Henrietta Szold

Date of Birth: December 21, 1860

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 13, 1945

Biography

Henrietta Szold was a pioneering Jewish American activist, best known for founding Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, in 1912. Born to a rabbi in Baltimore, Maryland, Szold’s early life was steeped in Jewish education and culture. She graduated from Western High School in Baltimore and later attended the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where she was the institution’s first female student. Szold’s commitment to Jewish causes and Zionism led her to Palestine in 1909, where she became deeply involved in the health and education sectors. She established American-style social work and public health practices in the region, significantly improving the welfare of Jewish settlers. During World War I, Szold organized medical units to support the Jewish community in Palestine, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of Hadassah’s healthcare network. In addition to her work with Hadassah, Szold was a strong advocate for women’s rights and Jewish education. She was instrumental in rescuing Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II through the Youth Aliyah program. Szold’s extensive contributions to Jewish life and Zionism earned her a revered place in history, and her legacy continues to inspire activists around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Henrietta Szold

1. Henrietta Szold was the first woman to attend classes at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

2. She founded Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, in 1912.

3. Szold was instrumental in the establishment of the Youth Aliyah program, which rescued thousands of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe.

4. She worked tirelessly to improve healthcare and education for Jewish settlers in Palestine.

5. Szold’s birthday, December 21, is celebrated as Hadassah Day by the organization she founded.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henrietta Szold

1. “Dare to dream… and when you dream, dream big.”

2. “The fulfillment of our dreams lies within ourselves.”

3. “Women have a special role in building the future.”

4. “There is no greater joy than to lay the foundation for a better world.”

5. “The spirit of volunteerism is the backbone of our community.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henrietta Szold’s work was primarily non-profit and philanthropic in nature, so she did not accumulate personal wealth. However, the organizations she founded and supported have had significant financial impacts.

Children

Henrietta Szold never married and did not have any biological children. However, she is often referred to as the “mother” of Youth Aliyah due to her efforts in rescuing and caring for Jewish children during the Holocaust.