CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INCOMING 2025 REGION BOARD!

THANK YOU to Hadassah West Staff...

They support five regions including CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST.

With ongoing appreciation to the Hadassah West Team who all work together to make this newsletter and event flyers so wonderful! A lot of their work is done behind the scenes, so you don’t see it and yet, it’s so vital to helping us grow and become even better…we change lives!

With appreciation for our strong, ZIONIST, 113 years-young organization, Hadassah!

Susan Cohen Grossman, Region President
facebook.com/CentralPacificRegionHadassah
instagram.com/HadassahWestGeo

Region Membership Event was held at Covenant Winery in Berkeley on October 27! 

We enjoyed the installation of Central Pacific Coast's Region Board who will begin work on January 1st!

Central Pacific Coast
Region Information

Just until the end of 2024, we have a special campaign for Annual Giving!

We are thrilled to announce that ANNUAL DONORS have the opportunity to increase the impact of YOUR gift to Hadassah through a fantastic Challenge Grant from a very generous donor and longtime Central Pacific Coast Region Leader, Sandy Sidorsky.

Every new annual gift or increase to an annual gift that is pledged and paid by an Annual Donor, will be matched dollar for dollar up to a total of $15,000 by December 30, 2024.

An Annual Donor makes an annual commitment as long as he or she is able.
The Annual Giving levels are:

Chai Society - $180 to $359
Silver Chai Society - $360 to $719
Shalom Chai Society - $720 to $999
Keeper of the Gate - $1,000 to $1,799
Chai Keeper of the Gate - $1,800 to $2,499
Silver Keeper of the Gate - $2,500 to $3,599
Szold Keeper of the Gate - $3,600 to $4,999
Golden Keeper of the Gate - $5,000 and above

Not ready to step up to the next level of giving? No problem! You can still participate in the Challenge by increasing your gift in any amount and that increase will be matched. No amount is too small.

 You can also designate where your Annual Gift goes

Hadassah’s Entire Mission
HMO (Hadassah Medical Organization) for research and operating our hospitals
Youth Aliyah
Young Judaea Scholarships

Contact Hadassah West Annual Giving Officer Ian Merles at 619-884-1475 or imerles@hadassah.org to let Hadassah know the amount you’d like to add to your annual gift or the amount of the new annual gift and arrange payment (check, credit card, IRA MRD, stock transfer).

Thank you in advance for maximizing your philanthropic support and making your dollar go farther in advancing Hadassah’s lifesaving work especially during these difficult times!

If you are mailing a payment, please notify Ian Merles, mark it clearly for Annual Giving and send to: Hadassah West, Amelia and Mark Taper Hadassah House, 455 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Gratefully,

Rena Feuerstein
Central Pacific Coast Annual Giving Chair
Rfeuerstein@hadassah.org

Ian Merles
Annual Giving Officer and Staff Partner
619-884-1475 or imerles@hadassah.org

FROM THE REGION ADVOCACY “GURU,” JANE JACOBSON

HADASSAH IS PASSIONATE NOT PARTISAN
HADASSAH'S PRIORITY ADVOCACY ISSUES
- Expanding Support for Israel
- Combating Antisemitism
- Championing Women's & Public Health

VOTE IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

General Election – November 5 is Election Day
Polls are open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Pacific on November 5 - VOTE!

Three ways to vote in California:
• Authorized drop-boxes at all Official Early Voting Polling Places
• Mail-in ballots to be sent by Election Day and received by November 12
• Vote in person at any polling location

Hadassah Taking Action: October 7, One Year Later

Tell your legislators to stand with Israel and promote this action! We stand against Iranian aggression and terrorism, honor the victims of October 7, speak out to demand the release of the hostages and fight rising antisemitism!

Stand Together in Washington, DC
Sunday, November 10 at 1:00 pm Eastern

Join Hadassah on November 10 when we partner with Jewish Federations of North America for the Stand Together rally in Washington, DC! This gathering will be a strong showing of Jewish unity as we stand with Israel, call for the hostages to be released and fight against the rampant antisemitism that has skyrocketed since October 7, 2023. The program will feature high-level speakers, performers, and public officials and include stories of unity and heroism. Register here. 

Central Pacific Coast
Chapter Information

Santa Cruz Chapter
From Anastasia Torres-Gil

October 7 Commemoration – WE MADE THE NEWS!

Members of the Santa Cruz Chapter met for a commemorative and contemplative walk at the Light House on West Cliff Drive and we walked in silence to the iconic surfer statue. We commemorated October 7 by hanging posters of the kidnapped and tying a yellow ribbon around the iconic surfer statue. Our ceremony made the front page of the paper!

As so well said by the Sequoia Chapter…“Ladies, your chapters can do this!” Contact Anastasia to brainstorm at binkyart@live.com!

National Hadassah Information

Hadassah's 2023 Impact Report

Now available to view online: 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 Hadassah. Read the report to learn more about how Hadassah changed lives, offered hope and helped a nation and a people heal.

Honor. Mourn. Remember. Together We Will Heal.

In case you missed this spcial Zoom event, watch the recording now, commemorating the anniversary of October 7. Honor. Mourn. Remember. Together We Will Heal reflects on the lives lost, honors Israel's Resilience, and showcases the lfiesaving work at Hadassah's hospitals and Youth Aliyah villages. Share this link!

Attorney and Judges Council Book Club
Wednesday, November 13 at 5:00 pm Pacific

The Hadassah Attorneys and Judges Council will be discussing Law and Disorder: Absurdly Funny Moments from the Courts by Charles M. Sevilla, a lighter book that helps us find the humor in legal practice. Click to register.

Together We Will Heal: Hadassah's Medical Innovation Since October 7

In case you missed this special Zoom Briefing, watch the recording now of Professor Meir Liebergall, Hadassah's head of orthpedic and spinal rehabilitation, who reveals how 3D printing and robotics healed IDF soldiers critically wounded during the current war. You will also hear from Lieutenant Colonel (Res') Jonathan (Yonti) Bahat, an IDF soldier and grateful Hadassah patient.

Three Slots Remain: Register Now for US Supreme Court Swearing In Program
February 23-24, 2025

All Attorneys and Judges who are Hadassah members can take advantage of this unique opportunity 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 for Hadassah’s Swearing In program. Space is limited. Register to guarantee a spot: events.hadassah.org/HadassahSupremeCourtSwearingIn

Hebrew@Hadassah

There still is time to register for one of Hadassah’s ongoing Hebrew classes. Register here: New Beginner, Beginner and Intermediate.

Henrietta Szold’s Zionism and Ours
Monday, November 11 at 10:00 am Pacific

Join our National President Carol Ann Schwartz and JTS Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz for a special conversation on what Szold can teach us about our Zionist commitments. Register here.

Hadassah Magazine Discussion: "Are Jews Being Written Out of the Book World?"
Thursday, November 21 at 4:00 pm Pacific via Zoom

Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostein convenes a panel of best-selling authors and publishing insiders to discuss the increasing incidents of exclusion, antisemitism and anti-Israel bias in the book industry. This event is free and open to all. Zoom captioning will be provided. Register at events.hadassah.org/JewsinBookWorld

November Chapter Happenings

Berkeley • Book Group
Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 pm Pacific via Zoom

We wil discuss Spies of No Country by Matti Friedman. All are welcome, you don't have to be a Berkeley Chapter member to join in! Contact Estie Hudes at estie.hudes@ucsf.edu for the Zoom link and more information.

Berkeley • Zionist Women's Solidarity Walks
Biweekly Walks

We take biweekly, easy walks in nature. Join us! Contact Susan (scgrossman@hadassah.org) for link to the WhatsApp group. We meet informally to walk in nature and create Zionist solidarity in the Berkeley/Oakland/East Bay area. Jen Coffey (Berkeley) is the walk coordinator - thank you, Jen!

Diablo Valley • Study Group
Wednesday, November 13 at 1:30 pm Pacific
Wednesday, November 27 at 1:30 pm Pacific
Wednesday, December 11 at 1:30 pm Pacific

Contact Paula Schiff at dvhadassah@gmail.com for details.

Diablo Valley • Book Club
Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 pm Pacific

The Hadassah Book Club will discuss The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek. For more information, contact Joyce Ellenberg at dvhadassah@gmail.com.

Evolve in Diablo Valley • Cooking Demonstration and Dinner Celebration
Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 pm Pacific

Come and ENJOY the taste of Hadassah!

Join us for a delightful interactive cooking demonstration where we'll explore simple, yet flavorful, Sephardic and Moroccan inspired recipes. Enjoy an evening learning to create dishes that bring warmth and tradition to your home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this event promises fun, flavor, and the joy of sharing a meal under the stars in a beautiful setting.

This event will be hosted by our fabulous Hadassah member, Robin Spiegelman, who has over 20 years experience teaching cooking and culinary arts.

Register at events.hadassah.org/CookingCelebration.

Evolve in Diablo Valley • Book Club
Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 pm Pacific

Join us for an exciting book club hosted by Marcy Weiss. We are reading Feh by Shalom Auslander.

Evolve in Diablo Valley • Hanukkah Dinner and White Elephant Gift Exchange
Sunday, December 15 at 5:00 pm Pacific

Join us for a delightful dinner and gift exchange, hosted by Janice Frankel. Save the date - flyer and registration coming soon!

Kesher Oak • Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 pm Pacific

Join us for a delightful Hanukkah party! Save the date - flyer and registration coming soon. Contact kesheroak@gmail.com for details. 

Marin • Expressive Mixed Media Art Workshop
Sunday, November 17 at 10:00 am Pacific

Join us for an expressive art workshop celebrating our Jewish identities. Led by Marin Chapter member artist Nicki Adani in her studio, this event invites you to explore our heritage through mixed media art. Connect with your creativity and like-minded Zionist women, and create a unique piece that reflects your cultural identity.

All skill levels welcome! Supplies will be provided - feel free to bring any collage materials that hold special meaning for you in relation to your Jewish identity or connection to Israel. Together we create, inspire, and celebrate! All are welcome! You don’t have to belong to the Marin Chapter!

Register at events.hadassah.org/ExpressiveMixedMedia

Oakland Ruach • Rosh Chodesh Study Group
Monday, November 25 at 7:30 pm Pacific via Zoom

The Oakland Ruach Chapter partners with Women of TBA (Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland) to host a monthly Rosh Chodesh study group. All are welcome. Please RSVP to Lynn Langfeld by emailing her at llangfeld@comcast.net. We are currently reading The Women's Torah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions, edited by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein. When you RSVP, Lynn will send you the Zoom link and information about the specific reading. We look forward to welcoming you!

Sacramento • Jessie Yoshpe Hadassah Study Group

Our study group meets twice a month and is starting to read a wonderful Hadassah publication: Pray Tell, A Hadassah Guide To Jewish Prayer.

Contact Dee Miller (jessieyoshpestudygroup@gmail.com) to get details on how to join the group! Make the connection now so you can be part of this wonderful group.

Sacramento • Non-Fiction Book Group

We meet irregularly and welcome new members! (We skip months when not enough of us are present.) Contact Kathy Dodson at katwillgo@gmail.com to connect!

Santa Cruz • Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration
Thursday, November 21 at 10:30 am Pacific

Join us to make your very own Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration. BYOP (Bring your own pumpkin) and an $18 donation to Hadassah. We'll provide everything else you need (except the pumpkin). Questions? Email Anastasia at binkyart@live.com

Santa Cruz • Coffee Talk with Hadassah
Wednesday, November 20 at 10:30 am Pacific

Get together with other Hadassah members and allies for no-host coffee and to visit and talk about issues affecting us as Jews and Zionists in our community. We will meet old and new friends at a coffeeshop in Midtown. Contact Anastasia at binkyart@live.com or (831) 200-9464 for more info.

Santa Cruz • Instagram and Facebook

Follow us on Instagram! @santa_cruz_chapter_of_hadassah

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SantaCruzHadassah and join our WhatsApp group to get updates on our events (Call 831-247-9775 or email Anastasia (binkyart@live.com) with your cell phone number).

Solano-Napa • Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Gathering
Sunday, November 3 at 4:00 pm Pacific via Zoom

Come together to observe Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan. All are welcome! You don’t have to belong to the Solano-Napa Chapter! Join us to discover aspects of our history and heritage, be part of a group of Jewish women and have fun together. Please register at events.hadassah.org/RoshChodeshCheshvan to receive the Zoom link.

For details about the monthly women’s Rosh Chodesh Gatherings, contact solanonapa@hadassah.org or Sabine Goerke-Shrode at sm.shrode@sbcglobal.net

Solano-Napa • Rosh Chodesh Kislev Gathering
Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 pm Pacific via Zoom

Come together to observe Rosh Chodesh Kislev. All are welcome! You don’t have to belong to the Solano-Napa Chapter! Join us to discover aspects of our history and heritage, be part of a group of Jewish women and have fun together. 

Contact solanonapa@hadassah.org or Sabine Goerke-Shrode at sm.shrode@sbcglobal.net for details as the event planning is underway now AND you can join in to help plan this event! Rosh Chodesh Gatherings are very special and this one takes place right on the date of the new moon!

Solano-Napa • Film Group Discussion
Sunday, November 17 at 5:00 pm Pacific

You are invited to join a film discussion of “Dancing in Jaffa". Stream at home, then join the discussion! Available for free through most local libraries on Kanopy.

Renowned ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine returns to his native Israel and promotes harmony by teaching dance to three ethnically mixed groups of children.

Register at events.hadassah.org/DancinginJaffa. Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Questions? Contact Jan Leventhal at janetbleventhal@hotmail.com. All are welcome! You don’t have to belong to the Solano-Napa Chapter!

Tri City (Fremont, Union City, Newark, Hayward) • Revitalization Meeting
Sunday, November 10

Join us to be part of this important and fun chapter happening! Questions? Contact Janice Fonteno at janicecsuh@comcast.net.

Evolve Hadassah

Central Pacific Coast's Evolve community (self-identifying women in their 20’s-50’s) is planning a quarterly season of fabulous regional events so we can gather, commune and network! We are planning events in San Francisco, Diablo Valley and Palo Alto in 2025. Email Tory for more info: CPCEvolve@gmail.com.

360° of Healing with Hadassah Associates

Hadassah Associates have adopted the 360°of Healing – Delivering Hope campaign as their 2024 fundraising initiative.

Hadassah Associates have helped make the 360° of Healing, The Full Circle Campaign to reimagine the iconic Round Building an unquestionable success. But that was just a start.

360° of Healing is also about Delivering Hope for Israel’s children, their mothers, fathers and families, and the Associates can play an essential role in making this phase of the campaign a success as well.

Give now: visit hadassah.org/donate

IMPORTNAT: Required Minimum Distributions

Hadassah must receive your gift by December 31 for your donation to qualify as a QUALIFIED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION in 2024. If you have check-writing features on your IRA, please be aware that your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your Required Minimum Distribution for the calendar year.

Learn more about planned giving at plannedgiving.hadassah.org/ira-charitable-rollover

Together We Will Heal

As unprecedented attacks against Israel escalate, support for the Hadassah Medical Organization is even more critical. The need for war-related funding has increased. Please help Hadassah prepare, protect and heal the people of Israel by making a donation online.

HOPE AND HEALING IN PEACE AND WAR
Gandel Rehabilitation Center

Israel is facing a critical shortage in rehabilitation capacity, especially in Jerusalem, at a time when it is needed most. Since October 7, 2023, more than 16,000 Israelis have been wounded, according to the Israel Health Ministry. This ongoing bloodshed has taken a heavy toll on the physical and emotional health of the country.

Recognizing the significant need for rehabilitation beds and an advanced and up-to-date center to provide integrated care, Hadassah began construction on the large and innovative Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus five years ago. When Hamas terrorists launched their attack, Hadassah moved swiftly to open a 120-bed emergency hospital in an area that was designated to serve as an underground parking lot, in the yet-unopened center within just 14 days.

In January 2024, with hundreds of soldiers and civilians requiring specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for severe physical injuries as well as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, Hadassah was able to greatly accelerate the opening of the first three clinical floors of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, accommodating an initial 72 patients.

We must complete the remaining floors of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, expanding to meet our full capacity of 400 patients on any given day, and will need your help to continue to provide hope and healing in peace and war.

The Gandel Rehabilitation Center offers a host of special treatments, along with physical and occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and respiratory and orthopedic rehabilitation. There will be a psychological rehabilitation program as well as facilities to provide rehabilitation for neurological problems caused by brain, spinal cord and nervous system injuries and illnesses.

We need your help to complete construction on this 323,000-square-foot, eight-story center, named for John and Pauline Gandel of the Gandel Foundation in Melbourne, Australia. With your help, the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus will care for 10,000 patients annually.

Help Hadassah help Israel heal.

TO DONATE, PLEASE VISIT go.hadassah.org/GRC1

To honor friends, family and community members with happy, sad or other thoughts, you can send a customized BEAUTIFUL certificate via Nanci Patchen, Hadassah West volunteer certificate expert!

Order a Certificate Today!

Contact Hadassah West Certificates Chair, Nanci Patchen
Phone: 714-552-6435 Email: nanci.patchen@gmail.com