Rhoda Smolow made it clear Sunday night that her vision as Hadassah's new National President is rooted in "pride, passion and purpose" for Hadassah.
"Like the nation Hadassah helped create, we strive to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary," she said, addressing nearly 250 attendees at the Hadassah National Assembly Meeting in Orlando, Florida, just moments after being installed by Past National President Marcie Natan.
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"I am awed to stand before you as National President, not only because of the trust you are placing in me, but because of my faith in you. I can't do anything alone, and I never could have reached this moment without your incredible support." She gave a special shoutout to the friends and family who had come to see her installation, including her father, husband, siblings, children, grandchildren and niece.
"I want us to create new pathways to get Hadassah and Hadassah women to places we have never been before," Rhoda told the Assembly.
"The modern proverb tells us, 'if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Rhoda, I believe that you embrace that philosophy — and the Jewish way," Marcie Natan said, praising Rhoda's leadership, positive outlook and ability to mobilize staff and volunteers. "More important than individual goals is the strategy for leadership and a readiness to adapt quickly as the world changes. Look at those seated in front of you — your family and friends — and the entire army of volunteers who invest their confidence in you. Together we will grow and renew."
Several other powerful leaders were also installed last night in Orlando at the Rosen Plaza Hotel: Carol Ann Schwartz as National Secretary and Janet Deixler, Rachel Schonberger and Marcia Gabrilove Ladin as National Vice Presidents.