The Machon Chana Family Shabbaton took place this past Shabbos in Crown Heights. The Machon Chana dormitory was the venue for activities that took place throughout the weekend.
The Shabbaton began with candle lighting and a welcome by second year student Chava Moss, from London, England, who holds a degree in fine arts from Nottingham Trent University.
The delicious Friday night meal was prepared in its entirety, from challah to dessert, by the Machon Chana students. The dormitory dining room was packed with current students, alumni, family and friends. Rabbi Shloma Majeski, dean of Machon Chana and his wife Rivkie, led the meal. Throughout the meal there were divrei Torah and inspirational insights.
Rabbi Pinchus Riven spoke, as well as his wife, alumnus Rochel Chana (Schilder) Riven. Rochel Chana spoke about her journey to Torah and Chasidus and the impact Machon Chana made on her life.
Ilona Abramovich, a first year student from Staten Island, whose mother attended the Shabbaton, spoke about the questions she had growing up that her parents couldn’t answer and beginning to find those answers at Machon Chana.
Rabbi Noach Merenfeld had everyone in stitches talking about his “identity crisis” growing up as a twin and how he thought the crisis was over when his twin brother Yehoshua became religious, grew a beard and started wearing a black hat. However, he eventually became a baal teshuva himself. The two brothers then encouraged their sister Leah to attend Machon Chana. Leah Merenfeld, also a second year student (from Miami) then shared her own story of her journey to Machon Chana and what studying in the school has meant to her.
The Shabbos Seuda was followed by an informal question and answer session led by Mrs. Sara Labkowski, founder and director of Machon Chana.
Shabbos morning, mothers and daughters got together over coffee and cake at the home of Mrs. Bronya Shaffer. They were able to ask their questions and air their concerns in a more intimate setting. Shabbos lunch students and their guests ate at families in Crown Heights with whom they have become close.
After havdalah, a beautiful and tasty Melave Malka – prepared once again by the students – was held in the dorm. Highlighted at the Melave Malka were the students’ artwork, as this year’s student body is comprised of many talented artists.
Alumnus Raiza Malka Gilbert from Needham, Massachusettes (who also has a degree in fine arts!) opened the Melave Malka with recollections of her two years at Machon Chana and the impact it had on her relationship with her parents.
The guest speaker at the Melave Malka was Dr. Levi Reiter, professor of Audiology and Audiology Program Head at Hofstra University for the past 32 years. Dr. Reiter’s talk was deeply meaningful and highly entertaining.
The student body of Machon Chana this year hails from Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Sweden, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, South Africa, Israel, England, and of course throughout North America and even as close as right here in Manhattan and Brooklyn!
A big yashar koach to Mrs. Gita Gansburg – dorm mother, Devorah Leah Eddison-assistant, Chani Chaimson, and the devoted madrichos: Hadas Hurvitz, Chana Sahler and Chaya Mushka Shushan.
Many Thanks to Machon Chana for giving many of us our starts in life…for giving us positive Jewish role models, and life long friends!
Thanks For Everything,
Shira Gold, Miami Beach, FL
Around eighteen to twenty five year olds are accepted to machon Chana. I have heard it’s literally the best around. And yes Dr. Reiter was so funny and great!
Yay Ta,
We are all so proud to be your children. Love you so much. May Hashem bench you and Mommy with so much health, happiness, Nachas and revealed Brachos.
Love The Hechts, UCONN
He’s such a wonderful, dedicated mad. May Hashem give him strength!
not sure how you figured out her name sounds danish since it was not yet posted, but her name is Shaina E. Brandenburg-Andreasen
GO THE ART CAFE CH!!!!
Painted at The Art Cafe on Troy Ave. :):)
minimum?
It was a great shabaton! The program at Machon Channa is very down to earth and inspiring! They are not pushy and at the same time they help you grow!! I suggest to any shliach to send your almost balloutei teshuva to this school-!!
The photographer is currently learning at machon Channa and her family does descend from Danish background, royalty
WHO IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER ? SOUNDS- DANISH GOING BY HER NAME .
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW AS DANISH CHABADNIK TOO.
KIBBUTZ GOLIUS MOSHIACH HOW!
Amazing to see the baalei teshuvos who have graduated from Machon Chana throughout the years, a tremendous impact on the world at large. You truly give the Rebbe nachas. Mrs. Labkowski, you are remarkable. May you go from strength to strength, Machon Chana!
So blessed to be part of the Machon Chana family and I love that I am apart of the learnin and adventure every single day! Thank G-d!
how was the heart crayon done?
We’re so proud of you! You’re a real inspiration to everyone around!
Love the Bialos in Portland!