pillars from active members, and discussed ways to participate as new members. Miri Tilson, host of the event and MC for the upcoming Annual Gala, shared words of wisdom on the palindrome of the Hebrew word “natan” for gift. With the transfer of a gift, both giver and receiver enjoy benefits. In the kick-off for this cohort, may the gift be in both directions, too – may the chapter benefit from new perspectives and these new members enjoy the sisterhood and lively engagement of established Seattle membership.
 |
 |
Congratulations to:
- Ricki Lee Gafter, Seattle Hadassah Director of Information Technology, on the marriage of her daughter, Sarah to Jonathon Corwin.
- Seattle President Susan Adler and Advocacy Chair Kindra Cooper on their recognition by Hadassah for the advocacy work they did during the last year. Read more in the Hadassah Power of Leadership: 2017 Year in Review.
- Corinne Stroum, Co-Leader of Seattle Hadassah’s Young Women’s Leadership Program (EVOLVE), who has agreed to serve on Hadassah National’s new Task Force for Young Women Leaders.
We mourn the passing of member Paula Jacobs.
Do you have news of family events to share with us? We are happy to include announcements about weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, births, and passings in the Membership News section of our monthly newsletter. Please send notices to Seattle@haddash.org. Tributes to Hadassah can be made online here.
It’s Raining Men! A New Volunteer Opportunity
At the Fall Fundraising Gala, we will recognize Seattle Hadassah Associates – men who stand in support of Hadassah’s mission to advance medical research, healing, and education. This group needs help updating their member information. If you have 4 hours to give, you would be helping this group come together to support our work as well as their own projects.
Seattle Hadassah is also looking for help with a variety of other projects, some ongoing, some one-time jobs. There are many ways to get involved and tasks of all sizes. If you have a couple of hours on your hands, volunteering with Seattle Hadassah is a great way to connect with other Jewish women, support the work of Hadassah Medical Organization, and show your support for Israel. Check out our volunteer opportunities below. Click each link for additional details.
- Salon Steering Committee: Do you love to throw a great party?
- Communications Team: Aspiring Journalists, Grammar Police, and Webmaster Needed.
- Treasurer: Can we COUNT on you?
Fall Brunch Gala: We are looking for help with publicity, corporate sponsorship, menu, decorations, name tags, thank you notes and more!
Want to receive our newsletter in your email box? Sign up here