Chanukah Light Spreads to Orphanage in Israel
An evening of comedy and sharing was enjoyed by participants of The Jewish Women’s Circle at its third annual Pre-Chanukah Women’s Celebration. Screenwriter and performer Esther Rachel Russel of Posaic, New Jersey, presented “The Miracle of Laughter and Light – a Women’s Improvisational Comedy Class,” designed to “break through boundaries and spread joy in our lives.” Chana Burston, who directs the Chabad of Orange County’s Jewish Women’s Circle, opened the evening with spiritual insights on the holiday of Chanukah. “Each night of Chanukah we light an additional candle on the Menorah,” Burston explained. “This is to remind us to always increase in good deeds. Tonight, we are here to increase joy in our personal lives, and to spread light and happiness to orphans in Israel.”
Russel led the group of thirty women in a thrilling and comical evening of comedy improvisation. “It made me realize how important it is to really laugh,” commented Michele Kogan of Highland Mills. Led by local jewelry artist Michele Dixler, participants then created beautiful bracelets and cards and packaged the gifts with chocolate Chanukah coins and dreidels (spinning tops).
The gifts will be sent to an orphanage in Israel where Burston used to volunteer when she studied in Israel.
“Dear friend,” one card read, “Remember that you can do anything in life – I believe in you. May the light of Chanukah light up your life.” Henry and Samira Galler of Monroe will be sponsoring the shipping costs of the gifts. Exciting raffle prizes, exotic latkes (potato pancakes) and delicious Chanukah treats further enhanced the festive spirit. The evening was held at the home of Debra Pearlman in Chester. “The Festival of Laughter and Light was an outstanding program,” says Iris Sasson of Monroe. “ I haven't enjoyed an evening that much in a long time! Not only did I laugh till my sides ached, but the food treats were delicious, and preparing the gift packages for the girls in the Jerusalem orphanage was most enjoyable.”
Whether it’s a gourmet Kosher culinary class, an art meditation workshop, an upbeat musical concert or an inspiring lecture, the Jewish Women’s Circle of Orange County incorporates a variety of themes and styles in it’s monthly events held throughout the year. “The Jewish Women’s Circle is a program which uniquely caters to a diverse crowd,” explains Chana Burston, who founded the program in June of 2003. “Topics of discussion are profound, yet contemporary and practical, which caters to women seeking spirituality through an intellectual means. Programs also offer outlets for creativity, whether it’s through culinary skills, creative writing, music or art.” Burston adds that women of all Jewish affiliations and backgrounds attend the workshops, from ages twenty to senior citizens. Ladies have attended from all parts of the County, including Chester, Highland Mills, Goshen, Middletown, Monroe, Tuxedo Park Washingtonville and Warwick.
‘Songs of the past, Rhythms of the Future,” a rejuvenating Women’s concert with Australian singer and guitarist Rivkah Krinsky, was the Jewish Women’s Circle’s opening event in September. “The songs were rejuvenating,” said Phyllis Goetz of Monroe. Goetz, along with Iris Sassoon of Monroe, shared insights and feelings on World Peace and Unity during the concert.
In October the Jewish Women’s Circle toured the luxurious facilities of the “Mikvah of Rockland” and learned and explored the historical significance of a Mikvah (ritual bath) in Jewish history, and its contemporary role in Jewish life and marriage today. “I found it a highly educational experience to learn about a custom that Jewish women have observed for thousands of years,” commented Tina Turso of Monroe. The exciting trip climaxed with a delicious ladies lunch at a kosher Japanese restaurant in Monsey.
“A Taste of Shabbat”, the November Shabbat cooking class, was instructed by Lisa Ehrenreich and Chana Burston, both residents of Monroe. Held in the Rushmore Estate of Highland Mills, ladies enjoyed an enriching evening of recipe instruction and demonstration, tasting, and sharing memories and stories of the Sabbath. Recipes incorporated traditional Shabbat foods with a modern-day twist. “Pumpkin Challah” and fancy “Two-toned Gefilte Fish” layered with spinach and puff pastry dough are several of the dishes taught in the class. “Celebrating the Sabbath with a special meal brings people together,” explained Ehrenriech. “It’s a time to enjoy Jewish traditions and food with family and friends in a meaningful way.” Participants received a recipe booklet of the dishes taught at the class.
Jewish Women Circle events are typically attended by thirty to fifty women, and according to Burston, over two hundred women have attended a Women’s circle program. Events are held once a month in different ladies’ homes throughout Orange County.
For more information on upcoming events, please call Chana Burston at 782-2770, write [email protected], or log onto www.ChabadOrange.com.