by Michelle Elisburg and Heidi Bennett
The Louisville Chapter of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, has had an eventful spring season.
In April, 20 local Hadassah members from different generations, came together at a private residence for a cupcake decorating workshop and information session in honor of Israel’s 65th anniversary. The women drank wine, munched on cheese and bonded together while crowding around a kitchen island to decorate cupcakes with the expert guidance of Dara Cohen.
Each cupcake came out uniquely beautiful and everyone gained the knowledge of how to decorate a treat worthy of a five-star bakery. When all of the cupcakes were finished and topped off with mini Israeli flags, Robin Wolff led a discussion about Israel’s past 65 years of existence. Many of the women chimed in with information that no one else knew and information was shared through the generations.
Hadassah’s next event was equally delectable during a luncheon at Mitchell’s Fish Market, with guest speaker, Barbara Goldstein. “BG” as she is affectionately known, is the Deputy Executive Director of the Hadassah office in Israel.
A dynamic and thoughtful speaker, BG engaged the 13 Hadassah women from both the local chapter as well as leaders from the Lexington chapter, and Louisville’s own Jewish Community of Louisville CEO, Stu Silberman, in a lively discussion about the importance of supporting Israel and the powerful medical work that Hadassah Hospital accomplishes.
BG inspired us with tales of her early years as a young Hadassah mother, commiserating with those of us with young children, or who work outside the home, or are doing both, and acknowledged the time away from family that volunteer work sometimes needs. Her solution – get men involved watching the children and don’t feel guilty about serving them her “Hadassah dinner” of hotdogs or TV dinners.
Several members have inquired about greeting cards and Hadassah is happy to announce that its cards program is again in operation. There are several styles that can be previewed on Hadassah Louisville Chapter’s Facebook page or via email with Louisville’s Hadassah member list. There are even styles for Rosh Hashanah, so be sure to order in time for the early holidays. For further information contact Michelle Elisburg, meehadassah@gmail.com.
Look for future programming during the upcoming seasons. Hadassah is grateful for the generous allocation from the JCL, and plans to use the money to enhance its events and continue to reach out to its members and the community. Anyone interested in becoming more involved should contact Michelle at the email above.