AN ODE TO HELLA
Lawrence Weinbaum
About our friend Hella there is nothing slow
She always radiates an effervescent glow…
A lady from Europe who is forever young
Eight languages dance upon her silver tongue…
Broad and breathtaking is the range of her knowledge
She puts to shame professors of every college
With shorthand pad at every meeting
Even as the congress took a beating
Always staunch and always brave
Especially when her bosses misbehave
With aplomb and discretion and always with class
She suffers each and every caller—even the crass
Hella’s talents and virtues are esteemed and rare
In the whole house of Israel she has no compare
Goldmann, Bronfman, and now president lauder
Hella stands among them like a solid tower
With or without safety helmet or guide
Hella never shirks from an adventurous ride…
Australia, Stockholm, Jerusalem, and brazil
Hella is ever game for an exciting new thrill
With wisdom, wit and always a smile
Hella has schlepped over many a mile
A souls who’s heart is blue and white
Hella never wavers in Israel's fight.
There is no way to thank this congress grand dame
Though her name is enshrined in its hall of fame
So now we raise our gleaming goblets and drink
To Hella—the greatest lady of whom we can think!
