Hadassah Lower New York State’s busy Fall 2022 calendar of events

Hadassah Lower New York State has a busy schedule of fall events to attract new membership and keep everyone connected. Although we are not a wealthy Region, we host a variety of fascinating events. Many of those things are run, or at least overseen, by Yona Geffen, who chaired our annual fashion show. It’s always a great event with many trades people displaying their wares, such as jewelry, handicrafts, etc. We always have interesting speakers of all kinds and many prizes. There were raffles and the event was always financially rewarding. Covid put a stop to it, like to many other things. I hope to see it return next year.

Yona Geffen also chairs our Book Club. We meet in a restaurant (City Line in New City). The charge is $10 per person, and it is a great and stimulating night out. The last book was Naomi Ragen’s “The Saturday Wife.” It is interesting that most of our members didn’t like it, primarily because it put Ultra-Orthodox Jews in a bad light. It makes me think of a parental mentality. I can criticize my child, but woe to anyone else who tries it. There are plenty of Jews who dislike the Ultra-Orthodox for various reasons, but they don’t seem to want to see it in print where “outsiders” can make judgments.

“Autumn in Paris,” a zoom presentation on September 14th, was a virtual walking tour of Jewish Paris, including Le Marais and the Art Nouveau Synagogue designed by Hector Guimard. Karen Rudel was our guide. This 90-minute walking tour was to introduce viewers to Jewish Paris and introduce you to what it was like to be a Jew in France through several difficult periods. Cheryl Epstein chaired the event.

Our next Book Club event is October 24th at 7pm at City Line again. The book selection is “Romance Reader,” the tender story of a young Hasidic woman’s coming-of-age by Pearl Abraham. Same fee of $10 applies. Again, the subject is Ultra-Orthodox with the extra attraction of coming of age and yearnings of the heart. Should be a lively discussion. To register, contact Yona Geffen at yona2353@aol.com.

November 14th -17th is Hadassah’s 100th National Convention in Jerusalem. The theme is “Together in Israel: Our Pride, Our Purpose.” For more information, visit this link.

Our Region President is Susan Fishman. She works very hard to keep it all going. She is beloved by all. Under her inspired leadership, it’s been wonderful getting back together in person at these marvelous Hadassah events, which build community and support our work at Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel.

For more information on Hadassah Medical Organization’s life-saving work in Israel, visit this link.