Hadassah Magazine
Thu., November 29, 10:52 AM
Yesterday the December issue of Hadassah Magazine arrived in the mail. This is not an unusual event in itself, only that it's the first one since I've been able to do more than just skim through it. I am thankful for new eyes — but that's another entry.
For those who are not familiar with it, let me explain that Hadassah is a Zionist organization for American Jewish women. The original volunteers were working for health-related issues, but over the years (ninety-five of them) it has become more social and political, as the need arises. I am pretty much a passive member these days, mostly because that's all I'm capable of now.
But I was fascinated once more by the diversity of the material — both the editorial content and the ads. It's December, after all; there are even more gifts than usual, and all of them out of my price range. There is an excerpt from a new novel, The World to Come, by Dara Horn. One of the travel articles described the history of Jews in Denver, as well as some recommended Jewish restaurants. (Who knew?) How about The Torah: A Women's Commentary, a soon to be released look at the Torah. (“They both ate the forbidden fruit, but Eve got the blame.” If you interpret the text literally, we're all still paying for that.) My historian friend might well find that interesting, though it too is expensive. In general, the articles look great. Now all I need is to be able to sit down and read without interruption. Fat chance.
What tied into this subject, however, was not in the magazine but from the radio and the “Today in History” articles. Sixty years ago today, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution that called for the division of Palestine between Arabs and Jews. “Partition” called for the formation of a Jewish state and an Arab state. The Jews accepted the proposal. The Arabs chose to go to war. As commented on the radio, just think what would have happened if the Arabs had accepted the proposal sixty years ago.
Next spring Israel celebrates its sixtieth birthday, and I remember that day sixty years ago. My teachers were so thrilled; I guess they were Zionists, though I didn't know what that word meant. Just look what has taken place within just one lifetime.
