By COLlive reporter
As the 70th anniversary of the Rebbe’s ascension to the nesius on Yud Shevat approaches, a worldwide campaign by Or V’chom to study every page of the Rebbe’s Torah has picked up steam, with over 100 communities having pledged to learn over 85% of the Rebbe’s Torah.
Each sicha, maamar and letter of the Rebbe was divided into units designed to be studied by a chavrusa over the course of an evening of learning. Tens of communities have already held such evenings of learning, ranging from the sizable Lubavitch communities in London, Paris, Jerusalem and Los Angeles to smaller communities such as Summerlin, Nevada and Albany, NY.
N’shei Chabad chapters in cities around the world are joining the 70 Years Strong campaign as well. Or V’chom has created a special women’s track, providing ready-made materials for unity women’s events, which are being organized in communities around the world.
In New Haven, Connecticut, over 75 women from several Shuls and many age groups gathered for an event Tuesday evening at the home of Toby Hecht.
“It was a magical, achdusdike atmosphere,” Basya Deitsch, who leads N’shei Chabad of New Haven along with Etika Borenstein, told COLlive. “It was amazing to be part of the Yud Shevat hachana together with women from all over the world. We felt so united in one purpose, to prepare for Yud Shvat, and for the coming of Moshiach.”
The event began with a video by Shlucha Rivky Slonim, and the women then broke into Chavrusa groups to learn a sicha, moderated by Mushka Weinberg. The Sicha was first introduced with a poem written by a woman from the community, and after the Sicha was learned, another poem was read summarizing the material.
Participants then joined one of four roundtable discussions, on a topic which they felt most applicable to them.
Topics were life challenges, sholom bayis, shidduchim and chinuch, and were presented by Leah Brook, Chaya Hinda Holtzberg, Chaya Cadaner and Menucha Schwartz.
“Special thanks must be given to the organizers of the project,” Deitsch said. “They made it so much easier to plan an event such as this, providing us with organized, in-depth resources, materials for the presenters, and a packet for each woman to take home.”
The women were uplifted and inspired, gaining from the material as well as learning from each other, as many shared their own personal experiences. Organizers said that the event was so successful, they are considering holding another one in the near future so that participants can learn the materials of a second one of the four roundtable discussions.
“I’ve been to many inspiring Nshei events. But tonight was by far one of my favorites. I particularly liked the round table discussion style of learning together. It was really a very fulfilling evening. Thank you to all those involved!” one participant shared.
Special thanks also to Chaya Cadaner for her creative marketing skills and for assisting in the organizing of the event.
To enroll your community and for resources, click here.
A real yasher koiach to the New York-based team and the New Haven team for creating this such a memorable and meaningful evening.
A special thank you to Mrs. Basya Deitsch, who has led the New Haven Nishei for so many years. Always bringing the highest caliber mashpiim talent, and bringing her special touch with warmth and class to make each evening so special.
Wishing you much hatzlacha.