ALISA CHAPTER HADASSAH BULLETIN VOL XXII JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 We are the women who DO We are ALISA As our Jewish Year 5778, continues, we wish you all a Happy and Healthy Secular New Year, 2018. May the joys of 5778 continue for all of you. Your Bulletin Editors, Joanne, Sheila & Eileen MONDAY JANUARY 15, 2018 Congregation Beit Shalom 1:00P.M. Historian, SANFORD WERFEL will talk about Vera Atkins, her blood chilling encounters & spell-binding Life Vera Atkins, despite her posh English accent and her adoration of all things upper class and British, was a Romanian Jew with the family name Rosenberg. In 1941, she was recruited by a top-secret agency, the Special Operations Executive, where she ended up overseeing a network of British spies operating in France. All are Welcome Refreshments will be Served AS IS OUR GENERAL PRACTICE THERE WILL BE NO MEETING IN FEBRUARY 2018. STAY WARM AND SEE YOU AT OUR MARCH MEETING!! MONDAY MARCH 19, 2018 7:15P.M. Monroe Township Senior Center Michael Colby aka The Algonquin Kid Librettist-Lyricist-Writer Michael Colby is the author of the book, The Algonquin Kid, the true story of his childhood days at Manhattan s famous Algonquin Hotel. His story consists of a vivid tapestry of encounters with glittering Broadway, Hollywood, and recording stars. Michael will share his history with us through talks and powerpoint. All are Welcome Refreshments will be Served 1
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR ALISA CHAPTER PRESIDENTS QUOTE OF THE MONTH NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, THE WORD ITSELF SAYS I M POSSIBLE.Audrey Hepburn It is with great humility that we have accepted the positions of Co-Presidents of the Alisa Chapter. We are proud to be members of the elite group of leaders of Alisa who give so much of their time and hearts to the chapter. We know we will be relying on those who preceded us for their advice and support. 2017 has been a very successful year. We have many new members who have joined the chapter. We will be reaching out to them to discover their interests and how they want to join the Women Who Do! Claire and I and our Vice Presidents have many exciting plans for the coming year so STAY TUNED Hint: Study groups, Advocacy and Community Outreach and much more. We wish you and your families a Healthy and Happy New Year. Gail Reifenberg and Claire Lazar PRESIDENTS: Claire Lazar 655-3062 Gail Reifenberg 395-0429 VICE-PRESIDENT - EDUCATION: Ella Goldstein 235-9616 VICE-PRESIDENT - FUNDRAISING Claire Lazar 655-3062 VICE-PRESIDENTS - MEMBERSHIP: Ruth Sachs 860-0606 Evey Rabinowitz 655-0075 Natasha Rosenbaum (Records Adm) 409-7543 PROGAM VICE PRESIDENTS: Bunny Bloom 409-4498 Sheila Farber 732-780-7379 Sherry Freedman 619-3399 RECORDING SECRETARIES: Rita Swirsky 409-1722 Lillian Rich 409-1171 HISTORIAN: Maxine Stern 395-8757 ASSOCIATES LIASON Rhoda Juskow 409-0983 Gail Shinberg 409-5441 BOARD MEMBERS FINANCIAL CO(MMITTEE: Bernice Kernis (Treasurer) 409-6135 Bunny Bloom 409-4498 Hazel Cunninghis 655-4679 Arlene Ferman 860-1777 Joanne Ferstan 395-7532 Gloria Fine 395-0838 Sharon Nachimson 664-2745 Marilyn Taffet 860-8406 CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Diane Altman 860-1193 BULLETIN: Eileen Carpenter 664-2877 Sheila Farber 732-780-7379 Joanne Ferstan 395-7532 GOOD & WELFARE Millie Semel 409-1578 HOSPITALITY Robert Fachler 860-6479 Martha Gelb 395-0582 Linda Skupp 642-8182 IT (Technology) Eileen Carpenter 664-2877 2
The following statement went out to the media, and was posted on our national website and Facebook page, following yesterday's (December 7, 2017) announcement. We applaud the US Administration for its historic recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel for the first time in seven decades. Hadassah has always viewed Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel, and reaffirms its unwavering support for a united Jerusalem. All democracies have the ability to choose their own capital, and so too must Israel. Its government buildings including the Knesset and the Supreme Court have been located in the city of Jerusalem since the country declared its independence in 1948. Historically and politically, spiritually and culturally, Jerusalem represents the heart and soul of the Jewish people. Our two hospital campuses lie within the holy city, and have transcended politics for nearly 100 years by offering top-notch medical care to anyone in need regardless of religion, race or national origin. Only under Israeli sovereignty has Jerusalem and its religious sites been open to all people. Hadassah Medical Organization has served, and will continue to serve, as a beacon of peace in the region. We offer our sincere hope for calm throughout the region during this transition. We applaud the recognition of the city we hold so dear, and continue to advocate for a peaceful solution where all can live in safety and security. We are non-partisan. We have members in every Congressional District who cross the political spectrum and represent all streams of Judaism, yet we all keep Jerusalem in our collective minds and hearts. B'Shalom, Ellen Hershkin Hadassah National President Incoming presidents, Gail Reifenberg and Claire Lazar with Carol Charen, Regional Excecutive Vice President as Installing Officer. 3
Dear Hadassah Family and Friends, We would like to take this opportunity to thank these additional members who have sent in pledge donations for Medical Research at Hadassah Medical Organization. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. We thank you for your continued support. Happy, Healthy New Year. Judy Gerstein, Arlene Ferman and Gail Shinberg Phyllis Soffer Sylvia M. Toronto Salome & Aron Nadel (in memory of Norman Brotman) Ella Goldstein THERE WERE NO SIMCHA CAKE NOTICES FROM OUR OCTOBER MEETING NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEETING SIMCHAS Lillian & Martin Rich Our 65 th anniversary November 8 Lillian & Martin Rich In honor of my granddaughter, Ally s 25 th birthday Merna Levinthal Congratulations to the new Officers and the new Board Merna Levinthal Cousin Greta s 90 th Birthday Merna Levinthal In honor of Lois Flamholz s special birthday Marilyn Taffet To thank the lunch bunch call girls Karen Mandel, Roberta Fachler and Paula Siegal for a job well done! Roberta & Larry Fachler In honor of Aunt Shirley coming to America from Poland 90 years ago Roberta & Larry Fachler In honor of the Birthdays of our daughters-in-law Jessica & Kathy Roberta & Larry Fachler Our 53 rd wedding Anniversary Roberta Fachler Husband, Larry s birthday Roberta Fachler Grandson, Mark s 20 th birthday and Niece, Michelle s Birthday Bernice & Irving Kernis To honor our son in his new position in medicine Bernice & Irving Kernis Happy Chanukah & Congratulations to all five on their ALL A s report card. Carol Charen In honor of my daughter, Hillary and her new career Sara Fisher In honor of my Grandson, Ethan Messeri s 16 th birthday Ella Goldstein Granddaughter, Natalie s 21 st birthday Judy Gerstein Grandson, Brian s Bar Mitzvah and my Birthday Lois Flamholz In honor of my special birthday Zahava Lieblich In celebration of my birthday Tiby Lapkin In honor of Lois s powerful presentation Thank you to all the wonderful people who helped make our Wine and Cheese Party a great success. Sorella Schiller, who led our Rosh Chodesh portion, Bernice and Irv Kernis, who offered their home, and everyone else who pitched in to set up, serve and clean up afterwards. Gail Reifenberg, Tiby Lapkin, Gloria Fine, Joanne Ferstan and anyone else I might have forgotten. Submitted by Maxine Stern This note was received from a member of Alisa Hadassah: "My daughter, a Life Member of Hadassah, has knitted over 40 baby hats; and I have added about 20 more hats, as well. It is our pleasure to work on this project." Todah rabah (many thanks) to Harriet Cohen (and her daughter!). Submitted by Arlene Lazar 4
SAVE THE DATE MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018-1:00 PM MONTHLY MEETING Sanford Werfel, Historian, will speak about Vera Atkins, a Romanian Jew who in 1941 became overseer of a network of British spies in France. At Congregation Beit Shalom. SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2018 MAH JONGG CARDS Last day to send in Mah Jongg card requests. See flyer on page 8. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 Time To be Announced Location to be announced. RSVP Marilyn Taffet 860-8406 LUNCH BUNCH **TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018 1:30 PM TU B SHEVAT SEDER Celebrate Tu B Shvat, Jewish Arbor Day with a Seder led by Sheila Farber-no cooking necessary! Prepayment of $8 and reservation placed in Lockbox #19 at GW marked Attn: Tu B Shvat or Mail to Greenbriar at Whittingham; 100 Whittingham Drive; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Attn: Lockbox 19/Tu B Shvat. Questions call Ella Goldstein 235-9616 or Email ellangoldstein@gmail.com. See flyer page 8 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 1:30 MOVIE View the movie, Denial based on the book by Debra Lipstadt, History on trial: my day in court with holocaust denier. At 19 Westboro Lane. Space is limited so registration required. Questions and/or RSVP Ella 235-9616 or email ellangoldstein@gmail.com. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018 - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018 Time To be Announced Location to be announced. RSVP Marilyn Taffet 860-8406 NO MONTHLY MEETING LUNCH BUNCH **TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 1:30 PM BARBARA KRASNER Barbara Krasner will present the topic How To Discover Your Jewish Ancestors. Location TBA. Questions call Ella Goldstein 235-9616 or Email ellangoldstein@gmail.com MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2018-7:15 PM - MONTHLY MEETING Michael Colby, aka The Algonquin Kid author of a book by the same title detailing his growing up at the Algonquin Hotel, will share his thoughts with us. Everyone welcome. Refreshments will be served. At Monroe Township Senior Center. SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2018```1:30 PM (ASSOCIATES EVENT)ISRAEL S 70 th YEAR Celebrate the 70 th anniversary of the rebirth of the State of Israel at Monroe Township Senior Center Couvert $18.00 per person. Guest speaker, Marvin Goldman, president of The Israel Airline Museum,. Checks made out to Hadassah and mailed to Larry Gelb, 328 A Quinton Drive, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 (Note: Please do not place checks in Lockbox 19).??Julie/Larry @ 655-5308 or Gail @409-5441. See flyer on page 9. SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018 THEATRE/DINNER PARTY See Rumors at Playhouse 22 then dinner at La Capannina for $49.00pp. RSVP: Marilyn Taffet 860-8406. See flyer page 9 PLEASE NOTE: When submitting your check for an event, please clearly label the event on the outside of your envelope. ** Indicates those Judy Brodman Education programs where donations to Hadassah are appreciated. Please be courteous to your fellow members and inform the appropriate chairperson if you are unable to attend a program. This will allow someone on the waiting list to attend. 5
Good and Welfare Membership in the Alisa Chapter is like being a member of a family. We want to know and acknowledge member happenings, i.e. simchas, illnesses, and deaths. If you know of something affecting one of our members please notify one of our presidents. They will then notify our good and welfare chair and if needed, our IT chair to take the appropriate action(s). This would also be a good time for you to extend a personal greeting to your friend by contacting one of our card, certificate and tree ladies: Millie Semel - 609-409-1578 Florence Weiss - 609-409-1924 Rhoda Lesser - 609-409-9557 Harriet Cohen - 609-860-5953 Most cards are $2.00. If you want Alisa Hadassah to mail the card for you there will be a fee (generally $1). If you want a calligraphic certificate or tree Dorothy Brotman is the lady to call 609-409-0578. Certificates range in price from $6.00 and up. At this time we wish to extend our condolences to the family of Marjorie Joseph, z.l., our previous Good and Welfare Chair, she will be sorely missed. Millie Semel is now our chairperson and we thank her for volunteering. GET WELL: Lois Flamholz Lois Gallop Merna Levinthal Gail Shinberg CONDOLENCES: The family of Marjorie Joseph The family of Rhoda Schneier Rhoda Jacobs on the loss of her husband Howard Senator Linda Greenstein on the loss of her husband Michael Dorothy Kartzman, on the loss of her husband, Ted Claire Lazar on the loss of her sister, Shirley Nagler ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS REMEMBRANCE z l May their memories be for a blessing. DECEMBER WE REMEMBER: Alfred Bloom Husband 12/14/2016 Bunny Bloom JANUARY WE REMEMBER: David Jon Braverman Son 12/14/2014 Bobbi/Marvin Braverman Goldie Futterman Mother 1/3/1996 Millie Auerbach Louis Futterman Father 1/30/1996 Millie Auerbach FEBRUARY WE REMEMBER: Albert A. Altman Husband 2/28/1999 Diane Altman Betty Bleich Mother 2/18/1997 Diane Altman Audrey Bresalier Wife 2/8/2016 Paul Bresalier Dina Malka Goldman Mother 2/17/1982 Bobbi Braverman Rose Langdon Mother 2/13/2004 Arlene Lazar Carl Orkin Father 2/18/1990 Evey Rabinowitz Jerry Rabinowitz Husband 2/19/2006 Jan Zelevansky Ellis Taffet Husband 2/17/2017 Marilyn Taffet Howard L. Zelevansky Husband 2/9/2006 Jan Zelevansky If you like getting our emails, but just don t want to hear about Regret Notifications, we hear you and can help. Just send an email to: alisa.hadassah.email@gmail.com or call Eileen Carpenter at 664-2877. We will stop the Regret emails from going to you. 6
Membership News RENEWALS: Abby Diamondstein Arlene Sable MEMBERSHIP We Recognize our. TRANSFERS Linda Garfinkel We are pleased to welcome our new and transfer members to Alisa Hadassah. We hope to see you at our functions. When you do come, please introduce yourselves. We hope you will become involved in our chapter's committees, programs and many functions. We are planning to have a tea for new and prospective members in the near future. If we have not contacted you or you know of anyone who is interested, please call Evey Rabinowitz at 609-655- 0075. On August 6th, 2018 we'll be having our Membership Appreciation Event in the Greenbriar Whittingham's ballroom. Hold the date as we are going to honor our Myrtle Wreath honoree(s) and all of you. We will have a light dinner, and then have a tremendously fun entertainment experience. Happy Chanukah and a healthy and joyful New Year. Ruth is in Florida, so contact Evey with any questions or suggestions. NEW MEMBERS: Patricia Miller NEW ASSOCIATES David Zale Ruth Sachs and Evey Rabinowitz, Membership Vice-Presidents Please place renewals for membership in Lockbox 19 OR mail to Natasha Rosenbaum; 113 Birmingham Lane, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. Please do not send directly to National. Thank you for your cooperation. Florida reunion The reunion will be on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at the Delray Beach Golf Club. When flyers become available, we will send an eblast. For questions call Anita Pollack at 908-812-9664. Our 2017 Myrtle Wreath Recipients at Membership Appreciation (L to R) Marilyn Gerstein and Ruth Sachs. Presented by former president Joanne Ferstan Hazel Cunninghis being honored for her years served as Treasurer. Accompanied by presidents who worked with her (Lto R) Rita Pearlman, Bunny Bloom, Rita Swirsky, Hazel Cunninghis, Joanne Ferstan & Marilyn Gerstein. 7
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UN Partition Plan at 70 Wednesday, Nov 29 2017 www.hadassah.org News & Stories The 1947 UN Partition Plan would be one of the final hurdles in ending a 2000-year exile for the Jews. Zionists around the world rejoiced as the news came in. The majority of UN member states believed in establishing a state for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland. Though all UN General Assembly resolutions are in reality more recommendation than law, this resolution gave the Jewish Agency the last push in its many steps toward statehood. Israel declared independence just six months later. It also established the idea of two states for two peoples. The plan was not without flaws; both Jews and Arabs would have to give up territory in order to bring the two-state partition to fruition. The Jews accepted the plan, and the Palestinians, backed by the Arab League, rejected it. To date, no reconciliation plan has been successful. And while we know that Israel's near 70-year history has been marred with immeasurable conflict and strife, we mark this anniversary with joy. This coming May, we will kvell at all the many accomplishments our young country has made. Medicine, science, hi-tech, the arts, you name it Israel has advanced it. The Partition Plan, in its way, represented so much of Hadassah's mission and work coming to fruition: The Zionist dream we interminably worked for was recognized by the United Nations. Zionism would no longer be merely a far-off aspiration; it would be a reality. Additionally, the Partition Plan provided a place for both Jews and Arabs to live in dignity and security. Henrietta Szold believed steadfastly in two things: first and foremost, the right of the Jews to have a state in the land of Israel, and, secondly, that all living in that land deserved top-notch medical care regardless of race, religion or ethnicity. When the Arab League rejected the plan outright and the Jews embraced it, there was great unrest. Arab troops blocked the access road to Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, as well as Hebrew University. In an effort to get much needed medical personnel and equipment to the hospital, Hadassah sent a convoy of 105 people, two ambulances, medical and military equipment, escorted by two Haganah (pre-state Israeli military forces) armored vehicles through the only remaining narrow road through an Arab neighborhood. The convoy was ambushed, and 79 were brutally murdered. This is a profoundly tragic moment in our organization's history, made ever more bitter by the fact that Henrietta Szold welcomed all patients without discrimination. While the battle for Independence raged, Hadassah clinics helped the wounded and infirm, and served as a diplomatic model for the possibility of coexistence. To this day, the Hadassah Medical Organization provides care to anyone in need and strives to be a beacon of peace in the region. We know that even though we have a strong state of Israel, Zionism's mission is not over. We engage in practical Zionism every day through philanthropic endeavors, efforts to engage our members in learning about Zionism, Judaism and Israel advocacy, we provide paths to making Aliyah, and programs for young people to go to Israel for a gap year to deepen their connections to Israel and Zionism, to name a few. So on November 29, 2017, the 70th anniversary of the plan that would inscribe our claim to statehood, we recognize the complexities of our history as we mark this day with pride. 10
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 609-409-6764 Lois Flamholz 609-860-9446 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 860-1981 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 CARDS are $2.00. If you wish us to stamp and mail them, it is $3.00. CERTIFICATES start at $6.00, TREES at $18.00. To order call: Millie Semel 409-1578 Florence Weiss 409-1924 Rhoda Lesser 409-9557 Harriet Cohen 860-5953 A beautiful calligraphy-inscribed certificate or tree certificate in denominations of $18.00 or above can be ordered from: Dorothy Brotman 409-0578. CARDS AND CERTIFICATES ARE SOLD AT EVERY MEETING COMMUNITY OUTREACH UPDATE 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 (609-409-2749) for instructions. Anyone going to Israel, please call Arlene to let her know. 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 www.hadassah.org/alisa under the section Announcements. Cost $2 per name.??? Diane Altman 609-860-1193. PLEASE NOTE: The only authorized Alisa Chapter representatives to sell cards, certificates, trees, and Mah Jongg cards are those listed in the bulletin. We appreciate your continued support. 11
Alisa Hadassah 45 Westminster Drive Monroe Twp., N.J. 08831 DATED MATERIAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Freehold, N.J. Permit No. 351 CURRENT RESIDENT OR 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) 504-6215. 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 1-809-HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. SHABBAT & HOLIDAY CANDLE LIGHTING TIME: 12/22 @4:17; 12/29 @4:22; 1/5/2018 @4:28; 1/12 @4:35; 1/19 @4:43; 1/26 @4:51; 2/2 @4:59; 2/9 @5:08; ; 2/16 @5:16; 2/23 @5:25; 3/2 @5:32 ; 3/9 @5:40 REMINDER: PLEASE DO NOT CONDUCT HADASSAH BUSINESS ON SHABBAT OR HOLIDAYS Please Note: If you wish to ensure that your purchase of cards, certificates, trees and Mah Jongg cards will go to support the Alisa Chapter of Hadassah, the only authorized representatives to sell these items are listed in this bulletin. We appreciate your continued support. Watch for Region Raffle Tickets in the mail starting in December. The proceeds from the raffle are used to support Hadassah s humanitarian efforts. NOT GETTING YOUR EMAILS?? Did you give us your email address, but are not receiving emails? You may be getting spammed. The best thing to do is to go into your computer (not iphone or ipad) and log into your mail server. You can tell what your server is by your email address.for example jane@gmail.com uses www.gmail.com, jane@comcast.net uses www.comcast.net, jane@yahoo.com uses www.yahoo.com etc. Add a contact with the following email address: alisa.hadassah.email@gwmonroeclubs.com. You can use any name you like, but that must be the email address. This will tell the server this address is a friend, and they should let the mail through. And.even if you are not having a problem, add this contact anyway to avoid future potential problems. Questions..please contact Eileen Carpenter (IT Chairperson ) OR email us at alisa.hadassah.email@gmail.com. 12