Dear Hadassah Friends - MONDAY, MARCH 5 TH BOARD MEETING 10 A.M. OUT TO LUNCH 12:00 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 13 TH WOMEN S COMMUNITY SEDER

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1 VOL NO. 3 ADAR-NISSAN 5778 / MARCH-APRIL 2018 SAVE THESE DATES MONDAY, MARCH 5 TH BOARD MEETING 10 A.M. OUT TO LUNCH 12:00 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 13 TH WOMEN S COMMUNITY SEDER MONDAY, MARCH 19 TH CHAPTER MEETING 11:30 A.M. MONDAY, MARCH 26 TH STUDY GROUP 1 P.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 30 TH PASSOVER - FIRST SEDER MONDAY, APRIL 2 ND BOARD MEETING- 10 A.M. MONDAY, APRIL 9 TH BOOK CLUB -12:30 P.M. MONDAY, APRIL 16 TH CHAPTER MEETING 11:30 A.M. Dear Hadassah Friends - March is such a busy month. We begin by preparing for Purim and end by preparing for Passover. And in the bargain, we even lose an hour when daylight saving time Ann Kessler ends on the 11th. The ninth chapter of the Book of Esther states (verse 19): "Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the 14th day of the month of Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and of sending portions to one another (mishloach manot))." By sending gifts of food, we Jews are reminded to share our joy with everyone at Purim. Surely Hadassah women excel at sharing our joy and pride in a 103 year old organization dedicated to creating a world "where our Jewish values in action create strong community and an enduring Israel." Though not a gift of food, Hadassah's Marlene Greenebaum Multidisciplinary Breast Center has brought the gift of ontogenetic counseling to Israeli families. Having identified BRCA mutations that are specific to women of Persian origin, Hadassah has pioneered the testing of these women who have a history of breast cancer in their family. "This test can save the lives of many Persian women and their daughters." Prof. Peretz notes, "because it enables a physician to diagnose the cancer at an early stage." Prof. Peretz adds, "not only are we saving the lives of women today, but we are also affecting the future of their children." Prof. Peretz explains further that Hadassah employs a technique called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) whereby an egg is fertilized through invitro fertilization and, three (continued on next page)

2 2 ADAR-NISSAN 5778 / MARCH-APRIL 2018 Continued from first page - President s Message days later, the embryo, now consisting of 6-10 cells, is examined to see if it is carrying a breast cancer mutation. If a BRCA mutation is found, that particular embryo is NOT chosen for implantation, ensuring that the women's children will not carry the mutated gene. Hadassah was the first in the world to use PGD to ensure that a woman who carries the BRCA mutation would not transfer this gene abnormality to her children. Who knows if a future Queen Esther will be given a long and happy life due to your support of Hadassah? We women of Hadassah, through our many forms of fund raising activities, besides personal donations, do accomplish miracles every day. And speaking of "fund-raising" and other activities, and since February's Chai Lites was lost somewhere in the mailing process and was never received by our membership - we did our best to get the newsletter to you via and word-of-mouth, there are a few things I would like to reiterate. First of all, The Annual Installation Luncheon at the Preserve of Clearwater was outstanding with Janice Caine and Veronica Harris as very competent co-chairs. Game Day was a huge success, both financially and in comraderie, and would like to re-thank our committee chairs, Bette Sharp and Doris Steuer; their committee: Veronica Harris, Ellen Richter, Betty Slavney and Dolores Turner (with a special todah rabah to Florence Barnett for her unique assistance with Regency Oaks). February brought heart-felt activities, sponsored by N. Pinellas, Lylah and Ameet chapters for the Heart Healthy month with an Israeli speaker on "Chai-Fiving" tributes to nurses. And am sure you all enjoyed our general membership meeting on Feb. 19th with Yael Mor speaking on life on a kibbutz, past and present - plus answering questions on the political situations of today. We really are women who do with lots more "to do", so please join us for the comraderie and/or we can also put you to "work." Happy Purim to all - Ann Kessler March Operation Afikomen 2018 The distribution committee is sorry that the February ChaiLites never got to you. The United States Post Office lost our mailing! Operation Afikomen Food Drive 2018 will take place from March 1st March 30th and is sponsored by Gulf Coast Family and Community Services. This community-wide food drive will help meet the needs of those who are hungry. Please bring non-perishable food items or gift cards to a drop-off location Temple Ahavat Shalom. Thank you for your help!

3 3 ADAR-NISSAN 5778 / MARCH-APRIL 2018 M a r c h Chapter Meeting Monday, March 19, 2018 Temple Ahavat Shalom Ladies Please enter the Temple through the Sanctuary doors! at 11:30 A.M. Marilyn Whelan, a member of our chapter, will be our guest speaker sharing her thoughts from her book, Caviar Living On Fishstick Money! She will share her wisdom and her humor on home-spun lessons from a life well lived! Bring a bagged lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided. Feel free to bring a friend! Game Day was a Huge Success! Ladies Please enter the Temple through the Sanctuary doors! Sylvia Ahrens Jackie Albin Gloria Aronoff Florence Barnett Frances Bernstein Arlene and Frank Blitzer Selma Bowman Pearl Brust and Family Janice Caine Pauline Carmichael Sandy Diamond Doris Dubinsky Karin Durlacher Edie Eckber Sydelle Freifeld Nettie Glassman Esther Gluck Doris Harding Veronica Harris Ruth Heilman Paula and David Holcombe Patti Hytner Cindy and Barry Jackson Lois Kander Marion Kaplan Ellen Kent Reva Kent Ann Kessler Laurie and Bernie Krauss Marilyn Levin Arlene and Jack Levine Blanche Levine Debra Levine Shirley Mattler Joyce and Jeff Reines Judy Resnick Ellen Richter Myra Sann Rita Shapiro Betty and Marty Slavney Judi Tager Judy Tobin Elaine Tutelman Jacki Deena Tutelman-Bender Bibby Weiss Ruth Winter

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5 5 Some Zionist Highlights for 2017 by Jacqueline Albin ADAR-NISSAN 5778 / MARCH-APRIL Hadassah on the Ground We are pushing for Hadassah s Day in the District program urging our members to meet with legislators while they are on recess between February US-Israel Relations The Genesis Prize Foundation, known as the Jewish Nobel Prize honored Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg with a lifetime achievement award and Natalie Portman with the Genesis prize. The United States of America recognized Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel. A Hadassah policy statement, dated as far back as 1980, reaffirms that Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, must remain a united city under Israeli sovereignty and notes that Israeli jurisdiction over Jerusalem safeguards the free movement of people and freedom of religion in the city and urges the United States to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 3. Israel Relations At least 2,700 young women joined co-ed battalions in 2017, a record high for the IDF. Israel sent emergency aid to Madagascar in November. In the Kneseet, Zionist Union Representatives led the effort in setting up a task force to ensure that funds donated by the European Union to the Palestinian Authority are used solely for humanitarian purposes, and not placed in the hands of convicted terrorists and their families. In a rare filming opening its border gates from Syria, a Syrian mother who crossed the border to seek medical care for her child said everyone wants to come here. Adults too, not just the children (for medical care in Israel ). 4. United Nations France s Audrey Azoulai was confirmed to be the next Director-General of UNESCO, where she will be the first Jewish woman to serve as head of a UN agency. Following in the United States' footsteps, Israel announced that it will exit UNESCO citing anti-israel bias. Regrettably, in December of 2017, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to disavow Israeli ties to Jerusalem. 5. BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) New Zealand born singer/songwriter Lorde canceled a performance in Tel Aviv due to BDS pressure. In contrast, Australian said he is going to perform in Israel because of BDS and states It is important for me to come out against the silencing of artists. BDS used its social media platform to accuse the Yavne el based olive oil company of using stolen olives from stolen land. However, this claim was rejected as the owners can prove that the orchards sit on land purchased by Jews from the Turks before WWI. 6. Social Media For those of you who use computers, please be sure to like and follow Hadassah s Facebook page to get updates on breaking news on all things Zionism and more. Like, comment, and share our stories and updates to our community. HAPPY PASSOVER TO ALL OF YOU AND YOURS!

6 ADAR-NISSAN 5778 / MARCH-APRIL 2018 Together We Can Make a Difference! On February 14, 2018, Americans woke up to the 18th school shooting to take place in These senseless acts of violence instill fear in the lives of families who are left wondering if their school will be next. The value of all human lives is central to Hadassah s mission as a women s Zionist organization. In 2013, the National Board of Hadassah reaffirmed the statement it made in 2000 in support of stronger gun control legislation and enforcement of current laws. There are several pieces of legislation that can work to prevent such devastation. Critical legislation is passed only if constituents demand it from their legislators. Write letters, send mails and make phone calls. Tell them how you feel!!! Senator Bill Nelson Senator Marco Rubio Gov. Rick Scott Rep. Gus Bilirakis bilirakis.house.gov/contact/ M i s h p a c h a N e w s ~ Healthy Happy Birthday wishes to Jackie Albin, Leba Gittleman, Veronica Harris, Sophia Kulich, Blanche Levine and Myra Sann. ~ Get well wishes to Jackie Albin, Laurie Krauss, Elaine Maller, Murray Rubin, husband of Myrna Rubin. and Heather Felser, daughter-in-law of Joan and Gary Felser. ~ Condolences to Judy Tobin on the loss of her sister, Patricia Frank, Hadassah Life member. ~ Condolences to the family of Elsie Goodman, Hadassah Life member. ~ Condolences to Bibby Weiss on the loss of Mitchell and Leslie Weiss and their children, Hannah and Ari. May their memories bring comfort to all who knew and loved them! Bibby Weiss would like funds donated to Hadassah in memory of her family to be used for perpetual Yahrzeits at the Abbell Synagogue of Hadassah Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. Donations for the Weiss Family Memorial Fund should be sent to: North Pinellas Chapter of Hadassah c/o Marion Kaplan, Treasurer 4036 Corkwood Ct. Palm Harbor, FL Make your check payable to HADASSAH and write Weiss Family Memorial on the memo line. Hadassah will notify Bibby of all donations to the fund. To share your Mishpacha news, call Ellen at or Ellen@schachter.net

7 7 ADAR-NISSAN 5778 / MARCH-APRIL 2018 Journal Changes Transferees Sue Freeman (L) 940 Rosewood Lane Palm Harbor suefreeman@hotmail.com Debra Jacobs (L) Callisia Dr. Odessa New Information Renee Fishman hrfishman34@hotmail.com CARDS & CERTIFICATES Hadassah s attractive and eye-catching greeting cards and certificates are a meaningful way to keep in touch with family and friends, and to spread the name of Hadassah while giving tzedakah. Buying these cards and certificates supports Hadassah s important work while purchasing something we all need! Please stop by at the general meeting to view the variety of items that are available for every occasion. Executive Board President Ann Kessler Treasurer Marion Kaplan Recording Secretary Myra Sann Corresponding Secretary Dolores Turner Vice Presidents Fundraising Florence Barnett Gerry Berman Carol Davis Membership Judi Tager PRAZE Programming Janice Caine Betty Slavney Advocacy Ellen Richter Zionism Jacqueline Albin Education Bibby Weiss Bulletin -- Editors Co-Editor Committees & Events Jessica Johnson Patti Hytner Ellen Richter Cards & Certificates Cindy Jackson Chai Society Ellen Richter Game Day Betty Sharp Doris Steuer Holiday Greetings Judy Resnick Hospitality Edie Eckber Journal/Directory Marion Kaplan Marilyn Levin Mah Jongg Cards Marilyn Levin Mailing Distribution 2018 BOARD MEMBERS Jacqueline Albin Marilyn Levin Elaine Tutelman Member App. Luncheon Doris Harding xChai Luncheon Doris Harding Publicity Carol Davis Tree Certificates Edie Eckber If you need something sent Call Cindy Jackson at Special Interest Committee Chairs Book Club Gerry Berman Out-to-Lunch Bunch Ann Kessler Study Group Jacqueline Albin Betty Slavney

8 B O O K C L U B 8 North Pinellas Hadassah 2701 REGENCY OAKS BLVD APT. A503 CLEARWATER, FL NEXT BULLETIN DEADLINE : MARCH 10, 2018 DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY! Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit No Tampa FL. REMINDER: ENTER and EXIT TAS through Sanctuary doors! Monday, April 9, :30 P.M. Perkins Restaurant US 19 N. at Curlew Road The Last Laugh by Lynn Freed OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH MONDAY, MARCH 5, :00 P.M. (NOTE THE NEW TIME) Asian Pearl 3551 Drew Street (in shopping center across from Spectrum. From US 19, exit West on Drew) Please RSVP Ann by March 2 nd at or Annie8@aol.com O U T T O L U N C H BUNCH FL: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR HADASSAH, THE WOMEN S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. (#SC-01298) AND HADASSAH MEDICAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION, INC. (#SC-04603) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1 (800) HELP-FLA. Registered under Pinellas County Code. For information, call the County Department of Consumer Protection, (727)