Dear ,

Message from the Presidents

Autumn has alternated between record-breaking temperatures in the 80s and near-freezing. Now that we have had snow, it looks like fall will progress into winter in a timely manner. We are used to hunkering down for the winter, but this year most of us have been hunkering down since early spring. National Hadassah’s offices will continue to be closed through the end of 2020, as will our local office. You can, however, contact the local and National offices by phone or email and through the websites. Remember that Hadassah Minneapolis also is on Facebook.

Hadassah Minneapolis has been busy with board meetings, interest groups, and committee meetings on Zoom. We will hold our meetings that way until further notice. The National office offers interesting programs available every week, which you can access through the National website. Locally, we have a major program on Zoom coming up November 8, “From #MeToo to #WeToo: Safety, Respect and Equity in the Jewish Community” (see the article below).

Here’s a reminder that our next chapter board meeting will be on Zoom this Wednesday, November 4 at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to all chapter members, but if you are not on the board, you will need to get the Zoom link by emailing Stacey (staceyrbush@gmail.com) or Donna (dffredkove@aol.com or hadassahdonna@gmail.com). Also feel free to call Stacey at 952-929-2076 or Donna at 952-217-4086. If you haven’t yet returned your donation for our fundraising campaign, please send it as soon as possible, so that Hadassah Minneapolis can get proper credit. As always, we appreciate our members’ generosity.

We wish you all the best of health and a Happy Thanksgiving, however you may celebrate it this year!

Donna Fredkove and Stacey Bush, Hadassah Minneapolis Co-Presidents

November Program: From #MeToo to #WeToo

Our Program and Education teams have been working with the National Council of Jewish Women to host this virtual program. Join us for an important Zoom event to be held on Sunday, November 8 at 10 a.m. Zoom “doors” will open at 9:30. It is free with registration required by November 5.

                                                               

              From #MeToo to #WeToo – Safety, Respect and Equity in the Jewish Community

The last several years have brought forward astonishing revelations in the world and in our Jewish community which have started to give hope that the sexual harassment we have always known will be no more. We are all struggling – personally and communally – with how to respond, what actions to take, and how to add our unique voice to this important conversation. In our community, we strive to create safe, respectful, and equitable workplaces and communities that are free from gender abuse and harassment. It is our ethical responsibility and our moral imperative. To register, click here. To see the flyer, click here. If you have any questions about this event, you may contact Barbara Parks at 952-905-6891 or email hadassahminneapolis@gmail.com.

Annual Fundraising Drive

Hadassah Minneapolis recently sent you a solicitation letter. This is the only letter we send to our members each year. If you have already responded, thank you. If you haven't done so, please consider sending a donation in the near future. It is because of the generosity of our members that Hadassah Medical Center is able to provide cutting edge research and save lives. If you’ve misplaced the letter but still want to donate, please contact our Fundraising Vice President, Karen Rubin (hadassahkaren@gmail.com, 952-933-2248).

Order 2021 Mah Jongg Cards to Benefit Hadassah

The National Mah Jongg League will make a donation in the form of a rebate to charitable organizations for Mah Jongg cards ordered by individuals submitted in one order. Hadassah does not benefit if membership is done online or through the mail by individuals. Hadassah Minneapolis receives $2.50 for each membership plus a $20 bonus. For many years, the chapter has been receiving a collector’s rebate through this program. Last year’s rebate was $631.00, our highest ever!

The new 2021 Mah Jongg cards are now available for purchase and may be ordered in two sizes. A standard card/membership is now $9.00, and a large card/membership is now $10.00. Please encourage those you know to order their card through Hadassah.

Cards are mailed directly to your address from the National Mah Jongg League. To order, send a check made out to Ronna Locketz (not Hadassah), 4740 Walnut Grove Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55446. The deadline is January 30.

                         

Education

Hadassah Hospital hosted an outdoor wedding for a COVID-19 patient’s son. An Israeli man hospitalized with the coronavirus has been granted the rare chance to take part in his son’s wedding after the Jerusalem hospital hosted the ceremony on its grounds, beneath the man’s hospital room window. A video of Sunday’s event by the Hadassah Medical Center showed the bride, escorted by two women holding candles, walking to a traditional wedding canopy set up on the hospital campus. To read a Times of Israel article about this event, click here.

Aish.com has collected seven fascinating facts about Jews and Native Americans. As Jews, we have connections in some form or another to people and cultures all over the world. Here is some interesting information regarding our connection right in our own back yard. Click here for more information.

The Branch: "The Artists" — A Hadassah Podcast features artists Faten Elwi, an Arab Israeli, and Hadass Gertman, a Jewish Israeli, who began collaborating on art exhibits at the height of the Second Intifada. Now, nearly two decades later, their friendship and powerful new exhibit are bringing Jews and Arabs together in the historically conflict-ridden city of Umm al-Fahm. Click here to listen now — and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

November is National Diabetes Month. Hadassah is helping to raise awareness about symptoms, promote healthy living and ensure that people are aware of risk factors. More than 422 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with diabetes, and it is estimated that by 2045 this will increase to 700 million people. For information from Hadassah about healthy eating, click here.

Support Hadassah by Purchasing eCards

For a minimum annual donation of $36, you can send unlimited electronic greeting cards (eCards) – all-occasion, Rosh Hashanah, etc. – for an entire year. This is a great way to support Hadassah, and especially in this time of COVID when we may not want to go shopping for cards, you can send them to your family and friends through the ease of your computer by clicking here.

              

Hadassah Craft Co-Op is COVID Careful!

Our inventory awaits your requests for the upcoming holidays. We hope you are not planning in-person events for Thanksgiving or Hanukkah (at least you shouldn’t be planning them), but we still want to honor our virtual hostesses with a token of our gratitude, perhaps with an apron, oven-hanging towels or potholders? Our adult children might welcome a token of our affection and thanks for their continued concern for our welfare. The grandchildren, near or far, certainly would welcome a lovely warm hat, scarf, or fuzzy floor or chair quilt beautifully crafted and donated by our Hadassah members. Pick up the phone or send an email to make an appointment to see our inventory. Come with a mask on, and rest assured that our sales force will do the same, and then shop in the privacy of our “showroom” at the home of Debby Wolk, keeper of these beautiful items. Call Debby at 612-925-7932 or email her at tzvibo@aol.com to reserve your shopping experience. We will take checks or cash.

               

Storage Space Needed

Hadassah Minneapolis is looking for a place to store about six boxes of items used at the annual Maj-a-thon and White Elephant Auction. If you have a place to help Hadassah store these items until they are needed, please contact Gloria Murman at gmurman@comcast.net.

Hadassah News: Hadassah Hospital Cardiology One of the Best

                                         

For nine decades, Newsweek has covered all aspects of healthcare – medical specialties, scientific breakthroughs, challenges, technology, patient care and, most importantly, the impact these have on the world today. In their current issue, “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals – Cardiology 2021 – Newsweek includes Hadassah Hospital Heart Institute at Ein Kerem in Jerusalem in a ranking of top-tier global medical centers “where you will have access to the best diagnosticians, the highest level of patient care, and the most effective medical treatments.” Our congratulations to the management, medical staff and support team at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem’s Heart Institute for their outstanding contributions to cardiology care worldwide. For more information, click here.

Planned Giving

Book Chavurot

The Nightclub book group will meet on Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m. Once again, the meeting will be on Zoom. Sue Garnett will send out the Zoom invitation on Tuesday, November 3. We are reading The Guest Book by Sarah Blake. Even if you are unable to get the book, feel free to attend the meeting. Many times the discussions start with the book and then veer off into related subjects. Janet Fish will lead 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 still is not meeting because of COVID-19.  Please keep yourself safe as the number of new cases rise.

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

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. You can vote absentee or in person on November 3 or earlier. For more information about voting in Minnesota, click here.

Shop and Support Hadassah

AmazonSmile is a program through which Amazon donates 0.5% of your Amazon purchases to a charity of your choosing. Go to smile.amazon.com, log in if needed, and search for Hadassah. Then, to assure that Hadassah will receive a benefit, please make sure to login into AmazonSmile before you make your purchase. Thanks to customers shopping at AmazonSmile, everyday purchases generated over $200 million in donations to charities worldwide so far. AmazonSmile has the same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, plus you generate donations for charity at no cost to you.

AmazonSmile's impact to date:
•  $10,092.66 to Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America
•  $198,636,544.70 to all charities in the US
•  $215,721,458.97 to all charities worldwide

For more information about AmazonSmile, click here for the FAQ sheet. Sign up today. What an easy way to help Hadassah!

Save the Dates

The Installation of new officers will be a virtual program, to be held on Sunday, December 20 at 10 a.m. We are excited to announce Cantor Tamar Havilio, of Bet Shalom, will be our guest speaker. Watch for the flier for all the details.

Hadassah Missions is now Hadassah Israel Travel. Visit the Hadassah Israel website to pick your favorite tour for 2021 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.

Email 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.