agency highlight
By Susan C. Nieman
In the late 1970s, few Memphis Hadassah charter members could remember every detail of the organization's local beginnings and Freda Brode was afraid if she didn't do something soon, all of that rich history would soon be forgotten.
So shortly after her presidency (1976-78) Freda began what became her lifelong mission - to collect and preserve Memphis Hadassah history. Her first oral history interview in 1980 was with Bessie (Mrs. Louis) Goodman, the last surviving charter member. After years of research, conversations with other past presidents, and collecting photos and scrapbooks throughout the community, Freda was armed with a wealth of information.
In 2006 at the urging of Leonid Saharovici, Freda embarked on another
time-consuming and extraordinary adventure. Today, with the help of a
dedicated Memphis Hadassah Fruition Committee, local sponsors and the
Memphis community, Memphis To Jerusalem - Hadassah Bridges the
Generations 1918- 2008 is proudly displayed on coffee tables in homes
across the country and in Israel.
"The book is written by decades and reflects the influence of Hadassah in the lives of Memphis Jewish women from generation to generation," said Freda. "Author Perre Magness took her extensive knowledge in Memphis history and interweaved what was going on in the lives of Memphis Hadassah, in Memphis and throughout the country."
Since its first meeting in 1912 at New York's Temple Emanu-El, National Hadassah has grown from a small group of Zionist women who wanted to help meet the health needs of Jews living in Palestine to the largest Zionist women's volunteer organization in the United States - 300,000 strong. Today its mission states, "members are motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society." Hadassah members are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Israelis and strengthening Jewish life. Focused on health, education, youth and the environment, Hadassah is committed to Tikkun Olam (making the world a better place).
In addition to national programs successfully implemented throughout the years, Memphis Hadassah has in recent years teamed up with other local organizations to promote important issues concerning all citizens.
When Emily Steinberg, co-president 2006- 2008, decided to bring the National CHECK IT OUT® Health Awareness Program For Teens to Memphis City Schools she had her work cut out for her. The program, developed to best reflect current research and serve as a guide to educate teens on healthy life choices and self-esteem, uses self-examination training for breast health. The program emphasizes the importance of knowing one's own body in order to notice changes. Students are given the information necessary to take charge of their health.
"I had always wanted to participate in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure," said Emily. "But because it was held on Saturday, I could not."
So instead she envisioned a Family Fun Walk to help raise awareness and funds to benefit the local CHECK IT OUT® and breast cancer research at the Sharett Institute of Oncology at Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center in Israel. She enlisted the help of Deanna Lubin and together they set the project in motion.
From that first walk at Oak Court Mall on Feb. 20, 2000, the annual event has grown to include citywide recognition, sponsors and as many as 300 participants. In 2005 the event moved to Shelby Farms to attract a younger crowd and on May 3, 2009, the 10th Annual Hadassah 5k Run/Walk was again a huge success - despite the weather forecast.
"We had a great turn out from the Jewish community, members of Memphis Runners Track Club who sanction the race, and 20 teens from Youth Villages" said 2009 5K chair Angela Gordon. "The rain held off throughout the race and awards ceremony and didn't start again until I was driving home."
"Special interest groups have emerged within Hadassah to meet growing needs in our community," explained Freda, citing the recently formed Crime Prevention Committee that has planned local awareness programs and met last year with legislators in Nashville.
Other local programs include support of Stem Cell Research, a Hadassah/JCC Book Club and other fundraising events.
In 2005, National Hadassah was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Hadassah's hospitals are recognized among the top research centers in the world, helping everyone and discriminating against no one. Hadassah clinics provide help with disaster relief around the globe.
From its 1918 beginnings as a ladies' social group, led by first president, Mrs. H.I. Schaeffer, the local chapter of Hadassah has emerged as a powerful voice in Memphis and an inspiration to the next generation, which will continue the worthy projects already in place and add to them as needs arise in the community and in Israel.
To learn more about joining Memphis Hadassah, please contact president Judy Holzer, 901.359.6651 or judy_holzer@bellsouth.net; or membership chair Eileen Foster, 901.756.5034, erfoster2@ comcast.net. Visit www.hadassah5K.org for recent photos and updated information about the 2010 event.
