Women Discuss Health, Kosher

Tuesday night found Lubavitcher Yeshiva packed with women who showed up to Junior N’shei’s second event, “Healthy, Wholesome and Holy,” sponsored by OK Labs. In addition to those present, many women also participated via live streaming video from Torah Cafe.

In keeping with the topics of the evening, the buffet table was set with a colorful array of healthy vegetables and dips as well as fruit cups. Each seat was graced with a water bottle and healthy treat, as well as a small packet of papers.

The event was MC’d by Mrs. Chaya Seema Friedman (nee Goldstein), who led the crowd in a race to complete a health-themed crossword puzzle. The winners received complimentary admission to their next Junior N’shei event. Mrs. Friedman spoke about the Rebbe’s instruction that a pushka should be affixed to the wall of every Jewish kitchen and tzedaka should be given prior to preparing each meal.

“A Jewish woman is completely trusted with regard to the kashrus of her food,” she said, “but even a tzaddik needs siyata dishmaya.” Giving tzedaka before preparing food accomplishes this. Each participant received a magnet to keep in the kitchen as a friendly reminder. There were also wall-friendly pushkas available.

In introducing Rabbi Yitzchok Hanoka, Mrs. Friedman said that as a child, she was privileged that the kitchen in her home was “under” the supervision of the OK. Sure enough, to the amusement of the crowd, Rabbi Hanoka verified that they were indeed the upstairs neighbors at the time.

Rabbi Hanoka began with a story about his father who was mekarev through a rov in a far-out town where they relied on certain heteirim in kashrus. When his father became a Lubavitcher chossid, an awkward situation ensued in which he was not able to eat at the home of the very rov who was mekarev him! The Rebbe himself was involved in smoothing out the hard feelings, teaching an important lesson about maintaining high standards of kashrus without damaging relationships.

Rabbi Hanoka’s speech proved to be informative and enlightening as well as entertaining, allowing those present to benefit from his years of experience in the kashrus industry. He provided little known information about how certain foods are processed and therefore which kashrus concerns are involved. Following his presentation was a question and answer session in which he addressed individual questions regarding certain products.

To meet the great interest, Junior N’shei intends to plan additional future events on the topic of kashrus.

Sarah Chana Silverstein, well-known lactation consultant and herbalist, spoke next about healthy eating and nutrition. She began with practical suggestions on how to incorporate healthy foods in one’s diet, such as using bok choy as a base for soups, and baking carrot or zucchini cakes.

She also stressed eating with the seasons, which, besides for being financially sound, accommodates what the body needs for the changing climate. “Winter is time for those pumpkins, butternut squashes and sweet potatoes,” she said, explaining how they fill the body and keep it warm. She suggested making fruit compotes; baking pears and apples with oats and a little sweetener.

The crowd stayed well into the evening to glean from Sarah Chana’s wisdom and participate in a question and answer session with her.

On the way out, participants were encouraged to pick up complimentary copies of the N’shei Chabad Newsletter, the OK Kosher Spirit, and vegetable checking guide, as well as purchase CD’s of previous events.

To stay informed and become involved in Junior N’shei events, please like us on facebook, www.facebook.com/CHJuniorNshei or join our email list, juniornshei@gmail.com

*Due to the overwhelming amount of questions addressed to Rabbia Hanoka, another Kashrus workshop in currently in the works.

*Additionally, all women are invited to attend the N’shei Chabad event in honor of Yud Tes Kislev, to take place on Thursday evening, 8:30 pm at Lubavitcher Yeshiva on Crown Street.