Watch: 6 Epic Stories Told at the Conference
by Menachem Posner – chabad.org
This past Sunday night, 5,000 Jewish women leaders and guests from around the world gathered for the gala banquet of the 35th annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries.
Throughout the evening, many stories were told. Here are six that will bring tears of joy to your eyes.
Australia: “This Gave Me Strength to Protect Kids Under Gunfire”
As the world was reeling, trying to make sense of the horrible massacre on Bondi Beach over Chanukah, we were taken by the brave 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was shot while protecting younger children with her own body. The child of Chabad emissaries to Sydney, she spoke at the conference, sharing what inspired her at that moment. She was joined on stage by Priva Schlanger, whose father, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was killed trying to stop the terrorist.
Hungary: “I Rediscovered My Hungarian Grandma’s Judaism”
Budapest native Tzivia Myers grew up fascinated by her grandmother and her small circle of Holocaust survivor friends. One day, her grandmother told her about an old synagogue that had recently been reopened by an energetic young Chabad couple. She attended services and was hooked. Today, Tzvia and her husband direct a Chabad House in Szentendre, a beautiful town outside of Budapest.
Israel: “I Fought Against Chabad With All I Had”
Today, Anat is a Chabad emissary. Years ago, she was active on the Israeli left, protesting anything that smacked of religion—including the building of a Chabad center in her hometown of Modi’in. It took exposure to Tanya to show her the beauty of Judaism. Years later, she would meet the woman she fought tooth and nail, sitting next to her at the conference.
Tanzania: “The One Man Who Refused My Homemade Challah”
Every Friday, Chani Aziza distributes Shabbat care packages to Jewish people in their adopted hometown of Dar es Salaam. There was one man who consistently had his secretary refuse the packages. When Chani did not back down, the man ended up sneaking into the kitchen in the middle of the night to celebrate Shabbat, and his life changed forever.
Venezuela: “They Confiscated 76 Etrogim In the Airport”
Mushkie Levinson is a third-generation Chabad emissary to Caracas, Venezuela. Even though the community is smaller than it once was, it is home. She shared a fun anecdote about how they rescued 76 etrogs that were confiscated by customs officials. She also talked about how the community has remained tightly connected through immense upheaval.
Berkeley, Ca.: “He Was Almost Going to Take His Life”
Miriam Ferris is the longtime Chabad emissary to Berkeley. A young Jew once shared that seeing a Shabbat table through an open window had stopped him from taking his life in a public park. She knew exactly whose table it was. It was hers!
