Women Energize at Spa Event

Over 140 women attended the 9th annual Spa for the Body & Soul at Shabbos House, the Chabad student center on the UAlbany campus in Albany, New York.

It was organized by the Jewish Women’s Connection – a coalition of Capital District Chabad women’s groups, Hadassah Capital District , UAlbany Hillel, Jewish Women’s Philanthropy, Bnos Israel Mikvah and others

Women attending represented a broad spectrum of ages, affiliations, and inclinations. There was even a 97-year-old woman from a local residential living facility who didn’t want to miss an inspiring afternoon celebrating the Jewish woman.

The feature presentation was Sarah Hecht, the Australian-born singer, composer and speaker who uplifted the crowd with a variety of Jewish songs in Hebrew and English classics and her own compositions.

The event began with Spa treatments, coordinated by Mrs. Chanie Simon of Bethlehem Chabad. The treatments included chair and table massages, facials and nail art, paraffin treatments and more. Each woman came away feeling pampered and celebrated.

A gourmet buffet, prepared by Catering By Raizy featured salmon; an elegant soup bar, salad bar and pasta bar with plenty of delicious desserts made by Mrs. Raizel Rubin of Saratoga Chabad.

Ms. Cindy Werner of Zing-a-Gram Event Planning and Management ably acted as the Master of Ceremonies. Mrs. Rivi Bahir, one of the families who recently relocated from Israel with Global Foundries Technology, led the recitation of Tehillim for the safety of Israel.

Fun and anticipation were added to the event with the Chinese auction, coordinated by Mrs. Leah Rubin of Clifton Park Chabad. Raffled prizes included jewelry from Shadora online; tickets to hear violinist Itzhak Perlman; a kosher cookbook collection; stays at The Hyatt Place; gift certificates at Vital Choice and Honest Weight Food Co-op, a case of Schmaltz Beer and much more.

Thanks was given to Mrs. Clara Simon; Mrs. Leah Rubin; Mrs. Chanie Simon and Mrs. Devorah Leah Matthless, Spa coordinators, and to all who invested time and talent to make this event so special. A special thank you to the girls of Bnos Chaya High School in Albany, who helped with set up, registration and parking.

The highlight of the event was seeing so many women from different parts of the community meeting, mingling and strengthening one another.The women truly came away, refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed.

VIDEO: (Viewing for women and girls only)