Hadassah group draws diverse women to interesting debate
Machon resumes next month with focus on family relationships
By Polina Olsen
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The women who gathered at the Multnomah Village storefront office last year were as diverse as Hadassah itself.
Representing a wide political spectrum and level of religious observance, differences were based on varied experiences more than the broad range of ages. Some were professional women—a chemistry professor, child therapist, Portland Jewish Academy teacher and engineer; others were full-time moms. All came together for lively monthly discussions on “Extraordinary Women Leading Jewish Lives.”
In fact, Machon, a program from the Hadassah Leadership Academy, includes a series of curricula on Zionist education, leadership and Hadassah. Each month participants read from the provided study guide and take turns facilitating a discussion.
“We each took a turn being a leader and bringing snacks,” said Leatrice Kaplan. “We never skimped on the food.”
“It’s a throwback to the old Hadassah where they met in small circles and had interesting discussions,” said Irene Klang, who recently moved from San Diego. Her favorite topic was “Fiddlers On The Glass Roof: Powerful Jewish American Women Today,” which included a section on Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “They overcame a lot to do what they did,” said Klang.
Carol Capper agreed: “We discussed specific women who tested the glass ceiling—these were woman of whom I knew little or nothing. We could extrapolate to our own experiences.”
Capper also enjoyed the camaraderie.
“There was a group sense, and we all talked openly. Our group represented three generations, and we perceived things differently. I met wonderful women who were bright and intellectually stimulating, and I’m looking forward to doing this again,” she said.
Kaplan also looks forward to the next Machon, which starts in November. “And You Think Your Family Has Problems” will explore biblical family relationships and uses the Tanach as a text. Kaplan plans to facilitate the chapter on Dinah.
“I researched the Dinah story and did a lot of looking at the Midrashim,” Kaplan said. “The more you look at it, the more there is to know.”
“And You Think Your Family Has Problems” is included in the $36 per year Hadassah membership and will be held at the Hadassah Office, 3570 SW Troy. Two groups accommodate different schedules: Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon begins Nov. 11, and Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. begins Nov. 28.
The eight sessions include: Introduction: What is Family; Isaac and Rebecca; Dinah and her Brothers; Joseph and his Brothers; Moses and Miriam; Jephtah and his Daughter; David and Bathsheba; and Amnon and Tamar. Participants spend 30 minutes to one hour reading from the complimentary study guide each month. A separate text is not required.
For reservations or more information, call the Hadassah office at 503-244-6389 or email info@portlandhadassah.org.