Daughters of Rebbetzin Chana

Lieba-Masha Kamenetsky
Barnaul, Siberia, Russia

I am a shlucha of the Rebbe in Barnaul, Siberia, Russia. I attended Machon Chana in the year 2001. I started with Machon Chana in the mountains and then through my engagment and after my marriage untll we went on Shlichus in 2004.

Machon Chana is not a just a program. It is the emes and you feel it. It feels like home and the atmosphere is very inspiring and makes you grow every second. Teachers are the example of what they teach. Girls are like sisters. This is a place you want to go back to even after you leave, and that is what I always do.

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Frumma Rosenberg-Gottlieb
North Miami Beach, Florida

School improvement specialist, educational coach, parenting and relationship coach. International speaker. Past director of Chabad House, Pittsburgh,Pa. Past principal of second largest Jewish Day school in America.

I attended Machon Chana summer programs every time I got the opportunity and eventually became director of Machon Chana in the Mountains.
From Machon Chana (and Sara Labkowski) I learned that nothing was impossible. I was a daughter of the Rebbetzen and able to cultivate the sensitivity, attention to detail and unbounded energy to tackle large projects, to raise a frum family and simultaneously help the Jewish world.

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Sara Leah Oberlander
London, England

I attended Machon Chana in the years 1981 and 1982, attending Bais Rivka classes by day and Machon Chana classes in the evening.

Machon Chana was the backbone of my growing years in Yiddishkeit. The learning and the love I received has stood me on my feet for a lifetime. I look back with fond memories of the friendships I developed, many of which I still enjoy until today.

Today, my husband and I direct the Chabad House in Hendon.

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Shimona Tzukernik
Crown Heights, NY

I attended Machon’s full-time program from Pesach of 5749/1989 through the end of the following year. I lived in an annex of the dorm (wonderful learning experience – only Hebrew and Spanish speaking gals)

Although I had been studying for almost a decade prior to coming to Machon, being at both the school and dorm infused my learning and observance with vitality. My practice became personal and alive in a whole new way. I certainly learned a lot of information. But more significant to me was the “white fire” of the experience. The staff radiated love of Judaism and Jews. They compelled me to new heights with their awe of Heaven and profound respect for Jewish law. And I have personal relationships with some of them even twenty years later. Without my knowing it. Mrs Gansburg imparted an essential consciousness and practical conduct that I have brought to my own home and continue to implement till today. I am deeply grateful to Machon for opening my heart to the beauty and wonder of my heritage. The inspiration serves as a leitmotif for all I do.

Today, I am the Director of Omek Foundation, Author, Speaker, Spirit Trainer

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Danielle Sarah Storch
Baltimore, MD

I am a mother of two and a step mother of three.

Professionally, I am a Geriatric/Adult Occupational Therapist who works as an independent contractor. I am a writer, and love writing for Jewish magazines and websites and currently working on a children’s book.

I attended Machon Chanah part time during the 1996-1998, almost two years.
I lived in Manhattan, NY and wanted to increase in my Torah learning and spirituality. At the time I was able to rearrange my schedule to fit my Torah learning into my week on a regular basis. ( I worked three days a week and attended Machon Chana the other two days). As I look back upon this period of my life, I can surely say that it prepared me for marriage and for raising Jewish children. The lectures on Shalom Bayis and Chinuch Banim were life changing for me.

I was not raised Orthodox, and this learning paved the way for my future that Hashem had in store for me. The other lectures at Machon Chanah taught me that positive thinking is very much in line with Torah.

This has influenced me even to this day, as I work with the elderly and need to encourage them to be positive while participating in their Rehabilitation/Occupational Therapy.

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Miriam Chaya Ferris
Berkeley, CA

I am a shlucha in Berkeley, CA
I attended Machon Chana evening classes in 1976-1980

I was going to college during the day, and really missed learning Chassidus.
Machon Chana filled that craving in the evening!
All day long I would look forward to the classes at night.
I remember especially Rabbi Yosef Shusterman’s Tanya class.

The inspiration and knowledge that I received at Machon Chana continues to guide me today.

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Molly Resnick
NYC

I am a journalist, motivational lecturer, founder of MATCKH – Mothers Against Teaching to Kill and Hate.
I attended Machon Chana as far back as 30 years ago and till today.

Machon Chana was one of my main sources for Jewish growth, and for that I feel eternally grateful.

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Nicole (Luba) Kornhauser
Australia

My years at Machon Chana gave me a truly deeper appreciation for the a Chassidic Life.

The learning, the mashpiim and the teachers dedication at Machon Chana extended to the whole person, not just seeing the student through the lens of academics but nurturing their spiritual and emotional development.

In my time at Machon Chana I truly felt part of an extended family and one of the Rebbe’s daughters.

After coming back to Australia and having the Zechus to be doing the Rebbe’s shlichus as a mother and coordinator of the Merkos Women seminary I often reflect on my time in Machon Chana for guidance and direction.

Even if a difficult student comes through our doors we must have faith in the unlimited potential of every Jewish neshama. To shine with the light of Torah and Mitzvot.

My time in Machon Chana although small in quantity was immensely rich in quality and until

Today I am still unpacking the spiritual treasures experienced in the Rebbe’s home.

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Rus Devorah Wallen
Williamsville, NY (Buffalo area)

I am a psychotherapist in private practice serving mostly Lubavitcher women and their families. Most of my work is via telephone and the Internet due to a recent move to a smaller city.

I am also a Consultant Clinical Social Worker, providing psycho-education, supervision and clinical consultations to numerous populations, Jewish schools and organizations. As a motivational entertainer, I travel speaking to various audiences the world over on Torah and Chassidic Philosophy, Self-Help themes, Jewish music, etc. Additionally, I perform with guitar at women-only events, leading sing-alongs as well as large “support group-like” events (farbrengens) peppered with Torah insights and inspiring stories. Recently, I produced a musical album of my own original instrumental compositions and arrangements.

I was madricha at the Machon Chana Dorm from 1984 -1985, ’85-’86 and part of 1987. At that time, I also worked for the Sunday program. I have been involved in Machon Chana reunions, parent Shabbatonim (I helped found these) and Yeshivacation programs (since their inception) as well as guest speaker at summer programs in Tannersville (do not remember which years).

Machon Chana is a place of personal transformation for thousands of Jewish women of all ages and religious backgrounds. It has shaped me as a Jewish woman, professional and more ‘complete person’. Due to the extensive numbers of Jewish women with whom and from whom I have had personal contact and influence, I have been better able to understand and “tune in” to women of all backgrounds and experiences wherever my life path takes me. Additionally, since I travel often, I have the opportunity to meet up with women whom I once knew from Machon Chana. It is very gratifying to have the ability to reconnect, and derive pleasure from renewed friendships. I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me as a daughter of the Rebbe and his Mother, Rebbetzin Chana, after whom the yeshiva is named.

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Sara Esther Crispe
Merion Station, PA

I attended Machon Chana and lived in the dorm a bit in 1993 and again from 1994-1995

Machon Chana provided me with a thorough knowledge and in-depth understanding of Jewish philosophy, along with showing me the beauty of Judaism, empowering me to lead a passionate Jewish life.

Today I am the editor of TheJewishWoman.org, women’s site of Chabad.org and an international speaker

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Shulamis (Korn) Larkin
Monsey, NY

I have been a Physical Therapist for over 38 years. My practice has grown and evolved and now I have an Agency with over 50 therapists providing physical, occupational and speech therapy in Monsey, NY.

I began my PT career six years before I attended Machon Chana. In 1978 I immersed myself in learning about Yiddishkeit attending weekday Yeshiva and Sunday classes. It was a transformational experience. It was there that I became a Jewish woman who practiced physical therapy, rather than a physical therapist who was Jewish!

My career has allowed my husband and me to better meet the needs of raising our family of six children, and I am grateful that as a PT was always able to schedule my appointments to be home to feed the children when they were babies; attend school plays as they grew; and now help out with my grandchildren. I am also grateful that my career has been one that has always continued to provide the challenge and satisfaction that comes with helping others. Yet, Machon Chana taught me where to find and appreciate the true challenge and satisfaction in life and it is those blessings that I am truly grateful for.