Rhoda Smolow still smiles when she recalls her grandmother's introduction during Hadassah's National Convention in 1985. Rhoda, a young mom, had joined the Erev Group of the Great Neck Chapter a few years earlier. "This is my granddaughter," Elenor Klein (z"l)—president of her Hadassah group in New York City—told friends at a social gathering. "She's going to be president of Hadassah one day."
"Oh, Grandma, you're embarrassing me," Rhoda demurred. But her grandmother's words proved prophetic. In January, Rhoda was inducted as Hadassah's 27th National President, overseeing the work of more than 300,000 members, Associates and supporters worldwide.
The position caps Rhoda's 39 years of service. After rising to lead her Hadassah group as president, she became president of her chapter and the Nassau Region. She also served on regional and national boards and was instrumental in opening the Hadassah Great Neck Chapter office. Nationally, she served as presidential development co-chair, organization department chair, vice president, and national secretary. To each position, she brought imagination and deep commitment to tikun olam, healing the world.
Rhoda credits her grandparents and parents for teaching her the value of philanthropy. As a child, she saw their dedication to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the UJA Federation of New York and Jewish Federations of North America. "My father was involved in every aspect of our small synagogue in Westchester when I was growing up," she says.
"He was a lawyer and very busy, but he took time to explain to us why it mattered."
In addition to making Rhoda a Life Member, her grandmother Elenor made a Founders gift in the names of Rhoda and her husband, Craig, when Rhoda was a teacher and Craig was a medical intern. It was a gift they couldn't have afforded at the time.
At first, Rhoda was uncomfortable wearing her pin. "My husband and I didn't give this gift," she told confidantes. But at their urging, she did wear it—and in doing so, lived a lesson. "It was a reminder to me to always aspire to do more and give more." Now grandparents themselves in a four generation Founder family, Rhoda and Craig recently sat down to discuss updating their will.
"I've been giving to Hadassah throughout my life," she told him. "And I've gotten so much in return. I'd like to ensure that after I'm gone, Hadassah will continue to benefit from the things I have done." Their planned gift made Rhoda a member of the 1912 Legacy Society, but more importantly, it honored the legacy of her late grandmother. "I've had the opportunity to be part of an organization whose medical work impacts the whole world," Rhoda says. "And I gained so many skills, every step of the way, from leadership to computer skills to educating others. Hadassah has changed my life."
Contact Planned Giving & Estates at (800) 428-8884 or giving@hadassah.org to discuss how you can continue to support Hadassah's work after your lifetime through your estate plan.