JEM Previews Live Interviews

Written by T.L, Student of Bnos Menachem

Chof Beis Shevat. A day of meaning, of connection. Videos, farbrengens, speakers – ever since we were young, we’ve spent the day hearing about the special qualities of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. But while many of us are named for her, how can we truly connect to this wondrous woman, this legend? As Lubavitcher girls in the Rebbe’s school, the Rebbetzin is our role model and our guide. Being the quiet person that she was, how can we get a real glimpse into the unique life she led so we may follow in her footsteps?

This past Chof Beis Shevat we were able to do just that.

It all began with an invitation to a high school Melava Malka, one that promised an exciting surprise. Entering the beautifully transformed lunchroom, we were greeted by the delicious aroma of fresh pasta and a lavish salad bar with countless toppings and dressings to choose from. Aside from the exquisite centerpieces that graced each table and the poignant words “Vehachai yiten el libo” hanging on the wall, one of the nicest additions to the evening was the memento we all took home; a photo of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka that was stitched together with pictures of the entire high school, reminding us that no matter our differences, we are all united as one to bring Moshiach.

But the best was yet to come. After watching a short video presentation and listening to one of our fellow high schoolers share how the Rebbetzin affects her personal life, the highlight of the evening had finally arrived. We were going to go behind the scenes with JEM’s My Encounter with the Rebbe interview.

The excitement in the room was palpable; instead of watching another video or listening to another speaker, we would be part of a My Encounter interview! We would be interviewing her! And even more than that, this was an opportunity for us to get to know the Rebbetzin and connect to her in a way that was never accessible to us before.

When Mrs. Naomi Pinson, the interviewee, spoke about her family’s special connection with the Rebbetzin, the entire room sat spellbound. She is the daughter of Freddy (A”H) and Louise Hager of London, England. She spoke about the time she visited the Rebbetzin’s house. Her feelings and emotions toward the Rebbetzin were tangibly felt by all of us; it was as if we were the ones sitting in the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s house being served a slice of cake by the Rebbetzin herself. The Rebbetzin was talking to us, giving us advice in a gentle and motherly way. Sitting together in our lunchroom that Motzei Shabbos, we truly felt the warmth and compassion of the Rebbetzin shining down on us.

The warm, loving feeling emanating from the Rebbetzin in the personal stories that Mrs. Pinson shared with us remained in the room throughout the rest of the evening. When the interview was over, every girl had gained a deeper respect for and strengthened her connection to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. Not a single girl walked away from that experience without being awed by her modesty and grace.

Thank you. Thank you to Mrs. Majesky, the committees, our incredible BC heads, Mussie Reinetz and Rivky Avtzon, and our co-sponsor Chaya Schmukler for arranging the most incredible evening we could’ve imagined. Thank you to Mrs. Pinson for sharing your personal stories with us and for giving us an unbelievable insight into who the Rebbetzin truly was and is. Thank you to the My Encounter project, Rabbi Yechiel Cagen and Yisroel Silman for showing us the process behind the JEM interviews and for giving us the opportunity to be a part of it. These personal stories of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin give us girls (who were born after 3 Tammuz), a glimpse into what it is like to be in front of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin.

And most of all, thank you to all those who were involved in this event for giving us a newfound appreciation for a special and unique gift; the gift of our Rebbetzin.