A recent Junior N’shei event, titled “Two halves of one whole” brought over one hundred and fifty Crown Heights women together to learn, grow and socialize.
The event was held on Monday evening at Lubavitcher Yeshiva featuring keynote speaker Mrs. Richa Slavaticki of Belgium, a Chinese auction of practical prizes as well as a dessert table of milchig delicacies.
Mrs. Slavaticki spoke powerfully on the significance and meaning of sholom bayis between a Jewish couple, and provided insights and tips for more effective communication and self-improvement.
She explained that the common translation of “sholom” as “peace” doesn’t do
justice to the true nature of sholom between two people. Peace refers to the ability to co-exist without conflict, a situation in which one or the other will find his needs “swallowed” in order for peace to reign.
“Sholom is better translated as harmony,” Mrs. Slavaticki explained, and she demonstrated by way of a moshol of two children who both need to practice their separate instruments. In the first scenario, they come to a peaceful agreement to practice for one hour each. However each one will be “silenced” during the hour of the other. In a second scenario, they agree to practice a song together; but this will too prove to be conflicting as they will have difficulty agreeing on a song. In the end, they will each choose a song, and again, each one will be “swallowed” by the preference of the other. However, it is possible to reach harmony- and this would be attained by both of them deciding together to practice and perform a favorite song of their mother’s.
This then, is the harmony of a Jewish couple, bringing in the higher power of Hashem to fuel their life together.
In dealing with the numerous personal challenges that threaten to undermine sholom bayis, Mrs. Slavaticki had a humorous suggestion as she brought out her “Yetzer Hara”, a wild looking, red finger puppet, much to the amusement of the crowd, and explained that she finds it helpful to tackle her Yetzer Hara in a tangible way, essentially distinguishing between the negative
energy of her yetzer hara and her own good conscience.
She received a standing ovation and stayed to answer personal questions. The event culminated with the announcement of the winners of the Chinese auction.
The auction prizes included a baking set, a beauty package and vouchers to a plethora of Crown Heights food establishments. Junior N’shei would like to extend our gratitude to the prize sponsors; Judaica World, CH Housewares, The Gutnick Family, Little Toes, Buncho Bagels, Deli Casba, Weinstiens and Welcome Home, CH Maternity and robes, Mendy’s, Pomodori, Mermelstiens, Kingston Pizza, Dovid Malka, Empire Grill, Cafe Rimon, Crown Kosher Meat, Iris Salon, Shulamis Heller, Top Fashion, Scissor Palace, La Famme, The Fogelman family, Eber’s wine and Liquor, Raskin’s Fish, CH Florist, Gombo’s, Zakon’s, Apple Drugs.
This event marked the end of another successful year for Junior N’shei and accordingly, thanks is due to the Junior N’shei coordinators as well as the many volunteers and of course all of the participants throughout the year.
Junior N’shei will re-commence after a summer hiatus, and all Crown Heights women are invited to participate in future events. To add yourself to our e-mail list, please send a message to [email protected].
speaker was great,food delicious, and program fantastic!
yasher koach!!