Dear ,

Message from the Presidents

This has been a strange summer for everyone. Hadassah meetings – national and Minneapolis – have been held on Zoom, masks are being worn everywhere except in our homes and while driving, COVID-19 shows no sign of abating, protests – mostly peaceful, thankfully – are regularly seen on the news, and more. Hadassah Hospital is working very hard not only to help COVID-19 patients (along with other patients), but also to create a useful vaccine. Researchers there are testing a “passive vaccine,” using antibodies from recovered patients, and are seeing promising results.

Hadassah is committed to racial justice locally, nationally, and internationally. Our members have joined peaceful protests, written emails to our elected officials, and more. We are trying to make ourselves more aware of our own biases so that we can be rid of them and create a better world for all.

Voting on November 3 is critical for the future of our country. Whether you vote by mail or in person, it’s your duty to stand up and be counted on Election Day.

Finally, the new year is on the horizon. Rosh Hashanah starts on the evening of September 18, with Yom Kippur beginning on the night of September 27. May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life, and have a healthy, sweet New Year.

Stacey Bush and Donna Fredkove, Hadassah Minneapolis Co-Presidents

Historic Agreement between Israel and UAE

The big news in Israel and the United States in August was the historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is only the third Arab nation (after Egypt and Jordan) to recognize Israel. However, this agreement was different. The UAE is the Arab state that has gone furthest in establishing a wide range of unofficial contacts with Israel, and is, in fact, closer diplomatically to Israel than are either Egypt or Jordan. Almost immediately, diplomatic, business and personal communications between Israel and the UAE began.

This agreement has implications for both international and Israeli issues. Part of the agreement states that Israel will “suspend” annexation of the West Bank. The UAE is an enemy of Iran, so this agreement puts the UAE and Israel on the same side in that arena. Bahrain and Oman, both Gulf states like the UAE, both expressed approval of the agreement. Sudan expressed interest in a peace deal with Israel. The American administration had a hand in brokering the agreement so can now present itself as a Mideast peacemaker. In Israel, the press over this agreement took attention away from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s many problems (pandemic, large daily anti-Bibi demonstrations, legal problems). For more information relating to this historic agreement and how press sources assess it, click here for coverage from the Jerusalem Post, here for Hadassah's reaction, and here for a Times of Israel article about Israel-Sudan ties.

Hadassah High Holiday Cards for Sale

Especially during these times, getting a card or a letter in the mail  has become an important way to communicate with each other. Celebrate the Jewish New Year and contribute to Hadassah by sending cards to your family and friends! The cost is only $5.00 each or 3 for $12.00. Contact Ronna Locketz at 612-730-6418.

                                            

Craft Co-Op Offering Appointments

The Craft Co-Op is happy to offer individual appointments if anyone needs a gift and feels comfortable doing so. The inventory is located at the home of Debby Wolk, in South Minneapolis. You can reach her through email: debhadassah@gmail.com or by phone, 612-925-7932.

Here are the particulars of how it will work:
•  You will be expected to wear a mask. (Please have your own as we do not have any to give.) Deb also will wear a mask during the appointment. Everyone will work to maintain proper social distancing.
•  If you do not feel well for any reason, please call to reschedule. Likewise, if Deb does not feel well, she will call to reschedule.
•  One customer can be in the house at a time. (If you are with another person, they can wait outside on the deck or in the car -- the gardens are gorgeous!)
•  The inventory is down a fairly steep flight of stairs, with a railing. We can bring up some bins to the main level if needed. When you make your appointment, it will be helpful to know what you are looking for (a baby gift, housewares, etc.).
•  There is a cat in the house, but it will be isolated while you visit.
•  We would prefer checks but will accept cash for exact change.

               

Education

Recently, Hadassah offered a webinar called American Zionist Women of Color, which was a very enlightening program. To view this hour-long webinar, click here. There have also been a number of education/discussion opportunities regarding racism/anti-racism in our community. Keeping this and the Hadassah policy statement on racial justice in mind, click here for an important article from Forward (formerly called The Jewish Forward) written on August 15 2020, regarding the frustration, hope, and diversity of Minneapolis’ Black Jews. Forward normally requires a subscription, but it makes an exception for a few free-access articles each month, so read this now!

This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote in this country. A century ago, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, enshrining women’s suffrage in the US Constitution and culminating a struggle that women and their male allies fought for more than 80 years. Not only were Jewish women present—and vocal—on both sides of the campaign for women’s suffrage, but they continued to fight into the 1960s and beyond in order to make the promise of the Nineteenth Amendment a reality for all American women, no matter their race. There are many interesting articles and books about them. Click on the titles below for more information. For the official Hadassah policy on women's suffrage, see Hadassah News (below).
• “Jewish Suffragists, White Dresses and Yellow Roses” (Hadassah Magazine)
•  “100 Years ago in NY, suffrage movement pitted Jewish sisters against each other” (The Times of Israell).
•  “Jewish League for Woman Suffrage” (Wikipedia)

                                       
      Jewish suffragette             Famous Jewish Sisters                   Jewish League Members

On October 14, 2018, Koolulam, a social-musical initiative aimed at strengthening the fabric of society, partnered with King David Schools, Johannesburg, South Africa and gathered 3,500 South Africans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of King David Schools and the establishment of the State of Israel. Within 45 minutes, they learned a new arrangement of OneRepublic's I Lived. This is a song of hope and love – two things so important to all of us. Click here to enjoy this amazing musical experience!

Hadassah News: Policy Statement on Women's Suffrage

To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of a woman’s right to vote in the United States, National Hadassah has created a policy statement entitled Celebrating Women’s Suffrage Through Civic Engagement. To read the full statement, click here.

Book Chavurot

The Nightclub book group will meet on Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. Once again, the meeting will be on Zoom. Sue Garnett will send out the Zoom invitation on Tuesday, September 1. We are reading The Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse. Even if you are unable to get the book, feel free to attend the Zoom meeting. Many times the discussions start with the book and then veer off into related subjects. Bev Weinberg is leading our discussion. Questions? Contact Sue Garnett (nettgar1@gmail.com or 952-545-1435).

The Knollwood book club is alive and well but not meeting as a group just yet. Due to remodeling in the building and visitor restrictions because of the virus, we are all sheltering in place and reading. Let us know some titles of books that you have found interesting -- or not -- as we will begin compiling titles for our 2021 season. We are not sure when that will begin, but we can all hope and plan as if we will be meeting soon. Send your titles to Debby Wolk at tzvibo@aol.com or call her at 612-925-7932. She would love to hear from you just to say hello as well. Be well!

Walking Group Suspended

The Walking Group continues to be on hold because of COVID-19. National Hadassah has suspended all face-to-face programming until we get a grip on this horrible virus. We will keep everyone updated.

Region News:  Office Still Closed

All Hadassah offices have been closed since March, and at this point, we have not been given a reopen date. Since we do not have access to either our office email or voice mail, if you wish to reach us, please use the Hadassah Minneapolis email, hadassahminneapolis@gmail.com.

Community News -- Participate in Democracy

2020 Census: The Census will shape political representation, funding of government programs, the flow of business and commerce, and the planning and delivery of services to local communities. It has far-reaching effects, holding relevance to many facets of our everyday life in Minnesota. If you haven't already, click here to complete your census form online.

2020 Election: Your voice is important, make sure it is heard by voting in the general election on Tuesday, November 3. In Minnesota due to COVID-19, you can vote by mail. Click here to register to vote.  Click here to request a mail-in-ballot.

Save the Dates

Hadassah Minneapolis will partner with National Council of Jewish Women on a timely and important program called From #MeToo to #WeToo, Safety, Respect, and Equity in our Jewish Community. This program, scheduled for Sunday, November 8 at 10 a.m. with Zoom doors opening at 9:30 a.m., will include an open conversation with NCJW CEO Sheila Katz and Minnesota Jewish community leaders about gender discrimination and assault within and beyond our community. You'll hear first-hand narratives from across the country and engage in key questions and concrete strategies for how we can build and sustain a safe, respectful, and equitable Minnesota Jewish community. Invitations will be e-mailed in early October. They will also sent by USPS to those who do not have e-mail.

Note: The TRYmester program, about Jewish fertility journeys out loud, has been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 concerns.

Hadassah Missions is now Hadassah Israel Travel. Visit the Hadassah Israel website to pick your favorite tour for fall and winter 2020 and join us in Israel! Don’t forget to invite your family and friends!

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, Golden Valley, MN 55422. 

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

                                   

Ten reasons to buy your greeting cards through Hadassah:

     1. The cards are attractive and meaningful.
     2. The money you pay for your cards goes directly to Hadassah!
     3. There are a number of card categories including birthday, sympathy, get well, mazel tov, bar/bat mitzvah, etc.
     4. You can buy cards at Hadassah events and also through our Hadassah card contacts listed below. (No standing at the store).
     5. We have brand new Happy Birthday cards that have just arrived!!
     6. The cards offer a variety of messages.
     7. The recipient will understand and appreciate that the money you spent on their card goes to support Hadassah’s mission.
     8. The price for the cards is $5 each or 3 for $12….a real steal!!
     9. Our special Malinsky cards (photo at right) for Cancer Research are $10 each.
   10. Why would you spend more money at a store when you can support our chapter fundraising goals and Hadassah at the same time?

Hadassah Certificates are a special way for you to make a donation in honor or in memory of someone. These attractive certificates ranging from $10-$500 are personalized with the message you wish and sent directly to the recipient. Contact the Card/Certificate person below to order your certificates or online through www.hadassah.org. Click on Donate, then Other Ways to Give, then Personalized Certificates.  Be sure to designate Hadassah Minneapolis when prompted.

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. Since we do not have access to either our office email or voice mail, if you wish to reach us, please use the Hadassah Minneapolis email, hadassahminneapolis@gmail.com.

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

Like Hadassah on Facebook.