This Chanukah, Crown Heights’s female JNet volunteers of all ages and backgrounds enjoyed a delicious evening of inspiration and community building.
Hosted at the home of fellow JNet volunteer Tzirel Goldman, the event started off with refreshments and shmoozing, followed by an interactive cake-decorating demonstration by former JNet women’s coordinator Esti Rosenblatt. Rabbi Yisroel Shimon Kalmenson, also a JNet volunteer, then gave an enlightening d’var Torah about the relation between Torah learning and Chanukah menorah.
“It was extremely empowering to see so many women dedicated to Torah learning,” said Mushkie Shemtov, JNet women’s coordinator. “The Rebbe strongly emphasized the importance of women learning in our generation. It’s an inspiration to see that these volunteers, even with busy schedules and children and homes that need tending to, still make learning a priority.”
The volunteers, both baalei teshuvah and those who were raised in frum homes, ranged in age from twenties to sixties. Many, even those who’d been learning for six years or more, admitted they were reluctant to volunteer at first, worrying that they weren’t qualified to teach, or that they wouldn’t be able to make a regular commitment of even 30 minutes a week. But all volunteers shared that the minimal commitment was more than worth the rewards that follow.
“My chavrusa asked to learn kabbalah,” said volunteer Mazal Z. “That was very intimidating for me. But after studying Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah with her, she started kashering her kitchen and taking more steps towards leading a religious lifestyle.”
“It really feels like my own personal shlichus that works in my life,” said Mindy S.
“I get to make an impact in someone’s life from my own home, and I get to learn Torah regularly when I wouldn’t otherwise,” explained volunteer Mushky G.
“Whatever I can give over, I feel like it makes an impact on not only her but her kids, too,” shares volunteer Bryna T. “And it isn’t as scary as I thought.”
To be part of this important Shlichus, please call us at 718-467-4400 Ext 290 or you can visit our website www.jnet.org and select “Volunteer”.
JNet is a project of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and was established with a generous grant from the Rohr Foundation.
JNET is amazing with you!
LOVE,
MBCMER!!!!
I’d like to attened for next time how can we get informed?
MBCM MISSES YOU!!!
and hey chayale!
love, and miss u tonz
ur cousins from israel 😉
Great photos, Michal!
Kol hakavod Mushkie on such a beautiful event! Indeed, as all the previous comments expressed, you are so dedicated and are doing a terrific job (and I see it firsthand). Ali v’hatzlichi!
So nice to see Esti in her element and doing it for JNet. I always knew you were good at this stuff but now I got to see it up close 🙂 We miss you here.
ER
Go mushkie! So proud! Ker a velt!
Go Mushkie. You are an inspiration
You guys are awesome! We miss you, Mushkie! Go MBCM!
We are so proud of you Mushkie!!
Miriam you are the best mom ever.
What an incredible girl!!
So proud love ur bc classmate
Mushky and Chaya’le!!!
Love, an MBCMer
Go cousin Mushkie
Mushkie I am just so proud of you and your path. You bring joy to all of us
Mushky, your sincerity, and energetic and positive attitude make you the perfect inspirational coordinator and leader. You’re doing an amazing job. I’m so proud to be your aunt!