N’Shei Told to Fight the Rebbe’s Battle Against Apathy

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Chana Levine/COLlive

The 64th annual Convention of N’shei Ubnos Chabad on Crown Heights concluded Sunday evening with a Main Session in the main shul of 770 Eastern Parkway.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of Lori Kaye HYD, who was murdered in the shooting attack at Chabad of Poway, CA.

The event culminated an inspiring Shabbos with a Shabbos afternoon Farbrengen at Oholei Torah and a visit to the Rebbe’s room.

Sunday’s program began with Tehillim with Rabbi Shlomo Majeski.

The evening’s Guest Speaker was Dr. Roneet Lev, a close friend of Lori’s, who shared memories.

Renowned lecturer and author Rabbi Simon Jacobson was the keynote speaker. In his remarks, he emphasized the role of women to hasten the coming of Moshiach and the final redemption.

“Women are blessed with a unique vision and special ability to see things not only as they are, but what they can become,” he said, stressing need to focus on a meaningful future and not a superficial present.

He repeated what the Rebbe once told a woman during Yechidus that in this superficial world, people often overlook and don’t fully appreciate the fundamentals of life. They compliment the building and it’s furnishings, not the foundation upon which everything stands.

He said that previous Rebbes of Chabad battled the outside enemies of the Jewish people: the Czar’s persecutions, the pogroms and the communists. “These enemies no longer existed when the Rebbe assumed leadership. The Rebbe waged war against the enemy within: apathy.”

The convention caps off a year of growth and expansion by N’Shei Chabad, established by the Rebbe in 5712, and which was very dear to the Rebbe, so much so that he took a special interest in every detail. In the early years, Rebbetzin Chana graced the convention with her presence.

The Rebbe would send a letter to the convention and address the women and the girls in the main shul in 770 downstairs and give his holy brochos together with a special message for the upcoming year.

The N’shei Chabad annual convention was always the culmination of the year’s programs and activities.

In the past year, N’shei Chabad has grown and expanded its activities. Hundreds attended their most recent event to welcome Moshiach.

The organizing committee has been expanded, including Zohar Sasson, Chanie Chanin, and Devorah Bukiet. Block Shiurim, farbrengens and activities are being organized by Gitty Stolik and Rivka Levy. Shluchos Rivka Katz of Los Angeles and Basya Rubashkin of Postville, Iowa, are organizing global Moshiach activities.