Friends, family and members of the Natanya chapter of NA'AMAT USA joined together on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Elsie Friedman, one of their devoted members. A luncheon was held at the home of Harriet Leibovitch in Northridge where more than 50 people came to congratulate Elsie on this most auspicious occasion.

NA'AMAT is a woman's Zionist organization that raises money for women and children in need in Israel, as well as supporting many programs in our own community.

Elsie Friedman was born in 1907 in Vienna, Austria, and came to America with her parents as a young girl. Her brother Joe Leibross was born when she was 10 years old, and theirs has been a close family all their lives.

The family became citizens in 1919 and Elsie pursued her education and eventually attended Teacher's college and a career in teaching. She married David Friedman in 1928 and he was her devoted husband until he passed away in 1975. They had three children, and today her family has grown to include11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Elsie considers their husbands and wives her children also.

The story of her life was presented to the members and guests in song and narration by Lillian Leibross, Fay Wernick, Shani Smolens, Bella Bergman, Annette Beezy and Zita Gluskin recalling all the important events in Elsie's life as well the history of our time for the past 100 years.

When Elsie moved with her family to Sherman Oaks, she continued to pursue her career in education until the age of 90. During the years she worked in education, she was an elementary school teacher, an assistant principal, a substitute teacher anda tutor to children with learning handicaps.

Elsie had a profound influence on the many children and teachers she came in contact with. She continues to be a role model for all who know and love her.