Women from the Itchke’s Shtiebel community gathered Motzai Shabbos to celebrate Yud Tes Kislev and get ready for Chanukah with an elegant Melave Malka and evening of inspiration.
This past Motzai Shabbos, on the coldest night of the year so far, many women braved the icy wind and gathered at the Maple Street Shul, otherwise known as the home of Itchke’s Shtiebel, to mark Yud Tes and Chof Kislev and to prepare for Chanukah with a women’s only Melave Malka.
It was the first such event for the shul, which has been growing steadily since gaining Rabbi Chaim Fogelman as its Rabbi and moving to the Maple Street location last year.
It was, in fact, Rabbi Fogelman’s initiative to suggest that the women of the shul make time for events of their own. “The men have so many events–weekly shiurim, farbrengens, etc.,” Rabbi Fogelman explained. “Women are integral to the success of our community and our shul, so I encouraged all the men to stay home and make sure their wives were able to attend.”
Sampling a beautiful buffet of treats including a hot cocoa bar, sushi, gourmet cheesecakes and pizza, the women took some time to enjoy spending time in the company of their fellow Shul members, many of whom they don’t see often, apart from Yom Tov.
Several Crown Heights businesses generously donated products to help make the night special: Pomodori Pizza donated the delicious Sicilian pizza; Sushi Spot delivered generous sushi trays; and Mr. Greens provided trays of fresh sliced vegetables and dips.
Addressing the crowd, Mrs. Rikal Fogelman connected the theme of the night’s event to Yud Tes Kislev a day earlier. “The Alter Rebbe taught that Chassidim are one family,” she said. “This is the beginning of making this shul into a community. Gathering the women together is an important part of connecting and becoming a family.”
The highlight of the evening was an inspiring speech by Mrs. Gitty Rappaport. Sharing her story of growing up in Borough Park and discovering the teachings of Chabad Chassidus as a teenager, Mrs. Rappaport was warm, engaging and thought-provoking. Coming, as she does, from a Chassidic family who could not be more frum and yet were deeply skeptical of her interest in Lubavitch, Mrs. Rappaport’s story emphasized the uniqueness of Chabad ideology and chassidus and was thus ideal food for thought for Yud Tes Kislev.
Bringing the night to a close was a visit by Parttery, an exciting new Crown Heights business that brings professional pottery painting to any location.
Sheina Wolff, the founder of Parttery, brought a selection of plates and dishes, along with brushes, paint and equipment so each woman could paint her own piece, with Wolff standing by for assistance and to offer creative ideas. At the end of the night, the painted dishes were sent to be fired in a professional kiln.
Bundling up and getting ready to brave the cold again at the end of the night, the women all agreed that events like this one are part of what make Itchke’s Shtiebel feel like it is their own.
“In a neighborhood as Crown Heights, it can be hard to feel a sense of community,” shared Chana Zelda Weiss, a longtime member of the shul. “Even when you belong to a small shul, the women are often home with small children on Shabbos. Events like this give us a chance to get out and connect with other women, and to feel like we belong to our own small community.”
Between the delicious food, elegant decor, inspiring speech and entertaining activity, there is no question that all the women in attendance walked away rejuvenated and inspired.
Go Shaina you’re awesome!! Proud of you x
How to I get hold of this pottery thing?? I want to hear more
wooaah elie gearman
rivky riven
I love that shul
kinus camper
ef
Much success in everything you do!!!
You are an inspiration to young girls you don’t just think of great ideas but you put them into actuality. Continue your awesome work
(and cherry 😉 )
SO proud of you!
Thank you so much for making a wondeful party for the Itchke’s ladies to enjoy!
Thank you for all of your dedication to the Shul in general. We all appreciate everything you do!
Yehuda and Chana Rochel
(and riki 😉 )
SO proud of you!
Youre amazing! Shepping nachas!
Love uu xx
Shaina I always knew you would start something creative. Hatzlacha!
Shaina is MY granddaughter!
Keep it up!
Are the prices good?
Coolest people in crownheights’
Nice to see you looken good 😉
I saw all shuls should have women’s events like this
This can go viral!
luv you guysss great job parrtery
How do I go about it??
she is absolutely incredible! 19 and started her own business already! great price and great service! so proud of you
– a fellow classmate
Great to learn about cousin Shaina’s Partery! Thanks to Bassie for sharing with us. Much good luck, Cousins Dan and Karen Weinberg, Roswell, GA
go shaina!!
http://Www.facebook.com/parttery
That is such a cute idea!
wow I would love to do a party! where can I get info?
The best thing I did for my daughter’s party was hiring Parttery!
Shaina is so professional and has so much energy. The kids loved it!
Goooo Shaina!!
Go shaina!!
Miss you!
GO SHAINA!!!!!!
parttery is so incredible and is such a pleasure to work with!!
if you ever need any entertainment for any event of all ages…only parttery!!!
highly recommend!
On you new business! may you have only Hatzlacha with parttery!!
Used to be one of the best kept secrets in crown heights but now everybody knows… it’s Itchkes shteeble we love that Shul
Thank you, Miss. Shaina Wolff for making this party so enjoyable!
Shaina runs her parties incredibly! She is soo easy to work with and is amazing with what she does!