Two workshops took place recently at Machon Chana, a Jewish women’s institute for the study of Judaism located in Crown Heights. Though the topics and presenters were diverse, they were both of great import.
Mrs. Tzivia Jacobson, a dynamic and insightful teacher, spoke about how the Rebbe has empowered every person. Through stories, personal examples and deep Chassidic concepts, she conveyed to the students the responsibility that each one of us have in bringing Moshiach in reality.
A separate event was a workshop led by Mrs. Leah Bleiberg of Shalom Task Force. The presentation included thought-provoking questions, a short video, and guidance about “red-flags” that could signal an abusive or controlling relationship.
Rabbi Shloma Majeski, principal of Machon Chana, explained, “Machon Chana offers a core curriculum taught through text-based study, skills classes, lectures and chevrusa-style learning. Special guest speakers and workshops expand our curriculum and enhance the learning experience of our students.”
Machon Chana’s student body this year –40 strong and still growing – hails from across the United States including Florida, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Massachusetts and New Jersey. International students are from Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, France, Moldova, Spain, Australia, Sweden and South Africa.
Classes are in session daily from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at 391 Kingston Avenue. From 3:00-5:00 pm a one-on-one chavrusa program takes place. For more info about full or part-time learning at Machon Chana, including summer learning opportunities, email [email protected] or call (347) 770-4550.
#9 : No doubt you have never dealt with an abuser BH. “Emotional intelligence & self-confidence” are obviously good qualities, but you would be amazed at the accomplished, worldly, confident BT women who have fallen into these horrific “marriages.” Yes, we all come to Machon Chana looking to fill a void in our emotional lives – we want a relationship with HaShem !! But put yourself in the shoes of a young lady who decides to become frum and tells her parents ( who may or may not be supportive ) that she has found the answer she was looking… Read more »
This is great but MC and all the staff PLEASE TAKE NOTE. As an alum, I really think Machon Chana should do a seminar that teaches girl how to spot red flags WITHIN THEMSELVES that would lead one to become involved in an abusive relationship in he first place. It is no secret that many girls and boys who come to Judaism in the first place were initially drawn I it out of a need to “fix” something or fill a void in their emotional lives. I know too many girls and graduates who have co dependent tendencies. Spotting is… Read more »
Every one of these goes way too far and exaggerates scenarios resulting in a shidduch crisis, a divorce crisis R”L HL”S and kids from broken homes for no reason. This is not usually medicine. It’s usually overkill x 2.
Kol Hakavod! Young men and women need to be educated about healthy relationships to end the multitude of divorces and abusive relationships! Education is the key!
I hope this will start a new trend & other seminary & yeshivas will join in to help create a future of marriages filled with shalom bayis & mutual respect!
Bringing in a speaker from Shalom Task Force is a very important and much needed idea. Especially when making BT shidduchim, when this is often someone completely unknown prior to coming to a Shliach or Yeshiva. A word of warning, however, which I am sure Mrs Bleiberg would agree with. This type of abuser / sociopath does not necessarily show any alarming behavior at the start. They are skilled at being charming, soft-spoken and apparently sincere until it is “too late,” in other words, long enough to behave nicely during our brief dating period and engagement. I would like to… Read more »
WILL THERE BE A CD OR ANYTHING WRITTEN ABOUT THIS FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND??? this is really important. Moshiachdic
this is the best thing ever. Now, when people are seen and understood to have controlling issues / personality disorders, you better come up with therapists and other ways for them to get help in order to relate to the real world. this is GREAT news, you will be prventing so much sheker, prventing much pain, and more. keep it up. the lives you are saving and helping could be in your own family. and in any case, we are one family as Am Echod.
Machon Chana is an amazing place-more than just a school
A whole well rounded experience!
She is a treasure, both in her knowledge & in her wisdom.
A Big Fan
classes like this seem to be a powerful way of preventing agunot who are victims of abusive relationships