Does Your Cover Fit The Pot? Finding My Mission and Purpose Through Hadassah

By: Stacey Dorenfeld, President, Northern Area - Hadassah Southern California, National Member Impact & Giving (MI&G) – California Liaison.  

Have you ever felt so deeply connected to someone that it seemed as though you were two parts of a single whole? My grandmother, a wellspring of wisdom in my life, often reminded me that there is a cover for every pot. Her words, steeped in the richness of experience, were a compass for me. Why wouldn't I believe her? She had the kind of insight that only years of living can forge, and I revered every bit of it. Whenever life felt overwhelming, I would recall her gentle advice, drawing from it a well of solace and clarity.

In my search for a purposeful way to invest my time and energy, I discovered Hadassah through my volunteering endeavors. Founded in 1912 by Zionist pioneer Henrietta Szold, this organization emerged as an ideal fit, offering enriching opportunities in advocacy and leadership that resonated deeply with me. I often contemplate the seamless alignment between Hadassah and my aspirations. The profound sense of fulfillment and validation I have derived from my involvement here has perfectly met my needs, affirming that Hadassah was the fitting lid for my pot of volunteering aspirations.

Hadassah is a powerful platform for women’s empowerment, actively encouraging its members to take on leadership roles and engage in advocacy that impacts health, women's rights, and broader societal issues. This empowerment is cultivated through educational programs, networking opportunities, and robust support systems that enhance confidence and skills among women.

By focusing on advancing justice and healing, Hadassah raises awareness and drives tangible changes, enabling women to initiate impactful projects locally and globally.  

Last year, I spearheaded a nationwide antisemitism program titled "Antisemitism: Define It, Discuss It, Defuse It." Despite being a daunting challenge, the support I received from Hadassah instilled in me confidence and reassurance. We hosted three remarkable speakers and collectively urged leaders at all levels to Stand With Israel Against Terrorism, raising our voices in solidarity against violence and supporting measures that provide Israel with necessary resources for defense and citizen protection. Stand With Israel Against Terrorism. Who knew that when the idea was circulating in my head that Israel would be attacked in the most brutal way since the Holocaust?

I am immensely proud of how well this endeavor aligned with my values, demonstrating the enduring relevance of my grandmother's wisdom about finding the perfect fit.

My grandmother’s simple yet profound truth came to life when I decided to sell my last house—a decision fraught with anxiety and doubt. Was I ready to draw the line in the sand and leave? Would it find the right buyer? Could I weather the storm of uncertainty? In those moments of unease, I leaned on my grandmother's wisdom, summoning the patience to trust in the process. And just as she had promised, the perfect family came along, fitting the house as seamlessly as a lid on a pot.

Life, much like the dance of relationships, often mirrors this search for a perfect fit. I've been fortunate to find friends who, like well-matched lids, fit snugly into my life. We share common passions, a deep understanding, and a joy in each other's company. Each bond is unique; some resonate deeply, others spark curiosity, some require nurturing, while others click effortlessly.

But what happens when a relationship or situation that once fit perfectly begins to falter? There was a time when the lid and the pot were in perfect harmony, but over time, the fit has loosened. Picture a lid bent from a fall—no matter how hard you try; it never quite returns to its original form. It loses its purpose, allowing the vital steam, the essence of the relationship, to escape.

What do you do with a lid that no longer seals? Holding onto it means grappling with something that no longer serves its purpose, that fails to contain the energy that once flowed so freely. The real challenge lies not just in recognizing that the fit is gone but in finding the courage to let it go. Even when the heart knows it's time, letting go is often a bittersweet struggle—a tug-of-war between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of something new.

Letting go is never easy. It is a journey, a slow embrace of change, and an opening to new possibilities. Knowing when to hold on and release can be the key to peace and growth, whether where to spend your free time, a house, a friendship, or any relationship.

Just as every pot eventually finds its cover, every ending can lead to a new beginning. Sometimes, finding the right fit means first letting go of the one that no longer serves us. As my grandmother wisely said, there is a cover for every pot, and sometimes, finding that perfect fit requires the courage to set aside the one that no longer does.