By Sheli Atara Man
This past Tuesday, August 16th, N’shei Chabad Mivtzoim in Crown Heights held a special event in honor of Chof Menachem Av, the 78th yartzeit of Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson OBM, the father of the Rebbe. N’shei Mivtzoim clearly identified the power of Mivtzoim to reach the true Geula and the coming of Moshiach, with every Jew we touch.
Reb Levi Yitzchak was known for his greatness in Torah and a genius scholar. His extraordinary Mesirus Nefesh and Ahavas Yisroel lives on through our actions and therefore in his merit it was extra appropriate to call out to all women in the community and in the United States at large to join efforts in Mivtzoim in any way they can. The evening was devoted to discussing the many ways each woman can participate in this endeavor even with very little time in her day.
The event was held in the Rubashkin Residence at 1349 President Street and attendance was beyond expectation, every corner was filled. Chairlady and one of the main event organizers, Mrs. Miriam Freidfertig, introduced some of the initiatives of N’shei Chabad/Mivtzoim and welcomed Mrs. Sara Blau to moderate a panel of Women, who discussed how their mission could become your mission for Mivtzoim to be easily incorporated in a busy lifestyle. The Panelists Mrs. Tzivia Jacobson, Mrs. Henya Laine, Mrs. Nechama Zirkind, and I. What we shared were interesting points and stories emphasizing the power of Mivtzoim.
Rabbi Dovid Dubov, Author of “Yalkut Levi Yitzchok” and the Shaliach of Chabad of Princeton, NJ, gave a touching and impactful speech about Harav Levi Yitzchak. Everyone’s reactions were astonishing. Aside from the content and refreshing wonderful program orchestrated by Mindy Halberstam, Yehudith Kravitsky, Chana Marozow, Miri Morozow, Sara Krinsky, and Miriam Freidfertig. The décor and elegant Ice cream bar left everyone literally feeling that now is the time to add toppings to their lives.
A special guest speaker was introduced, Irina Sakanova, Russian director of a Jasa senior center. She explained how she grew up in the Soviet Union and about her experience of living a Jewish life in secrecy, because of her meeting with Miriam she has made real leaps in her Yiddishkeit. Irina ended with tears – “Miriam is my teacher for 10 years” and Miriam smiled warmly to Irina and said- “Irena’le my dear, you’ve taken the baby steps …now it’s time for you to make the leaps” quoting the Rebbe from a Sicha, and concluded with, “Ladies we’ve got this, we’re on fire!”
VIDEO: The full program
A special video presentation was set up after much dedication from Chana Marozow on the N’shei women in the forefront of Mivtzoim, a video from Jem about Harav Levi Yitzchok was screened at the conclusion of the speeches, a beautiful and colorful gift of cardholders for Mivtzoim cards was given out to all attendees and the evening ended with a free raffle of a Rebbe coin and up to $500 to Tzfasman Jewelers.
Everyone was also informed that at the Top Fashion Store centrally located on Kingston Ave. stand with Mivtzoim material is beautifully displayed and readily accessible to all N’shei women. N’shei expresses thanks to the store owner, Mrs. Nira Blizinsky who made this option possible.
To prolong the Brocohos and tap to the special evening N’shei Chabad/Mivtzoim gathered women for a farbrengen with stories and messages to take with us home and thanked Moshe and Faygee Rubashkin for their hospitality and open heart to host such a meaningful event. This was truly a unique and one-of-a-kind event ever launched for N’shei Chabad/Mivtzoim in its caliber and time of year as most people are away for their summer vacations. Now we all need to make leaps towards Moshiach and Geula, and we will surely succeed!
To join Mivtzoim, contact Chana 718-916-2626 or Miri 917-291-2287
