Shalom,

This has been an inspiring month! I represented Hadassah Boston when one of our partner organizations honored former Governor Deval Patrick. At the AJC New England Annual Celebration, our community recognized Governor Patrick as a lifelong champion of the legal rights of diverse ethnic, religious and gender minorities. 

We honored his work with the Jewish community in pursuit of a more peaceful and tolerant world.  Governor Patrick reminded us to remain vigilant and alert in these restless times. He encouraged everyone to "stay in touch with what you know to be true."

As Hadassah members and supporters we do just that. Our values determine our priorities. And so Hadassah's medical research advances science and saves lives. Our advocacy agenda furthers equal rights for women in all spheres of life. Our staunch support for Israel helps sustain the Jewish state's relationship with its most important ally. We know our values to be true, and because we let our values drive our agenda, our work has a positive impact in this world.

I was reminded by another Hadassah speaker of what is at stake if we forget to allow our values to drive our actions. Dr. Hans Fisher is a survivor of the MS St. Louis, an ocean liner that brought nearly 1,000 Jewish refugees across the Atlantic in 1939 only to be denied entry by the United States, Cuba, and Canada. Dr. Fisher reminded us how important it is to advocate for freedom and human dignity when he spoke of his journey at our screening of the documentary film Complicit, the story of the St. Louis. 

Hadassah empowers us not only to act on our values, but to advocate for policies that reflect those values. Hadassah's National President Ellen Hershkin encourages us to contact our elected officials in an effort to promote equality and oppose prejudice. She asks us to "Call your legislators or send them a letter via our National Action Center to make sure they know we will continue to fight for the empowerment of ALL women regardless of gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or party affiliation. Tell them that preserving and protecting women's health, well-being, and access to opportunity and safety are not negotiable."

Also, join me for some fun as the year winds down. I hope to see you at our holiday gift wrap station in the Chestnut Hill Mall or at the Prudential. Please be in touch if you can help plan or implement our upcoming Theatre Party, Tu B'Shvat program or Chai Event.

With best wishes for a happy and bright Hanukkah,

That's a lifetime of Hadassah Magazine, access and listing in our online Professional Business Directory, invitations to National programs and, of course opportunities to participate in our local activities. If you want to continue as an annual member, it's $36.