Healing through Hadassah

Joyce Toub, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

My mind is awash with many things: hopefully, the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia will learn its place in the world and withdraw from Ukraine, attempts to thwart the ravages of climate change, and myriad situations that arise daily are hounding me. What Hadassah does is focus me on those tangible outcomes that I can control and appreciate, like helping to educate, heal and understand relationships and bring relief to others.

While we do that, we must also stand up for ourselves and fight the ugly rise of antisemitism. It seems to echo all around us these days. For a thoughtful, insightful discussion on antisemitism, I refer you to this month’s Hadassah magazine, April edition.

The Hadassah organization chose the Hebrew name for Esther to continue the bravery and action of this woman during Biblical times. What began in 1912 continues today, 110 years later.

In March, we celebrated Hadassah’s birthday — at Temple Shalom on March 18 and at Beth Tikvah on March 19. Hadassah women participated in services and in educating the synagogues’ members regarding our history and achievements. I couldn’t be prouder!

Our Expanding Horizons Series III begins on April 7 and continues through Nov. 7, covering topics from presidential libraries, mindful motion, baking, book discussions, creativity, and much more. Please check your Hadassah Happenings and e-blasts for further information on how to join us.

Passover begins April 15. The Passover story is one of survival and courage that we retell every year at our Seders. This year is so very different. For many of us, it will be our first time to celebrate with extended family in more than two years! Having faced a plague of our own, we can identify with our Biblical ancestors as we recite the story of Pharaoh and the plagues.

We remind ourselves that from darkness comes light. We have been resilient and empathize with others in ways we have learned to live over these past two years. The Hadassah family is stronger; all work of healing in Israel and around the globe gives us hope for a better tomorrow.

I wish you all a Zeesan Pesach!