OMEK: A Fruitful Beginning

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Last Thursday night marked the launch of OMEK: a new center for in-depth transformational learning for women. Over 75 women of all ages and backgrounds – from Crown Heights, Long Island, New Jersey, Park Slope and even Maryland – came together at F.R.E.E. to be inspired. In addition to its primary mission to provide in-depth transformation learning for women, OMEK is also focused on naturally enhancing the physical wellbeing. The, the wholesome and elegant organic buffet served as a foretaste of upcoming programs on the holistic approach for to our bodies, as partner to our souls. Following the buffet, enlivening talks from multi-dimensional Olivia Schwartz and internationally acclaimed Shimona Tzukernik aroused the soul and awakened the mind.

The main focus of the evening centered on the unique and transformative power of women. Olivia shared stories of women whose lives, and those around them, had been dramatically changed as a result of learning. Shimona’s lecture built upon the inner meaning of the commandment to “be fruitful and multiply”. In a talk on Parshat Noach from 5751, the Rebbe explains that the repetition of this commandment in the Torah portions of Bereishit and Noach alludes to different ways of accomplishing the same ideal. The former is characterized by a modality of dominance and the latter by gentility. And these two paths capture the different interpersonal styles of both men and women. Men are by nature conquerors. Thus they lead from the top down. Women by contrast are more driven by a desire for connectivity. Their leadership style aims to co-opt the other and thus generates grass roots change.

A woman’s concept of inner focus is connected to her primary work and the subsequent inwardness means that she envisions change as starting changes from bottom up. She begins with within herself, followed by her home, her immediate society, and then society at large. Women tend to focus first on theirmove from a circle of influence and then shift to a circle of control, bringing those around her them to truth from within themselves. Not only their focus but also their manner of interaction is characterized by inwardness. This inward approach of awakening a person from within leads to a natural, grass roots and lasting difference.

The evening culminated with live music from singer-songwriters Shoshana Bander, and Batsheva Nelson of “The Light-Peddlers Band.” Participants joined in spirited dancing, energized towards personal change and making a difference. And for those who couldn’t leave – there was a late-night farbrengen. Participants finished the evening eagerly anticipating the next event from OMEK.

OMEK: Be Inspired!