Ten Things You Might Not Know About Hadassah
By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner
Ten is an important number in Judaism— the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur, the Ten Commandments, the Ten Plagues of the seder, ten adult Jews required for a minyan, and now,“ Ten Things You Might Not Know About Hadassah.”
1. In July, at the opening of the Jerusalem Film Festival, Hadassah president Carol Ann Schwartz presented the Power of Dreams Award to Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot for her fearless advocacy on behalf of Israel.“ The decision to honor Gal Gadot was a natural one,” said Schwartz.“ At a time when Israel faces complex and painful challenges, her voice offers clarity and strength. This award is not just about dreams fulfilled. It is about the responsibility that comes with influence and the hope it will continue to inspire.”
2. There are men in Hadassah! In Charlotte, more than 70 men lent their support as Hadassah associates. Nationally, nearly 33,000 men are integral to Hadassah’ s lifesaving work as they support the Hadassah Medical Organization.
3. Hadassah hosts trips to Israel, during which you can experience the country differently than on other trips. Witness Hadassah’ s impact in action at Hadassah’ s hospitals: Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus, and in Youth Aliyah villages: Meir Shfeyah and Neurim. Hadassah has specific itineraries for first-timers, family trips, and holiday celebrations.
4. Hadassah provides letters on its website for you to edit and send to government officials. Current topics include encouraging lawmakers to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant program, which provides federal grants to Jewish nonprofits to offset the high cost of security, and urging senators to support key resolutions that call out antisemitic hate.
5. The first Hadassah activity in Charlotte began in 1925, when Miss Dorothy Hirsch organized a group of teenagers and named them the“ Hadassah Buds.” The group was a way for young women to learn about and contribute to the Palestine Infant Welfare Fund. In 1934, the Hadassah Buds, now adults, became the first chartered Hadassah group in Charlotte.
6. This summer, Hadassah Magazine won 13 Simon Rockower Awards for excellence in Jewish journalism. The awards, granted by judges in the American Jewish Press Association, acknowledged Hadassah Magazine’ s“ vividly descriptive art reviews and insightful personal stories.” Most of the prizes were given for stories that focused on
the dramatic rise in global antisemitism and on Israel post-October 7.
7. Hadassah offers online Hebrew classes to members and associates. Students learn vocabulary and conversational Hebrew, and classes are available at three levels: new beginners, beginners, and intermediate. Check out live events at www. hadassah. org.
8. Hadassah, The Women’ s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’ s organization in the United States, with nearly 300,000 members and associates, and 700 chapters across all 50 states. The Charlotte Metro Chapter has more than 1,100 members, with more than 1,000 Life Members.
9. Hadassah hosts two podcasts— Hadassah On Call and Hadassah Magazine Presents. Hadassah On Call takes you behind the scenes at Hadassah hospitals and discusses medical innovations, Hadassah healthcare superheroes, and information about staying healthy. Hadassah Magazine Presents has author interviews, panel discussions on timely topics, and other features. Subscribe to both on your favorite podcast platform.
10. This year, Hadassah Charlotte Metro is partnering with the Levine JCC to bring Celebrate the TaTas: Stronger Together to our community. Mark Sunday, Nov. 2, 10 a. m. to 3 p. m., on your calendar and join us at a celebratory and fun-filled event to raise funds for breast cancer and other cancer research by honoring and empowering women through education and artistic expression. Care. Check. Connect.
For details and links to events, check www. hadassahcltevents. org( Charlotte Metro) or www. hadassah. org( National). Hadassah Charlotte Metro wishes
everyone a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year— Shana Tova U’ metuka. Monthly Happenings- Come to Hadassah Wine & Schmooze on Sept. 2 at 7 p. m. at Vintner Wine Market in the Arboretum Shopping Center for a fun evening.
- Short Story Discussion Group will meet on Friday, Sept. 12 at 11:45 a. m.( Zoom) to discuss the short story“ Driving
Peter A. Levinson, CRPS ™, CPFA ® Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor
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Lesson” by Kate Schmier in the book“ Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.”
- The next Hadassah CLT Metro Board meeting is Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p. m. in person or on Zoom.
- Hadassah BookTalk will not meet in September because of Rosh HaShanah. Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p. m. on Zoom to discuss“ Songs for the Broken-Hearted” by Ayelet Tsabari.
Interested in joining Hadassah or learning more about events? Check our website, email HadassahCLT @ gmail. com, or call our general phone number( 980) 553-1880. Follow us on Facebook( Hadassah CLT Metro) and Instagram( Hadassah Charlotte Metro).
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