Photos: Mushky Levertov
The “Chavi Friedberg Memorial Fund,” established a few months ago in memory of Chavi Friedberg obm to raise money for a program to support teenage girls in Bais Rivka that are struggling socially, recently celebrated their first event.
The new fund was reported about on COLlive, and many classmates and members of the community donated money under the auspices of Lubavitch Youth Organization in honor of Chavi’s 25th Yartzeit.
“Chavi’s Club”, a program created by Leah Shear, a former classmate of Chavi’s, was designed to be an inclusive three month program promoting awareness of the importance of Ahavas Yisroel. Two amazing leaders, Esther Weiss and Sara Shear, capably ran the program with much chayus and dedication.
44 students from Bais Rivkah’s 9th Grade participated in the club. They were invited together with their proud mothers and Chavi’s former classmates to the Levi Yitzchok Library in Crown Heights on Tuesday evening for the “Chavi’s Club Awards Ceremony.” They were greeted by a mouthwatering assortment of desserts, set up and sponsored by Levi Friedberg, Chavi’s brother.
Highly acclaimed world renowned singers Esther Freeman and Shaindel Antelis had the girls on their feet with their upbeat, energetic songs about achdus and friendship. They spoke of their admiration and awe of all that the girls have managed to achieve.
Former classmates of Chavi’s presented each girl who took part in the club with Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards depending on the amount of months they had managed to complete. Those that achieved the full three months of “Chavi’s Club”, received a beautiful glass mirrored frame upon which their names were engraved. Congratulations to Nechama Cole, Shani Freeman, Esty Gajer, Hindy Geisinsky, Chaya Ginsberg, Moussia Goldman, Shaindel Haberman, Shaina Holtzberg, Chana Krinsky, Esther Lezell, Shayna Sosonkin, Mussy Weiss, Leah Wolff, Henya Wolowik, Mushka Wolwovsky and Chana Zwiebel upon receiving the Gold Award.
A few of the girls who completed “Chavi’s Club” were chosen to speak about their experiences and how it affected them.
“This club wasn’t just about a checklist, rather it was an ongoing outlet for girls to go above and beyond to reach out and include others. It brought such a great awareness that even a small, seemingly insignificant action, like giving a genuine compliment, can uplift a girl and that girl can go and affect others as well,” said Shaindel Haberman.
Shani Freeman added, “Being that I just finished three months of ‘Chavi’s Club,’ I would recommend it to every school. It’s a club you feel proud to be part of and accomplish amazing things.”
The Neshama of Chava Faiga Leah bas Elimelech HaLevi A”H should have an aliyah.
To support Chavi’s Club, click here.
Will this be happening next year too
you are the actual bestesssstttt
go bais rivkah
This is more important than any academic learning in school.
This can stop a lot of bullying
Shame others don’t do it in other Jewish schools
Could have saved my son the pain of being TOTALLY left out and classmates ignoring him hope you read this
As leahs good friend in london, she is an inspiration to us all, when leah has an idea, she doesn’t just dream.it she makes it happen, kol hakovod to you lea, may hashem give you the koach to carry on with your amazing work, you are a True example of ahavas yisroel,
Waiting to share your next dream!!! Blimi
Well done Leah from all your colleagues at the WFC. With “Shear” determination you saw the project successfully though with great success.
MSY ’75
Leah who singlehandedly pulled this off from overseas! We Crown Heightsers all have to learn from you! Hashem should give you the strength to continue what you’re doing. I’m sure the girls who joined the program gained lifelong skills which will have a ripple effect. Chavi’s neshoma should have an aliya. She is fondly remembered by us classmates as a sweet girl. We should share only good news! C.B.
thank you Leah and Chanie
What a nice way to remember Chavie
Many thanks to Leah Shear, Chanie Wolowik and all the other Bais Rivkah class of 1990 members who participated in the wonderful venture. Proud to be in your ranks. It was a beautiful, moving event. You outdid yourselves. The girls who participated were so articulate. No girl should ever feel “invisible”. Chavie Z”L was the first girl I met in Bais Rivkah in 1977! Kol Hakavod. BC Metzger
go shaindel go shaindel go shaindel
Every school and grade should have a “Chavi’s Club”!!!
So happy to see the memory of this wonderful girl being perpetuated is such a meaningful way !!! We are all very proud of you Levi for bring such great Naches to your dear parents!!!