By , Special to JTNews
Seattle Chapter Hadassah kicked off a celebration of Hadassah’s 90th anniversary on Sept. 13, at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. About 70 women of all ages enjoyed each other’s company. A busload of members from The Summit were able to attend as well. Elaine Mintz and Brandy Moss co-chaired the event.
At a special candle lighting ceremony emceed by national board member Denise Coe, nonagenarian Sara Efron lit the flame of the “shamash” for chapter and group presidents Marilyn Kritzer, Bev Varon, Barbara Glicksberg, Ossie Safran, Jennifer Alterman, Natalie Conner, Beryl Cohen and Lauren Goldman. Evelyn Bethlahmy represented Hadassah’s experienced leaders and Talie Gourarie represented Young Judaea, the Zionist youth movement sponsored by Hadassah. Completing the circle of generations was six-year-old Emily Kaplan, who lit the final candle of the future.
Seattle chapter’s membership vice president Laurie Powazek spoke movingly about how members can take action to hold high Hadassah’s ideals of “aruchat bat ami,” healing the daughter of my people.
In celebration of the 90th anniversary, life membership to Hadassah has been reduced to $200 until March 1, 2002. In addition, there is a special life-membership price of $90 for women aged 90 or older. Babies born during this period who are named Hadassah will receive a complimentary life membership.
For more information about Hadassah, call the chapter office at 425-467-9099, or go online to www.hadassahpnw.org or www.hadassah.org.