Power of the Jewish Woman at Neshei Chabad Convention

Almost two hundred women from all over Australia descended upon the Mercure Hotel in the beachside town of Geelong outside Melbourne this past erev Shabbos for the 16th Annual Nshei Chabad convention. There they enjoyed two days of inspiration as well as physical and spiritual regeneration.

The convention’s theme of Strength and Dignity: The Power of the Jewish Woman, taken from the words of the Eishes Chayil prayer, set the tone of the entire two days and nights of this gathering. As one participant commented, “ I have been to many conventions but, this one had a very special ruach of achdus. Everyone treated each other like real sisters.”

The team of volunteers, headed by Debbie Wolf and Chaya Waks, made sure to pay special attention to every detail of the event. The welcome kit each woman received contained special gifts designed to pamper her as well as a beautifully presented magazine of captivating articles written by various Australian women.

As a prelude to Shabbos davening the crowd was amused with the hilarity and warmth of ice-breaker activities. This led to warm introductions and conversations among the group making everyone feel welcomed and comfortable.

Mrs. Sara Esther Crispe, the convention’s guest speaker and creator and editor of the website JewishWoman.org, was introduced at the Shabbos evening meal. Upon her arrival after a thirty two hour flight she appeared totally refreshed.

This was the first of her dynamic uplifting talks mixing humorous anecdotes and tales with Torah wisdom. Most notable is her unique style of relating the deeper Kabbalistic meanings of Hebrew letters to the power of the Jewish woman. The participants also had an opportunity to hear all about Mrs. Crispe’s interesting life journey, and many women commented that they found much to relate to in her story.

The entire event was packed with activities. There were heartfelt Chassidishe frabrengens featuring one woman’s struggle to cope with chronic pain, and another woman’s amazing journey from Christianity to Judaism. Vibrant workshops were held highlighting topics such as Empty Nest Syndrome, Baalei Teshuva family issues, Torah personalities, intimacy in marriage, finding the right words during time of loss, chinuch, and household budgeting. Lighthearted group games added some fun and relaxation, and on Motzei Shabbos women danced to live music till the wee hours of the morning.

“Best convention ever,” one conventioneer quipped as she added with a broad satisfied smile, “ the food was absolutely unbelievable!”