If there’s one thing we all have in common right now, it’s what’s on our minds: Seder night. There’s a caveat to that, getting to the Seder relaxed and with a happy family to boot.
To address both aspects, women were welcomed in trademark Women’s Circle style, to an evening of camaraderie and warmth in Crown Heights.
Mrs. Dena Gorkin captivated the crowd with her presentation entitled “the Family that Laughs, Together.”
She demonstrated how important a happy, joyful and relaxed atmosphere is in the home. Children need to feel content and happy if they are to embrace the chinuch and chassidishkeit that their parents are working to instill in them.
Some ideas shared were, instead of being annoyed by the noise while dusting the piano for Pesach, turn it into a song!
Don’t compare your happy to other people’s happy. Don’t look at people’s family photos on Facebook and wish your kids had those smiles. They didn’t take your happiness, there is enough to go around! Create your own joy. Dance with your children. Sing while you cook for Shabbos, clean for yom tov, etc.
When the Gorkins were cleaning for Pesach and had to get rid of some things, they placed them out in front with fun signs. The mirror wore a sign: “This works. Feel free to test it out.”
Her message was clear: Be playful in whatever task you are doing with your children and life is so much more pleasant!
Next up on the program was a live Pesach cooking demo by Mrs. Gitty Rapaport of Kettle and Cord. Gitty did a great demo while dolling out invaluable tips and tricks in the kitchen, including pairing the right wines with different dishes. Gitty showed how Pesach dishes can be made flavorful using fresh and basic ingredients like shallots and jalapeno peppers.
Attendees received a printed card with the recipes presented as well as a Women’s Circle publication, “Motherhood Musings”, a compilation of inspirational, humorous and practical thoughts written by women in the Circle. This project was spearheaded by Women’s Circle participant Faigy Schwei and featured evocative paintings on womanhood by the talented Esther Rosen.
With appreciation to Raskin’s Fish, Kettle & Cord and, as always, Mr Greens for their generosity.
Crown Heights women are thankful to The Women’s Circle and its dedicated team of volunteers for a beautiful evening of inspiration and friendship in the days leading up to Pesach.
Dena Gorkin is an inspiration; she has a great take on life and parenting!