The HEART of Caring: Highlights from the Bikur Cholim Annual Women’s Breakfast
This year’s event was dedicated to our beloved and revered Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. Over 500 women graced the halls of Oholei Torah, paying tribute to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and sensitivity, as exemplified in the discrete and compassionate work of Bikur Cholim that carries her name. As Mrs. Naomi Pinson conveyed in her welcome message, “It was 36 years ago that the Rebbe bestowed the Rebbetzin’s name to this established Bikur Cholim. The Rebbetzin’s life was dedicated to the Art of Caring. Anyone who had the zechus to be in her company felt her warmth and interest keenly. Her sensitivity and love informed her interactions, and the lucky recipient felt nurtured and protected.”
The Annual Breakfast celebrates the many individuals who embody והחי יתן אל לבו and carry the Rebbetzin’s legacy of compassion and care into their actions through their involvement in Bikur Cholim. Nearly everyone in the community has been touched by the humble outpouring of chesed of Bikur Cholim. For many attendees, it is a friend, neighbor or relative. Others come to honor the selfless volunteers. Indeed, the mood in the hall was that of one family, caring for each other.
Mrs. Naomi Pinson proudly welcomed the morning’s keynote speaker, her mother, Mrs. Louise Hagar MBE, chairwoman of Chai Cancer Care in England and recipient of the Member of the British Empire Award. Mrs Hager shared the remarkable account of her uniquely personal relationship with the Rebbetzin over several decades. As Mrs. Hager conveyed, “Much was said about the Rebbetzin’s greatness, her dignity, her intelligence, her regal bearing… but all that greatness had the effect of making her feel somewhat intimidating and not easy for us to relate to. So little was said about her warmth, her empathy, her practical down to earth approach, her wonderful sense of humor.” Mrs. Hager related many wonderful stories illustrating the Rebbetzin’s thoughtfulness, intense interest in her life, and generosity of spirit whether it entailed giving fashion and home making advice or sending over her children’s favorite pie. The many personal memories all had one thing in common: the Rebbetzin’s caring nature and a legacy of kindness.
In that spirit, Bikur Cholim was proud to showcase benefactors and volunteers who exemplify the art of caring. Zlata Gitlin, Mindy Halberstam, Chany Ceitlin had the honor of leading the packed hall in tehillim. Rochelle Fellig-Berzack received the Community Chesed Award in recognition of over a decade of sending personalized birthday gifts to Crown Heights children affected by illness. Devorah Herson, Menuchah Herson, and Chaya Sherman received the Hadassah Lebovic Partner in Healing Award for their dedication to the families and patients who stay in Hadassah Lebovic’s Place, the Bikur Cholim hospitality apartment.
The inspiring program concluded with an emotional and uplifting video tribute to Mrs. Elkie Lefkowitz a”h, a beloved young woman from the community who, despite a long illness, filled her life with joy, gratitude and beautiful art. “Elkie was a woman of tremendous strength, who I was privileged to become friends with during her journey with Bikur Cholim,” said Mrs. Rochie Korolitzky in her introduction to the video. “Her love and warmth continue to inspire us today.”
In addition to enjoying the magical ambiance, coordinated by Sara Event Productions and staged beautifully by Debby Design, guests were treated to a delicious gourmet breakfast catered by VIP Kosher Events, as well as a breathtaking Art Exhibit featuring a gallery of original portraits and prints of the Rebbetzin created by talented artists from around the world. The stunning art pieces were sold via silent auction.
“I’m so inspired to get involved and volunteer,” said one attendee on her way out, “now that I see what a huge difference it makes to patients and their families.” Another woman very aptly said, “I want to be part of this community of caring.”
Thank you to the Bikur Cholim Breakfast Committee for planning and executing a beautiful event for the benefit of the entire community: Yael Brummel, Rivka Bryski, Grunie Grossman, Ruthie Kirschenbaum, Esther Lebovic, Rosie Levertov, Rosie Goodman, Shani Pinson, Chani Markowitz.
Thank you to all those who participated in this year’s Grand Auction and to the generous prize sponsors:
Rebbe Dollar: Shaina Katz
Lace Wig sponsored Yaffie Begun and Salon Leah: Shevi Katzman
L.Laine Jewelry: Menachem Freeman
Tzfasmans Jewelry: Raizel Blum
$1,500 Visa Gift Card: Brana Weiss
$1,500 Amazon Gift Card – Sponsored by Toveedo: B Mileki
Cancun Vacation – Sponsored by YB Travel: FA. H
$1,500 to Koshertown- sponsored by Shoshe in memory of Shimmy Ben-Abou OBM- Chanie Rothman
Home Organization Session sponsored by Happy Home Organizing: Nechama Gurevitch
Laptop – Sponsored by Kettle & Cord: Shulamis Nadler
Heirloom Portrait Session – Sponsored by Chana Blumes Photo: Rachel Vofchuk
Luxury Coffee Maker – Sponsored by Drimmer Appliances: Chaya Sam
UppaBaby Stroller & Bassinet – Sponsored by Everything but the Baby: Chaya Junik
Color Palette by Mashi + Makeup by Sory: Mushka Mangel
Thank you to Event Sponsors:
Debby Event Design, My Drap, Oak Tree Insurance Services, Rebecca Howard Photography, Screen Heights, VIP Kosher Events, Yom Tov Settings
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights is a volunteer-based organization that provides support for the needs of the medically distressed in the Crown Heights community. Run by an all volunteer board–Esther Blau,Esther Blum, Shaina B. Ezagui, Grunie Grossman, Ruthie Kirschenbaum, Rochie Korolitzky, Esther Lebovic, and Naomi Pinson–Bikur Cholim is committed to assuming a meaningful role in a patient’s recovery with kindness, compassion, and utmost regard for privacy, as guided by halacha. Event proceeds benefit Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights and the vital work they do in our community.
