Every year, Hadassah chapters around the country hold a “Hadassah Shabbat.” Traditionally, it is held on Shabbat Zachor (the Sabbath of Remembrance) because it was around that time that Hadassah was founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold.

Sometimes chapters have to be flexible as to when they host their Hadassah Shabbat, especially if their synagogue has scheduled other programming that specific week. This year, my chapter held our Hadassah Shabbat one week later on March 7.

Traditionally, Hadassah members lead parts of the service, read sections of the week’s Torah portion and Haftarah (the selection from the Book of Prophets) and give a “D’var Hadassah” sermon. This year was going to be no exception. Our leaders planned a structure for the Shabbat service and recruited a number of our members to participate. We planned and were able to present our D’var Hadassah during the time allotted for the sermon.

However, there was a slight deviation. Our rabbi emeritus and his wife were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, so he also was participating in the service. Throughout his over 40 years at our synagogue, he has always been a strong supporter of Hadassah.........

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