Dear Hadassah Southern Seaboard
Members,
As the new president of Hadassah
Southern Seaboard Region I want to
take this opportunity to greet you. I
have been in this role since January of
2016 and have established several
priorities as goals for my first year.
My initial goal is to visit each chapter
and meet with the leadership. I am happy to report that
I have already visited the Greensboro Chapter and spoke
at a New and Life Membership tea that was attended by
over 40 women. I was warmly greeted and the discussion
about the future of their chapter was rigorous and
hopeful. In March I will be going to a board meeting in
Greater Wake County. I will make sure that every
chapter member knows when I will be coming to their
area so that I will have an opportunity to be a part of
your activities and hear any difficulties you may be
having.
The second priority I have identified is to improve overall
communication in the Region. We are currently working
on updating the websites for the Region and for all of the
chapters. As part of improving communication you are
receiving this Newsletter electronically and in the US
mail. My request to all of you is that you update any
information about your telephone numbers, mailing
addresses or email addresses that might have changed
in the last 12 months. You may do this by contacting
Angie King, the Administrative Assistant at Hadassah
Hub: Super South @ 678.443.2961/ [email protected].
The newsletter will help to update you on the latest
programs, projects and campaigns on the Chapter,
Region and National levels. I also urge each of you to
take a few minutes to visit the Hadassah website. I think
you will be delighted and amazed at what YOUR
organization is accomplishing: hadassah.org
I want to be available to address any of your concerns or
listen to your ideas for the future. Please do not hesitate
to contact me. Thanks in advance for your support.
Gail Moskowitz, Southern Seaboard President
Every Step Counts: Hadassah's Walking Program
is back and better than ever. You are invited to
take a virtual walk from Hadassah's hospitals in
Jerusalem to our 98th National Convention in
Atlanta, GA. The road is virtual, but the challenge
is real. You'll be taking real steps to a healthier
future. You will log your steps and pass
important milestones along the way. Your
personal pedometer will keep you on your toes.
There are three challenge levels; one is perfect
for you. We'll be walking from April 11 to July
21, 2016. Register today at here!
Sunday morning began with a presentation by Noam
Gilboord, from the Israel Action Network, who provided
Southern Seaboard Winter Conference was a 3 day detailed information about BDS, (Boycott, Divestment,
weekend combination board meeting, Shabbaton, and Sanctions) and helped us to understand Anti-Israel bias.
Installation, in Richmond, VA, January 8-10, 2016.
We all reconvened at the Richmond Country Club for the
We packed so much information, friendship, learning and Installation Luncheon. Approximately 50 guests
spirituality into our extended time together. We started (including Richmond Chapter members and Gail’s Fellows
with a pre-board meeting where the executive board, Program friends) joined us. Elaine Ragone presided, the
coordinators and leaders defined their SSR roles and Mazelettes of the Richmond Chapter welcomed
goals for the year. The meeting was then opened up to everyone in song, and Fredi Brown delivered her Keynote
all the chapter presidents and members, totaling almost speech regarding Hadassah Medical Organization
50 attendees. Sessions were led by Gail Moskowitz, research collaboration. Following lunch, Debbie
Incoming Region President, and Aliza Bricklin, Friedman, Installing Chair, first installed the Richmond
Organization Vice President.
Chapter officers, and then the Region officers were
Shabbat began with a beautiful candle lighting ceremony installed. Gail Moskowitz was installed as SSR President,
led by Julie Beck-Berman, Ritual Chair, and Hannah and she presented her personal remarks. The Mazelettes
Piracha, guest vocalist & guitarist. Following our Shabbat sang an original song in Gail’s honor as a finale.
service and dinner, we met the gals from Hadassah Hub: Lois Miller, Southern Seaboard Recording Secretary
Super South, Crystal Anderson, Managing Director, and
Robin Hyman, Events & Meeting Manager. We were
introduced to Fredi Brown, our conference advisor and
keynote speaker. The evening concluded with Mindy
Bloom’s problem-solving-with-fun-dynamics exercises.
AWAKEN, AROUSE & ADVANCE
Our Shabbat morning prayers were again led by Julie,
who had prepared an Interactive service.
Lisa Hessberg, American Affairs Chair, and Shelley
Starman-Onsrud, Zionist Affairs Chair, presented an
Advocacy workshop, and we divided up into 5 discussion
groups regarding Hadassah’s Talking Points on the topics
we advocate.
Following lunch, Gail introduced our Keynote Speaker,
Bruce Rubin, MD, Physician-in Chief, Children’s Hospital
of Richmond, who presented his research in the field of
Cystic Fibrosis, and his collaboration with International
colleagues, including Israeli doctors and engineers.
The SSR Board meeting convened at the Richmond JCC
where Janice Bernstein, Immediate Past President,
presided. Minutes and reports from all the Area Vice
Presidents, Treasurer, Coordinators and Chairwomen
were presented. National Convention plans are
underway, and details will be presented at the spring
board meeting. Presidential awards were presented to
out-going chapter presidents, and certificates were given
to board members. The evening continued with a
cocktail hour, dinner, Havdalah, and a movie, all at the
JCC.
Fayetteville Happenings
Hadassah Fayetteville hosted, in collaboration with Beth Israel Congregation, a Tu B'Shevat Seder on Sunday,
January 24th, at 11:30 am. It was open to all Hadassah members and congregants and guests of Beth Israel
Congregation. Approximately 40 participated with the ceremonially dressed tables consisting of fruits, nuts and
gifts of the earth. One congregant mentioned it was, by far, the best temple event he had attended! The Chapter
picked up some prospective members and is looking forward to the planning of its next event.
Richmond’s Date with the State
Two dozen Hadassah women from Richmond, Charlottesville and Virginia Beach, demonstrating that they are “the
women who do” gathered together for Jewish Advocacy Day on February 2 at the Virginia General Assembly. These
Hadassah advocates met with local Delegates and Senators, and most impressively, Attorney General Mark Herring,
Lt. Governor Ralph Northam and Governor Terry McAuliffe. Amy Melnick-Scharf, Chair, Jewish Advocacy Day of
Hadassah Richmond, commented “We came together with the Jewish Federation of Richmond and other statewide
Jewish Agencies to speak with one voice for Israel against bigotry and anti-Semitism cloaked within the Boycott,
Divestment, Smovement. We spoke with one voice in support of the Virginia Israel Advisory Board and for the
appropriate separation of church and state. These are the issues that unite the Jewish community”.
Hadassah supports Jewish Advocacy Day because it is focused on educating our members and community about
the issues that are important to us, engaging with our community members and leaders and most
importantly, empowering our community to make a positive difference in Richmond, the state capital. It is worth
noting that full funding of the Virginia Israel Advisory Board was included in the Governor's budget and was
approved in Committee at the General Assembly and that House Resolution Joint Resolution passed unanimously
on February 3rd. The Resolution expresses the sense of the General Assembly in condemning the anti-Israel
Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement and its activities in Virginia as its agenda is inherently antithetical
and deeply damaging to the cause of peace, justice, equality, democracy, and human rights for all peoples in
the Middle East.
Richmond Hadassah Members with
Lt. Governor Ralph Northam
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe with Hadassah members
Ann Eisenberg (National Board Member), Beth Rochkind
((Richmond OVP) and Amy Melnick (Date with the State
Chair)
Wilmington News and Upcoming Events
Hadassah Wilmington hosted an author’s luncheon with a nationally known author who is a member of our
community. Author Dana Sachs has written books, many with Jewish content and she was able to sell several books
with part of the profits donated to our Hadassah chapter. There was a wonderful turn out. It was a fund-raiser that
was very enjoyable, to all in attendance.
The next event will be an old fashioned ice cream social. This event will enable members to get to know each other
and learn more about Hadassah.
On April 17th another author's luncheon will be held. Author, William Northrop will speak on his book,
“Spook Wars.” This luncheon is sure to appeal to our Hadassah Associates. In Wilmington, we are the Power of
Women Who Do! If you live in Wilmington please come join us!
News from Lake Norman
Hadassah Lake Norman participated in the Project Uplift program in October 2015. We had a bra designer speak
and enjoyed by all. We spoke about breast cancer and finished with a creative bra decoration activity. The program
was a success!
Charlottesville’s Memory Walk
On August 20, 2015 the Charlottesville Jewish community and its Hadassah Charlottesville lost our dear friend and
past board member, Life Member Liora Laufer. Program Coordinator Marcia Silvermetz organized a 26.2 mile
Memory Walk in Liora’s honor to raise funds for cancer research. Between October 24th and 25th, Marcia walked
28 miles (more than a marathon!) and was joined along the way by several Hadassah members, as well as Liora’s
husband Gaby, son Aharon and his wife Amy, and their three children. Members were asked to join Marcia to walk
a mile or two, or the whole way, or to sponsor or “rent” parts of her body - a foot, a knew, a toe – so, theoretically
they could be with her along her journey. The response to Marcia’s walk was amazing, with $3500 raised for
cancer research at Hadassah Medical Organization. We thank Marcia for her great effort and all who sponsored her
walk with their generous contributions.
Sherry Kraft, Diane Bisgaier, Wendy Heifetz,
and Marcia Silvermetz
Gaby Laufer, Aharon and Amy Laufer, and
Sharon McCord
Hadassah’s Research in Service to Humanity Campaign
The heart of a major medical center is research. At Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) there
is exciting work being done in the area of neurological diseases – those affecting the brain,
nerves, and spine – as well as diabetes, melanoma, and heart disease.
Hadassah has always been an organization of visionaries. Over 100 years ago, Hadassah was the
first to bring modern medicine to the Middle East. We established Israel’s first teaching hospital
and its first nursing, medical, and dental schools. Doctors at HMO were first in Israel to perform
double bypass surgery, computerized robotic surgery, and successful bone marrow, heart, liver,
and lung transplants.
Today, Hadassah’s two hospitals in Jerusalem, one in Ein Kerem and one on Mt. Scopus, serve
Israel’s largest population center and are known throughout Israel and the region for their
pioneering research and healthcare expertise.
We want you to be able to educate your community about HMO’s work, advocate for research,
and secure funding. This multi-divisional and multi-faceted campaign aims to excite leadership,
donors, units, and members. You can find all of the information (ads, brochures, major gift
opportunities and more) at myHADASSAH.
Danville News
Winston Salem Celebrates Tu B’Shevat
Hadassah Danville started the New Year off right, with
Martha Woody and Jo Ann Howard attending the Winter
Board meeting in Richmond and Gail Moskowitz’s installation
as Southern Seaboard President. This led to very productive
discussions with the HUB staff, especially Robin Hyman,
regarding a fundraiser for the Sarah Wetsman Davidson
Tower. The chapter came up with names and addresses, but
the HUB did the work on the “Tower of Love No Show Ball”
mailing that went out in time for Valentine’s Day. Chapter
members have been very enthusiastic about the invitations for
this virtual event (they are very attractive and came in under
budget as well) and we are hopeful that this will be a very
successful fundraiser for the Tower.
On January 29th, Tu B'Shevat, the trees of planet Earth were
symbolically hugged as over one hundred members of Temple
Emanuel's congregation in Winston Salem came together for a
one-of-a-kind collaboration. That Friday evening, religious,
spiritual, social and artistic elements were brought together in
the social hall for a Tu B/Shevat to remember! The Winston
Salem chapter of Hadassah was a-buzz with volunteers all
morning, setting up a large all-chocolate Oneg for the evening.
Cakes, cookies, brownies, chocolate covered fruit and nuts
and even homemade lollipops were spread on the white
tablecloth.
In other news, the board of the Danville chapter also met in
January to plan our meetings for the year, and we are looking
forward to our next event, a dinner meeting on Wednesday,
March 23rd to “Break Esther’s Fast” and begin our celebration
of Purim.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GREENSBORO?
For some years, Hadassah Greensboro’s has been somewhat
dormant. “But We Are Back!”
Around the room, ten large round tables were set with
colorful scraps of fabric, sandpaper, bubble wrap and other art
supplies. There were colored fabric paints and yarn--and to
the delight of children of all ages, plenty of glue. The object
was for each table to create one pie-shaped section of a much
larger mandala. Every table's design was unique. The theme
was the Kaballah inspired, "earth, water, air, fire;” and each
group got to design their pre-drawn, four sections of plain
white cloth. The talking, the laughter, the energy was
contagious as grandparents, parents and grandchildren all
participated.
Later, only after the designs were completed, were the
separately designed segments put together to make a whole.
And what a result! Such an inspiring communal expression!
Everyone gathered around the finished product, placed finally
in the center of the room. All in all, the mandala created was a
testament to the connectivity of all living creatures belonging
st
On, February 21 , we had a Downton Abbey Tea in to the balanced, cyclical rhythms set in motion by G-d.
Appreciation of our New Annual and Life Members. We had At the suggestion of Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn and
approximately 50 women attend and featured Gail Moskowitz Program Director, Vivian Smith, Hadassah President, Sandra
as our guest speaker.
Dreis adapted four short scripts/scenes from her eco-thriller,
In May, we are planning a Women’s Game Night, and in the "Ecowarriors" to be read by four teens and four seniors. The
Hadassah team brought forth a powerful message: we need to
fall a program on Human Trafficking.
work together. Of course, they surely lived up to the
I want to personally thank the Hub for all their assistance. Hadassah profile: The Power of Women Who DO."
They have shared some good programming ideas and have
produced the lovely event invitations that brought so many of
our members to the appreciation tea.
We have a committee that will be running our chapter they
Carole Kaplan-Fundraising, Gail Haber Membership, Marilyn
Cherry-Treasurer, and Sara Jacobs- Mail Receiver with high
hopes of adding more members to the board. Since
September 2015 we have added 15 new annual members.
Children look on
as Lois Miller puts
together pieces of
the mandala into
one whole design.
News from Charlotte
The 2016 HADASSH HEALTH NIGHT: ASK THE DOCTOR took place on February 22, 2016 at Temple Israel. As always,
this annual even was free and open to the community.
Scott Menaker, DDS, of MENAKER/RODNEY DENTISTRY, gave a terrific presentation on the future of dentistry,
focusing on the exciting new technologies that are transforming the practice of dentistry and improving both the
dentist’s and patient’s experience. Crowns done while you wait, improved implants and braces, and new X-ray and
office procedures were some of the topics highlighted.
Adam Spitz, MD, of NOVANT PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER, is a Board Certified Endocrinologist. Dr. Spitz and
Judy Fischer, RD, of MY DIABETES DIETICIAN, acted as a tag team, showcasing up to date approaches for
preventing Type 2 diabetes, which has become dangerously common. Some of the ideas they discussed were
nutritional, physical, and lifestyle changes that can reduce our risk of getting diabetes. She discussed the
Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, vegetables and olive oil, and the audience was also happy to learn that coffee has
newly proven health benefits.
Ross Udoff, MD, of CHARLOTTE EYE, EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, is a Board Certified specialist in
otolaryngology. He discussed the various types of hearing loss in adults and explored some of the ways this
problem can be treated. He emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of the underlying causes of hearing
loss, and expressed lots of hope for improving quality of life through better hearing. He also reminded everyone to
avoid sticking anything into their ears.
Following the presentations, there was a question and answer session, during which several members of the
audience asked a variety of questions about the topics our doctors discussed, and more. Thanks to our presenters,
our attendees, and our hosts at Temple Israel.
A Downton Abbey High Tea to thank our Founders & Keepers: Hadassah Charlotte appreciates you! We had a
special guest speaker, Dr. David Kaylie, a Duke surgeon of otolaryngology (ENT) who is starting an exchange
program with Hadassah Hospital, to provide postgraduate fellowships. It was a lovely time had by all that were able
to join us!