Women’s Circle Concludes Winter Programs, Looks Forward to Spring

GOSHEN, NY [CHI] — Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle enjoyed inspirational and creative programs throughout the winter. One winter favorite was an uplifting and soulful concert with singer/songwriter Shoshana Bander of Brooklyn. The concert, “Listen to the Light” was enjoyed by over fifty women from throughout the County. “Shoshana intertwined moving and educational stories throughout her performance,” says Chana Burston, who leads the Jewish Women’s Circle and co-directs Chabad of Orange County with her husband, Rabbi Pesach. “Women from all affiliations and backgrounds came to enjoy the concert, and as we danced and sang together, there was a strong sense of unity among all the participants.” Afterward, all enjoyed a fabulous “lattes bar” and café themed desserts.

The next winter program, “Healthy Body, Healthy Soul” was an evening celebrating health. As over forty ladies from throughout the county arrived, all were greeted with a tall glass of freshly prepared vegetable juice. Mrs. Alyse Matsil, of Perfect Foods in Goshen, offered participants a raw food demonstration involving an array of sprouted beans and seeds, and explained the benefits of adding more raw foods into the diet. All enjoyed tasting a variety of sprouts, vegetables, nuts and an exotic fruit buffet. Mrs. Bracha Meshchaninov, a scholar from Monsey, engaged the audience in a talk entitled, “Health, Healing, Hunger and Happiness” which explored the Torah’s approach to maintaining a healthy body and soul. “This was a very educational program,” says Gabi Cohen of Highland Mills. “I learned a lot about health and want to incorporate aspects of what I learned into my home.”

As spring approaches, members of the Jewish Women’s Circle anticipate wonderful spring programs. All are excited for the March event, “Organize Your Home and Your Soul”. Lisa Montanaro, Certified professional Organizer of LM Organizing Solutions will offer an empowering presentation on how each individual can develop a unique style of being organized. Chana Burston will add a spiritual element with her talk, “Cleansing the Soul in Light of the Kabbalah.” A highlight of the Spring will also be the Jewish Women’s Circle Gala Event, the “Queen’s Tea,” which will feature entertainment, live music, Israeli dancing, gourmet dinner and raffle prizes. A committee is presently forming to organize the evening.

“Whether learning a new concept, celebrating an ancient holiday, tasting delicious food, engaging in song and dance or creating a work of art, the Jewish Women’s Circle consistently provides a strong sense of satisfaction, community and pride” says Lorri Glatt of Monroe, who has been attending the Jewish Women’s Circle for over four years. “I feel blessed to have this right in my home town. The events are filled with warmth, education, diversity and are simply so enjoyable. I look forward to the next event.

Sima Zelenko of Monroe who attends the events regularly says that what she loves most about the Jewish Women’s Circle is that it “provides a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. Anyone can join, and everyone who comes feels connected and part of something special.”

Events are held at different homes throughout the county. For more information on Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle, write JWC@ChabadOrange.com or call 782-2770.

Chana Burston (left) and Kimberly Gemmati (right) of Monroe enjoy “café treats” at the Jewish Women’s Circle concert. Kimberly will be hosting the upcoming March event in her Monroe home.

Women from throughout the County enjoy a live concert with singer/songwriter Shoshana Bander

Pictured are some of the participants of the Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle at the winter concert “Listen to the Light” with singer/songwriter Shoshana Bander

Chabad youth director Dassie Levilov (left) learns how to prepare fresh vegetable juice with Alyse Matsil (Right) of Perfect Foods in Goshen at the Jewish Women’s Circle Health evening.

(left to right) Andrea Pincus of Washingtonville, Sima Zelenko, of Monroe, Chana Burston, of Monroe, leader of the Jewish Women’s Circle, Alyse Matsil, of Chester and Michele Dixler of Monroe enjoy fresh vegetable juice at the Jewish Women’s Circle Health evening, “Healthy Body, Healthy Soul.”