By COLlive reporter
During the International Kinus Hashluchos this past weekend a special convention for young Chabad women and post-seminary age girls took place in Crown Heights.
Now in its fifth year, the convention brings together hundreds of girls to socialize with friends, enjoy gourmet meals, and receive a spiritual lift from workshops, sessions and events tailored just for them.
The Kinus was organized by two girls currently on Shlichus, Chayala Mentz of Bel Air, CA and Sara Elharrar of Los Angeles, CA with assistance from Chana Mushka Alevsky of NY, NY and Chaya Mushka Zalmanov of Crown Heights.
Over 300 girls joined the Kinus throughout the weekend which was held at Rubashkin’s basement and featured delicious catered meals by Levi Feigenson and sound and lighting by Benshimon.
The Kinus began Thursday night with a talk by Mrs. Rivky Katz who spoke about the convention’s theme of “Tzama Lcha Nafshi,” and a sushi bar. The girls then visited the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens.
All participants received a booklet about marriage by Rabbi Manis Friedman, which was compiled by 11213.org.
“Girls have emailed us that the booklets are amazing and life changing, and offer a fresh perspective on marriage and dating,” organizers said.
Friday started with Chassidus with Rabbi Ganz, then two workshops with Rabbi Yaakov Rosenthal on learning Chassidus through our handwriting. The girls also heard from Chani Greenbaum, a Crown Heights party planner, who gave tips on making a beautiful Shabbos table on a tight budget and how to throw a party in under a hour.
The final speaker of the day was Mrs. Chanie Lipskar, Shlucha in Bal Harbor, FL, who in her dynamic way told her story of how she went on Shlichus, the early the struggles they faced, and how the Rebbe is always with us.
On Friday night the Kinus joined with the girls from the In the Heights young women’s organization for a Farbrengen with Rabbi Aaron Herman, Principal of Tzohar Seminary in Pittsburgh.
The annual Melava Malka of the Kinus is always a highlight, and this year’s head special energy. The candlelit evening began with Esther Freeman singing “Tzama Lecha Nafshi,” how our soul thirsts to have a real connection with Hashem, the Rebbe and with G-d’s help soon to get married.
Mrs. Goldie Potkin, Shlucha in Markham, Ontario, then gave a powerful and inspiring speech about how to prepare for marriage and the role and power of being the Akeres Habayis.
A delicious dinner was followed by a concert by Esther Freeman, in her unique way she sang songs that she composed, each song filled with so much meaning. She then got the room bouncing with her song ” Vanity.” The highlight of the program was at the end the whole room burst into dancing to Niggunim.
“Motzei Shabbos was so powerful, you could feel the Simcha and brochos in the room!” one participant said. The joyous dancing went on until midnight.
Sunday, participants joined a Q & A session with Rabbi Simon Jacobson, he answered many of the girls’ questions on bitochon, shlichus and shidduchim. Afterwards, they chose between 2 informative workshops with Mrs. Matti Brsyki, Shlucha in Agoura, CA who shared her story on how she got involved with Chinuch and the importance of it and Mrs. Batya Rosenblum from Pittsburgh, who in her special way taught about the Kedusha in marriage.
The weekend concluded with a powerful talk by Rabbi Chaim Shochet from Crown Heights, he really left the girls inspired and ready to continue the year wherever they are.
“Thank you for organizing this Kinus, I am on Shlichus this year and was feeling burnt out and needed a boost,” one grateful participant shared with organizers. “This Kinus definitely gave me that energy to continue my Shlichus.”
miss you xxx
great to see you!
Love,
Dovi’s Mommy ;))
go chaya weiss!! ur awesome!!!! we love you!!!
My daughter attended and said the talks were very meaningful and thought provoking.
Well done to the organizers. Certainly a need out there for clear outlooks on life for the young adults/
Once again, thank you to the organizers.
Thank you for everything you do in Crown Heights
Yaasher Koach – thank you for all the good advice
Both Chayale and Sara do this Kinus as a shlichus, they believe in it’s importance and go lchatchile ariber, taking on the entire responsibility of the program. In this zechus Hashem should bentch you both in a way of lchatchile ariber. Yaasher Koach!
the fabregan was the best part of the whole program!
Go Chayala!!
BEST GIRLS IN LUBAVITCH!
Go Sara!!! U did an amazing job!!
They were so lucky to have u on board with them.
Thank you to Chayale Mentz & Swra Elharrar for putting together this Kinus. I wouldn’t of come to crown heights this weekend if not for the Kinus. It’s far passed my expectations, it was truly a inspiring weekend! Yasher Koach!
Let’s not forget to thank the hostesses the Rubashkins! Thanks for opening up your home once again!!
Go Sarah! Looks amazing!
Love, SZ
THANK YOU Chayala and Sara and chani Mentz as well. A job well done. Cant wait for next year b”eh