ALISA CHAPTER HADASSAH BULLETIN VOL XXI JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2017

Transcription

1 ALISA CHAPTER HADASSAH BULLETIN VOL XXI JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2017 We are the women who DO We are ALISA MONDAY JANUARY 16, 2017 Congregation Beit Shalom 1:00 P.M. State Senator Linda Greenstein Talking about the State of the State Linda s discussion will focus on the transportation trust fund, pensions for state workers, and the status of Atlantic City. Senator Linda Greenstein is dedicated to public service and helping others. All are Welcome Refreshments will be Served AS IS OUR GENERAL PRACTICE THERE WILL BE NO MEETING IN FEBRUARY STAY WARM AND SEE YOU AT OUR MARCH MEETING!! Going forward we will be publishing our bulletin only on a bi-monthly basis. See article on page 10. MONDAY MARCH 19, 2017 Congregation Beit Shalom 7:15 P.M. Gail Shinberg Presenting a Bintel Brief discussion Audience Participation as we answer the letters written to the Editor of the Forward and then compare your answers with those of the editor All are Welcome Refreshments will be Served

2 As we head toward Shabbat, many of us are worse for wear this week after a highly divisive election. Now more than ever, many of us need a moment to come together, to take stock. To replenish our inner strengths. Please do take this moment to replenish. Because Hadassah needs you urgently in the days and weeks and months ahead. There is a lot of work ahead of us. For women s health. For gender equity. For Israel. Since our founding, Hadassah s members have joined together in communities around the country to achieve our mission. We do this across lines of geography, across political aisles, and across generations, l'dor v'dor. Together, we will build on this legacy. Over the last 104 years, we have seen so many positive changes for women and Zionism, and we have faced far too much terror and trauma. In his first address to the nation as President-elect, Donald Trump chose to focus on uniting the American people. We look forward to working with his Administration to strengthen the US-Israel relationship, promote gender equity, and address other issues important to us as Zionists and women. At the same time, we will speak out loudly and clearly to protect the advances we have made for women s health, and to push forward for more gains. Let us be clear, we are not ready to compromise our rights. We will need to stand up for them. On Tuesday night, President-elect Trump pledged to work toward seeking common ground. We urge him and all our nation s leaders to work diligently to achieve these goals. As advocates of women s health equity, Hadassah will stand firm to ensure that women are treated equally to healthcare services, we will work tirelessly so that women with disabilities or preexisting conditions receive the healthcare coverage they deserve, and we will continue to fight for access to essential, life-saving women's preventive health services. Our work here at Hadassah is far from done. The current Congress can still take action before the session ends. Visit the Hadassah National Action Center to send a message to your elected officials in support of Israel, the Research for All Act, or another one of Hadassah's policy priorities. Be the first to hear about new policy updates and opportunities for action by signing up for our advocacy alert s. With 330,000 members, Associates and supporters located in every congressional district we can demonstrate the Power of Women Who Do. And we can do more. We can grow that power. Shabbat Shalom. Ellen Hershkin National President 2

3 YOUR ALISA CHAPTER PRESIDENT A new year is on the horizon. Another year to celebrate The Women Who Do. Becoming a member of Hadassah gives you the opportunity to learn more about what Hadassah does in Israel, in America, and all over the world. The research at Hadassah Hospital has helped people with illnesses that we know in many cases can now be reversed, helping people with major eye problems, neurological problems, cancer, and so much more. We, as Hadassah women, can be so proud of what we help accomplish. We are now going into a new format for this year, where most of our past presidents will take on the leadership of Alisa Chapter for two months. Before we do that, we have to thank our President, Joanne Ferstan, for serving as president for 3 years. She has instilled us with the goal of making our Chapter the very best it can be, which includes wonderful education and fundraising programs. National Hadassah gives us goals to reach, and with the leadership of our Presidents and Vice Presidents we hope to make each and every goal this year. Thank you to Joanne, for agreeing to stay on for one extra month as Co-President in December. Rhoda Juskow, Co-President - December-January, BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT: Joanne Ferstan Rhoda Juskow VICE-PRESIDENT - EDUCATION: Ella Goldstein VICE-PRESIDENTS- FUNDRAISING Gail Reifenberg Fran Solomon (Trips) VICE-PRESIDENTS - MEMBERSHIP: Ruth Sachs Natasha Rosenbaum (Adm Asst) Anne Barras (Life Membership) TREASURER: Hazel Cunninghis FINANCIAL SECRETARIES Gloria Fine Bernice Kernis RECORDING SECRETARIES: Rita Swirsky Sheila Farber Lillian Rich CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Diane Altman BULLETIN: Eileen Carpenter Sheila Farber Joanne Ferstan GOOD & WELFARE Marge Joseph HOSPITALITY RonnySwinkin Martha Gelb

4 America is My Home As American Jews we often don t realize how isolated we are from our Jewish history. The stories of our grandparents (and now great grandparents) are just that, stories. One of the things I have come to understand as more and more years pass is how very little I really know. When I left home for a riverboat cruise in Eastern Europe, I wasn t even sure what countries are actually defined as Eastern Europe. Now I know that the reason for my confusion is that there are actually two definitions, geographic and political. To fully understand both definitions, along with the historical backdrop, you d need not only an amazing memory and a raft of maps, but also several college level courses in European History. I have none of these. But Grand Circle Tours, with whom we traveled hires very knowledgeable, patient and caring guides. Stefan is a vast repository of information on an incredible array of topics. His goal was to educate us, and educate us he did. My cousin and I began our journey in Prague, in the Czech Republic, which was part of Czechoslovakia before World War II. Then we sailed down the Danube from Budapest, Hungary to Constantia, on the Black Sea. We briefly visited cities and villages, castles, fortresses and one concentration camp in the Czech Republic. We finished with a post trip to Transylvania where our grandfathers were born, but never returned to after immigrating to the US as teenaged boys. They never saw their parents or their sisters again. As a kid, I asked my grandfather, who had a 4 th grade education and several thriving businesses including a winery, a trucking company and real estate holdings, why he never went home to visit. He said simply America is my home. America is my country. Everything I have I got here. Frankly, although I didn t understand his answer, I kept it with me, word for word, until now. My family is Jewish and, as such, was always marginalized in Europe. We hung by a thread, at the whim of the decision makers. Where we lived, how we lived and what we could do was determined by laws specifically for Jews. And it could change at a moment s notice. I m not talking just about Hitler and World War II. I m talking about as far back as Jews go. Look back in history to the pharaohs in Egypt and move forward through the ages to ghettos, expulsions and pogroms. Even today it is dangerous to be Jewish in some countries. My grandfather, Nathan, for whom my son is named, emigrated to New York City alone at the age of 14 in He was the youngest and the last of 6 brothers to arrive in New York. His 2 sisters remained in Hungary with their parents. Gramps, whom I adored, never spoke of his childhood except to say that the family was very poor, and whoever had the longest arms got the most to eat. He was the baby, apprenticed to a tailor after the 4 th grade. I don t think he ever really learned to read and write English comfortably. It isn t clear to me how the Jews fared in each European country between the World Wars but we all know what happened as Hitler s cancer spread across Europe. Nazism came relatively late to Hungary. Adolf Eichmann was its messenger in 1944, but the Hungarians made up for lost time. The Iron Cross, a militant Hungarian political faction, was glad to help solve the Jewish Problem. There are conflicting statistics about the death count but the Bronze Shoe Memorial on the bank of the Danube in Budapest tells the story. Jews were lined up 3 deep (so as not to waste bullets), shot and pushed into the Danube, dead or alive. The numerous lights shining on the Hungarian Parliament and one of the bridges can be seen in the distance creating the same beautiful effect that we see at night on the limestone walls of Jerusalem. The shoes are not only unlit, but there is no plaque or explanation. The pain of that scene is relentless. It is as if the message is We got rid of the Jews and look at us now. Gramps, I finally understand. Submitted by Sherry Paszamant Freedman Alisa Chapter Member 4

5 TuB Shvat begins Friday, February 10th at Sundown. It is traditional to plant trees in Israel on this holiday. Chag Sameach My very dear Hadassah, Many of us stood by helplessly while we watched major areas of Israel being destroyed by fire. Subsequently, I received a powerful photo of a magnificent rainbow crowning the scarred land. How symbolic of Israel! Now that the blaze has been extinguished, we really have to help rebuild. So many homes, businesses and people have been devastated. Israelis are truly resilient! However, they really need our help. Please join me in contributing to ease their lives. As you may know, Hadassah has worked closely with JNF to rebuild the land of our forefathers. Therefore, please make your checks payable to Hadassah and indicate JNF on the check. Please put your donations in Box 19 at the GW Towne Centre, or send them to Tiby Lapkin - 2 Halifax Drive, Monroe Twp., NJ With thanks for all that we enjoy; with thanks for all we can do. Tiby Lapkin BUDDY SYSTEM It has come to our attention that some of our members would like to attend our monthly meetings or talks, but need a ride to get there. No reason not to come! We miss you! If that is you, or someone you know, please call one of the following people who will gladly assist you: In GW call: Judy Brodman Claire Lazar Natasha Rosenbaum Diane Altman Tiby Lapkin Arlene Lazar Rita Swirsky (after April) Ruth Sachs (goes early) At Encore: Wilma Appel At Ponds: Gail Reifenberg At Concordia Gloria Fine We look forward to seeing you at our meetings. Come join us! 5

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8 LET HADASSAH BE YOUR CARD SHOP We can save you time and trouble and make your congratulations or condolences very unique. There are cards or certificates for every occasion, holiday or event. There are two(2) ways to contribute: 1.) Purchase a certificate in honor or memory of someone. The certificate will be sent to the recipient or to you for presentation. 2.) Fill a BLUE BOX. Keep this box in your home. Fill it at your leisure and turn it in when filled. You will then get a receipt for your donation. To receive or return a BLUE BOX call: Brenda Charney Lois Flamholz CARDS are $2.00. If you wish us to stamp and mail them, it is $3.00. CERTIFICATES start at $6.00, TREES at $ To order call: Marge Joseph Millie Semel Florence Weiss Rhoda Lesser Harriet Cohen A beautiful calligraphy-inscribed certificate or tree certificate in denominations of $18.00 or above can be ordered from: Dorothy Brotman CARDS AND CERTIFICATES ARE SOLD AT EVERY MEETING COMMUNITY OUTREACH UPDATE Hadassah has recently extended this program. For a one time donation of $5000 you can now have Kaddish recited every day for the first year of mourning as well as observed in perpetuity on the specified Yahrzeit date. For more information about this one time TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT of $1,000 or $5,000 Call: Dolores Rosengard CELEBRATE YOUR SIMCHAS AT OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS By purchasing a candle on our Simcha cake you can share your simchas with all of us at our general meeting. Your simchas will be announced at the monthly meeting and will also be included in our monthly bulletin. The cost of a candle will be $2 which will be used to offset costs for refreshments. In addition to the knitting of black caps for the Israeli soldiers, our members have also been knitting and crochetting teeny-tiny caps, in pastel colors, for the preemie babies at Hadassah Hospital. If you would like to perform this mitzvah, please call Arlene Lazar ( ) for instructions. We want to especially thank HARRIET COHEN (in the Ponds) and LOIS FLAMHOLZ (at GW) for their ongoing contributions of baby hats. They just keep 'em coming!! ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS REMBEMBERANCE So many of our deceased spouses, partners, and friends are gone but not forgotten by our community. Anyone who would like to memorialize their loved ones during the month of their passing please fill out form available at our monthly meetings or at our website under the section Announcements. Cost $2 per name.??? Diane Altman

9 SAVE THE DATE WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, :30 PM LUNCH BUNCH-CHANUKAH CELEBRATION will meet at Lox Stock and Deli 228 Ryders Ln, Milltown, NJ Please call Marilyn Taffet OR Gail Reifenberg to reserve your spot. **THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, :30 PM MOVIE A VOICE AMONG THE SILENT at the home of Joanne Ferstan, 19 Westboro in Greenbriar/Whittingham. The story of James McDonald, a righteous gentile, who saved lives and was the first US ambassador to Israel. Please contact Ella Goldstein at or (preferred) at ellangoldstein@gmail.com. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, :00 PM - our Monthly Meeting (Note: Meeting time is 1:00 PM) LINDA GREENSTEIN, State Senator will be speaking on the transportation trust fund, pensions for state workers, and the status of Atlantic City. At Congregation Beit Shalom. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, :15 AM FLORIDA REUNION & LUNCHEON. Featuring Lou Villano, singer and extraordinary showman. At the Delray Beach Golf Club, 2200 Highland Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. Couvert $36. See flyer on page 7 for full details and signup information. **THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, :30 PM JADA ART GALLERY. Discussion of lesser known Israeli artitsts as well as what is going on in the art world today. Location is to be announced. Please contact Ella Goldstein at or (preferred) at ellangoldstein@gmail.com.. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, AM-1PM CHASE THE BLUES AWAY BRUNCH. Join us for Sunday brunch at the home of Tiby Lapkin, 2 Halifax Drive in GW Couvert $18. See flyer on page 6 for full details and signup information. MONDAY, MARCH 13, PM FESTIVE PURIM PARTY. Belly Dancing and instruction & Celebrate the Story of Purim. Come in Costume. Hamentashen. Questions call Joanne Ferstan at , See flyer on page 7. MONDAY, MARCH 19, :15 PM PM - our Monthly Meeting BINTEL BRIEF presented by Gail Shinberg. Answer the letters written to the Editor of the Forward and then compare your answers with those of the editor SUNDAY, APRIL 2, :00 PM DINNER & A SHOW. Grease at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick. Followed by dinner. Restaurant and cost to be determined. Carpool to event. Watch for flyer in the next bulletin WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 time to be announced ANDREW KANE. Book and Author luncheon. Luncheon catered by Classical Caterers. Location Temple B Nai Tikvah. Cost to be announced. Watch for further information. **Donations to Hadassah would be appreciated at all Education programs where there is no charge. There will be a collection bowl in evidence at the door. Please be courteous to your fellow members and inform Ella if you are unable to attend a program. This will allow someone on the waiting list to attend. Remember next time, you may be that person!!! 9

10 NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEETING SIMCHAS Gail Shinberg Granddaughter, Jamie 19 th birthday Rhoda Juskow Faigee & Floyd Langner -66 th Anniversary Joanne Ferstan In honor of Sheila s granddaughters Bat Mitzvah Tiby Lapkin Joanne s daughter Leslie & grandson Zack s visit from California Ruth Sachs Rachel Sachs & Jared Shulman Engagement Sherry Keller 50 th Anniversary of son Steven s Bar Mitzvah Sheila Farber Granddaughter, Arielle s Bat Mitzvah Roberta Fachler Roberta and Larry 52 nd Wedding Anniversary Roberta Fachler Husband, Larry s Birthday Roberta & Larry Fachler Grandson Mark s 19 th Birthday Lois Flamholz Happy Birthday Lyla Grossberg (granddaughter of Karen Mandel) Karen Mandel s Birthday Evey Rabinowitz The birth of my first great-granddaughter Marge Joseph Grandson Brandon induction to National Honor Society Merna Leventhal Thank you to Joanne for your years of service and caring. We are sure you all have heard our goal of ing bulletins in order to reduce the expense of mailing. A decision has been made by the Board to eliminate the bi-monthly interim bulletin. This is a cost saving initiative and has been implemented by many other chapters. The bi-monthly bulletins will provide the information for two months including the Save-the Date, candle-lighting times, Simchas, Alive in our Heart and flyers. Due to the importance and changes in Save-the Date on the months in which there are no bulletins, we will be providing a Save-the Date updated list which will be ed to all members (not just those who get the ebulletin). It will be added to our webpage which currently contains the newsletters ( It will also be available at our monthly meetings, and will be placed in the GW rounder. We hope you will embrace this change as a donation to Hadassah. With the Interim Save-the Date we feel you will be able to keep up with all the exciting events in Alisa. Your Bulletin Editors Joanne Ferstan, Sheila Farber, Eileen Carpenter COMMUNITY OUTREACH THANK YOU Received from Barbara Goldstein at Hadassah Hospital in Israel: Your messenger was faithful. Allan delivered the Preemie caps. They went like hotcakes between the 2 hospitals. Anytime you have a batch, send them with someone. Please accept thanks on behalf of the Preemie department at Hadassah. Submitted by Arlene Lazar Thanks also came from Lauren Stern Kedem, Hadassah Liaison for our gifts, dedication and friendship. 10

11 GOOD AND WELFARE CONDOLENCES: Sebley Hauser on loss of husband, William Harriet Cohen on loss of husband Joseph Gladys Nahmias on loss of her brother Marge needs your help to get this information. Please contact Marge Joseph at with all your news, good and GET WELL: Ellis Taffet ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS REMEMBERANCE JANUARY WE REMEMBER: SAM BRODHERSON, FATHER 1/12/1995 DORRY BRODHERSON DAVID JON BRAVERMAN, BELOVED SON 1/16/2014 BOBBI/MARVIN BRAVERMAN HELEN EINIGER, MOTHER 1/26/1996 DORRY BRODHERSON GOLDIE FUTTERMAN, MOTHER 1/3/1996 MILLICENT AUERBACH LOUIS FUTTERMAN, FATHER 1/30/1996 MILLICENT AUERBACH FEBRUARY WE REMEMBER: ALBERT A. ALTMAN, HUSBAND 2/28/99 DIANE ALTMAN BETTY BLEICH, MOTHER 2/18/97 DIANE ALTMAN AUDREY BRESALIER, WIFE 2/8/16 PAUL BRESALIER DINA MALKA GOLDMAN, MOTHER 2/17/82 BOBBI BRAVERMAN ROSE LANGDON, MOTHER 2/13/2004 ARLENE LAZAR CARL A. ORKIN, FATHER 2/19/2006 JAN ZELEVANSKY HOWARD L. ZELEVANSKY, HUSBAND 2/9/2006 JAN ZELEVANSKY Look for the form at our monthly meetings or on our website under the section announcements Please help form this Committee We are considering the formation of a new committee to provide compassionate assistance to our members who are dealing with a death in their immediate family. Since we are Women Who Do, a suggestion for the group s name, Helping Hands During Bereavement, was made, however we are open to suggestions should you have one. Assistance will include providing a list of local Jewish funeral chapels; restaurants/delis who provide delivery of shiva platters and meals; where to locate extra chairs for the shiva home; who will accept delivery of meals as well as house-sit while the family is at the funeral; and who to contact to run evening services. Please contact Joanne Ferstan at if you would be a volunteer for this committee or would chair this group. Thank you for your interest. Rhoda Juskow 11

12 Alisa Hadassah 20 Wintons Way Monroe Twp., N.J DATED MATERIAL CURRENT RESIDENT OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Freehold, N.J. Permit No. 351 NEW JERSEY: Information filed by Hadassah, the Women s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. and Hadassah Medical Relief Association, Inc. with the New Jersey Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling (973) Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement FLORIDA: A copy of the official registration and financial information for Hadassah, The Women s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (#SA-01298) and Hadassah Medical Relief Association, Inc. (SD046-3) may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Affairs Services by calling toll-free within the state HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. SHABBAT & HOLIDAY CANDLE LIGHTING TIME: (Tu B Shvat); (Daylight Saving is Back!!) REMINDER: PLEASE DO NOT CONDUCT HADASSAH BUSINESS ON SHABBAT/HOLIDAYS Your Alisa Presidents on Display at Installation 12