President's Message

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” Benjamin Franklin

I’m writing this message late on the evening of July 4th. My husband, Kirk, and I have been binge watching the Independence Day shows from across the U.S. because we love patriotic music and fireworks. Later tonight my dog Sadie, and I walked the neighborhood, listening to the sound of fireworks celebrating our country’s birth. As the child of two first generation Americans, I am very aware of how lucky we are to be living in the United States. I am also very aware that we, like all Americans, must safeguard our liberties by letting our voices speak out and by educating ourselves about important issues that impact our daily lives. One way to do that is to sign up for Hadassah’s action alerts. It is easy to do by going to www.hadassah.org, then clicking on “get involved” and then on “advocate & take action.” This will take you to Hadassah’s National Action Center and to a button to sign up for action alerts.

As you all know, the rate of antisemitic attacks have increased in recent years. Not long ago our National President, Rhoda Smolow, sent out a letter asking us to commend the Biden-Harris administration’s historic announcement of a U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. One way to start was to first define exactly what antisemitism is. She wrote, “Thanks to Hadassah’s efforts, the United States embraces the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as an essential tool in identifying and fighting antisemitism in all its forms... Hadassah will continue to empower our members and supporters to take pride in their identity and values and to work with the administration, Congress, and state and local leaders across divides to fight hate wherever, whenever, and in whatever form it is found.” I took action and sent a letter thanking the administration. I hope you will, too.

Our region’s nominating committee under the chairmanship of Linda Freedman Block has been busy securing a fabulous slate of officers for next year. As always, we announce the slate three times before voting so here they are:

2024 Slate of Officers

“Who is this?,” you ask. It certainly isn’t me, though my sister said she looks like me (what a compliment!). It’s Traveling Henrietta from Hadassah’s Super South Geo Area. You may have seen her all over Facebook as she travels the world. She will be joining us in Houston for Greater Southwest’s Winter Board Meeting and Installation, December 16 and 17, 2023. So, mark your calendars and join me and Henrietta for a photo-op that weekend. Stay tuned for more information to come.

If I don’t tell you enough, thank you for all you do to keep Hadassah strong and growing. Whether you are passionate about caring for the sick and injured, about cutting-edge medical research, supporting Israel’s at-risk youth, cultivating women’s leadership, advocating against hate and antisemitism, advocating for women’s health, building a strong US/Israel bond, and so much more, Hadassah values your membership. I am always happy to hear from you. Contact me at ssmith@hadassah.org.

Fondly,
Sandra Smith
President, Hadassah Greater Southwest Region

A Fantastic Challenge Just for You!

by Linda Freedman Block
Greater Southwest Annual Giving Chair
and National Keepers of the Gate Chair

I am thrilled to announce another fantastic Challenge Grant for any Annual Donor, once again from a very generous anonymous donor in the Greater Southwest Region!

For every new annual gift or increase to an annual gift that is pledged and paid by an Annual Donor, our special Donor will match the amount of the increase two to one ($2 to $1), up to a total of $77,000 which will be donated to Youth Aliyah! Our challenge is to raise $38,500 in new and increased annual gifts to receive the $77,000 grant. This challenge includes any increases as of January 1, 2023.

The Annual Giving levels are:

• Chai Society - $180 to $359 annually
• Silver Chai Society - $360 to $999 annually
• Keeper of the Gate - $1,000 to $1,799 annually
• Chai Keeper of the Gate - $1,800 to $2,499 annually
• Silver Keeper of the Gate - $2,500 to $4,999 annually
• Golden Keeper of the Gate - $5,000 and above annually

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 also be matched two to one. No amount is too small.

The anonymous Donor’s gift will go to Youth Aliyah, but you may designate your Annual Gift to any of the following places:

• Greatest Need
• Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) for research and operating our hospitals
• Youth Aliyah
• Young Judaea
  

Let us know if you would like to become an annual giver or, if already a member of Chai Society or a Keeper, how much you would like to add to your gift by contacting Linda Freedman Block at 713-858-5531 or LBlock@hadassah.org or Ian Merles (Hadassah West Annual Giving Officer) at 619-884-1475 or imerles@hadassah.org.

Hadassah friends in winter places
Time to see your smiling faces!
Sisters, cousins far and near
Leave the cold and cruise down here!

Overnighting in Galveston is a great option for everybody, whether they are flying from out of state or driving from home in our Region.

What do you get when you add

YOU GET A HADASSAH MAH JONGG CRUISE!

Join Hadassah Greater Southwest Region
and your friends on a Carnival cruise (Breeze)!
Thursday, November 2 - Monday, November 6, 2023
from Galveston with one stop in Cozumel.
Co-Chairs Elissa Berry, Linda Freedman Block, and Karen Kessler

FOR HADASSAH MEMBERS ONLY!
To join Hadassah, please visit https://www.hadassah.org/join.

There will be 4 mini Mah Jongg tournaments while we are at sea
(on Friday and Sunday). $10 entry fee each tournament.
Or play Scrabble, Rummikub, Bridge or whatever floats your boat!
Or just relax, catch up on your reading, write a letter, write a book!

INSIDE ROOMS, OCEAN VIEW ROOMS, ROOMS WITH BALCONIES, AND SUITES ARE AVAILABLE. Single, double, and triple rates vary.
Gratuities are $14.50 per person per day and $16.50 per person per day for suites.

SPACE IS LIMITED - make your reservation ASAP!

Contact Elena Pelsinger at 281-492-2007 or elena@katyvantravel.com for rates and to register.
Your $36 registration, payable to Hadassah, is tax-deductible. Send your $36 check to: Hadassah, PO Box 3209, Bellaire, TX 77402.

Questions? Contact Elissa Berry at berry.elissa56@gmail.com. 

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Galveston.

Participants are encouraged to purchase travel/trip cancellation insurance simultaneously with their initial deposit. Carnival offers travel insurance on their cruises and Katy Van Travel can also offer Travel Guard Insurance.

Price includes cruise fare, port charges and government taxes. It does not include tips or alcoholic beverages or specialty restaurant fees. Gratuities can be paid in advance or it goes automatically on your shipboard account. Tips are $14.50 per person per day and $16.50 per person per day for suites.

There are beverage packages available or else you will be charged for drinks and wine, etc. on your ship board account which will be paid by credit card you have on file. This is the same for any purchase you make on the ship such as souvenirs, jewelry, etc.

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Hadassah Disclaimers: “Hadassah acts only as agent for participants in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurants or other services in connection with the itinerary. Hadassah is not responsible for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay, cost or expense of any nature whatsoever arising out of the trip or the travel arrangements. Hadassah strongly suggests that participants purchase travel/trip cancellation insurance. All rights are reserved to cancel or change itineraries or to substitute comparable hotels or services without notice when deemed necessary. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any participant should such person’s health or general comportment impede the operation of the trip or detrimentally affect the other trip participants. The trip is subject to cancellation due to low enrollment, security or any other reason within Hadassah’s sole discretion.”

CHARITABLE SOLICITATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor - New York, NY 10005 (212) 355-7900

 Contributions will be used for the support of Hadassah’s charitable projects and programs in the U.S. and/or Israel including: medical relief, education and research; education and advocacy programs on issues of concern to women and that of the family; and support of programs for Jewish youth. Financial and other information about Hadassah may be obtained, without cost, by writing the Finance Department at Hadassah’s principal place of business at the address indicated above, or by calling the phone number indicated above. In addition, residents of the following states may obtain financial and/or licensing information from their states, as indicated.

 OK, LA, TX residents: A copy of Hadassah’s latest Financial Report is available by writing to the Hadassah Finance Dept., 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10005.

 Charitable deductions are allowed to the extent provided by law. Hadassah shall have full dominion, control and discretion over this gift (and shall be under no legal obligation to transfer any portion of a gift to or for the use or benefit of any other entity or organization). All decisions regarding the transfer of funds to or for the benefit of any other entity.
Organization shall be subject to the approval of the Board or other governing body of Hadassah.

WISH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATES
A 

SWEET & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Send the sweetest and healthiest gift for Rosh Hashanah!

 Just in time for Rosh Hashanah, we will ship an 8 oz jar of Kosher honey with a personalized card reading:

“Shana Tova - Wishing you a Healthy and
Happy New Year.” - signed with your name.

Cost is $15.00 per jar.
Order by August 1st, 2023 for free shipping*

Ordering is quick and easy!

Go to www.honeyfromtheheart.org/CGH

We suggest you order by July 27, before the nationwide system gets overwhelmed.

*Shipping:

After August 1st add $7.00 per jar for shipping within the U.S.
Regardless of order date, add $7.00 for APO/FPO/DPO military addresses
Credit cards only, no cash or checks
Orders accepted until Rosh Hashanah.
Order through August 25th for delivery by Rosh Hashanah.
Your order is not confirmed until you get an email or a phone call.

For more information or to request an order form, contact:

Marcie Ginsberg
903-521-4841
margins12@comcast.net

Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to the land, the people and the future of Israel. Through education, advocacy, and youth development, and its support of medical care and research, Hadassah enchances the health and lives of people in Israel, the United States and worldwide.

Social Media

Connect with Hadassah West on social media!

on Facebook @HadassahWestGeo

facebook.com/HadassahWestGeo

on Instagram @HadassahWestGeo

instagram.com/HadassahWestGeo

How to connect with us

Follow our accounts, engage with our posts, and encourage friends and other Hadassah members to do the same!

Help us grow our social media community

By engaging with our posts, you will have a part in our social media growth! We post about exciting happenings and opportunities within Hadassah West, and we celebrate our members' successful events. You might learn some fun facts about Hadassah or gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible work Hadassah does.

 Questions? Contact Hadassah West at hadwest@hadassah.org

HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
©2022 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., Hadassah, the H logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

The doors are open.

NEW!! HADASSAH ISRAEL TOURS FOR 2023:

• Hadassah Summer Family Tour to Israel
  June 21-July 2. 2023
  Led by Carol Rosenthal

• Hadassah Israel Tour Through a Legal Lens with Attorneys and Judges
  July 5-15, 2023
  Led by Randa Maher

• Hadassah Mothers, Daughters & Friends
  October 24-November 3, 2023
  Led by Ellen Hershkin & Lisa Hershkin Roth

• Hadassah's Cultural Tour of Israel Through Art, Food & Music
  November 5-15, 2023
  Led by Valerie Lowenstein & Peg Elefant

• Hadassah Keepers of the Gate Tour of Israel
  December 10-19, 2023
  Led by Linda Freedoman Block & Roz Kantor

• Hadassah Winter Family Tour to Israel
  December 20-30, 2023

Experience the magic of Israel's sacred places... the famous Chagall windows... the sights and smells of outdoor markets. Find it all online, then let's go!

https://ayelet.com/hadassah-travel
or call 1.800.237.1517

We are thrilled to share with you our exciting Tree of Healing program — part of the transformation of the iconic Round Building at Hadassah Ein Kerem. The Tree of Healing contains beautiful etched glass leaves representing each donor who has made a new gift* of $10,000. Featured on an elegant glass wall within the Round Building’s brand-new Promenade, the Tree of Healing greets all who enter.

HELP US TO FILL THE TREE OF HEALING!
For every 10 new gifts of $10,000 that a chapter or region brings in, it will receive one complimentary glass leaf in the chapter or region’s name.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each chapter will get primary credit for its donor’s qualifying gift for all new gifts of $10,000 beginning on April 10, 2023, until leaves are no longer available (or we are ready to install the Tree of Healing — whichever comes first). If a chapter does not reach the 10-leaf threshold, then its balance of leaves will count toward its region’s tally. The region may then receive a complimentary glass leaf if the region reaches the 10-leaf goal. 

If you would like to take part in this exciting Tree of Healing opportunity commemorating the rebirth of Hadassah’s iconic Round Building, please contact:

Miki Schulman
Round Building Chair
mschulman@hadassah.org
*Gifts may be paid over two years.

Harriett Zeitlin
Regional Director of Major Gifts, West
hzeitlin@hadassah.org
818-437-0707

HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
©2023 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah and the H logo are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

 Membership Information

SHARE YOUR LOVE OF ISRAEL!

Give a Hadassah Membership for Israel's 75th.
The perfect way to celebrate this milestone!

Gift memberships at:
events.hadassah.org/giftisrael75

Check us out on Facebook by typing Hadassah Greater Southwest in the search bar or clicking here. We hope you will join our Facebook group and invite your friends to join us, too. Thanks to our Facebook manager, Sandye Fertman, for keeping us up to date.

As you know, Hadassah West launched Facebook and Instagram pages last year, and we’ve been really pleased with the wonderful responses from members in all five regions. Thank you for continuing to promote these social media pages in your meetings and communications. Here are the links in case you need them:

Facebook: facebook.com/HadassahWestGeo
Instagram: hadassahwestgeo or instagram.com/HadassahWestGeo

Please click here to read Hadassah’s Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Statements.