What do you do when you can’t run a convention due to gathering restrictions? You run a zoom-vention instead!
Over 300 Jewish women from across Australia convened on Zoom for the 25th Annual Australian N’Shei Ubnos Chabad Convention recently. The convention was hosted by Mrs. Shternie Althaus and Mrs. Sarah Chanah Sufrin on behalf of Nshei Ubnos Chabad Sydney, assisted by committee members Mrs. Ziva Richter, and Mrs. Chaya Gourarie.
The convention began on Motzoei Shabbos with an address by Dr Sara Rosenfeld, who spoke about the significance of the Jewish woman and of N’Shei U’Bnos Chabad. Musical artists Mrs Zahava Pinson and Rivkah Joseph entertained the participants with music and song, uplifting the spirits of those struggling under strict lockdown conditions in Melbourne, and inspiring their counterparts in Sydney and beyond. The virtual concert was followed by an open Farbrengen, creating a sense of unity even though participants were in their own homes.
From early Sunday morning, Chabad Youth’s Mrs Miri Lipskier talked about ushering in a new energy for the New Year with a real sense of optimism and positivity. Successful Shadchan and dating coach Mrs Toby Lieder presented an engaging seminar on how to guide singles through the process of finding a life partner wisely. With her anecdotes and engaging examples, she captivated even those women who are not involved in Shidduchim at present, giving much food for thought and important explanation. A booklet with additional tips for “Breaking the Shidduch Code” was shared for participants to download.
The next sessions turned the focus inward. Life coaches and counselors Mrs Shternie Althaus and Mrs Charmaine Roth discussed self-care, giving practical tips and advice on how we can care for and nurture ourselves on many levels in order to have the ability to be there for others. Clinical Psychologist Mrs Renee Mill eloquently wove together ideas from psychology with Torah insights, delivering a strong message on Emunah and Bitachon having a key role in our feeling calm and avoiding anxious thoughts.
The keynote address from noted author and lecturer Mrs Rivkah Slonim was on the topic ‘Accessing the Oil – Shining our Light.’ Mrs Slonim shared many insightful and inspiring stories, reminding us of the reservoirs of strength that we all have within us, no matter how unlikely it may seem. Rounding out the program was Mrs Fruma Schapiro of Chabad of the North Shore, with valuable guidance on how to approach the upcoming New Year in a way that will be truly meaningful.
Mrs Chasia Feldman wrapped up the event with the launch of a 40-day Hachlata initiative tied to the letters of the month Elul, with a practical WhatsApp group to help women partner together to encourage each other in fulfilling their resolutions.
Participants have been generous with their positive feedback, expressing how much they enjoyed and learned from the convention. For many women, this was the first time they were able to participate in a Nshei Ubnos Chabad convention. In previous years, factors such as cost or family commitments may have been an impediment to participating. In this nationwide first, all women were able to join from the comfort of their home, at no cost, and have been very appreciative.
We are pleased to share the recordings of the talks with women all around the globe, and hope you find them inspiring as well.
The recordings can be accessed at http://bit.ly/convention5780recordings
The handouts from Toby Lieder’s talk can be found at https://bit.ly/BreakingTheShidduchCodehttps://bit.ly/ShidduchTips
