History in the Making: Women’s Community Mosaic Celebrated at Sinai Hospital

A gorgeous pomegranate tree has taken root at Sinai Hospital, a partner agency of THE ASSOCIATED, thanks to some 350 ASSOCIATED Women and their daughters. The tree was brought to life during 13 mosaic tiling sessions held from February through April at the Hampden studio of Art with a Heart, a public arts organization that guided the entire process.

The sessions gave ASSOCIATED Women an exceptional opportunity to meet one another, share stories and work side-by-side as they created the floor to ceiling artwork. Throughout, participants brought treasured items such as heirloom jewelry, pottery, Judaica and other gifts to include. See the process on the ASSOCIATED Women Facebook page.

The Mosaic was dedicated at a formal ceremony on Sunday, May 6 at Sinai Hospital. More than 110 women and their families enjoyed celebratory remarks and a high tea reception, sponsored by Sinai. As a special keepsake, guests had their photographs taken in front of the Mosaic, often pointing out areas they tiled or items they brought.

The pomegranate is a fitting symbol. Embodying fertility and wisdom, the pomegranate, some believe, was in the Garden of Eden. The Midrash tells us the pomegranate has 613 seeds corresponding to the number of mitzvot in the Torah.

Kudos and much appreciation to Leslie Schaller and Louise Weinberg, Co-chairs, Women’s Community Mosaic; Michele Lax, Chair, Women’s Arts and Culture; and Ellen Macks, President, ASSOCIATED Women. Thank you to the hundreds of women, their mothers and daughters, who gave of their time and energy to create this unparalleled centerpiece for Jewish Baltimore.

 

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Now I Understand

By Ashley Pressman
Executive Director
Jewish Volunteer Connection

When I began working at Jewish Volunteer Connection in 2004, I wanted to find new and innovative ways for Jewish young adults to volunteer. Working with a committee, we decided to bring dinner to the Ronald McDonald House once a month.  When asked why we chose that project, I answered that the families staying there were going through a tough time and we could help to ease their burden by making sure they had a hot meal when they got back from the hospital each night.

I knew the answer to give. It’s a good and true answer.  But I didn’t really understand.

A few years later, I reconnected with a college friend through Facebook and entered her life at a point when her 2 ½-year-old son had recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Through Facebook, I followed her through treatment and, ultimately, to a stay at a Ronald McDonald House in New York.  I remember her posting about the nights when she would stumble home to get a few hours sleep while her husband sat at their son’s bedside.  And I remember thinking – I hope someone’s making sure that she gets something to eat.

And then I understood.

I understood that ultimately, we serve because there are people in need and problems to be solved. When all is said and done, we don’t volunteer just because it feels good, although it does. We don’t do it just because it’s a resume-builder, although it is.  We don’t do it just because we think we might meet that special someone at a volunteer project, although we might (just ask me and my husband).

We volunteer because we recognize that someone is in need and we have the power to help.  As the Jewish sage Hillel says, “If I am only for myself, What am I?” For me, the answer is “I am a part of the community.”

Recently, after nearly four years, my friend learned that they are again entering the battle against brain cancer.  I feel helpless. What can I do? How can I help?

Now I understand.

I can help by making sure that a family in Baltimore dealing with a medical crisis doesn’t have to worry about dinner by bringing a meal to any of Baltimore’s three hospital housing facilities (including the Hackerman-Patz House at Sinai Hospital.) I can make sure that the siblings of children with chronic medical needs get special attention through the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister program. At my son’s birthday party in a couple of weeks, I can get the guests to make get-well-soon cards for my friend’s son and children like him.

At JVC, our motto is “Go Forth and Do Small Things.” It’s easy to become overwhelmed by problems we think are too big for us and situations we fear we can’t affect.  But as Pirke Avot says, “It is not yours to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

Now I understand.

I can’t do everything.  But I can do something. Everyone can do something.

For more information about volunteer opportunities in the community, visit www.jvcbaltimore.org or contact JVC at 410-843-7489 or apressman@associated.org.

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