Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah in 1912, initiating an American-style visiting nurse program in Jerusalem that expanded into a network of medical clinics, hospitals, and welfare services. A writer, teacher, and editor by training, she utilized her organizational skills to address the health and educational needs of the Yishuv, eventually managing the rescue of 30,000 children through Youth Aliyah.
Educational Foundations and Editorial Career
Born in Baltimore in 1860, Szold received her education through studies at Johns Hopkins University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where she secured admission by petitioning the president. She taught for fifteen years at Miss Adam's School and the Oheb Shalom religious school. Beginning in 1893, she served as the first editor for the Jewish Publication Society for over two decades. Her work included translating twelve volumes, writing articles, and managing the publication schedule, alongside compiling the first American Jewish Year Book.
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Szold became the only female member of the Federation of American Zionists executive committee in 1898 and later served on the Provisional Executive Committee for General Zionist Affairs. After a 1909 trip to Palestine, she transitioned her efforts toward the welfare of the Jewish community there. She established Hadassah, serving as its president until 1926. In the 1920s and 1930s, she joined Brit Shalom and, in 1942, co-founded the Ihud party, advocating for a binational political solution.
Religious Practice and Public Memory
In 1916, Szold challenged traditional gender restrictions in Judaism by insisting on reciting the Mourners' Kaddish for her mother herself. This stance later influenced Conservative Judaism's formal permit for women to recite the Kaddish in public. She died in 1945 at the Hadassah Hospital and was interred at the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery. Following the Six-Day War, her grave was identified after being paved over during the period when the cemetery was inaccessible.
Fast facts
- Born: 1860, Baltimore
- Died: 1945, Jerusalem
- Primary occupations: Writer, teacher, editor
- Education: Johns Hopkins University, Jewish Theological Seminary of America
- Hadassah founded: 1912
- Maryland Women's Hall of Fame induction: 1986
- National Women's Hall of Fame induction: 2007
- Burial site: Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Henrietta Szold's role in the Jewish Publication Society?
She served as its first editor for over 23 years, handling translations, writing, and editorial oversight.
Did Henrietta Szold marry?
No, she remained unmarried and had no children.
Achievements
- National Women's Hall of Fame — 2007
- Maryland Women's Hall of Fame — 1986
- Educated at Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Johns Hopkins University
- Worked as writer, teacher and editor
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