Orange County Women’s Circle Holds Benefit Concert

A large crowd of ladies and teen girls filled the elegant Rushmore Estate Ballroom of Highland Millls, NY this past Sunday to enjoy a beautiful evening and benefit Chabad’s Youth Scholarship Fund. Gorgeous, candlelit tables and elaborate Viennese dessert displays created an atmosphere of elegance and beauty.

Master of Ceremonies Annabelle Pulver, of Highland Mills, welcomed participants and introduced Chana Burston, leader of the Jewish Women’s Circle, who also co-directs Chabad of Orange County along with her husband, Rabbi Pesach. Chana elucidated the Kabbalistic approach to how a person can create spiritual and emotional passion and inspiration through action. “One positive action –will cause a reaction –and eventually from doing enough deeds we begin to feel and think differently. The passion is created from within- and through action we can experience rich and passionate relationships – with each other, and with G-d.” Burston also expressed deep gratitude for all those who sponsored and participated in the planning of the evening. Hostess Nadine Pulver of Highland Mills was presented with a gift of appreciation.

Bracha Pincus, of Chester, Chabad’s administrative director, then addressed the audience by explaining that Chabad is unique in that it believes finances should never deter a child from receiving a Jewish education, and thus entry into Chabad Hebrew School and other programs is granted even when finances are not provided. Pincus highlighted that although Chabad maintains this policy, Chabad is locally funded and funds are need to cover these scholarship costs. She concluded that all proceeds of the evening would benefit the Chabad Youth Scholarship Fund.

Singer-songwriter Sara Hecht (Sarahecht.com), native of Australia, dazzled the audience with a performance of both original and traditional Jewish song. She offered eloquent stories and anecdotes between songs, and the audience clapped, danced and sang with the lively performer.

The evening concluded with raffle drawings. Chana Burston thanked the raffle sponsors, including Monroe jewelry artist Michele Dixler, for the beaded Mezuzah cover, Stacey Finkelstein of Middletown who crocheted an afghan blanket, Bracha Pincus, of Chester, who created a Star of David necklace, and Lorri Taub of Teaneck, NJ (formerly of Monroe) for the handcrafted beeswax Shabbat candles. All raffle winners were thrilled with their prizes.

“The event was delightful,” commented Samira Galler of Monroe. “The singer has a splendid voice…. I am thrilled that I attended.” Sima Zelenko of Monroe adds that she was “very happy to be at such a special event and felt was relaxed and filled with joy to hear lovely music.”

The event was partly sponsored by Dr. Seth and Nadine Pulver of Highland Mills, Phyllis Goetz of Monroe, Samira Galler of Monroe, Stacey Finkelstein of Middletown, Sima Zelenko of Monroe and The Round Table Party Supplies of Monroe.

“The evening was filled with an atmosphere of spirit, friendship, and the excitement of helping an excellent cause,” says Chana Burston.The Jewish Women’s Circle provides the opportunity for women from throughout the county to relax and socialize while exploring both the physical and mystical aspects of their heritage. Through innovative workshops, lectures and creative activates, contemporary issues are explored.

For more information on the Jewish Women’s Circle, log onto ChabadOrange.com, call 782-2770 or write JWC@ChabadOrange.com.