Crown Heights Women Unite for Shifra and Puah Gala

Hundreds of women gathered for an evening of empowerment, unity, and chessed at the annual Shifra and Puah gala dinner in Crown Heights. From a unique “Partnership Conference” to an AI-powered journey through time, the event transformed guests into active partners in supporting the community’s mothers.

Hundreds of women from across Crown Heights gathered this week for the annual dinner of Shifra and Puah, an organization that has become the backbone of support for local mothers.

Themed “Partner: A Hug to Our Mothers,” the evening served as a tribute to the organization’s vital work and a launching pad for the annual campaign to expand its “embrace” to every mother in the neighborhood.

The unique atmosphere of the night began even before the main event with a first-of-its-kind Partnership Conference. Every woman in attendance accepted the role of an active partner in the organization’s mission. During the conference, director Mrs. Shlomit Slapochnik reviewed the past year’s extensive activities, after which participants were presented with practical dilemmas and invited to vote on the organization’s future direction. One lucky voter even won a dinner for two at Mozzarella Restaurant.

As the conference concluded, the crowd moved to the main ballroom of Oholei Torah, elegantly decorated for the prestigious gala. The evening opened with high energy as the internationally acclaimed singer Bracha Jaffe led a spirited musical medley, encouraging the women to dance with “imaginary tambourines” in the spirit of the righteous women of Egypt. With warmth and sensitivity, she connected with every segment of the audience, creating a powerful and uplifting atmosphere throughout the hall.

A Goal of 1,000 Mothers
The evening’s MC, Mrs. Miriam Swerdlov, presented the staggering impact of the organization’s work over the past year. As she announced the goal of reaching 1,000 mothers this coming year (up from 800), the room erupted in applause at the following numbers:
10,000 nourishing gourmet breakfasts.
6,500 hours of childcare assistance.
6,000 hours of household help.
2,500 complete Shabbos meals.
600 nights in convalescent homes.

In addition to these core services, new projects were highlighted, including doula services, an emotional support hotline, lactation consulting, and the “Chaveros” emergency assistance program.

The spiritual depth of the evening was heightened as Bracha Jaffe led the crowd in “Tzama Lecha Nafshi” and the Alter Rebbe’s “Deled Bavos” in honor of 24 Teves. Mrs. Chani Silman then shared an inspiring message connecting the power of the day to the unique mission of Jewish women.

Participants were also moved by a series of video testimonials showcasing miracles sparked by partnership with Shifra and Puah. Mrs. Zalmanov shared the story of her friend Chani, who, after the pain of a stillbirth, was blessed with a healthy baby boy nine months after a group of “Brazilian sisters” donated to the organization and won a Siddur with a piece of the Rebbetzin’s fabric. Mrs. Sara Kozlovsky recounted her own story of a quick yeshua following a joint tefillah with the organization’s directors at the Ohel and the Rebbetzin’s Ohel, and by a shlucha at the Tzion of the Alter Rebbe in Haditch.

The visual highlight of the night was an AI-style video that bridged the biblical origins of the organization with modern-day Crown Heights. The film featured Shifra and Puah in ancient Egypt sending their friend “Sarah” with an iPhone to investigate the revolution happening in their names today. Sarah’s journey from 770 through the bustling activities of the organization led to a climactic message from the biblical midwives: “The reward for our stand against Pharaoh didn’t stay in Egypt—it travels with you to Crown Heights!”

Following the video, “Sarah from Egypt” made a surprise entrance into the hall, calling on every woman to take responsibility for “one more mother.”

In the final segment of the evening, directors Mrs. Shlomit Slapochnik, Mrs. Michla Segal, and Mrs. Chani Farkash read the names of the dozens of dedicated volunteers who power the organization year-round. Mrs. Miriam Swerdlov and Mrs. Bracha Sternberg then invited the audience to join the “chain of generations” by choosing a partnership track to cover the rising costs of support:
Chai Partner ($180): Raffle for a challah cover with a piece of the Rebbetzin’s fabric.
Pamper a Mother ($360): Raffle for a Siddur with a piece of the Rebbetzin’s fabric.
Adopt a Mother ($770): Dedication of a day of activity.
Adopt a Mother Plus ($1,200): Raffle for a new wig.
Adopt 3 Mothers ($2,310): Entry into all of the previous raffles. Raffle for a bracelet with a coin from the Rebbe.
Adopt 5 Mothers ($3,850): Entry into all of the previous raffles. Raffle for a silver becher with a coin from the Rebbe.

As Mrs. Swerdlov concluded, “Tonight, we transition from being guests to being true partners.”

This magnificent evening was made possible by the dedicated women of the Shifra and Puah Dinner Committee, whose vision and hard work ensured its success:
Leah Hendel, Shlomit Slapochnik, Michla Segal, Chanie Farkash, Devory Rainitz, Chanie Cohen, Bracha Sternberg, Shevi Biton, Orli Dobov, Sara Kozlovsky, Malka Michla Perlow, Miriam Goldshmid, and Chaya Roitblatt.

Join the movement of chessed and send a “hug” to a mother in Crown Heights: Charidy.com/shifraupuah

VIDEO: Event replay (For women only)