Make Up, Cooking and Gemara

How does one build a relationship with the Rebbe after Gimmel Tammuz? This was the topic that drew over 40 CH women to Vacation CH this past Shabbos afternoon. Intrigued by both the topic and Sara Labkowski‘s insights, the women sought answers to this question, a question that hinges upon the essence of their identity as Chassidim.

The women sat for three and a half hours listening to one incredible story after another, each one illustrating how the Rebbe continues to guide our lives today. The women were shown that through developing a personal and intimate relationship with the Rebbe, they have the opportunity to reach their potentiality and “oiftaan di kavana” in the fullest sense. They were shown how each and every woman can be “zoche” to develop such a relationship.

This past Shabbos was the culmination of the first two spectacular weeks of Vacation CH. “Besides being enjoyable, Vacation CH made me frummer,” said one participant.

The Sholom Bayis series, with Chana Epstein, was so successful that women stayed long beyond the end of each session, seeking personal advice on these vital issues. “Even after many years of struggling, I feel it is still possible to have a great marital relationship.” All are eagerly anticipating Chana’s next session, which is exclusively for married women.

Feige Shagalov is a new rising star on the Vacation CH horizon. To quote an excited participant: “She was well prepared and it was obvious that the glowing reports I get regarding her culinary expertise are not exaggerations.” The women fastidiously collected Feige’s recipes for making Shabbos in Only Two Hours and her advice in “Taking Control of My Home.” They are looking forward to the next class on Money Management. “I’m so excited to be learning the skills I desperately need and never had an opportunity to learn until now.”

And as for personal growth, Bassie Morris masterfully guided women through “Feeling Your Feelings Safely.” The women are eagerly awaiting her next classes on “The Art of Routines: Mealtime, Bedtime and the 4-7 Rush Hour” and “Self Esteem.” And those seeking academic growth at their own pace look forward to the weekly opportunity of one on one learning during chevrusa hours on Monday and Tuesday evenings organized by Rechyl Weg. “I feel like I live in my own small world within a very big neighborhood and I often feel lost. This program gives me a chance to meet and network with some of the wonderful neighbors we have. I feel so much less lonely and have a new appreciation of Crown Heights.”

Those seeking to grow spiritually, love the clarity and practicality of Rabbi Eli Wolf‘s Halacha Series; Miri Lipsker’s series on Feminity, Motherhood and Wifehood (all based on the Rebbe’s Sichos); and our beloved Sara Lieberman’s exposition of the Rebbe’s insights, combined with her own hands-on experience in Chinuch V’hadracha. “For me it’s been wonderful, because I didn’t go away this summer and I’m doing the things I like to do and don’t have a chance to do during the year, when the kids are around. Now, if that’s not a fulfilling vacation, what is?!”

Leah Abraham‘s classes are both brilliant and thorough. Her first class this week on Techiyas Hamesim was startling! Those seeking more intellectual stimuli are surely looking forward to her class, next week, entitled Anticipating Moshiach. “The subjects have been quite diverse, from How to Make Shabbos in Two Hours to a discussion on After Life. The courses cover everything we’re interested in and especially things we need to know.”

Some “one time” classes were Rabbi Yosi Vigler‘s brilliant discussion on the Variety of Opinions in Gemara; Leah Gurary‘s class on Nurturing a Love for Tznius, which was eloquently and honestly delivered, truly touching the hearts of all the participants; Shterna Zirkind’s Farbrengen on Davening; and Brachie Sternberg’s lucid and stimulating expounding on a Ma’amar about Kabbalas Ol.

“Vacation CH is very inspiring and very practical as well. We have been getting in touch with halacha, chassidus and issues of everyday living. We learn lessons that actually affect our lives. I enjoy its very pleasant atmosphere and its cool and clean environment. It’s very relaxing! It’s a real vacation!”

On a lighter note, Daniella Chayo‘s class on Setting a Beautiful Table was replete with paper, china and linen displays to fit all tastes and budgets; Henya Holzberg‘s workshop on Make-up Tips that Make a Difference was a lot of fun.

Yocheved Baitelman’s Shidduchim Class attracted both eligible singles and mothers seeking advice on how to do it right. “To be able to leave my house and have a break from the regular routine is a real treat. I look forward to the variety of classes and the happy faces I will meet every day.”

Coming up the week of Tisha B’Av, is a class on Erev Tisha B’Av, From Sorrow to Joy, with Esty Feldman, a Tisha B’Av class reviewing the stories in Gemara, with Rabbi Shimon Gruzman and a post Tisha B’Av class on Anticipating the Geulah with Leah Abraham.

Workshops featuring The Art of Routines with Bassie Morris, The Art of Cake Decorating with Frumy Dubravsky and The Art of Salads with Aidele Sputz. Someone interested in changing or enhancing her life won’t want to miss Rabbi Weinfeld’s class on Change your Attitude to Change Your Life and a continuation of our weekly women’s series focusing on the Jewish Wife and Chinuch through the Eyes of the Rebbeim. The Shabbos farbrengen will focus on Insulating Our Chassidic Home Against the Outside Winds with Rochi Wagner. “I really enjoy the combination of intellectual learning classes and the practical life classes at Vacation CH.

I feel that it is helping me become the balanced person I want to be and the way the Torah wants me to be.”

Haven’t joined yet? Give yourself a break!

Want to know who attends the classes? Over 150 women of all ages and backgrounds have joined so far.

Want to know why they come? The atmosphere is so welcoming and pleasant; classes are organized and on time; the women are friendly and cordial; the staff is dynamic and understanding.

Want to know who we should thank? Many thanks to Raizel Roth, the driving force behind the program and curriculum coordinator as well as thanks to the entire teaching staff.

Want to know more? VacationCH.com or call 917-627-2062.