HAMSA The Hand of Miriam HADASSAH AT STONEBRIDGE

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1 HAMSA The Hand of Miriam HADASSAH AT STONEBRIDGE Volume 6, Issue 3 August 2016/Av-Elul 5776 Southern New Jersey Region Hadassah, the Women s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Presidents Message: Is American Zionism an Oxymoron? Zionism in its inception is quite simply Jewish nationalism. Zionism first related to building a Jewish state that would be the perfect safe haven for the Jewish people, a homeland. Originating in the late 19th century, decades before the state of Israel was established, Zionists maintained that Jews who were subjected to discrimination, persecution, and/or anti-semitism could come to Israel and be free to determine their own future. The Zionist movement believes that the Jewish people can find ultimate individual and collective fulfillment within Israel, a thriving democratic country. Like many liberal democracies, Israel celebrates and cultivates its majority Jewish culture while remaining dedicated to preserving full equality for all its citizens. There is no contradiction in keeping Israel s Jewish and democratic character both a nation of Jewish people and a state for all its citizens, which guarantees complete equality of social and political rights irrespective of religion, race, or sex and freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture as stated in Israel s Declaration of Independence. Hadassah s latest installment of Defining Zionism in the 21st Century video series features Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn, who talks about his deeply rooted Zionism and shares his liberal, pragmatic approach to peace and making Israel stronger. "It is our intention to define and reclaim Zionism, proudly, and in so doing, create a safe space to explore what it means for each and every one of us," said Hadassah National President Ellen Hershkin referring to this provocative series hoping that it will start a conversation in your own community. What, exactly, does Zionism mean to you? As part of this series, there is a segment concerning American Zionism, a quest for all of us, an understanding and an interconnectedness between the two largest Jewish communities in the world. How do these two terms live symbiotically? In fact, the title of this article is the title of the sixth episode. The United States supports Israel, not only because of a democratic bond, but because it is in our national interest to help Israelis gather intelligence, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and combat terrorism in the Middle East. Therefore, we can have an interrelated identity. The speaker of the sixth program in the Defining Zionism series was Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, President of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America. Rabbi Weinberg was ordained in Jerusalem from the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion. He talks about American Zionism as a Jewish peoplehood and that our being 1

2 Jewish is part of the American identity. American Zionism is a consciousness that makes it loyal to the state of Israel both politically and financially, giving us deep meaning and purpose. American Zionism gives us a boundary and interconnectedness with Jews around the world. American Zionism he says, is about being involved with the people of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and a connection to the land of Israel. American Zionism encompasses all of these. We hope you will start a dialogue with your friends about American Zionism and find the series on YouTube. Then ask yourself, is the term American Zionism an oxymoron? Decide for yourself what it means to be committed to both our identities. Susan Pomerantz and Karen Hyman Co-Presidents CARDS, TREES, AND CERTIFICATES Hadassah cards are for more than simchas and sympathy. We have cards for all occasions; births, birthdays, anniversaries, and get well. We also have a new blank card which can be customized. For example, Welcome to Stonebridge or Congratulations on Your Retirement. We also have lovely note cards. If you want to plant a tree in Israel, there is a certificate for that as well. The tree certificate is $18. If we address and mail your card, the cost is $5. If you wish to mail and address the cards yourself, the cost is 5 cards for $20. To order cards or certificates, please contact: Michele Greenfield mgreen8084@comcast.net Andrea Lasker aelasker@gmail.com No calls on Shabbat Please Celebrate your Simcha Become a Simcha Sponsor for our General Meetings Your donation will help defray the hospitality costs at our general meetings Contact Gay Kassan or Roberta Neutuch Refund Policy A wait list will be kept for all paid events that have limited space. A reservation that is cancelled will be filled by the next person on the wait list. Reimbursement will be made directly to you by the person who replaces you. We cannot refund your money if we are unable to fill your space. 2

3 Heads Up! Save These Dates September 6 - Tuesday, 7:00 pm - General Meeting - An Illustrated Lecture with Marty Schneit, a born and bred New Yorker and Historian, Marty has been presenting a wide range of entertaining topics on the great city of New York, and the Jews of New York. His topic for our September General Meeting is: The Ziegfeld Girls...a symbol of the modern independent woman. September 23 - Friday, 7:00 pm - Shabbat Together - the first organizational meetings were recently held, but there are still opportunities and jobs open for additional committee members. If you would like to work on this project, please contact Helene Cohen, leeniepc@gmail.com September 25 - Sunday, 1:00 pm - Hadassah Area Metro Day at Citi Field - NY Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies (Final Home Mets Game of the 2016 Season). For tickets, go to: October 16 - Sunday Brunch - Save the Date for our first event ever in the Stonebridge Clubhouse featuring WOR Radio News Broadcaster, Shelly Strickller. Don't miss this event, including husbands, significant others, and guests - our program will be completed prior to the beginning of Sunday football! Please check future s for the Sunday Brunch Flyer to sign-up by tables or individually - details coming soon. October 20 - Thursday - Save the Date - Gift Wrapping Seminar, 9am - noon, Stonebridge Ballroom - then plan to participate in our Gift Wrapping Fundraiser in the Freehold Mall in late November through the end of December. October 30 - Sunday, 11 am - Myrtle Wreath Award Luncheon at Forsgate Country Club, Honoring Life Members. The 2016 Myrtle Wreath Honoree is Lauren Hirsh for her work in combating Human Trafficking. Also being honored are Women Who Do for their Chapters. Stonebridge proudly recognizes, Roberta Neutuch and Patty Winetz. Please check your recent s and the Sign-up Flyer which appears as well on page 11 of this Hamsa. Registration closes August 22 nd. November 29 - Tuesday - Save the Date - Manischewitz Matzoh Factory Trip in Newark, NJ Celebrate your Simcha by Sponsoring a General Meeting - Your $50 donation will help defray the costs of our meetings and your sponsorship will be recognized at the meeting. In addition, we will send a letter to the Simcha recipient, acknowledging that our Hadassah meeting was sponsored in their honor. To schedule your sponsorship, please contact Roberta Neutuch, neutuch@yahoo.com or Gay Kassan, gkassan101@gmail.com. Ongoing Outreach Project: Knit Witz - New projects are being started. Contact Shirley Zuk, (hmzuk@aol.com) if you would like to join the corps of knitters. All General Meetings are held at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 12 Halsey Reed Road Hadassah members from all chapters are welcome to General Meetings, Non-Member Guest fee: $5.00 Study groups and certain events are for Stonebridge members only, except where noted 3

4 Membership News Judy Freilich and Barbara Levine Membership Co-Vice Presidents We would like to welcome the following women to Hadassah at Stonebridge. They have become part of our chapter since the last quarterly publication of Hamsa. Our newest members include: Resa Besserman, Phyllis Kaplan, Sheila Kushner, Elaine I. Levine, LouAnne Wolf, Judith Margulies, Carol Pomeranc, Madeline Weinstein, Karen Blitz, Helene Bremen, Esther Elting, Sharon Grossman, and Elana Tenenzapf. Welcome to our Chapter. The following women have transferred from other Chapters to the Stonebridge Chapter: Mollie Edelman, Kathy Galanty, Francine Kravitz, Barbara Premisler, and Karen Schneider. We welcome you to Hadassah at Stonebridge and look forward to seeing all of you at our next General Meeting on Tuesday, September 6 th at 7:00 pm. In addition, the following women have recently upgraded from Annual to Life Membership: Sally Goldstein, Ellyn Leiber, Carole Schneider, Bonnie Teman, Sharon Cohen, Ellen Adelson, Ethel Frankenthaler, and Janice Baer! Life Membership Promotion Available for all of 2016: Current 2015 members can upgrade to Life Membership for the reduced price of $ when they renew on or before their 2016 expiration date. Call Judy or Barbara for details or read it in your renewal information! Our Annual Summer Social was held on Tuesday, August 2 nd - More than 150 members and prospective members bonded, did some team building, laughed, and socialized while creating Stonebridge Hadassah s first Couture Fashion Show at the 6 th Annual Summer Social. The final runway results far exceeded our committee s expectations - and we believe the fun factor, exceeded our guests expectations! Thanks to everyone who helped and thanks to everyone who participated! 4

5 Programming/Outreach News Roberta Neutuch and Gay Kassan Programming/Outreach Co-Vice Presidents Just as our membership is growing, our attendance at our meetings seems to multiply. What a great opportunity to mingle with neighbors, hear about the latest Hadassah happenings, and enjoy our programs. Our committee had a hiatus for the past three months, while the Membership and Fundraising Committees planned exciting programs. Now we are back in full swing. Here s our lineup for the next three months: September 6 - Mark your calendar to attend our upcoming program on Tuesday, September 6 th, 7:00 pm, at the Monroe Township Senior Center when Marty Schneit will present, The Ziegfeld Girls...a symbol of the modern independent woman October - Jewish holidays (no program) November 1 - Gary Frolich of Genzyme will be flying in from California to talk about Jewish Genetic Diseases that can affect us. This is a meeting you will not want to miss. Our meetings would not be complete without the assistance of our Hospitality Committee. They help purchase and set up our refreshments and light snacks. New volunteers are always welcome - please call us! Outreach Projects: Rosh Hashana Food Collection Project - Items will be delivered to Jewish Family Services for distribution to needy families. You will receive an in the coming weeks with collection details. Knit Witz - Chaired by Shirley Zuk. This dedicated group of knitters spends countless hours knitting baby hats and blankets for distribution to local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, and Ronald McDonald House. Contact Shirley, hmzuk@aol.com to get involved. Magazine Collection -- This program, led by Maxine Stearn and Ann Steinberg, recently collected over 180 magazines that you donated. The magazines were delivered to local hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes. Please continue to hold onto your magazines (no more than 3 months old) for this quarterly project. A flyer with new collection dates will be sent out soon.. Mitzvah News Announced at our General Meetings: Announced at our May meeting: Karen Hyman celebrated the high school graduation of her grandson, Cameron Veizel. In June, Susan Pomerantz sponsored the Martin Fletcher lecture, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of her granddaughter, Talya Deutsch. Celebrate Your Mitzvah with Us! What better way to celebrate your mitzvah than to share the news with your Hadassah at Stonebridge family! Just sponsor one of our general meetings, and an announcement will be made in recognition of your mitzvah. To schedule your sponsorship, please contact Roberta Neutuch, neutuch@yahoo.com. 5

6 Fundraising Anne Hausman, Doris Entin and Sheila Hertz Fundraising Co-Vice Presidents On June 7 th, we held our second Annual Book & Author Event at the Monroe Township Senior Center. We were very privileged to have Martin Fletcher as our guest lecturer. More than 200 people came to hear this award-winning foreign correspondent regal us with tales of his 40+ years in the field, covering very exciting, and often dangerous events. Mr. Fletcher worked for NBC for most of his career, and is now an independent correspondent. He made this change in his career so he could pursue his desire to become a writer. His most recent novel, The War Reporter, draws on his own experiences reporting wars in Bosnia and Sarajevo. After the presentation, our guests were treated to homemade desserts and beverages, as Mr. Fletcher signed books that audience members purchased. We were delighted to listen to Martin Fletcher, and hope to continue to have high caliber Book and Author events in the future. Total Fundraising Amount to July 2016 Tower Fund (reached goal) $ 2,000 HMO $ 5,560 HMO Pediatrics $ 1,500 HMO Gender Equality $ 1,400 Youth Aliyah $ 1,500 Every Beat Counts $ 500 Other Donations & Credits $ 2,922 TOTAL $ 15,352 Be Proud - You Are the Women Who DO!!! 6

7 Save the Date for our very first Sunday Brunch at the Stonebridge Clubhouse, on October 16 th -- Shelly Strickler, a multi-award winning broadcast journalist who has worked for more than a quarter century for WOR radio, will be our speaker. Ms. Strickler has won more than 50 awards during her career, including several from the New York Press Club, Associated Press, and Women in Radio and TV. She recently was honored with the Press Club s Presidents Award for outstanding work in the field and for her community service. Shelly will be discussing Naughty Boys in Politics with a question and answer session following her presentation, to include the upcoming elections. Make sure you do not miss this event that will include spouses, significant others, and friends. Look for our flyer and more details coming soon! Get Ready for Gift-Wrapping - Save the Date - October 20 th 9:00 am - 12 noon in the Stonebridge Ballroom to learn the basics of expert wrapping and creative bow decorating from our experts as they teach us their secrets, so we can all participate in our gift-wrapping fundraiser in the Freehold Mall, starting in late-november thru the end of December. Save the Date - November 29 th for our trip to the Manischewitz Matzoh Factory in Newark - details coming soon - it will be fun and informative! If you would like to work with us on the Fundraising Committee or assist with any of these events, please contact us at annebjoe@aol.com. Without your help, we can t Put the Fun Back in Fundraising! Education News Patty Winetz and Barbara Nalitt Education, Co-Vice President The Education Committee is busy planning our beautiful Shabbat Together, to be held on Friday, September 23 rd at the Monroe Township Senior Center at 6:30 pm. This highly anticipated event (to include spouses and significant others) is chaired by Helene Cohen and brings together the traditions of old and new with blessings, readings, stories, songs, and of course a delicious Shabbat dinner. It is something you surely will not want to miss - but hurry - it is filling up fast! The Book Selection Committee met on Tuesday, July 26 th. Over twenty women read and discussed 12 different books they had pre-read. After much discourse, four books were selected for the upcoming year. For those of you who want to get started reading, they are listed below with the dates of the discussions. We are always looking for facilitators, as well as hostesses, for these stimulating evening discussions. October 26 - January 26 - April 27 - June 22 - The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman Orphan #8 by Kim VanAkemade The Night The Day by Andrew Kane Modern Girls by Jennifer S. Brown We are currently working on the movies we will view throughout the year. If you have any suggestions on the four movies we ultimately will choose, please let us know your interests. We want "Hadassah at the Movies" to be fun and enjoyable, but one which will give us an opportunity for a stimulating discussion following each movie. 7

8 The Power of Our Dreams: Hadassah 98th National Convention Iris Altschuler, Rhoda Cutler, Karen Hyman, and Susan Pomerantz were Hadassah at Stonebridge s delegates to the 98 th National Convention which took place in Atlanta, GA on July th. These women connected and networked with like-minded women, learned new leadership skills, and celebrated Hadassah Women Who DO. In addition, they explored shifts in women's leadership at the Knesset, at the UN, and in Washington, D.C. They were inspired by speakers on gender equity in medical research, Israeli security, and advocate for women s health. They each participated in a live session of Hadassah's provocative Defining Zionism in the 21st Century series featured in the Presidents Message this month. Following a celebratory Opening Gala Ceremony, Convention Plenaries featured prominent speakers and experts who addressed critical issues of today: Israeli security; Zionism in the 21st century; Gender Equity in Medical Research (GEM); and, of course, an update about the strides we have helped make possible at Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO). Rhoda stated, "What an inspiring week: 900 plus bright and dedicated women came together from all over the US. Together we lived Henrietta Szold's credo when you dream, dream big. We were thrilled to hear about the exciting research Hadassah Medical Organization is doing in finding cures for ALS, MS, Parkinson's, Alzheimers, and Macular Degeneration. Outstanding Achieving the Dream breakout sessions covered a diversity of topics including Hadassah at the UN featuring an Israeli Diplomat; international global outreach; groundbreaking HMO medical research; women in the Knesset with former Speaker Dalia Itzik; young Jewish leadership presented by the Hadassah Foundation; your personal legacy with Barbara "BG" Goldstein from the Hadassah Office in Israel; transforming children's lives through Youth Aliyah; Young Judaean leadership, combating human trafficking; keeping Israel safe, behind the Iron Dome and more. Karen was especially touched as she listened again to the story of a woman, who while visiting Israel was severely injured by a bus. The damage to her foot was devastating. As the audience watched a video about her wonderful treatment at Hadassah Hospital, this very same women, appeared live, in person, running to the stage in heels, and Karen remarked, it was mind-blowing, impressive, and uplifting to watch her and to hear her speak about her experience. She also attended a workshop about combating BDS and finding ways to verbally fight this movement that attempts to delegitimize the State of Israel. Iris added, BDS on campus is a grave concern. Susan stressed that invaluable workshops sent us home brimming with ideas and energized to get involved. Hands-on training included a choice of building membership; coordinating a Day in the District; how to combat BDS; public relations boot camp; and treasurers' training. Our members learned so much. 8

9 Letty Cottin Pogrebin and her daughter, delighted the audience. Letty stated, I wish more Jewish women would own their own views more forcefully and publicly and would raise their voices more assertively on all issues, particularly those that are important to women. I wish more Jewish women would be less well-behaved when it comes to the struggle against the sexism and patriarchal tendencies of the Jewish community and against right-wing backlash, especially the Conservatives' erosion of reproductive rights. Every society honors its live conformists and its dead troublemakers. Each Jewish woman should strive to become a live troublemaker and a strong activist on behalf of gender justice. All four attendees admired Ms. Progrebin and were delighted that Pogrebin recognized Hadassah for its unapologetic devotion to women's rights, dignity, equality, health, and well-being and for its support of Hadassah Hospital, an institution that, thankfully and admirably, cares for the sick and injured without regard for race, religion or nationality. In addition Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar and Emmy Award-winning actress, NY Times best-selling author, singer, entrepreneur and businesswoman, received Hadassah's "The Power of Our Dreams" Award on Monday, July 25 th. Gwyneth Paltrow stated, "I am deeply honored to be recognized by such an esteemed and world-renowned organization as Hadassah. I am inspired by their advocacy on behalf of health and social issues that are important to women, and the research performed at Hadassah's two premier hospitals in Jerusalem that have benefitted thousands of people around the world." The four women without doubt, encourage more of our members to attend national events which they felt invigorated the group and kindled the strong desire to continue the work we do at Hadassah at Stonebridge. Karen felt that the convention exceeded her expectations and was all that she expected and more! 9

10 Hadassah at Stonebridge Officers and Board Members January - December 2016 Co-Presidents Susan Pomerantz Karen Hyman Membership, Co-VPs Judy Freilich Barbara Levine Fundraising, Co-VPs Anne Hausman Doris Entin Sheila Hertz Education and Study Groups, Co-VPs Patty Winetz Barbara Nalitt Programming/Outreach, Co-VPs Roberta Neutuch Gay Kassan Communications, Co-VPs Gloria Meyer Ellen Adelson Co-Treasurers Diane Needelman Cindy Block Recording Secretary Lisa Fischer Corresponding Secretary Bobbi Schwartzberg Board Members at Large Helene Cohen Sharon Cohen Bea Grossberg Betty Henkel Andi Mitzner Edie Vigdor Founding Co-Presidents Emeriti: Glenda Beller and Suzy Klein-Eisner Executive Vice President Lynn Bender Membership Committee Helene Cohen, Sharon Cohen, Michele Greenfield Fundraising Committee: Ellen Adelson, Jane Bloom, Mollie Brod, Phyllis Cossin, Jane Cutler, Marlene Diamond, Flo Emin, Marsha Fais, Ruth Fagin, Lisa Fischer, Sally Goldstein, Joyce Gorsky, Michelle Greenfield, Joyce Honig, Andrea Lasker, Rene Leffler, Melanie Margolis, Barbara Sambol, Karen Sulzman, Edie Vigdor Education & Study Groups Committee Irene Baden, Roz Blinder, Flo Emin, Judy Freilich, Sheila Hertz, Susan Klein, Barbara Levine, Vivian Newmark, Susan Pomerantz, Bobbie Schwartzberg, Judy Spiegel Programs & Community Outreach Committee Cindy Block, Anita Gore, Carol Kallman, Sylvia Lynn, Nancy Mayrowetz, Judy Rubenstein, Lynn Schutzberg, Karen Slater, Maxine Stearn, Ann Steinberg, Marion Weitz Communications Committee: Helene Cohen, Sharon Cohen Historian: Irene Baden Past President: Rhoda Cutler HAMSA Gloria Meyer Ellen Adelson Co-Editors HADASSAH, THE WOMEN'S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. 10

11 2016 MYRTLE WREATH LUNCHEON REGISTRATION Myrtle Wreath Honoree Lauren Hersh Combating Human Trafficking Around the World & In Our Backyard HADASSAH Power of Women Who DO Chapter Awards Honoring Roberta Neutuch and Patty Winetz Forsgate Country Club October 30, 2016 Region Board Meeting 10 am Registration 10:15 am-11:30 am Seating 11:30 am Registration is due August 22, 2016 or at CAPACITY Submit registration form(s) and check(s) early to ensure seating Place checks in the bottom mailbox of Karen Hyman, 15 Monarch Road Name Chapter Portfolio Phone Member ($42) Non-Member ($50) Children 13 & under ($18) Luncheon Menu Please select one entrée and one dessert Moroccan Salmon w/quinoa and vegetables (gluten free) Spinach & Feta Quiche w/vegetable medley Tuna salad plate Kids meal- Pasta and Sauce Glatt Kosher Fish Meal Gluten free dessert (dietary restriction) Warm Apple Strudel w/vanilla & raspberry sauce Please include any allergies: 11

12 [ ] $15 a month [ ] $30 a month [ ] $ a month or [ ] quarterly [ ] once a year for [ ] $180 [ ] $360 [ ] $ payable by December 31st each year NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Check enclosed (make payable to Hadassah) Charge my donation: MC Visa AmEx Discover I wish to donate Israel Bonds or stock or IRA distribution as payment for my Chai Society gift. Go to hadassah.org/dyd to read about doubling your donation by your company. Your chapter will receive goal credit. Please fill out form and mail to: Hadassah, Attn: Donor Services PO Box 1100 New York, NY or call or chaisociety@hadassah.org or donate online at hadassah.org/chaisociety NAME ADDRESS PHONE NO. CITY/STATE/ZIP ADDRESS We welcome all members, Associates and Hadassah supporters to invest in the future of Israel and medicine by joining Chai Society. YES, I WANT TO JOIN HADASSAH S CHAI SOCIETY! I d like to support: [ ] Hadassah [ ] Medicine & Healthcare [ ] Medical Research [ ] Youth Aliyah [ ] Young Judaea Scholarships [ ] U.S. Initiatives [ ] Other SIGNATURE By checking one of the above monthly, quarterly or annual payment options, I agree that my credit card will continue to be charged each year as directed above and that this authorization for automatic debit remains in effect until I cancel or transfer my method of payment. I agree to notify Hadassah upon the expiration or cancellation of the above credit card and to supply Hadassah with updated credit card or other payment information. I understand that I may cancel the automatic renewal payment option at any time by contacting Hadassah 12