August 2024

President's Message

Friends,

I am filled with joy and inspiration after attending the wonderful 2024 #BetOnHadasssah National Conference in Las Vegas.  Hadassah Southern California was proud to have the largest number of region attendees (50!), who included many first time attendees, Evolve women, past and future leaders as well as new and long time Hadassah members.  The conference was an informative and emotional few days. We held a HSC Region dinner (thank you Susan Engler) with delicious food, games and prizes, and an opportunity to meet Hadassah members from throughout Southern California.  We elected three new National Vice Presidents and passed three new policy statements (read them here).

Warmly,

Audrey Levine
Region President, Hadassah Southern California
ABLevine@hadassah.org

Click here to see more conference photos!

Continue reading for messages from HSC members who attended:

• As a new member of Hadassah, It was great to go to the national conference, meet so many dynamic and committed Hadassah women from all over the world, and learn so much about Hadassah firsthand! I particularly appreciated the opportunity to meet in small groups with the dedicated doctors, nurses, patients, and students who work for and are benefitting from the Hadassah Medical Organization and youth villages. It was great hearing from such notable speakers as Gilad Erdan, Israel's representative to the U.N., Dahlia Itzik, former member of the Knesset, and David Schizer of Colombia Law School. I was also very inspired by Montana Tucker and Emily Austin, young people who are using their large social media platforms to advocate for Israel in their posts for their followers.
  Beth Peisic, San Diego Area

• I’m having trouble finding the right words to describe how impactful the #BetOnHadassah Conference in Las Vegas was for me.  Attending was a very last minute decision, and definitely the right one.  After being a proud member of this amazing organization for almost 30 years and counting, this was my first time attending the annual conference and it certainly won’t be my last.
  It was so powerful to be in a room of 400 like-minded Jewish women from across generations and geographic regions, all there to connect through our mutual support for Hadassah’s amazing programs in Israel and here at home, such as high quality cutting edge medical treatment, helping at-risk youth, advocating for Israel, and combating hate and antisemitism, just to name a few.  Among the speakers we were privileged to meet and hear from were world leaders, medical professionals, wounded soldiers treated at Hadassah Hospital, celebrities, social media influencers and college administrators.  I was proud to step up my donation level to become a Keepers of the Gate for the first time.
  It was very special to share the conference experience with some wonderful friends from my area, several of whom I’ve known for years, as well as many new friends I made from all over, including a few I’ll hopefully be traveling to Israel with this fall.  I was very active in Hadassah in my early years as a member.  Then life got in the way of my involvement. With more time now, I’m excited to become more involved again!
  Nancy Moss, Long Beach/Orange County Area

• This was my first Hadassah Conference.  I was deeply moved on Sunday night (the opening night) with the speakers.  Each if these speakers struck me deeply in my heart.  I was very moved while listening to them. For me it was heart-wrenching, and I couldn't help it, but I was crying.
  I have been to Israel 10 times on Missions and also volunteered in Sar El (FIDF) many times. In fact, I was supposed to be on the Hadassah Mothers and Daughters trip on Oct 22, 2023. Obviously, our trip was cancelled.
  I was quite fascinated, inspired and impressed with author Talia Carner, and the Israeli Ambassador to the USA.  Their talks were impactful and thought-provoking.
  I especially enjoyed our Southern California region dinner and games on Monday night. The dinner was delicious, I met some new friends and had a great time!
  Audrey Sivan, San Diego Area

• I was really impressed with what is going on at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center – another amazing feat.
  Evelyn Perl, Northern Area

• The Hadassah Conference was an inspiring and transformative experience. The plenaries were outstanding, with brilliant speakers who offered deep insights and valuable knowledge. I had the pleasure of meeting new people and learning a great deal, especially about how to make a difference in the world, with a particular focus on supporting Hadassah and Israel. The inclusivity I felt from everyone added to the experience, making it even more enjoyable. The policy statements that were passed were terrific, although it is disheartening that such statements are still necessary. I felt a sense of pride wearing yellow for three days, standing in solidarity with my Hadassah sisters and making a statement, standing up against the use of rape and gender-based violence as weapons of war.  The theme of antisemitism was addressed powerfully, with the ambassador delivering an amazing presentation. Additionally, I loved learning more about Youth Aliyah, which added to the wealth of knowledge I gained at the conference.
  Stacey Dorenfeld, Northern Area

• I would like to give a shout out to the Past National Presidents who attended.  Marcie Natan, Ellen Hershkin, Bonnie Lipton, and Nancy Falchuk.  Each of these women, aside from family responsibilities, has made Hadassah her life's work, and none of them are stepping away.  Kudos to them.
  Also, there were several participants at the conference who came from Israel, including Hadassah doctors, nurses and other medical staff, in addition to Youth Aliyah students.  Several of them told stories of their personal experiences on October 7 which drove home the trauma experienced by Israelis on that day and the days following.  Especially moving was the trauma surgeon who treated an IDF soldier who was his nephew. He spoke of calling his mother and telling her that her grandson would be alright.
  Sue Appelbaum, San Diego Area

• The National Conference and National Board meetings are always full of new and inspiring information. The speakers were each better than the other, especially our guests from Israel and the miracle walking patient made us prouder and more motivated. 
  Congratulations to HSC - we have always been on the list for awards. Multiple people came up to me and said we have to clone HSC and bring you to other chapters. Kol Hakavod to our HSC dedicated presidents, members and staff for keeping us on the award list and donors list.
  Soraya Nazarian, Metro Area

• Attending the 2024 #BetOnHadassah National Conference in Las Vegas was an incredibly enriching experience. The event brought together passionate Jewish women from across the nation, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Keynote speaker Montana Tucker delivered an inspiring message about the power of perseverance and community, setting a motivational tone for the entire conference.
  Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz's empowering address highlighted the strength and resilience of our community, urging us to continue our vital work with renewed dedication. The insightful presentation by HMO Director General Yoram Weiss emphasized the crucial role of social work and the organization's ability to innovate despite ongoing challenges, particularly in responding to the current war.
  A poignant moment was meeting an IDF soldier who had been critically wounded and received lifesaving care at Hadassah hospitals. His story was a powerful reminder of the tangible impact of our support. The Keeper of the Gate ceremony, where National President Carol Ann Schwartz honored individuals for their exceptional financial commitment and philanthropy to Hadassah, was deeply moving and a source of immense pride.
  Overall, the conference was a testament to the strength, resilience, and innovation that define our community. It reinforced the importance of our collective efforts and left me feeling inspired and motivated to continue contributing to our shared mission.
  Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Long Beach/Orange County Area

• Attending Hadassah conferences is one of my favorite parts about being a member of Hadassah. Amazing and incredible speakers to learn from and have dialogue with is always one of my favorite things about the conference. It is also wonderful to meet like-minded people from my region and across the country (and Israel) to share ideas, listen and also have constructive conversations. The knowledge I get from the conference is unlike what we hear on the news, but the personal stories--firsthand from individuals who are personally involved--truly makes me so proud to be a part of an organization doing things to make the world a better place.
  Sheba Grobstein, Northern Area

Click here to watch the Video of the Month: 
Opening of Internal Medicine D, Round Building

Watch this month’s video to learn more about the opening of Internal Medicine D.

MAZAL TOV to Israel on their impressive showing at the 2024 Olympic Games (the best showing ever for the country):

• 1 Gold Medal for Men’s Windsurfing
• 5 Silver Medals in Women’s Windsurfing, Women’s Judo, Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics
• 1 Bronze Medal in Men’s Judo

Antisemitism increased 140 percent in the US in 2023. American Jews feel this spike profoundly in their everyday lives – in ways big and small - through violence, fear, exclusion and hurtful comments.

Hadassah is asking women across the country to take our survey and share their personal experiences with antisemitism during this unprecedented time. We plan to publish a short report with this information to help show Congress, the media and more how antisemitism is impacting women. Take the survey here.

Upcoming Programs/Events
Throughout Hadassah Southern California

Both on Zoom and In-Person. Make sure to visit our Region website to see all the exciting events!

https://www.hadassah.org/region/southern-california

Now Available: Hadassah's 2023 Annual Report

From groundbreaking medical achievements to advocating for women’s rights, fighting antisemitism to helping Israel heal after the devastation of Hamas’ terror, 2023 was a lifechanging year for each of us — and for Hadassah. Join us as we look back at how Hadassah changed lives, offered hope and helped a nation and a people heal.

None of the profound impact Hadassah has had on Israel, the US and the world would be possible without our donors, volunteers, staff, members, Associates and friends. I look forward to the impact we will make together in the years ahead.

Read Hadassah's 2023 Impact Report.

Upcoming National Programs

One Book, One Hadassah: Joan Leegant, author of Displaced Persons
Thursday, August 22 at 4:00 PM Pacific

Join this popular, Free Zoom series from Hadassah. Register here.

Hadassah Physicians Council's Inaugural Book Club
Thursday, September 5 at 4:30 PM Pacific

All are welcome to the Hadassah Physicians Council’s inaugural book club. We will be talking about Grave Intervention, written by our very own Physicians Council member, Dr. Shira Shiloah, who will be in attendance. Her second thriller is a paranormal medical suspense novel, that blurs the lines between real and imaginary to explore the hidden side of the historical suburban town, Naperville, Illinois. Grave Intervention is available in digital, print and audiobook. The audiobook was an editor’s pick on Spotify. Register here. Questions: physicianscouncil@hadassah.org.

Hebrew@Hadassah

Now is the perfect time to register for one of our three ongoing Hebrew classes: New Beginner, Beginner and Intermediate. Register today.

Hadassah Attorney’s and Judges Council: Register for the US Supreme Court Swearing In Program
February 23-24, 2025

Now is your chance to be sworn in as a member of the US Supreme Court Bar before the Justices of the Supreme Court and to hear oral arguments.  Registration is now open.  Space is limited.  Register here.  Questions:  email attorneysandjudgescouncil@hadassah.org

Social Media

Hadassah Southern California:
facebook.com/HadassahSC

Hadassah West:
facebook.com/HadassahWestGeo
instagram.com/HadassahWestGeo

Easy Ways to Learn More about Hadassah!

• Podcasts
• Video Library
• Virtual Programming