Winfrey a Hasidic last name, who knew? This week the Oprah show did a feature on the Chasidic community in Brooklyn. During her time in Crown Heights (Chabad Central), she was interviewed by Chabad.org’s Rabbi Motti Seligson. The interview can be seen at - www.chabadneworleans.com/1764563. She signs off by declaring “there’s more Hasidic Jew in me than I knew.” She spent time with a family and interviewed four women about their lives.
Speaking of Chasidic women, this weekend is the Kinus Hashluchos – conference of Chabad women emissaries. It is arguable, that the most misunderstood, pre-judged, summarily dismissed Jewish subgroup is Jewish women from religious (sometimes referred to as Orthodox) communities. They are misrepresented as second class citizens who are relegated to the background by a patriarchal system.
A peek into this weekend's conference would go a long way in debunking this myth. Over 3500 Jewish women, each one, a leader in her respective community where she and her husband direct Chabad activities, are gathered for their annual weekend of women's empowerment.
The conference was founded by the Rebbe in memory of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, whose yahrtzeit was this week on the 22nd of Shevat.
As I play Mr. Mom (or is it Rabbi Mom?) this weekend, I look forward to greeting Malkie as she returns with an invigorated sense of inspired renewal and with tons of new ideas. One of the most exciting elements of the conference is seeing friends and family from around the world. When I think of my close relatives (first cousin or closer) that Malkie will be seeing, they hail from: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Germany and Israel. So it will be busy and fulfilling.
In the meantime, back at the ranch, feverish preparations are underway for another spectacular Grand Purim Celebration. This year’s theme is Purim in the Wild Wild West. Purim is on March 8 and the event will kick off at 5:30 PM @ Chabad Metairie. One this year’s exciting features is Sam Glaser in concert. For more info, go to www.chabadneworleans.com/266000. From there you can link to an RSVP page as well.
Mazel Tov to Rabbi David and Jesse Posternock upon the birth of their son.
Mazel Tov to Allen Samuels upon the upcoming marriage of his granddaughter, Helena Seidenfeld.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin