Shluchos to Teach Need for Pause

This November, the Rosh Chodesh Society—the women’s division of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI)—launches its latest course, Pause & Affect, a new seven-session series for women.

Slated to run in over 200 locations across the globe, Pause & Affect provides multiple entry points so that students at every level of affiliation can explore meaningful ways to enrich their lives through the lessons of Shabbat.

“Pause & Affect presents not only the beauty of this most precious of Jewish treasures, but invites women of every level of observance to experience the wondrous mystery of this special day,” says RCS director Mrs. Shaindy Jacobson.

“Shabbat is G-d’s gift to the Jewish people. It offers respite from labor and a break from the intrusion of our ubiquitous technologies. It allows family and community the time to connect and reflect without distraction. The warm smell of challah, the glowing candles, and the comfort of ritual all leave their imprint, shaping forever the meaning of family, peoplehood, and one’s place in the universe.”

The course will be taught once per month for seven consecutive months and is designed for women at all levels of Jewish knowledge.

“Shabbat is a very special time of the week that we observe. When I was younger, emigrating from a post Shoah time, there were no shomer Shabbat individuals so we celebrated with our family, as my Father was the Rabbi of a small town in Massachusetts,” Hadassah Lieberman, Healthcare professional, and wife of Senator Joseph Lieberman, said.

“As I grew and found more people celebrating Shabbat, I experienced the strength and beauty in communal meals and rituals. Joe and I have experienced many occasions and campaigns where we celebrated the beauty of Shabbat. Chabad so frequently assisted us in procuring challahs, candles, and food, not only around the country, but also around the world. I sincerely endorse this important Shabbat course in all its important efforts!”

“As an Orthodox woman, wife, mother of five and entrepreneur my life is filled with the spirit of doing. Keeping Shabbat has given me the exhale to a week of holding my breath. The space to reconnect, recharge and escape to an island of time where connecting to spiritual affairs allows me to actively participate in my life rather than just hold it all together. In this goal oriented time in Humanity where people chase dollars, titles, recognition and perfection the Rosh Chodesh society cuts through the noise to provide an honest and multi-dimensional look at this infinite gift that is Shabbat and how the ultimate goal is as simple as coming back to self and home every week. Whether you view the Shabbat with the innocence of a child who tastes a new food for the first time proclaiming he didn’t like it before he even tried it or whether you observe it every week and want to reconnect with the why? This course will lift you up, inspire you and give you the sparkle that comes from swallowing it up and realizing you are in love with what you just tasted,” said designer Joyce Azria.

“In today’s world of confusion and loss of direction in life, which manifests in young people adopting self-destructive habits, this excellent course is a beacon of light that can guide people to the safe haven of true happiness,” Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD said.

The Rosh Chodesh Society is an international Jewish sisterhood that aims to connect, empower, and inspire Jewish women through monthly Jewish learning and cultural experiences. For more information on Pause & Affect visit www.roshchodeshsociety.com/courses.