Brave women impact the world

Joyce Toub, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

On Purim, we read the Megillah, the story of Esther, a heroic woman who risked her life going to King Ahasuerus to save the Jewish people from extinction. Esther demonstrated the importance of women in our communities, encouraging us to act, even in the face of danger. Esther demonstrated the power of one and how amazing that can be.

Like Esther and the story of Purim, the story of Hadassah also began with one strong, brave woman, Henrietta Szold. Hadassah Shabbat Zachor, held March 3 at Temple Shalom and March 4 at Beth Tikvah, celebrated Hadassah’s origins and all the organization has accomplished since. The week of Purim marks the anniversary of Hadassah’s birth in 1912. Hadassah is the Hebrew name for Esther.

As we observe Passover, we commemorate our freedom from slavery in Egypt. Once again, we see the impact of brave women. We are thankful that five courageous women followed their conscience, helping the Israelites on a path to freedom.

The Torah tells us that Shifra and Puah were two midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh’s orders to kill every Israelite boy born. Yocheved hid her baby, Moses, for three months before placing him in the basket on the riverbank with Miriam, Moses’ older sister, watching over him. Pharaoh’s daughter, Batia, finds Moses and rears him as her own. These five courageous women — Shifra, Puah, Yocheved, Miriam and Batia — opposed Pharaoh’s mandates. Who knew that this baby would one day save the Hebrew nation? True power comes from standing up for what you believe is right and ethical no matter the obstacles.

All of us can take powerful actions today. If you are concerned about challenges to a woman’s right to choose, let your voice be heard. If you are distressed about the increase in antisemitism, let your voice be heard. We have to move beyond our comfort level to act on our beliefs.

Henrietta’s Szold’s passion and desire to bring “modern health care” to poor, unhealthy people living in overcrowded conditions began in 1912 in what was then Palestine. It has since transformed into the Hadassah Medical Organization. Our two hospitals in Jerusalem, Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus, are recognized among the 250 best hospitals in the world! Doctors of different faiths and nationalities care for patients of all faiths and nationalities.

Through compassion and perseverance, Hadassah has kept the eternal light of Henrietta‘s Szold’s vision burning brightly even as it has grown into an organization with over 300,000 members, associates and supporters.

A zissen Pesach to all!