Dear ,

There's an Elephant in the Room!

Join us for an afternoon of nibbling, schmoozing, and fun at our White Elephant Auction Fundraiser on Sunday, April 28, 1-3 p.m. at the Party Room at 3531 Oakton Drive in Minnetonka. Bring your new or gently used items for a variety of auctions, along with your checkbook or cash.

This event will benefit the Hadassah Hospital Mother and Child Pavilion. Watch your e-mail inbox for the invitation. For more details, questions, or to provide your email address, contact Carol Fuerstneau 763-542-9554 or Hadassah@Fuerstneau.com. Send your check for $10 per person, payable to Hadassah to Barbara Parks, 3645 Archer Lane North, Plymouth MN  55446 by April 17. To see the flyer, click here. To register, click here.

This program is always such a fun-fun-draising afternoon. Hope to see you there!

Make your 2019 Fundraising Donation Now!

Although our 2018 fundraising campaign is officially over, it's not too early to donate for 2019! Make this the year you join Hadassah's Chai Society (minimum $180 annually) or become a Keeper (minimum $1,000 annually). Once you've made this commitment, you can pay in one lump sum, twice a year, quarterly or once a month. National Hadassah will know they can depend on your annual commitment, and you'll know you're helping in Hadassah Hospital's life-saving work. Visit www.hadassah.org, mouse over to the Donate button, and go its drop-down menu to find more information about Chai Society or Keepers of the Gate. You can donate directly from those menu items, and Hadassah Minneapolis will get credit.

Remember that all contributions are fully tax deductible, and Hadassah needs your help! Contact Stacey Bush at staceyrbush@gmail.com or Linda Ward at ward4858@yahoo.com with any questions.

Hadassah Midwest Spring Retreat

Join Hadassah region members from throughout the Midwest in Detroit for a spring retreat, April 7. This will be an exciting opportunity to learn how Hadassah is moving into the future through consolidation within the Midwest and through a new strategic plan at the National level. It will also be an opportunity to meet some of the women who are leading the way into that future, both Hadassah volunteers and professionals.

The best part of Hadassah is the women you meet and the friendships you make with women who live all over the country. If you have never attended a conference before, this is a great time to start. And if you have gone before, you know this is where you want to be. See old friends, make new ones - and learn about Hadassah. Just click here for more information and to register. There is region money available for subvention. Check with Leslie Strohm, lstrohm@hadassah.org for more information about the subventions.

Cultural Clique

There are several events for Cultural Clique members in April. On April 5, the First Friday program at the University of Minnesota will be “Love, Old Horror":  Margaret Wise Brown, Edith Thacher Hurd, and the Writing of a Picture Book. The program, held at the Anderson Library on the Minnesota Campus, begins at 11:30 a.m. with a free lunch followed by the discussion at noon. After the program, you can tour the library exhibit. Contact Merrie Forstein krisfor@gmail.com for carpool information.

On April 14, Hadassah Minneapolis member, Gloria Fredkove will share her family’s amazing story of hardship and survival, how they escaped deportation to German Concentration Camps, and how her life was affected by these early traumas. The event is free and it will be at Adath Jeshurun Congregation from 3:30-5:45 p.m. See Community Events, below, for more information.

From April 27-May 19, the Minnesota Jewish Theater will present Shul, where the last congregants of an old synagogue must decide what to do with their dilapidated building. We suggest we see this play and then discuss it in May (date to be announced).

For further information or to answer questions, contact Sarene Silver ssilver125@aol.com or 763-544-4012

Book Chavurot

The Night Club Bookclub meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month in the Conference Room at the far right side when you walk in of the Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Avenue N. We have switched the books for April and May because there is a long wait at the library to read the book originally scheduled for April, so we will discuss Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng on April 4, and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman on May 9. Note that we have changed the date for the May meeting from May 2 to May 9. We are always looking for new members. We are a wonderful bunch of women whom always have fun every month. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Shelly Levine at 612-597-3349 or shellyilevine@msn.com.

The Henrietta Szold book group is a lively bunch of men and women who meet at 1 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of every month in the Knollwood Place Apartments boardroom. Our book list is varied, and all the book titles chosen are available in regular and large print, audio, and downloadable formats with many copies in the Library system. Many of our participants use the volunteer delivery system offered by the Hennepin County Libraries. While not everyone finishes reading each of our titles, we have great discussions based on the themes in each book. The book for April 24 will be A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline, which imagines the life of the subject of Andrew Wyeth’s painting “Christina’s World.” Please feel free to join us! If you are not on our contact list, call Debby Wolk at 612-925-7932 or e-mail her at tzvibo@aol.com for more information.

360 Degrees of Healing

National Hadassah has a new capital campaign, “360 Degrees of Healing.” The three-year Full Circle of Healing will revitalize Hadassah Hospital’s original Round Building. Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) will be able to add 200 new beds, renovate 17 operating rooms, expand treatment offerings, create larger rooms to give patients more privacy and reduce the risk of infection, help better protect the hospital from earthquakes or attack, and more.

Donations, which are separate from other giving, are vital to this effort. If you’d like to be part of the opportunity, go to www.hadassah.org, mouse over to the Donate button and go to “360° of Healing” in its drop-down menu.

Walking Group

The walking group continues our walks every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30. We still are walking inside at Ridgedale until the paths are ice-free. For more information, contact Terry Hallfin at terrybmn@visi.com.

The members of the walking group extend their deepest condolences to the family of Marlys Buchler, who passed away on March 7. Marlys was a faithful member of the group and was active in Hadassah and several other organizations. She will be greatly missed. May her memory be for a blessing.

Ronald McDonald House Is Looking for Your Help

Hadassah has been serving meals every Thursday at the Ronald McDonald House on the University of Minnesota campus (East Bank) for over 30 years. We’ve had captains and teams preparing, warming and serving up to 100 people--patients and their families, all this time quietly fulfilling a Hadassah mission of helping to heal and support the sick here at “home.” We have lost several teams for various reasons and need more teams, so we are reaching out and asking you to step up, pitch in, and have fun at the same time. Tasks include cooking on site or providing cooked food that is purchased from a professional resource such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Cub, etc., delivering the meal to the House and providing servers to dish up, clean up, and smile with good cheer and well wishes to family, staff, and most of all the patients undergoing treatment in nearby University hospitals. Talk to one of our captains, Terry Hallfin at 763-588-5597 or e-mail her at terrybmn@visi.com to find out how you can be a part of this worthwhile endeavor. Ronald is waiting to hear from you. Don’t think about it -- just give it a try!

Passover Sales Event at the Craft Co-op Showroom

What better way to show your appreciation for seder invitations than to gift your hosting family! We have wonderful Passover hospitality gifts such as a beautiful seder pillow sham for the head of the table, a gorgeous matzo cover, snappy aprons for adults and children, potholders for the many trips to the oven, and lovely guest towels for the bathroom visitors on seder night. Of course, there are many other items, including Matruska-looking pillow dolls in Jewish holiday clothes, to keep children company at the holiday table, and hats, scarves, and beautiful handmade jewelry to show people that you really do appreciate them. Our showroom is open for private showings. Just email Debby Wolk at debhadassah@gmail.com or Sara Bernstein at Hadassahcraftcoop@gmail.com to arrange an appointment that is convenient for you!

Interested in Crafting or Fiber-Arts Get-Togethers?

We are considering a new chavura for crafters and those who want to be. If you knit, crochet, sew, build with popsicle sticks or do any other creative projects, this group is for you. All skill levels are welcome! This will be brand new, so please send your thoughts, interest level, and meeting suggestions to Melissa Murphy at emailmlbm@gmail.com.

Community Events

"Dangerous Mission"—America’s Sole Rescue of 1,000 WWII Refugees with Gloria Fredkove, an Adath Jeshurun Congregation program, Sunday April 14, 3:30-5:45 p.m., will feature Hadassah Minneapolis member Gloria Fredkove, who was a baby among nearly 1,000 refugees given temporary haven in America during World War II. She will share her family’s amazing story of hardship and survival, how they escaped deportation to German concentration camps, and how her life was affected by these early traumas. While reservations are suggested, walk-ins are welcome. The event is free and open to the public. To see the flyer, click here. To register, click here.

Keeping the Spirit Alive, the JFCS conference for caregivers and those supporting a loved one  with dementia, features keynote speaker Dr. Vic Sandler and will will take place on Sunday, April 7, 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. Registrations now will be accepted through the first week of April. This program is free and open to all. To register, call 952-417-2149. To view the flyer and see more information, click here. Hadassah is a co-sponsor for this event.

The Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School is hosting a free parent and educator workshop, Managing Anxiety at Home and School: How to Break the Worry Cycle, with therapist Lynn Lyons on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Barry Family Campus’s Manny Fingerhut Auditorium.  To see the flyer, click here.  For more information or to register, click here.

Knollwood Place Apartments is looking for “new” used books to update its library areas on the first floor and in the various reading areas on the residential floors. The libraries need popular fiction, nonfiction, and biographies. Works of Jewish and Israeli interest are most welcome. They cannot use textbooks.  If you have used books you are willing to donate, please contact Ellen Etzkin at 952-250-3104 or Etzkin44@gmail.com.

Save the Dates

Sunday, June 23 — Hadassah Minneapolis program:  stories and music with Cantor Tamar Havilio! Hear Cantor Havilio, a cantorial teacher in Jerusalem currently on sabbatical at Temple Israel, share music and stories about her experiences. A Jew by choice from Milwaukee, she now lives in Israel with her husband and three boys, all born at Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem. If you have not heard her, you are in for a treat. Watch for details!

Planning has started for the annual Schmoozathon to be held July 24 at the home of Linda Tell. Watch for more details next month!

2019 Israel Missions -- fabulous discounts!   Hadassah is proud to announce that generous discounts for most of our 2019 Missions are now available! With one of our most exciting selections in recent years, participants may choose from a Youth Aliyah-focused Mission, a Purim Mission, a Yom Ha’Atzmaut Mission, a first-time joint Hadassah/JNF Family Tour, and more. Most missions have discounted rates, and further reductions are available for early registrants. Don’t forget to invite your family and friends!  For more information, click here.

Office Depot Discount for Hadassah Minneapolis Members

Office Depot has offered our members a non-profit discount on over 2,000 items. The flyer with the discount card can be viewed and printed by clicking here.  Take it to Office Depot. They will laminate the card for free, too. You still will have to pay taxes on your purchases. This card entitles you to a discount if available.  Contact Judy Edwards, Office Manager, Hadassah Upper Midwest, 612-759-5357, if you have questions.

Perpetual Yahrzeits at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem

When a loved one dies, please consider directing memorial gifts to Hadassah. The spirit of your family member or friend will live on in the lives that you help to enrich and to save! All donations will be promptly acknowledged to the donor and provided to the family of the deceased. A “Perpetual Yahrzeit” can be purchased with a one-time contribution of $1000. Kaddish will be said annually in the Abbell Synagogue at the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem. Advance yahrzeits can be purchased at any time for yourself or a loved one.  We Americans are culturally deprived when it comes to death and dying. For information on Hadassah's Perpetual Yahrzeit program call the Hadassah Minneapolis office at 952-924-4999 or click here. Memorial contributions of any amount may also be mailed to Hadassah Minneapolis, 5905 Golden Valley Rd. 

It's a Win-Win for You and Hadassah!

Become a taste-tester for Tasteocracy, formerly Food Perspectives, Inc. Every time you qualify for and participate in a survey, you will be paid an incentive of approximately $35 to $85, based upon the time the survey session takes. In addition to that amount, Hadassah Minneapolis will be paid $10. Men and women who sign up to be testers must be between the ages of 18 and 84. If you are interested in participating -- or know someone (friend, relative, son, daughter, grandchild, etc.) who would like to participate -- registration can be done on-line at www.tasteocracy.com. To sign up, click on Join button at the top. After you enter your personal information, choose Plymouth, MN as the “Closest testing location," select Yes in the "Make Donation" space, “Religion HADASSAH-MINNEAPOLIS CHAPTER” in the “I am fundraising for” space, and "Partial payment of $10" in the following space. If you prefer to register by phone, please call Tasteocracy at 763-354-2776.  Remember, this is a fundraiser that is a “win” for Hadassah and for the participant.

Cards, Certificates, and JNF Trees and Blue Boxes

Have you noticed greeting card prices going higher and higher? Do you know you can send cards through our chapter that will support Hadassah and Israel instead of a business? Support our Hadassah Chapter by buying your birthday, sympathy, get well, mazel tov and other greeting cards through your Hadassah card contacts listed below. Our prices are the most reasonable around and all the money goes to Hadassah!! Prices are $5 each or 3 for $12. JNF certificates are $18. Cards are available at board meetings and Hadassah events. If you wish you can call or email card contacts below who will sign and mail the card out upon receiving your check. Malinsky cards for cancer research are available for $10 each. We have a large selection of attractive certificates ranging from $10-$500 and up that are customized to the message you wish to send. There is $1.00 charge for postage. Please contact the Certificate person below to honor/remember someone with a beautiful Hadassah Certificate.  You can also order certificates online through Hadassah website at www.hadassah.org, click on Donate, then Other Ways to Give, then Personalized Certificates. Be sure to designate Hadassah Minneapolis when prompted. There you can choose to send certificates to be sent via email or through the mail.

Malinsky Cards: Ronna Locketz ronnalocketz@gmail.com or at 612-730-6418

Cards (Knollwood Place): Maurine Ziv maurineziv@gmail.com or 952-938-2550

Cards or Certificates: Ronna Locketz ronnalocketz@gmail.com or 763-544-5439

JNF Trees: Sheryl Cohen stelladoob@gmail.com or 612-298-5597

Contribution envelopes or Bea Rossen Youth Aliyah Fund: Sheryl Cohen stelladoob@gmail.com or 612-298-5597

If you have a full JNF Blue Box that needs to be emptied, contact Ellen Etzkin at etzkin44@gmail.com or 952-935-7767.

E-mail Addresses

If you have Hadassah member friends not receiving the monthly Hadassah Minneapolis emails, please forward this newsletter to them and encourage them to sign up by contacting the office at 952-924-4999 or at umregion@hadassah.org.

View our Hadassah Minneapolis website at www.hadassah.org/minneapolis.

Like Hadassah on Facebook.