Clarke to Help Bayit Center

A momentous occasion took place on Rosh Chodesh Sivan, bringing the dream of The Bayit, the Crown Heights Women’s Center, a step closer to becoming a vibrant reality.

The staff of Machon Chana as well as The Bayit committee welcomed Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the district’s very accomplished member in Washington, DC.

This visit was made possible through the dedication and hard work of the Community liaison, Eli Slavin.

Ms. Clarke, a life-long Crown Heights resident, graciously participated in a meeting presenting an overview of the much anticipated construction of the Crown Heights Bayit at the Crown Street location.

Mrs. Sara Labkowski, founder and director of Machon Chana since its inception in 1972, spoke movingly of the Rebbe’s profound understanding and belief in the power of women.

Mrs. Labkowski explained how the Rebbe saw that the education of women is the key to ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people, and therefore encouraged the founding of Machon Chana and named it for his beloved mother. She then shared her vision of a multi-dimensional oasis for women and girls, guests as well as residents, of Crown Heights.

Assisted by architect Joseph Spector, different committee members described to Congresswoman Clarke the ambitious specifics of this vital addition to our community.

When complete, The Bayit will feature a state of the art women’s Mikvah, a community Gmach Simcha Hall and Judaica store. The Women’s Wing will offer a state of the art gym, café and spa with babysitting facilities, library, auditorim and recreational center.

In addition there will be multiple classrooms and offices for Judaic studies, vocational training and home and family management centers. The children’s wing will consist of indoor and outdoor gyms, a library and recreation center. There will also be housing for guests for Shabbatons and Live and Learn programs and an expansion of both Machon Chana and the Bais Levi Yitzchok Shul.

The attendees took the opportunity to update the Ms. Clarke as to the current activities and programs offered to the community. The devoted Rabbi Mendel and Chaya Lerman described the Bais Levi Yitzchak shul as the physical and spiritual home away from home for newcomers to the community.

Zeesy Piamenta, Principal of Ohr Chana School spoke about the various alternative programming for the youth, while Rivky Rothman outlined Mamathon, her innovative approach to enhancing parenting skills for young mothers.

Raizel Roth shared plans for the second annual VacationCH which will offer marriage, parenting and home management education for women of all ages and Riva Teleshevsky represented the social service department of school.

Other attendees were Chaye Freida Kahan, Feige Shagalov and Chana Dvora Klein who are among the members of the Bayit building committee.

Sara Chana Schreiber spoke as the alumnae representative, outlining the founding of Machon Chana as a beacon of spirituality in the early 1970’s- the first yeshiva outside of Israel to offer a program of Jewish studies specifically for accomplished Jewish women, who had not yet been exposed to the beauty of their heritage.

From those beginnings, through the vision and blessings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, over 20,000 women of all ages and backgrounds, have passed through the doors. Machon Chana serves as an international magnet for women who have been touched by the worldwide network of Lubavitch emmisaries. Over the past 40 years a large number of these students settled in in Crown Heights, married and created their own homes. There is a strong tradition among these alumnae to give back to their school and community.

After this impressive presentation, the congresswoman expressed her sincere enthusiasm for this one-of-a-kind project, noting that, “This is a uniquely holistic approach to women’s development which puts education in the context of strengthening the mind, the body, and the soul.”

Ms. Clark concluded that, “Stronger women, with enhanced parenting, management and career skills, result in a stronger community, something we will clearly all benefit from.”

As a group picture was being taken to record this very fruitful meeting, our congresswoman shared her desire that the next picture taken should be to celebrate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Bayit.