400 Women Celebrate Motherhood

By COLlive staff

An overflow crowd of 400 women gathered at Chovevei Torah hall in Crown Heights Wednesday for a discussion on the issues of motherhood, large families and finding balance.

Chairing the event was Rochel Isenberg, a member of The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle which co-sponsored the evening with the new Mikvah Mei Chaya Mushka of Crown Heights.

Attendees were greeted by a buffet of mini desserts, wraps and sandwiches, and a juice bar by Natural Treats.

Rabbi Shmuel Bluming, moreh tzedek in Crown Heights, began by giving a halachic perspective on the mitzvah of procreation. He explained that although it was the men that were originally commanded to fulfill this mitvah, since women make it possible by carrying the fetus for nine months and then delivering the baby, they too receive the zchus of the mitzvah. He also stressed the importance of talking to a rav before making any decisions in regard to this mitzvah.

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim, Shlucha in Binghamton University and renowned speaker on women’s issues, assured the women that if the ‘why’ is answered, there can be no ‘how’ too difficult to overcome. To answer the ‘why’, Slonim gave a short lesson on holograms. She explained that similar to the Jewish nation, each piece of a hologram contains all the other parts in it.

Afterwards, Mrs. Sora Morozow and Mrs. Slonim expertly fielded questions from the audience written on index cards until past 11 pm, when there was still a full crowd of women eager to hear more.

Many women in the audience expressed their enthusiasm over the positive energy in the room. The topic was brought to light in such a beautiful and encouraging way.

In connection with the event, JEM’s DVD, “The Greatest Blessing” is available this week for a discounted price of $7 (usually $20), sponsored by a couple who wishes to remain anonymous.

While the couple says they are pretty sure what choice families will make after watching the DVD, their goal, they say, is “to give every member of Anash the benefit of being able to hear the Rebbe’s fatherly advice on this life-changing topic.”

“And if only one new neshama is brought into this word as a result of someone attending this event, or if even one mother gives her child a hug because she watched the video,” they concluded, “it will have been well worth it.”

The food buffet was sponsored by Bunch O Bagels, Gombo’s and Mr. Greens, expertly arranged by volunteer Chani Kirsch.

A $100 gift certificate was sponsored by Chaya Prus from Everything But The Baby.

The event was a project of Mikvah Mei Chaya Mushka , Junior N’shei, The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle, Mikvah.org, Russian N’shei, Beis Shmuel and Beis Rivkah Headstart.

The Greatest Blessing – Trailer

For details on The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle Second-Annual Cheesecake Bake-Off please visit The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle on Facebook or email wc@thebeismedrash.com.