Volunteers Thanked for Dedication

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights (RCMBC) celebrated its annual gathering of volunteers and supporters with a ladies breakfast this past Sunday.

Coinciding with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s 114th birthday, the event’s theme was “Dedication,” recognizing the unwavering dedication of the Bikur Cholim volunteers, the generosity and sensitivity of the organization’s supporters and specifically recognizing the incredible selflessness of Crown Heights Hatzolah members’ wives.

RCMBC Board Member Naomi Pinson spoke about the Rebbetzin’s legacy of nobility, sensitivity and kindness. Her powerful tribute to the wives of Crown Heights Hatzalah members brought the crowd to its feet for a standing ovation.

Volunteer Malkie Eckhaus recounted learning from her mother the importance of Bikur Cholim and Chesed as well as practical tips on how to incorporate volunteer work into women’s busy schedules and going the extra mile in making the patients and their families more comfortable.

There were tears and hugs following Estee Menkes’ keynote address. Her appreciation to the kindness of Bikur Cholim, its volunteers, and Hatzalah underscored just how crucial it is for the community to continue enabling and supporting Bikur Cholim’s work. “I applaud you, the community applauds you, and Hashem applauds you!”

Rivka Jaffe, representing the RCMBC star volunteers, recited the Rebbe’s Kapital. Volunteer Gitty Rosenfeld gave a stirring and inspired dvar torah about the obligation to help others by donating one’s time, ability, talent and resources, and the immense rewards that come with it.

Guests were treated to a delightful pickle-making demo by Shifra Klein of Joy of Kosher Magazine and went home with mason jars filled with preserved lemons and other treats.

The wives of Hatzalah members went home with a small token of appreciation, a framed picture of the Rebbetzin, inscribed, “With Gratitude For Your Unwavering Dedication And Commitment To Our Community,” Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights.

The entire event was staged through donations of talent and time- from the charming d?cor by volunteer Chani Greenbaum, to the delicious food all donated by local vendors and volunteers- it all came together in a moving and magnificent gathering for a good cause. The feeling is best expressed by one volunteer who sent this after the event:

“Today I was bursting with pride! It felt like a family simcha … I was greeted by so many volunteers that actually look like sisters of the bride. But here there are no sides – everyone is one side, to DROP, ROLL and HELP! You outdid yourselves, everything in such good taste. In a perfect world we wouldn’t need you, but we do, so we only need to get bigger and stronger and expand our goodness and kindness. I say WE because THIS IS OUR COMMUNITY, OUR MISSION AND OUR PRIDE! May we continue to give the Rebbe nachas!”

Finally, the winners of the RCMBC mini-auction were drawn:
Bina Wig: Mrs Schapiro
Chloe Marcie Bag: Kenny Feigenson
Ipad Air- R. Kirschenbaum
Palette by Chanchi- Naomi Drizin
$1200 @ Silverspoon- Rishe Cohen
$1000 Everything but the Baby- Henny Stein
Dine out- Dvora New

Photographed by Volunteer Bentzi Sasson

For more information visit http://www.bikurcholimch.org/