This article appeared in the May 2, 2003 Jewish Advocate.

Ruach presents crafts for a cause

By Susie Davidson

Advocate Correspondent

BROOKLINE - The personal and organizational struggles encountered last year by the women of Hadassah’s Ruach chapter have only resulted in more determined and streamlined planning for this year’s Hadassah Spring Craft and Gift Fair. After all, organizers and exhibitors well know that any logistical challenges pale by comparison to those associated with the group’s designated cause.

For the second year, Ruach, the youngest group of the Boston division of Hadassah, will present the Fair, to occur this Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Devotion School, 345 Harvard St. in Coolidge Corner, with proceeds to benefit breast and ovarian cancer research at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem.

“There will be approximately 25 crafters and vendors this year, in addition to a raffle and bake sale,” said Sara Coen, who is co-chairing the event with Ruach president Leslie Gonzalez. Ruach member Elena Clamen will be offering ten-minute chair massages and raffling off full-length sessions; in addition, the Devotion School PTO’s annual Fun Fair, which will coincide, will provide an amusement opportunity for shopping families.

“Last year our group was very interested in focusing on fundraising, community service and the arts,” said Coen. “This seemed like a great way to combine those three goals.”

Various circumstances intervened, however. The April 7 date proved a bit early for serious Mother’s Day or graduation shopping. A massive, impromptu pro-Israel rally was also called for the same day at Faneuil Hall, where other Yom HaShoah events were being held as well. “This year we made sure to schedule the event well into the spring, and to check our calendars very carefully for conflicts,” said Coen. An advertising budget has also been created, to decrease reliance on posters and free listings in synagogue and other newsletters.

Despite the setbacks, the 2002 Fair drew significant attendance and raised over $2500 for the cause, which is near and dear to many organizers, including Coen herself, whose mother was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer just before 2002’s planning ensued.

A childhood friend sent artwork from Rochester, New York so that Coen’s mother, who has remained symptom-free for over a year while on experimental medication, was able to man a booth and participate in the spirit of the day. “My mom's own experience is a tribute to how much worthwhile research is being done in this field,” said Coen, who will man her own enterprise, Joy Ink Cards. “She is able to live a normal life, even with Stage IV cancer. Through her experience, I have come to see that we can now often look at cancer as a chronic illness rather than a fatal disease. Ruach is thrilled to be able to contribute our funds to more efforts along these lines.”

Vendor Samantha Greenfield, whose 3 Little Piggies company makes handpainted children’s items, lost her father to cancer; her mother is a breast cancer survivor as well. Karen Sprecher, who handpaints silk scarves, challah, matzah and Torah covers and ketubot, lost her mother to breast cancer when she was a child. There are somber connections among other exhibitors as well, who will be showcasing jewelry, quilted wall hangings, pillows, tapestry paintings, stationery and cards, handmade soap, sculpture and floral design, gift baskets, pottery, handbags, handpainted children's items, Discovery Toys, specialty books and more, as well as a wide selection of Judaica.

The 50-item raffle will feature one work from each vendor as well as contributions from Boston Baby, Brookline Booksmith, Davis Salon, House of Party Favors, Indulge, MotoPhoto, Queen of Sheba, The Clayroom, The Paper Parlor, The Studio, Turtle Lane Playhouse, WGBH, Zaftigs, Soya's, Cafe Nicholas, Paris Cafe, 9 Months Maternity, Cookies by Design, Isis Maternity, Shake the Tree Gallery and other businesses which largely cater to women.

“Another challenge within the group is that many of the craft fair committee members are starting families,” said Coen. Both she and Gonzalez have recently had second babies, several other committee members have also had babies this year, or are expecting. “This makes planning a large-scale event a big challenge, but we have managed by staggering the work and balancing responsibility throughout the planning stages,” said Coen.

Admission to the Fair, which will feature an informational table on Hadassah of Greater Boston and breast and ovarian cancer research, is $2/person or $5/family. For information, email SaraCoen3@aol.com.