Seminary Alumnae Stay in Touch

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Levi T

Chaya Mushka Seminary in Montreal, which was founded in 1988 following the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson OBM, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The seminary has been providing post-secondary education of the highest caliber for hundreds of young Jewish women, enabling them to contribute to the continuity, strength and growth of the Jewish people.

Unique about the seminary is the ongoing personal connection it maintains with many of its alumnae. In specific, the seminary emails notifications about recent simchas.

“We’re like one big family,” says Rabbi Avraham Cohen, Director of the Seminary. “We keep them updated on what’s happening in each other’s lives, such as births and even engagements of their children. It gives a sense of unity and belonging.”

Furthering that cause, the seminary organized an Alumni Reunion in Crown Heights which was attended by 250 former students and staff members, allowing them to reminisce and “catch up” with friends and teachers.

At a Melave Malka held a few months ago at the FREE hall, the Montreal dayan and former dean of the seminary Rabbi Berel Bell described the pride in the accomplishments of the hundreds and hundreds of graduates, many who are located throughout the world.

He encouraged them to instill the values they learned in Chaya Mushka Seminary in their personal lives, and to inspire others to do likewise. He also expressed the profound impact a seminary can have on a student’s life, helping her reach her potential and succeed in life ventures.

Mrs. Perla Zaltsman, an alumna and a Shlucha in Niagara Falls, Ontario, spoke about the “wonderful experience” she had at the seminary and the lessons in life she uses today on shlichus thanks to the chinuch she received.

Rabbi Cohen updated them on developments at the seminary and how it went from modest rented classrooms in Beth Rivkah Academy to its present two locations, one on Vezina Street, serving as the Chinuch facility, and on Plamondon Avenue, serving as the newly renovated Residence Hall for the young ladies.

“It is only with the assistance of dedicated staff and diligent students that are we able to reach this level of success over a quarter of century,” Rabbi Cohen noted, inviting them to a grand gala to celebrate the milestone.

The “Feast of the Nations” dinner will be taking place in Montreal, Canada, on Thursday, October 30, 2014 and will celebrate the seminary’s 25th anniversary. All previous honorees will be attending.

Dean Rabbi Michoel Dahan was absent from the reunion as he was leading a special trip to Israel with the students of ‘sem bais’.

“The greatest reward we received at the reunion was the warm feeling of friendship and achdus that permeated the event throughout the program,” one alumna concluded.