Working it Out With the In-Laws

Junior N’shei’s recent event “Working it Out with the In-laws” had the crowd rocking with laughter, at other times musing thoughtfully and enjoying Pomodori’s penne alla vodka throughout. The attendees may have been diverse in nature, but they all had one major thing in common; in-laws!

The event started at the buffet table where Pomodori’s Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne alla vodka and baked ziti were appetizingly presented along with salads and a hot drinks bar, complete with marshmallows to top off the hot cocoa.

On each seat was a memento of the evening with a hot cocoa packet and chocolate danish, as well a pen and papers that came in handy as the evening wore on.

The emcee for the event was Mrs. Sara Blau who led in the crowd in the Rebbe’s kapitel and a spirited game of Torah Trivia, “in-law” edition! Questions included “My father-in-law chased me and tried to kill me” and “My father-in-law accused me of stealing from him”. (By the way, the answers are Dovid and Yaakov respectively!) The first two winners each received free entry to a Junior N’Shei event.

The highlight of the evening was a speech by Rabbi Mendel Samuels of Simsbury, CT that combined humor, practical advice and Torah thought in a meaningful and inspirational presentation.

After establishing that issues with in-laws are normal and even mentioned in Torah, Rabbi Samuels proceeded to give a healthy and beneficial perspective on the relationship that in-laws have with their children and children’s spouses. Approaching in-laws with respect, sincere appreciation and gratitude, as well as making them feel needed and wanted will alleviate the majority of issues that crop up, he said. Peppering his advice with stories and jokes, it turned out to be most memorable for all those that attended.

Following his speech, Rabbi Samuels patiently read through the numerous questions that had been submitted, replying to each one with empathy, practical advice, and when appropriate, a humorous comment. As one woman attested in an anonymous comment that was read during the question and answer session, “I wasn’t going to come as I didn’t think I would gain, but I am so glad I did.” It was truly an event of real growth, warmth and learning for all those that participated.

“Many older women have showed an interest in having an event geared to mothers-in-law that will help them enhance their own relationship with their daughters-in-law. “If there is a such a demand and need, we will be more than happy to co-ordinate such an event,” said a Junior N’Shei co-ordinator.

The event closed with the raffling off of a $75 gift certificate to Exquisite Pearls, won by C. Kessler. Congratulations, and enjoy your new jewelry in good health!
A new feature of this event was the ability to watch it live, an option which was utilized by many women and shluchos throughout the US and Canada. For those that missed it, a recording will be made available for purchase at the next Junior N’shei program which will take place IY”H on November 19. Mark your calendars!

For more information on upcoming events, please email juniornshei@gmail.com or like us on facebook, www.facebook.com/CHJuniorNshei