Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle Holds Opening Event

MONROE, NY [CHI] — The Jewish Women’s Circle, led by Chana Burston, director of Chabad of Orange County, recently held its opening event of the year. Attended by over thirty women from throughout the county, participants learned the art of silk painting & designed magnificent challah covers with Courtni Hale of Sheer D Lite. Chana Burston led an interactive learning group with the theme of Shabbat, entitled, “Sanctifying Time and Space.” All enjoyed a hearty soup bar with condiments.

The Jewish Women’s Circle announced its new programs, which will run through June of 2010.

“The programs this year reflect a theme of ‘Creativity and Well-Being,’” says Chana Burston, who founded the Jewish Women’s Circle in June of 2004. “From art and dance, to drama and music, we look forward to a year of self-expression and truly tuning into ourselves as we create, move and celebrate our heritage.” Highlights for this year include a YogaDance workshop, Improvisational Comedy evening with a Jewish Twist and cooking a Shabbat meal in “Fifty-Nine Minutes.”

“In order to reach our greatest potential to think and act in a creative fashion, we need to function in a healthy way. We therefore incorporated a wonderful health seminar entitled ‘Healthy Habits Toward Real Freedom’ which will be interactive, informative and fun,” says Burston.

The special end of year event will feature a live concert and drum circle, Viennese dessert table and door prizes, with proceeds to benefit charity.

“Chabad of Orange County’s Jewish Women’s Circle is a place where all women, regardless of background or experience, can come and join other women to discover and learn about the Jewish Faith and Jewish customs – not to mention to make great new friends,” says Andrea Pincus of Washingtonville, who headed the committee for the Women’s Circle Gala events for several years.

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 activities, participants explore contemporary Jewish issues and discuss subjects related to culture and tradition.

Alyse Matsil of Chester, Courtni Hale of Blooming Grove, Chana Burston of Monroe and Lorri Glatt of Monroe hold silk-painted challah covers designed at the Jewish Women’s Circle event

Michele Dixler of Monroe shows her silk-painted challah cover to Chana Burston of Monroe, leader of Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle.