40 Girls at Rabbi Manis Shabbaton

The snow was falling, but souls were rising, and even the frigid temperatures outside couldn’t cool the Chassidishe warmth inside.

Over 40 post-seminary Lubavitcher young women gathered last Shabbos to spend a weekend immersed in learning with the world famous Mashpia Rabbi Manis Friedman.

Thanks to the unmatched hospitality of Mr. Albie and Mrs. Sharon Rosenhaus who hosted the Shabbaton at their New Jersey estate, the attendees enjoyed first-class accommodations to complement the Ruchniesdike retreat.

Students, school teachers, working girls – it was a cross-section of Lubavitcher post-sem life, and all came with a singular goal: To rejuvenate their Yiddishkeit and understanding of Chassidus and the Rebbe.

The classes were serious, profound and intriguing, with Rabbi Friedman offering his unique clarity and focus to the complex issues faced by every Chosid.

Together, the group learned the Rebbe’s Maamar Lehavin Inyan Tchiyas Hamaisim in depth and discovered renewed relevance in the subjects of Dira Btachtonim, Mitzvahs Lishmah, and Bechira.

Perhaps most intense was Rabbi Friedman’s open forum discussion on dating, marriage and the art of raising good, healthy-minded children.

Motzai Shabbos saw a fireside chat as the the group gathered at the fireplace for a frank and earnest “Ask the Rabbi” session.

Only a few hours later, on Sunday morning, Rabbi Friedman presented a refresher-course on the subject of Geulah and Moshiach. “By the time the course ended, there was a new, palpable feeling in the air that Moshiach’s coming is truly imminent,” said one of the attendees, a native of Crown Heights. “Rabbi Friedman said “The Rebbe doesn’t want us to merely believe in Moshiach; he wants us to see how Moshiach is a reality and happening before our eyes.’”

“It is not very often that things of this sort are arranged for us in the “post sem,” “pre-married” stage; in fact it almost never happens,” wrote Rivky, who works in Manhattan. “I most definitely gained, and have such a different, stronger outlook on so many key ideas – that I never thought I was weak in!”

Girls also had a chance to speak to Rabbi Friedman one on one and hear his personal guidance and advice.

There was one common complaint: Why is the next Shabbaton not yet scheduled?

The Shabbaton was arranged and produced by Chassidus Academy, under the auspices of Rabbi Zalman Friedman with the help of various sponsors from the Crown Heights community