Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 HADASSAH BULLETIN News fro m THE WESTPORT CHAPTER OF HADASSAH For more information visit our website at www.hadassah.org or our Facebook page Go Green!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Presidents’ Message 2 Board Listing 2 Fall Fundraiser 3 Community Outreach 3 Media Club 4 Hadassah on the Road 4 Women in Business 4 Chapter II 4 Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping 4 Membership 5 Caring 5 Cards 5 Advocacy 6 Education 7 Metro Area Symposium 7 Dates to Remember 8

Want to meet people and get more involved in Hadassah? Membership co-chair needed! Contact Michelle Saunders at [email protected] for more information.

©2017 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

Community Outreach

ISSUE 1 · Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 SSSUMISSUE 1 SSUESPRING Presidents’ Message The Jewish New Year 5778 has just begun and with it comes mixed feelings – excitement, trepidation, anxiety, pressure, hopefulness, and inspiration. We should take time for self-reflection. We are so proud of our hardworking board for producing so many exceptional events over the past year. In fact, pictures from our record-breaking Spring Luncheon were prominently featured in Westport Magazine! Check it out! Thank you so much to our wonderful board members for a great year.

This time of year also affords an opportunity to think about what is important to us and how we can better ourselves. We think about what it means to be a Jewish American in this changing world. We see many of our neighbors putting up signs in six languages with the message, "Hate Has no Home Here" as an inspiration of tolerance and acceptance of Group shot of current and past presidents at Spring Fundraiser – people from all religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, we also see (top row from left to right) Claudia Cohen, Sandy Rappaport, Meryl Sitver, Amanda Parker, Ilene Frost, Lisa Raice, Liz Kaner, Alison Sherman, Celia Offir anti-Semitic activities on college campuses across our country. We see (bottom row from left to right) Corrie Neckritz, Diana Sussman, Michelle rallies for offenses committed against Muslims and African-Americans but Saunders, Susie Blumenfeld, Sally Kleinman we see silence when offenses are committed against Jews. We see American companies and schools supporting the Palestinian-led BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) of Israel and Israeli EXECUTIVE BOARD products. At the same time, we see pro-Jewish and pro-Israeli activists on Meredith Bukzin and Mindy Hersh campuses and elsewhere countering these negative efforts. Presidents Michelle Saunders [email protected] Diana Sussman [email protected] As part of its mission, Hadassah works to combat anti-Semitic and anti- Treasurer Amanda Parker [email protected] Israeli sentiment. Since 2001, Hadassah has held special consultative Recording Secretary Amy Rosoff [email protected] status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Membership Danielle Mittleman [email protected] Members of the UN team attend United Nations meetings and briefings in Bulletin/eblast Fran Rackson [email protected] New York, Vienna and Geneva, helping Hadassah build coalitions with Barbara Roffe [email protected] other organizations, advocate for women's health and equality, and Fundraising - Spring Monica Chusid [email protected] support the State of Israel. Hadassah participates in the yearly Babs Kinneary [email protected] Commission on the Status of Women and the United Nations Department Fundraising - Fall Ivy Gosseen [email protected] of Public Information conferences, and works closely with the Israeli Alison Sherman [email protected] Mission and other Jewish non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Chai Society Ivy Gosseen [email protected] More than 2000 influential people have visited Hadassah projects in Israel Keeper Alison Sherman [email protected] since 1996. US statesmen, legislators, hospital administrators, physicians, Programs Liz Kaner [email protected] business leaders, artists and entertainers have visited Hadassah hospitals Education Bobbi Essagof [email protected] and clinics, Youth Aliyah villages and Young Judaea sites. Visits by Audrey Paul [email protected] influential leaders help promote a positive view of Jewish people and Israel, as well as a strong US-Israeli relationship. Hadassah is known for serving as a bridge for peace in the Middle East and worldwide. EXTENDED BOARD When asked what is important to us and how we can better ourselves this Jewish New Year, perhaps we can include becoming more involved in Advocacy Hope Feller [email protected] Hadassah as an answer. This Bulletin highlights many upcoming Hadassah B&N Gift Wrap Jessica Siegel [email protected] events. A good start to getting more involved is to attend some of Cheryl Weinstock [email protected] them. We hope to see you at our Fall Fundraiser on October 21 honoring Cards Marcia Falk [email protected] past-president Amanda Parker and Dr. Heather Frimmer and supporting Caring Sandy Rappaport [email protected] breast cancer research and treatment at Hadassah Hospital in Israel. We Chapter II Susie Blumenfeld westporthadassahchapterII@ will also be collecting items for the “First Day of Chemo Bags” distributed Sandy Rappaport gmail.com by The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Center in Fairfield County. There are so Community Outreach Meredith Bukzin [email protected] many ways to get more involved and as a byproduct, you will create a new Mindy Hersh [email protected] network of wonderful friends. Hadassah on the Road Marcia Falk [email protected] Jillian Klaff [email protected] Hadassah is comprised of the women who do. You, our members, are an Mah Jongg Terrie Langer [email protected] incredibly creative, talented, and diverse group of women. Think about Barbara Roffe [email protected] what you can do to help Hadassah. We can’t wait to hear your Media Club Wendy Schaefer westporthadassahmediaclub ideas. Thank you for being a part of our Chapter. Valerie Schanzer @gmail.com Publicity Nancy Wahler [email protected] We wish you all a sweet new year! Social Media Celia Offir [email protected] L’Shana Tova Women in Camilla Klein [email protected] Business Sharon Strelzer [email protected] Diana and Michelle Westport Chapter Co-Presidents

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Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 22222202017

Fall Fundraiser Ivy Gosseen and Alison Sherman Alison Sherman and I

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FUN? The Fall Fundraiser is coming on Saturday, October 21 to Temple Israel. Doors open at 8 PM. You will be greeted by live music, an open bar, sushi, an Italian buffet catered by The Pizza Truck Company, decadent desserts, sports on a big screen TV, a silent auction, and, of course, great people.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our evening will raise funds for the Marlene Greenebaum Breast Center at Hadassah Hospital.

We are most excited and proud to be honoring two amazing women, both lifetime members of Hadassah.

Amanda Parker, currently serving as Treasurer of Hadassah, is a chapter past President and has chaired Membership and Fundraising. As a breast cancer survivor, Amanda walks each year to raise money for breast cancer research. She has also been a volunteer for Westport PTA and PTA Council for 13 years. Amanda enjoys spending her free time with her husband and three children, reading, playing Mah Jongg, and traveling.

Dr. Heather Frimmer is a Board-Certified Radiologist with a fellowship in Abdominal and Breast Imaging and serves as the Medical Director of Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center. Dr. Frimmer is on the Board of Directors at Norwalk Hospital and is the Director of Breast Imaging at the Smilow Breast Center at Norwalk Hospital. Heather’s passion for reading books has led her to write her first novel, set to be published sometime in 2018. Her husband and two boys are very proud of her many accomplishments.

Community Outreach Meredith Bukzin and Mindy Hersh

Westport Hadassah is happy to support the We are collecting the following items Norma Pfriem Breast Center at Bridgeport needed for the bags: Hospital by providing items for their “First Day  Soft blankets of Chemo Bags.” The Norma Pfriem Breast  Soft socks/slipper socks Center was the first freestanding community  Ginger tea, candies and cookies breast center in Connecticut to offer one-stop  Adult coloring books/puzzle books coordination of care, patient navigation and  Colored pencils rapid diagnosis. The Norma Pfriem Breast  Lip balm Center is one of only 300 sites in the nation  Small note pads/pens. . accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Their Bring your donation to our fabulous fall multidisciplinary team of breas t cancer fundraiser, or contact our Community specialists provide one-on-one care with Outreach co-chairs to make other dignity, privacy and warmth, in serene, arrangements by emailing comfortable and professional settings. Meredith ([email protected]) or Mindy ([email protected]).

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ISSUE 1 · Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 SSSUMISSUE 1 SSUESPRING Media Club Hadassah on the Road Wendy Schaefer and Valerie Schanzer Marcia Falk and Jillian Klaff The idea of Hadassah on the Road is to organize day trips to fun and interesting Please join us for our next Media Club venues as a purely social event with our Hadassah friends. As the new chairs for event on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 Hadassah on the Road, we are excited to announce our first outing on Monday, PM at the home of Wendy Schaefer in October 30th at 7pm to see the movie A Quiet Heart at the State Street Cinema (990 Weston. We will be reading The Widow Hope Street, Stamford, CT). This film is part of the Jewish Arts and Film Festival of of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers. Fairfield County. The cost is $15 per person. RSVP by October 10th. Did the movie This provocative new novel is about the give you the munchies? Popcorn hasn’t filled you up? After the movie, join us for seemingly blind love of a wife for her dinner, dessert and/or drinks at Amore Cucina & Bar (921 Hope Street, Stamford, husband as he conquers Wall Street, CT). You only pay for what you eat and drink. and her extraordinary, perhaps foolish, Here are some ideas for future outings: loyalty during his precipitous fall. 1. A visit to the Glass House built by Philip Johnson in New Canaan. Tours are Please RSVP to Valerie Schanzer available on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday through November 30; at Westporthadassahmediaclub@gmail. 2. A tour of Jewish landmarks on the Lower East Side; com 3. The Jewish Museum in New York has two Advocacyinteresting upcoming exhibits: Modigliani Unmasked runs from SeptemberHope Feller 15 until February 4 and Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the Collection of the Israel Women in Business Camilla Klein and Sharon Strelzer Museum in Israel runs from November 3 until March 18.

We would love feedback as to whether you are more interested in events during the The WIB Group would like to extend a weekday, weeknights, or weekends. special invitation to all our members Please email Jillian at [email protected] to RSVP for this first event and to to attend “An Evening in the Sukkah” indicate your availability and which outing would be of interest to you. on Tuesday, October 10 at 7:30 PM, Everyone’s input is welcome and the more ideas we have the better! co -hosted with Membership. For more details, see our Membership article on page 5. Chapter II WIB hosted a lively “Farewell to Susie Blumenfeld and Sandy Rappaport Ready to start focusing on you? Youngest off to college? Working full time and Summer” cocktail event at Westport’s want to reconnect with other women? Like a night out with great food and The Pearl Restaurant on Wednesday, conversation? Then Chapter II, Westport Hadassah’s hottest group, is for you! September 13. Come to our events and enjoy catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. WIB is a wonderful group that Open to members and prospective members of the Westport Chapter of Hadassah. provides an opportunity for women Chapter II has had a great few months! We held a very successful “bring your own who work and may not be able to picnic dinner” event at the end of July at Compo Beach. Although there was a attend events during the day to threat of rain, the sun did come out to give us a beautiful sunset. And what better socialize, gather, and network. place to enjoy it than on the shores of Long Island Sound with great Hadassah Whether you presently work, own a friends! business, or are thinking about going We kicked off the year in Chapter II style with one of our famous pot luck dinners, back to work, we invite you to contact followed by a This is Us Season Premier viewing party!! Many thanks to Monica us and attend our events. Chusid, who graciously hosted this super fun evening. For more information, contact Sharon ([email protected]) or Watch your emails for details on our upcoming small plates and wine gathering at Camilla ([email protected]). Westport’s newest restaurant, The ‘Port! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Barnes and Noble Holiday Gift Wrapping Jessica Siegel and Cheryl Weinstock It’s beginning to look a lot like Hanukkah!! OK, so it’s not exactly right around the corner, but please set aside some time to help out at this annual event. Westport Hadassah members will be happily wrapping gifts for the holidays. Barnes and Noble provides the paper and tape, and we provide our time, wrapping expertise, our smiles and holiday cheer. The times and dates are as follows: Friday, December 15 from 9am-12pm Thursday, December 21 from 9am-1pm and 5pm-9pm Sunday, December 24 from 9am-1pm. Please sign up for a shift at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a49a8ad2ea4f85-barnes. We need three people for each shift so sign up with a friend or come solo and make some new friends. It’s always a good time! If you have any questions or need help with sign-up, email Jessica at [email protected] or Cheryl at [email protected].

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Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 22222202017 Membership Danielle Mittleman

Please join us for “An Evening in the Sukkah,” co-hosted by Membership and Women In Business. This annual event will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 7:30 PM at the home of Celia Offir, 12 Mary Jane Lane. It will be a nice opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. While all members are welcome, we would like to extend a special invitation to new and prospective members. Please RSVP to Danielle Mittleman at [email protected].

Membership hosted a luncheon on Tuesday, July 11 at the home of Liz Kaner. Thank you again to Liz for being such a gracious host. We were so happy to have new and prospective members gather at our lunch and have a chance to enjoy each other’s company while learning about all the wonderful things that Hadassah does both locally and worldwide.

The Westport Chapter of Hadassah would like to welcome the following as new members:

New Life Members: New Annual Members: Transfers: Jaclyn Berkowitz Donna Adelglass Hara Braun Nicole Berkowitz Jamie Goodman Kendra Falkenstein Randy Bonett Beth Manners Peggy Grodd Danielle Broad Marcy Oren Valerie Ratner Joan Kalmans Deborah Phillips Jodi Semel Hazel Malbin Shulman Lisa Price Lisa Weinstein Gail Sagel Traci Saxon Barbara Stewart Karin Sugerman Rona Wall

Caring

We Welcome to the World: Condolences: Aria Cederbaum, granddaughter of Susan Gold Les Cheikin, father of Jennifer Frank Eve Phillips, granddaughter of Barbara Phillips Norman Cohen, father-in-law of Alyssa Cohen Hudson Frisco Sunberg, grandson of Yvonne Marks Harriette Edith Halper Hirsch, mother of Amy Schneider Lewis Lorin, father of Margie Labarre B’nei Mitzvahs: Allan J. Rosenberg, father-in-law of Hope Rosenberg Alexander Gold, son of Lisa Gold Claire Sherman, mother-in-law of Alison Sherman Abbie & Emily Goldstein, daughters of Lynne Goldstein Howard Unger, father of Diane Yormark Tori Wilson, daughter of Nancy Greenspan Wilson Maureen Whiteman Zlatkin

Engagements: Note: Caring covers all information we were able to Jordan Fraade, son of Karin Fraade and stepson of Rita Appel to obtain from June 2017 through early September Emma Curran Hulse 2017. Please email us at: Zak Goldman Scher, son of Laurie Ann Scher to Talia Plotkin [email protected] with all your lifecycle Sam Tolkin, son of Julie Tolkin to Jaclyn Edwards events.

CARDS Hadassah continues the tradition of providing beautifully designed and thoughtful sentiments on a variety of greeting cards:

Congratulations/ Mazel Tov * New Baby * Sympathy * Get Well Rosh Hashanah * Bar and Bat Mitzvah Elegant Donation Cards for Remembrance or Honorary Well-priced at $2 per card Special Sale of 10 cards for $2 for slightly dated stock

Cards available at all meetings and available for pick up at 3 Lone Pine Lane, Westport

Contact Marcia Falk: 203 293-4635 (Home), 585 704-9430 (cell), or email [email protected]

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ISSUE 1 · Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 SSSUMISSUE 1 SSUESPRING

Advocacy Hope Feller

During these turbulent times, it is important to International Development gave over $800,000 last year remember that Hadassah has been a strong positive to the program. Schumer and Cardin have asked for a voice in world affairs and has already made a review and a halt to providing such funds until further difference. After lobbying by Hadassah members, notice. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced that the Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism will remain Israel Relations: open. Hadassah is now urging the White House to This Young Bedouin Doctor Is Pioneering Genetic appoint a Special Envoy to ensure the effectiveness of Testing in Israel's Negev Desert – Forbes this crucial office. Hadassah is asking members to Twenty-seven-year-old Dr. Yasmeen Abu Fraiha created contact Congress urging their support of key legislation an NGO that “aims to decrease the prevalence of to combat anti-Semitism. genetic diseases in closed communities, specifically in the Bedouin community in Israel, by providing free-of- The following articles about recent events highlight the charge and accessible genetic screening tests before importance of acting to make a positive difference: marriage.” US-Israel Relations: Two Muslim-majority Africa states to send first-ever Senate Approves $4M. Budget for US-Israel Energy envoys to Israel- The Times of Israel Center- The Jerusalem Post Senegal and , both Muslim-majority countries, As a result of the US-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of will appoint their first-ever Ambassadors to Israel. While 2014, the Senate approved plans for a virtual energy both countries have diplomatic ties to Israel, this hub that will enable bilateral cooperation between the represents a great strengthening of both countries’ United States and Israel in areas including natural gas relationships to the small Mideast state. Leaders have production, cyber security around energy systems, and agreed to work together on matters of agriculture and expand water and energy production for both countries. defense. This New York Giants player shows his Jewish pride on Miss Visits Israel, Loses her Title – The and off the field – Jewish Telegraphic Agency Jerusalem Post Rookie offensive lineman for the New York Giants Adam Amanda Hanna, of Swedish-Lebanese citizenship, has Bisnowaty, 23, said “One of the first things I tell people been stripped of her title after one week, when it was is that I’m Jewish. People don’t meet a lot of Jewish revealed that she had been to Israel for an academic trip football players, so I always like to bring that out and in 2016. Lebanon is a country at war with Israel and has just open up, so it’s nice and easy.” He proudly displays deemed it illegal for any of its citizens to enter the a Hebrew tattoo on his left arm which translates to “I country. Hanna was able to enter Israel by using her am what I am,” a phrase G-d said to Moses. Swedish passport. She remained upbeat and said that Senators concerned about extremist summer camp for she was proud to have entered the competition and Palestinian Americans– Jewish News Service regrets nothing. Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) raised grave concerns over United Nations: an extremist summer camp called “Go Palestine.” This Israel Seeks UN's Respect in Push for Security Council camp brings Palestinian teens from abroad to a 148- Seat- Bloomberg News year-old Quaker-run school in Ramallah, the Ramallah Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon is working Friends School. Its stated mission is to provide teens tirelessly to secure votes from the UN’s 193-member with “introductions to Palestinian culture, cuisine, life General Assembly to win a seat for Israel on the United and work, and the language.” Recent reports Nations Security Council. Israel is competing with show that the camp’s attendees are taking part in the Germany and Belgium in a three-way race for two seats above stated activities, but also engaging with teachers on the council next year. This win would be a huge who have terrorist ties, give anti-Israel lectures, show victory for Israel, as anti-Israel bias is rampant at the UN. films demonizing Israel and Jews, and teach courses This would put the country in a place of great respect such as “the Occupation 101.” The U.S. Agency for and would significantly increase its influence at the UN.

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Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 22222202017 Education Bobbi Essagof and Audrey Paul

Hadassah’s message of Tikkun O’lam, a Jewish concept defined by acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair the world, is an integral part of our mission. Hadassah members help communities in the United States and around the world.

The Hadassah Medical Organization (“HMO”) is known worldwide for its expertise in responding to medical crises. Its ER and Trauma Unit have played critical roles in treating victims of terror incidents and mass casualty events in Israel and elsewhere. Their Trauma Unit was the first Trauma Unit in Israel and is the only Level 1-A unit in the Greater Jerusalem Region.

Hadassah’s HMO is a beacon of healing. Its physicians have:

 helped Japan create its first hospice;  performed eye surgery on thousands of blind Kenyans, enabling them to see again;  trained Thai medical personnel in bone marrow transplantation;  participated in a pilot program of adult male circumcision in Swaziland to help stem the spread of AIDS;  set up field hospitals in Haiti after a devastating earthquake;  helped plan, construct and open a hospital in Kinshasa, Congo;  and more.

We have watched with horror the damage that earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters have caused and continue to cause. Our prayers are with all those in Antigua & Barbuda, the Virgin Islands, the , the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Mexico, Florida, Texas and those states impacted along the Southeastern US coast, as well as other impacted areas. Far too many families are in emergency mode, many of them may be our own Hadassah members. In fact, there are 50,000 Hadassah members who live in Florida, , South Carolina, and Puerto Rico. It is so easy to go in a split second from someone giving help to others to someone who needs help. Hadassah members need to support these families. Please keep those caught in the path of a hurricane or other natural disaster in your prayers. Please join Hadassah in doing its part to alleviate devastation by helping the organizations listed below that have effective disaster response mechanisms in place:

 United Way Miami  Americares  Save the Children  Jewish Federations of North America Hurricane Relief  NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster

A little support can make a big difference in the life of someone devastated by a natural disaster.

Metro Area Symposium

Join Hadassah members from the entire Metro Area at a Symposium, Experience the Power of Awesome Women on Sunday, October 22 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM in New York City. Speakers will include:  Ellen Hershkin, Hadassah National President,  Joyce Rabin, Hadassah International Chair,  Francine Klagsbrun, Author of Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel,  Galit Peleg, Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel in New York,  David Kaylie, MD, Duke University,  Susan Aronoff, PhD, foremost expert on Wed-Locked Agunot (marriage chain) and  Ruth Cole, Hadassah United Nations Chair. This fun and interesting event will be held at the offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP at Four Times Square, 37th floor. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided; dietary laws observed. Regristration fee is $40 if you register by October 6. Register online at www.hadassah.org/events/metrosymposium or mail your check to our Region Treasurer, Fran Rackson, 10A Timber Lane, Wesport, CT 06880. Questions to Joyce Backman at [email protected] or 203-307-1319.

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ISSUE 1 · Hadassah Bulletin VOL 22 · ISSUE 3 · FALL 2017 SSSUMISSUE 1 SSUESPRING

WESTPORT CHAPTER OF HADASSAH P.O.BOX 11 Westport, CT 06881-0011

Time Sensitive Material

DATES TO REMEMBER October 10 An Evening in the Sukkah October 16 Media Club October 21 Fall Fundraiser October 22 Metro Area Symposium October 30 Hadassah on the Road—Jewish Film Festival November 8 Westport Hadassah Board Meeting December 11 Westport Hadassah Board Meeting Dec 15, 21 & 24 Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble

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