Lubavitcher Yeshiva was packed to overflowing on Wednesday night for “An Abundance of Health”, Junior N’shei’s most recent event.
What was it that drew the crowd? Was it the sushi? The doctors? The presentation by A T.I.M.E.? Organizers still don’t know, but it is safe to say that the evening was an unbelievable success and that there is a real need for it in the community.
The evening was opened by Mrs. Chaya Seema Friedman who led the crowd in the recitation of the Rebbe’s kapitel, and and graciously introduced each speaker.
The first speaker of the evening was Mrs. Brany Rosen, founder of A. T.I.M.E., “A Torah Infertility Medium of Exchange.” She says that when they were founding the organization, she had wanted to call it an “infertility association” but knew that it would not be accepted by the community with such a name. They chose the current name in order to “hide” the word infertility.
Infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth still remain largely taboo topics in our community, which is surprising considering that they are common, albeit unfortunate events in the process of childbearing. Mrs. Rosen’s presentation was therefore a refreshing difference in the communal approach to these matters.
She spoke from the heart about her own stillbirth experience and was encouraging and supportive to women suffering these and other infertility experiences. She urged those going through these difficulties to be assertive about their needs, and friends and acquaintances to be present and helpful.
She mentioned A. T.I.M.E.’s gift package that can be sent to any women who suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth, containing chocolates and some reading material, just to show love, support and bring some comfort.
She especially praised the Crown Heights chapter of A T.I.M.E. for their amazing work and dedication to the cause of being there for women.
Although the next speaker, Mrs. Shimona Tzukernik was unfortunately unable to attend, Mrs. Sarah Marosov kindly agreed to speak at the last minute. In candid language and peppered with her own experiences of haphazard shabbosim and frazzled motherhood she entertained and inspired the crowd. Mrs. Marosov spoke about the Rebbe’s passion for children and how the sichos inspired women to begin their own projects to encourage women to have children. When some literature was presented to the Rebbe for review, he made corrections to emphasize the language. In place of “children are the greatest blessing that Hashem can give a couple,” the Rebbe edited it to say that “children are the greatest blessing that Hashem gives a couple.”
{Mrs. Marosov’s mesiras nefesh to attend the event as such late notice brought her an extra measure of brocha. Shortly after the event, her daughter-in-law was blessed with a new baby!}
Finally, the crowd was graced by the presence of Drs. Dori and Klinger who took time out of their very busy schedule of facilitating the births of healthy Yiddishe children to discuss myriads of topics relating to pregnancy and birth. From what to expect at a first visit, to the very touchy topic of sonograms, they clarified details and expectations in a frank and understandable way. They explained the medical position on sonograms while being respectful to the Rebbe’s directives and Lubavitcher rabbonim. They took turns speaking and addressing questions and answers from the crowd, often bringing the audience to laughter. The discussion with the doctors continued even past midnight.
Topped off with platters of appetizing sushi co-sponsored by The Sushi Spot, the evening was inspiring and satisfying. The winner of the raffle, a $50 gift certificate to Apple Drugs, was the M.C. herself, Mrs. Chaya Seema Friedman!
Additionally, throughout the event, “The Greatest Blessing” DVD by JEM was available at a incredible price. It contains a series of sichos from the Rebbe regarding the bracha of children and family planning issues. Due to popular demand, it was sold out but will iy”H be avilable at Junior N’Shei’s next event.
Junior Nshei is already getting to work on their next event which will iy”H take place before Pesach!
Junior N’Shei would like to thank their evening’s sponsors: SPARKS, ATime, Apple Drugs, Sarah Eichler, and Zakons.
To get involved with Junior Nshei and be up to date on the latest events, please email [email protected] or like them on facebook, www.facebook.com/CHJuniorNshei
If you or someone you know could benefit from A T.I.M.E. in Crown Heights, please call (718) 686-8912
I am looking for those umbrellas for Purim are you willing to sell them?
my favorite doctor- been seeing him for 16 years and delivered all my kids
wow beautifully made!
kol hakavod nshei!
where can we hear a recording of this – for those of us overseas? would love to have recordings of the jr neshei gatherings bichlal, -always looks so interesting!
collive can you post?
it was a really beautiful event! thank you to the organizers!!
it was so crazy packed though… i was standing with so so many others including pregnant women and mothers holding babies… wondering if this was necessary? why couldnt it be in the big hall? whenever the Dr’s come its always overflowing……