In this centenary year of what is arguably the most influential Jewish organization in the world, Brautbar (history, Nevada State College) examines the role of Hadassah in redefining American Jewish women's identity in the period between the establishment of the state of Israel and the social movements of the 1960s. Without shying away from contradictions in Hadassah's positions, she traces how the Zionist organization provided Jewish middle-and upper-class women with a channel for participation in political, civic, and communal activities. B&w illustrations include fashions featured at Hadassah fund-raising shows, which supported the Israeli fashion industry while reinforcing traditional gender roles. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)