L’dor vador, from generation to generation, were the words that came to mind Tuesday evening, November 15, at the re-establishment of the Louisville Chapter of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, at the Bristol on Bardstown Road.
Michelle Elisburg, the leader behind the rebirth and now president of the Louisville Chapter, was a bit choked up as she introduced her mother, Nancy Elisburg, who flew in from Florida for the event.
Michelle explained that she is just one of five generations of Hadassah women. Her great-grandmother, Elizabeth Elisburg, was a chapter charter member in Chicago. Her great aunt, Florence Elisburg Simon, also joined in Chicago and then retired to Key Biscayne, FL. In 1995, she was recognized for her founder’s level of support for the Mt. Scopus Hospital. Florence had no children, but Michelle’s father (her nephew) was like her child.
Michelle, who came to Louisville six years ago, joined Hadassah while living in South Carolina and subsequently her mother and daughters became members. Since that time, Michelle continued to be active in Hadassah’s regional activities while working to re-start the local chapter.
Deb Amchin is the new secretary of the Louisville Chapter of Hadassah. Her family also has a legacy in Hadassah. Both her grandmother and mother held regional offices.
Amchin also has a greater reason for her commitment to Haddasah. She explained, “I have family ties to Israel, I feel a very strong affinity with Hadassah. I’ve been to regional New York State and National Hadassah conventions, and I know first hand, from having a niece treated in Hadassah hospital, the great things Hadassah does and the amazing women of all ages who are inspired by Hadassah’s mission.”
Only a handful of individuals were involved in planning the rebirth of the Louisville Chapter. Nonetheless, more than 30 women showed up for the celebration and were invited to sign the new charter.
One of those women, Aly Goldberg, said, “I’ve been a life member of Hadassah since my grandmother gifted me a membership for my Bat Mitzvah. I look forward to calling her and letting her know that I can finally be an active member.
Thank goodness she is still a spry 96 years old!” Goldberg’s mother and both of her grandmothers are life members.
“I didn’t realize we would take part in signing the new charter,” Goldberg continued, “but learning that I not only carried on the traditions of the women on my side of the family, but my husband’s family as well made the moment even more special.” Aly is married to Jeffrey Goldberg, son of Linda Goldberg, and grandson of the late Ida Baer and Rosalyn Goldberg, all life members through the original Louisville Chapter. In addition, Jeff’s great aunt, Sadie Baer, for whom the Goldberg’s daughter is named, was also a member of the Louisville Chapter.
The new chapter still has a lot to get organized before they are ready to start any big projects. The regional Hadassah office has provided them with the names of 400 Hadassah members who live in Kentuckiana. The new leaders are looking forward to hearing all the family connection stories, which will help to make this chapter strong again.
Once things are up and running they hope to send letters to each of these people, providing more details. In the meantime, they hope anyone interested will take advantage of an amazing deal that national Hadassah is offering. Through December 31, individuals can purchase lifetime memberships for only $100 in celebration of Hadassah’s 100th anniversary.
Louisville had a chapter of Hadassah for many years, but it was disbanded in 2005
For more information about the local chapter, contact Michelle Elisburg at meehadassah@gmail.com.