NEWS & INFORMATION FALL 2019 | ELUL - KISLEV 5779/80 kaleidoSCOPE

Connection is Power

e con·nec·tion/k 'nekSH( )n/e

1. the act or state of connecting 2. the state of being connected 3. anything that connects; a connecting part; link; bond 4. association; relationship 5. a circle of friends or associates or a member of such a circle

In 2002, Jamie Armin became involved with Hadassah in Massachusetts because she was looking for a Jewish women’s organization. With a background in education and an emphasis in health science and working with at-risk students, Jamie shares, “my background was a natural match with Hadassah’s work in health research, Youth Aliyah, and stem cell research.” Jamie held a variety of positions at the local level including membership chair, book club chair and president. When the time came to move west to California, Jamie reached out to the local Northern Area offi ce and was told about a new group forming in the San Fernando Valley area where she would be able to connect with other like-minded Hadassah women and put her leadership skills into action. Thanks to Jamie’s background, commitment to Hadassah, and her outgoing personality, she found a home in the new, soon to be chartered group, Ruach, and will be installed as the fi rst president.

Originally from New York, Roni Splatnick lived in various locations on the east coast before settling in Saskatchewan, Canada, and becoming involved in Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organization). A loyal member, Roni and her husband moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she transferred her membership to Hadassah and four years later relocated to Palm Desert. It was here that Roni found her way to Sabra Hadassah of the Desert and made an immediate connection with other women who shared similar values and interests. Not long after joining the group, Roni jumped into a leadership position where she became

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WHO WE ARE Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to the land, the people, and the future of Israel. Through education, advocacy, and youth development, and its support of medical care and research at Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah enhances the health and lives of people in Israel, the United States and worldwide.

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT AREA CONTACT INFORMATION HADASSAH SABRA OF THE DESERT DESERT/EAST AREA Rosh Hashanah is a time of renewal, Cindy Hailpern, President Michelle Shahon, Area Director an opportunity for a fresh start. Hadassah Desert/East Area PO Box 11979 It is a time when we resolve to have a better year. Palm Desert, CA 92255-1979 ph (760) 327-7059 fax (310) 247-0607 Each of us has unlimited potential and capacity for greatness. [email protected] Each of us has a unique set of skills and talents that when applied HAWAII properly, can have a monumental impact. This Rosh Hashanah let us Andrea Snyder, Hawaii President ph (808) 265-3559 commit to using our individual strengths to make a difference. [email protected] LONG BEACH/ORANGE COUNTY AREA Through Hadassah you can connect to a community of 300,000 members, and that Dorie Rogers, President connection is power—the power: Michelle Shahon, Area Director Hadassah Long Beach/Orange County Area • to fight for Jewish values and social justice, PO Box 881 • for the things you are about, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 ph (562) 430-5055 fax (310) 247-0607 • for quality healthcare in Israel and around the world, [email protected] • for women’s rights, METRO LOS ANGELES AREA Maureen Bernstein and Mitra Irani, Co-Presidents • to fight against anti-Semitism, and so much more! Hazel Gordon, Area Director Hadassah Metro Area Choose to positively influence the next 365 days with kindness, joy and strength! Amelia & Mark Taper Hadassah House 455 S. Robertson Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90211 All of us at Hadassah wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year! ph (310) 276-0036 fax (310) 247-0607 [email protected] L’Shanah Tovah, NORTHERN AREA (VALLEYS) Gabrielle Clayman and Fay Thaw, Co-Presidents Rachel Charnick, Area Director Debbie Kessler Hadassah Northern Area 20350 Ventura Blvd. Suite 220 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 ph (818) 887-1912 fax (818) 887-1913 [email protected] FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAN DIEGO AREA Lori Good and Joan Rosenberg, Co-Presidents From the day I began working for Hadassah, the concept of Deena Feinman, Area Director “connection” was quite evident. I observed it in how our Hadassah San Diego Area 4950 Murphy Canyon Road members interact with each other and enjoy deep lasting San Diego, CA 92123 friendships, how our doctors in Israel relate to their patients, ph (858) 268-3200 fax (858) 268-3299 how our staff members work hard for the mission, and how [email protected] generously our donors give to the organization. HEADQUARTERS HADASSAH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA How does this happen, this concept of connection? Perhaps it Debbie Kessler, President was the foundation our founder Henrietta Szold created in 1912 Lauren Rothman, Executive Director when she called for practical Zionism, proactive work to help meet Neil Fischer, Director of Operations, Administration and Technology the health needs of Palestine’s people. More than 100 years later, Henrietta’s motivation Harriett Zeitlin, Director of Development, of Jewish women engaged in a feet-on-the ground approach is still today what connects Western and Desert Mountain Regions us together. Ian Merles, Annual Giving Officer, West Coast Amelia & Mark Taper Hadassah House 455 S. Robertson Boulevard What is your personal connection to Hadassah? Is it our medical research, our treatment Beverly Hills, CA 90211 of all patients that walk through our hospital doors, the cures to diseases that affect ph (310) 276-0036 fax (310) 247-0607 those we love? [email protected] www.hadassah.org/southerncalifornia As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I invite you to look deep within your soul for opportunities to connect even more with the people you care about, to connect even kaleidoSCOPE Published by Hadassah Southern California more to Hadassah’s life-changing work and to connect even more with the world around you and leaving your personal imprint. Editor: Terry Whitten [email protected] Thank you for all you do for Hadassah and may you experience a Rosh Hashanah filled Staff Editor: Michelle Shahon [email protected] with peace and deep meaningful connections. Layout & Design: Mac Media, LLC Lauren Rothman hadassah.org/southerncalifornia

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Advocacy at the Forefront “The best way I know to assure women’s rights is to assert women’s rights.” This powerful statement was spoken by Hadassah National President Ellen Hershkin as she addressed the nearly one thousand attendees at Hadassah’s 99th National Convention this past July.

Hershkin’s words set the stage for a rally on the streets of Manhattan where the women of Hadassah raised their voices to support reproductive choice and culminated in a new policy statement on infertility. This included the reaffi rmation of pro-choice statements, protesting recent policy changes and proposals that are jeopardizing access to reproductive and preventive health services.

The new policy statement on infertility cites that one in eight couples in the United States have trouble getting and sustaining a pregnancy, and nearly 12% of women have received infertility services. Rates are higher in the Jewish community with infertility aff ecting one in six anti-hate education and to affi rm support for Israel and opposition to Jewish couples. anti-Semitism that must remain nonpartisan American values. Despite these statistics, access to fertility treatments are often An additional policy statement was passed to address the prohibitive due to limited insurance coverage, and many families humanitarian crisis at the border. It asserts that “as Jews we have incur debt or choose not to seek treatment due to fi nancial burden. a special understanding of the immigrant experience, especially Currently, Israel is the worldwide leader of in vitro fertilization, and refugees seeking safe haven from perilous circumstances in their Hadassah Medical Organization is also a leader in fertility treatment native countries,” and it affi rms that Hadassah is dedicated to health, and research. Hadassah’s new policy statement urges lawmakers human rights, and the advancement of human dignity in response to in the United States to expand access to and reduce the fi nancial this humanitarian crisis. burden on infertility screenings and treatments. Hadassah’s Policy Statements are debated and voted on by Hadassah’s In addition to women’s rights, Hadassah National Convention national board and delegates, and affi rm that Hadassah continues to addressed the disturbing increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric, threats, play a vigorous and vital role in American society. propaganda, and attacks. “The only way to fi ght anti-Semitism Visit Hadassah’s National Action Center is by waging an affi rmative battle for who we are,” said New York to fi nd a policy that matters to you! Times Opinion Editor Bari Weiss. Hadassah has expanded its policy statements to include details about the need for Holocaust and www.hadassah.org/advocate/national-action-center.html

CONNECT WITH HADASSAH AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ABOUT THE ISSUES YOU CARE ABOUT… WOMEN’S RIGHTS HEALTHCARE IN ISRAEL & THE US JEWISH VALUES & SOCIAL JUSTICE CONNECTION IS POWER Together, we have the power to heal the world. Annual membership is only $36 and helps Hadassah address key issues of the day. Help us connect with new members. hadassah.org/connect

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. ©2019 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah, the H logo and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

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HAD-KAL-Fall 2019.indd 3 8/26/19 3:59 PM Cutting-Edge Skin Cancer Treatment Hadassah Medical Organization Is Saving Lives

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and does not discriminate by age, race or gender. It is most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning salons. If diagnosed and treated early, melanoma is almost always curable, but if not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.

In 2012, Florida attorney, Stewart Greenberg, was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. His doctors told him to get his aff airs in order because he did not have much time left to live.

But Stewart’s life was about to take a diff erent turn. While in Jerusalem on a community mission, Stewart met with Dr. Michal Lotem, Head of the Center for Melanoma and Cancer Immunotherapy at Hadassah’s Sharett Institute of Oncology. Dr. Lotem, a trailblazer, has been conducting clinical trials with personalized melanoma vaccines for more than sixteen years, and Stewart soon joined the clinical trial. Unique in the world, the treatment involves matching patient tissue type and using the donor’s melanoma lines to create more cells, which are then irradiated and injected into the patient. The cells work like a vaccine, triggering the patient’s immune system.

“I want the world to know that Hadassah Hospitals are changing the way we fi ght cancer with cutting-edge new treatment protocols,” says Stewart.

“At Hadassah, the doctors are also interested in everything that is going on in your body, head to toe. Their priority is saving lives,” adds Stewart, “and the doctors are willing to go the extra mile for their patients.”

Another new development in the fi eld of skin cancer treatment at Hadassah, was the 2019 opening of the new Center for Dermatologic Surgery at Ein Kerem, headed by Professor Abraham Zlotogorski. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These types of skin cancers usually appear as a wound that doesn’t heal or becomes infected, or as a lesion that grows gradually and spreads. Two types of surgery are used to remove those skin tumors: conventional surgery or a treatment called Mohs surgery.

Named after the doctor who invented it, with Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the lesion only, without removing excess tissue, and sends the lesion to the lab next to the operating room for processing, which takes only a few minutes, instead of several weeks. Although the Mohs procedure takes more time than conventional surgery, the surgeon avoids cutting healthy tissue, resulting in a better aesthetic outcome and reduces the risk of recurrence and the need for repeat surgery for the same area.

We are fortunate that in November 2019, Stewart Greenberg will be touring extensively in Hadassah Southern California, where he will share details of his remarkable and inspiring experiences as a patient at Hadassah on the following dates:

• Friday, November 15, Greenberg will speak at “Miracles and Mimosas” a brunch in the Northern Valleys Area at Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake Village. • Sunday, November 17, the Long Beach/Orange County Area will host its 5th Annual “Latkes and Vodka” event at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana from 4:00-7:00PM. • Monday, November 18, the San Diego Area will host “Wine, Miracles and Chocolate” from 7:00-8:30PM at a private home in Del Mar.

For more information, to attend one of these events or make a gift, call your local area offi ce (see page 2). See fi rsthand Hadassah’s power to heal the world, one patient at a time. In addition, Greenberg will also be speaking at selected private fundraising events in Southern California (see box on right). hadassah.org/southerncalifornia

HAD-KAL-Fall 2019.indd 4 8/26/19 3:59 PM Facts& Figures

1. In 2019, melanoma is expected to take the lives of over 7,200 Americans.

2. More than 87,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year in the U.S.

3. The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape or color.

4. Sun damage to the skin is cumulative. Covering your skin with proper clothing is critical to preventing melanoma. A long-sleeved shirt and pants, wide brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck and wraparound sunglasses are a few recommended items to reduce exposure to the sun. “At Hadassah, the doctors are also interested in everything 5. Over 200 patients that is going on in your body, with metastatic melanoma head to toe. Their priority (melanoma that has spread) is saving lives, and the have been successfully treated over the past 18 years doctors are willing to in the Hadassah Melanoma go the extra mile for and Cancer Immunotherapy their patients.” Center at Hadassah Hospital. – Stewart Greenberg Melanoma Survior To fi nd out more about the private events, please contact Harriett Zeitlin, Director of Development, Western and Desert Mountain Regions at [email protected] or call 310-276-0036.

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Hadassah In Action: Impact from 2018

13,037 $178,500 Births at Hadassah Hospital— Associates raised for HMO the highest number ever at and Alzheimer’s Research HMO in one year

5,000 250+ In vitro fertilization (IVF) Hadassah advocates at Day on procedures provided by the Hill in 25 states and every Hadassah Hospital each year Hadassah region participated in to patients from Israel, the over 80+ meetings with Palestinian Authority and congressional representatives abroad—Israel provides free IVF until a woman has two babies or reaches age 45

97,649 1,400 Hospitalizations at Hadassah Letters to Congress from Hospital Hadassah members in 42 states

7,000 340 New, renewed, upgraded Life Participants on Hadassah and annual Hadassah members Missions to Israel—213% growth

161,513 6 National Hadassah Facebook Awards received by Hadassah page likes, comments, shares— Southern California at the 99th +35% growth from 2017 National Convention—the most received by any region or area in Hadassah

hadassah.org/southerncalifornia

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Connection is Power

Continued from Page 1

the program co-chair and later this fall will keep her updated on Hadassah’s medical Haifa group. Inspired by the organization, be installed as the 2020 area president. breakthroughs and the projects and Dallia became co-president of the Malka According to Roni, “I appreciate the programs it promotes. Currently, Evelyn group to “better help the community commitment, the good work and lives at Seacrest Village—a retirement through Hadassah and to make others the life-long friends that Hadassah is community in Encinitas that provides aware of what we do in Israel, in the U.S. known for.” independent senior living­—and a place and throughout the world.” Wanting to where she has met and formed friendships pass on the commitment and legacy of Evelyn Sherman, life member since with other Hadassah women. this dynamic organization, Dallia plans to 1958, has a long history with Hadassah continue the tradition and gift her three in Los Angeles. She was a member of Dallia Meshkani was gifted life membership children membership, making them a her mother’s group and participated in by her mother many years ago but was not 3-generation Hadassah family. their meetings, functions, luncheons, and ready to become active until 2014 when annual events. She remained supportive of she joined the Malka Group, one of two For these women, and so many others, this group until her mother passed away Persian groups in the Los Angeles area. Hadassah is the tie that binds them and continued as an active Hadassah After joining the group, Dallia immediately together helping to connect and weave member in a new group until her move to became involved with fundraising which the bonds of friendship and sisterhood. San Diego two years ago to be near to her included joint events with the established Hadassah is a place to empower and be grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Haifa group. Dallia became co-chair of the empowered. It is a place to advocate, “I am not ready to be active at this stage Party Books sales, as well as overseeing effect change and make your voice heard; of my life,” Evelyn explains, “but I want to several of the Malka group’s fundraising a place to make an impact. Hadassah is a continue my financial support of Hadassah events. She was empowered and motivated dynamic force which embodies all of this, and all the good work it does.” She enjoys by what she learned about Hadassah from and so much more. receiving e-mails and magazines which some of the seasoned members from the

CHARITABLE SOLICITATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. • 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor- New York, NY 10005 • Telephone: (212) 355-7900 Contributions will be used for the support of Hadassah’s charitable projects and programs in the U.S. and/or Israel including: medical relief, education and research; education and advocacy programs on issues of concern to women and that of the family; and support of programs for Jewish youth. Financial and other information about Hadassah may be obtained, without cost, by writing the Finance Department at Hadassah’s principal place of business at the address indicated above, or by calling the phone number indicated above. In addition, residents of the following states may obtain financial and/or licensing information from their states, as indicated. DC: The Certificate of Registration Number of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. is #40003848, which is valid for the period 9/1/2017-8/31/2019. Registration does not imply endorsement of the solicitation by the District of Columbia, or by any officer or employee of the District.FL : A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. (#SC-1298) AND HADASSAH MEDICAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION, INC. (#SC-4603) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA, OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. KS: The official registration and annual financial report of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. is filed with the Kansas Secretary of State. Kansas Registration #237-478-3.MD : A copy of the current financial statement of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. is available by writing 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10005, Att: Finance Dept., or by calling (212) 355-7900. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are also available for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. MI: Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. MICS #13005/Hadassah Medical Relief Association, Inc. MICS # 11986/The Hadassah Foundation, Inc. MICS #22965. MS: The official registration and financial information of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1(888) 236-6167.NJ : 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 AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs. gov/charity/chardir.htm. NY: You may obtain a copy of Hadassah’s Financial Report by writing to the Hadassah Finance Dept., 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10005. NC: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE, SOLICITATION LICENSING SECTION AT 919-807-2214 OR FOR NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS AT 1-888-830-4989. PA: The official registration and financial information of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., Hadassah Medical Relief Association, Inc., and The Hadassah Foundation, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1(800) 732-0999. VA: A financial statement of the organization is available from the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, Phone #1 (800) 552-9963, upon request. WA: Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., Hadassah Medical Relief Association, Inc. and The Hadassah Foundation, Inc. are registered with the Washington Secretary of State. Financial disclosure information is available from the Secretary of State. The toll-free phone number for Washington residents is 800-332-GIVE (800-332- 4483), OR 360-725-0378. The website is www.sos.wa.gov/charities. WV: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. ALL OTHER STATES: A copy of Hadassah’s latest Financial Report is available by writing to the Hadassah Finance Dept., 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10005. REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, SANCTION OR RECOMMENDATION BY ANY STATE. Charitable deductions are allowed to the extent provided by law. Hadassah shall have full dominion, control and discretion over this gift (and shall be under no legal obligation to transfer any portion of a gift to or for the use or benefit of any other entity or organization). All decisions regarding the transfer of funds to or for the benefit of any other entity or organization shall be subject to the approval of the Board or other governing body of Hadassah. ©2019 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

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HAD-KAL-Fall 2019.indd 7 8/26/19 4:00 PM NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE P A I D LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 5272 Amelia & Mark Taper Hadassah House 455 S. Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3603 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Be inspired by Hadassah’s new, SAVE THE DATE! comprehensive leadership program, Building Hadassah Community. Hadassah Southern California Winter Conference & Installation Morning keynote speaker: Elan Carr, Join a select group of U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism San Diego area women to engage Afternoon keynote speaker & Installing Officer: Rhoda Smolow, National Hadassah President-Elect in Hadassah’s mission and values. Sunday, December 8, 2019 To find out more, call 10:00 AM Check-in/10:30 AM Sharp, Program Hadassah San Diego: 858-268-3200 Luxe Sunset Hotel, Los Angeles

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hadassah Southern California 310.276.0036 [email protected]

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HAD-KAL-Fall 2019.indd 8 8/26/19 4:00 PM Shanah Tovah