In August, 2011, Marcie Natan, then Hadassah’s national president, called upon Ellen Hershkin (then a future National President) and me to head up PRAZE, a new Hadassah division dedicated to producing programmatics in Advocacy, Zionism and Jewish Education.

Being there at the inception of this PRAZE division was extremely exciting and inspiring for me. From the very beginning, we developed a strong working relationship among staff and volunteers, strategizing together, making decisions by utilizing the best of the staff’s professional capabilities combined with the volunteers’ skills and organizational knowledge.

I had the pleasure of working with amazing Hadassah leaders like Judy Shereck, the epitome of the “perfect” Zionist and a true mentor, who could resolve every challenge with grace and excellent advice.

During those years, my passion for Hadassah advocacy truly ignited.

Now I’m head of the National Advocacy Team and, when I speak to our volunteers around the country, I am always inspired and proud that they describe “finding their voice” through their Hadassah Advocacy. Not all of them are outgoing; however, their passion for the issues gives them the confidence to speak up. Together, our voices are powerful.

Today, many still do not know how much Hadassah Advocacy is doing. Our National Advocacy Team liaisons service the country, setting up local and state meetings with legislators. Our........

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