Meet Hadassah’s new President

I visited Israel in 1968, 1992, 2008, 2009 and 2019. Each time I entered Jerusalem, and the few times I’ve been to Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem, I trembled with excitement. I have been a Lifetime Hadassah member for more than 40 years and a Keeper of the Gate for the last 10 years. I never realized the payback would be so great: the friends made, the good done, the education encouraged and the experiences gained.

I retired from teaching high school (biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics) in 2015. In 2016, I moved our “winter” home to Naples from Saratoga County, New York. My late husband, Mel Toub, was a Hadassah Associate, as are my sons, Joshua and David. My daughter, Julia, is a lifetime member.

I was a past president, a member of the Upper New York State Region board and an attendee of several national conventions. My kids grew up with a mom running to all sorts of Hadassah activities. These activities take on a different form in today’s world.

When my husband and I first moved here, we immediately found ourselves in a whirlwind, belonging to several orchestras and music groups, Temple Beth Tikvah, Temple Israel, Federation and Hadassah. I quickly transferred my Hadassah membership to the Collier/ Lee chapter and tried to be active, while dividing my time between the NY and Naples chapters.

When I was asked to assume the presidency of the Collier/Lee chapter, I was honored and privileged. After connecting with the current board and experiencing their enthusiasm first-hand, my decision was easy, realizing what we women working together can achieve.

We’ve worked so hard to Zoom together and ingeniously. Expanding Horizons I, created by our President, Diane Schwartz, and her board, featured a wide variety of educational programming and entertainment. This will be continued as Expanding Horizons II and will, furthermore, give you the opportunity to learn, engage and be entertained.

I’m optimistic that 2021 will be a year of rejoicing, with promising COVID- 19 vaccines on the horizon. I know the satisfaction of working hard, making a difference and investing energy to effect positive change.

Our children and grandchildren learn by example, so let’s work together to show them the way.

Joyce Toub Collier/Lee Hadassah President