Almost 60 years ago, the first N’shei uBnos Chabad Convention was held in Crown Heights, during which women who attended heard the Rebbe speak.
A few years later, the Rebbe gave his blessing to the setting up of an annual mid-winter women’s convention held outside of New York, in different cities throughout the USA and Canada. The idea was to bring the warmth of Torah and Chassidus, to those who did not come to participate in NY.
Each year the Rebbe sent a letter to be read at the convention; a few years later he started sending dollars for Tzedaka to be given to each woman who attended the convention.
But the Rebbe was much more involved than that. The Rebbe had a vision for Convention: approving the theme, sometimes suggesting the theme. The Rebbe corrected and approved the program, and, in the beginning, even provided some of the funding, the Rebbe was involved in every detail.
Mrs. Rivie Feldman, who has been coordinating the Convention for over 25 years, emphasizes that, “It was an event that was precious to the Rebbe. Every location that hosted Convention has amazing stories of the benefits and miracles that occurred as a result. The impact of Convention has, she says, a ripple effect: from the woman who attends, to her family, to her community, and to the entire world. There are tremendous Brachos for everyone who puts their effort into it.”
Mrs. Feldman points out that Convention is more than just a one-time event. She elaborates: “The Rebbe saw it as an opportunity to build, to create, in the Rebbe’s own words, ‘a Peulah Nimsheches,’ an action that continues. It is not just one weekend: the effect continues long afterwards.”
This year, the Lubavitch Community of Pittsburgh, PA will host the 53rd N’shei uBnos Chabad Winter Convention Retreat. The convention has been in Pittsburgh twice before, 40 years ago and 22 years ago. Blumi Rosenfeld, Rebbetzin of the Pittsburgh Chabad community, believes that “it is auspicious that the convention is being held here, during the year of mourning for my mother, Mrs. Keny Derenobm. My mother was the keynote speaker at the first N’shei UBnos Chabad Women’s Convention 53 years ago. I remember the excitement in my home at the time.”
After that event, Mrs. Deren spoke at many of the conventions, and was instrumental in the growth of the women’s conventions. Rosenfeld sees it as a tribute to her mother for Pittsburgh to once again host the convention.
Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld, head of the Lubavitch community of southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia, concurs. He feels honored that Pittsburgh is hosting this event.
He underscores that, “The women’s convention is something that was very dear to the Rebbe.” Rabbi Rosenfeld states that he is “proud of the way the community has rallied around this event: the unity of everyone contributing their talents and coming together has made this happen.”
The three days of the Convention will include pre-Shabbos activities and workshops, a beautiful and uplifting Shabbos program, a lovely Melava Malka, and a final day of learning and activities on Sunday.
The Melava Malka will be a tribute to Mrs. Keny Deren, obm, given by her daughter, Mrs. Blumi Rosenfeld, and include a keynote address by noted speaker, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Jacobson and a video of the Rebbe.
Entertainment will be provided by the vocal ensemble of the Tzohar Seminary for Chassidus and the Arts followed by singing and dancing led by Rus Devorah Wallen and Mirele Rosenberger on the piano. The event will include a full dairy meal followed by a decadent ice cream bar with all the toppings.
The Sunday event opens with an optional Pilates exercise session followed by an assortment of boutiques going on throughout the day. The morning session, “The World’s Falling Apart But Don’t Worry”, is an inspiration talk by world famous teacher and lecturer, Rabbi Manis Friedman. Following are a variety of workshops: in-depth Torah learning; improving relationships; and on reducing stress, given by both local and national talent.
Nechama Itkin, one of the organizers, touts the “varied menu with healthy choices at every meal.” Almost every dietary restriction is being accommodated at the convention: gluten-free, vegetarian, macrobiotic, vegan, abstinent food, allergy-free and more. Fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy choices are on every menu. Those women without dietary restrictions will enjoy lavish and tasty banquets. Friday lunch will offer three stations with different choices at each one; Shabbos meals will be formal, tasteful and beautiful, serving traditional Shabbos food.
From the luxurious Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, to the sumptuous and varied dining choices, to the talented entertainment, to the fun, hands-on activities, to inspiring personal stories, to spa sessions, aerobics and Pilates, to text-based learning, to workshops on singing, meditation, and lessening stress in your life, to world-renown Chabad luminaries Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Jacobson and Rabbi Manis Friedman – there is something for every woman at the convention.
Include the pleasure of being together with dynamic women from across the country, catching up with old friends and making new, and you have an event that will keep you uplifted and energized through the coming year.
Women may choose to participate in one or more segments of the program. The Shabbos event, Melave Malka, the Sunday event, can all be chosen separately. The schedule for the full three days of special events, speakers, activities, entertainment, and meals is available at www.chabadwomensconvention.org.
Chanie Rosenblum is a powerhouse and the convention would not be happening without her. She was quoted in the previous article about the convention.
Esther Calvo is the 9 year old raffle winner of $50. She (and her friend) sold convention raffle tickets on her block. Thank you to all the Crown Heights children who participated.
where is Chanie Rosenblum’s involvment
The raffles have all taken place. The winners of the on-line raffles are: Chaya Lieblich, Danielle Brusowankin, Sima Prus and Rochel Leah Eichorn. The winners of the raffles sold on the blocks in Crown Heights are: Sara Andrusier, Leah Deitsch, Alessa Wircberg, Henia Abramowitz and Leah Ezagui. A big thank you to those who sold raffle tickets. Two women who sold raffles on their blocks are winners! We will also run a raffle among the children who sold raffle tickets. We’ll keep you posted as to who the lucky child is.
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