They Never Go Out of Style — J Life Magazine

by Emma Dixon

The Orlando Chapter of Hadassah shows off its fashion sense to raise funds for a new center in Israel that offers comprehensive rehabilitation care.

This spring, members of the Hadassah Orlando Chapter rocked the latest trends at a well-attended fashion show that supported a very worthy cause.

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer association that was created more than 100 years ago and is now 300,000 members strong. Its mission is to inspire a passion for and commitment to the land, people, and future of Israel.

Hadassah Orlando has been producing its popular fashion show for nearly two decades, raising money for a different show for nearly two decades, raising money for a different cause each year while bringing the Jewish community together to celebrate and cultivate women’s leadership.

This year’s show, held at the Hilton Hotel in Altamonte Springs, raised funds for Hadassah’s new Gandel Rehabilitation Center in Israel.

Hand in hand together

For the past two years, Andrea Silverman and Bonnie Rothman have co-chaired the fashion show, which is truly a labor of love. This year’s theme was Hand in Hand Together, with volunteer models dressed in stylish outfits courtesy of Dillard’s department store.

“It takes 10 months of planning in committee for the event to be coordinated,” says Andrea, “and all members of the committee donate their time.”

Hadassah Orlando’s Presidium – Marjorie Smith, Susan Witt, and Rosalyn Leventhal – consider the annual show to be their chapter’s signature event.

“The fashion show is vitally important because it is our major fundraiser each year,” says Marjorie.

Bonnie Rothman and Andrea Silverman, co-chairs of the fashion show

“Everyone seems to rally up and come to their fabulous event,” says Roslyn. “I have been fortunate to participate as a model for the past few years, and I love it.”

The beneficiary of this year’s proceeds, the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, is a cause near and dear to the Presidium’s hearts.

the power to heal

The center, which is open but still under construction, is adjacent to Hadassah University Hospital-Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. When completed, the 323,000-square-foot facility will offer comprehensive, holistic care for 10,000 patients annually. The center will have 140 beds across four inpatient units as well as an outpatient clinic that can serve 250 patients a day. Services offered include mental health support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and hydrotherapy.

The Gandel Rehabilitation Center opened its doors in January of 2024 to provide services to 72 soldiers and patients who were wounded in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas.

Marjorie, Susan, and Roslyn are strong believers in supporting initiatives such as the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, and they enjoy collaborating on projects.

“It has been a wonderful experience working with Marj and Susan,” says Rosalyn. “We get along great and feed off of each other for amazing ideas.”

All three women are proud of the important work that the nonprofit Hadassah does.

“Hadassah fosters women’s leadership,” says Susan. “We’ve helped shatter glass ceilings and build bridges. We’ve spoken out against hate and for those who couldn’t speak out for themselves. We’ve helped bring medical breakthroughs around the globe and been on the frontlines when terror strikes.”

Adds Susan, “At Hadassah, we have the power to heal our world. For us, that means bringing healing – in every sense of the word – where it’s needed most, in the U.S., Israel, and around the world.”