About Us

The Potomac Chapter of Hadassah is in the Northern Seaboard Region of the national organization, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

HADASSAH, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer women’s organization, whose members are motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society.

Founded in 1912, Hadassah retains the passion and timeless values of its founder, Henrietta Szold, Jewish scholar and activist, who was dedicated to Judaism, Zionism, and the American ideal.

Committed to the centrality of Israel based on the renaissance of the Jewish people in its historic homeland, Hadassah promotes the unity of the Jewish people. In Israel, Hadassah initiates and supports pace-setting health care, education and youth institutions, and land development to meet the country’s changing needs.
In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and Zionist youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides personal enrichment and growth for its members.

In 1991, a Hadassah group was formed in our area called “Hanoshim,” (the women). The group, which was part of the larger Northern Virginia Chapter, was primarily centered in the Reston/Herndon area. In 1995, with the membership of Hanoshim expanding further into a fast-growing Loudoun County, the group created its own Chapter and thus, the Potomac Chapter was formed. Chapter members run the gamut from newlyweds to great-grandmothers, career women, stay at home mothers, and multigenerational families. Currently, the Chapter has over 300 members.

Our activities include monthly programs and education at our general meetings as well as fundraising events to raise money for Hadassah’s life enhancing medical, educational and service projects in Israel. Our community outreach programs include Ivrit, a Hebrew language class; Check it Out, a breast health awareness program for high school girls; Read*Write*Now, a hands on tutoring program for grades 1–3; and Training Wheels/Al Galgalim which provides children and adults with hands-on educational experiences to help families develop a better understanding of Shabbat and the Jewish holidays.

Committed to healing, teaching, and research on the physical, spiritual, and cultural levels, Hadassah today remains true to founder Henrietta Szold’s vision of over 90 years.

For more information on our programs nationwide, please visit the national website at www.hadassah.org.