Seminary Girls Own Kinus
By Ohel Chana Students as posted on www.collive.co
Girls of Ohel Chana Seminary in Melbourne Australia organized their very own kinus in honor of Chof Beis Shvat, focusing on the important role of women.
On Chof Beis Shvat, the girls of Ohel Chana in Melbourne Australia organized our very own kinus, with the theme being the important role of women, as Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka showed us. We learnt about how women are a vital part of their home, in charge of their children’s education, and the ones who determine how their house will be run and on what foundations it will be based.
At the start of Chof Beis Shvat, we organized a function for the girls in Beth Rivkah high school, to bring the girls together to commemorate the yartzeit. After a short video presentation on the life of the Rebbetzin, we were fortunate enough to have a panel of Jewish women including Mrs. Sara Lieder and Mrs. Suri Adelist of Melbourne, and Mrs. Amanda Tenne of the Gold Coast. They spoke to us describing their experiences and inspired us with how they overcame challenges experienced in growing up in this day and age, such as Tznius, Shabbos in the working world and Jewish pride. We ended the night with a cake demonstration and the girls were able to decorate their own cupcakes. The large number of girls who attended really enjoyed it and got a sense of what it is to follow the Rebbetzin’s legacy.
Later on that evening we were privileged to attend the Nshei Chabad function on Tuesday night, getting a taste for what it will be like to be Chassidishe women out of the environment of seminary! We were inspired by the meaningful program, with performances by local women and speeches by Local Shluchos Mrs. Menucha Cooper, the MC, and Mrs. Rivkah Jurkowicz of Malvern Chabad. It was also beautiful to see the wide variety of women that came to share in the unique feel of this event, with shluchos within Melbourne, women from the wider community, as well as some not yet frum women who were brought by shluchos. It was a wonderful way to start our Melbourne Chof Beis Shvat experience.
On Wednesday morning, we started off bright and early with Chassidus and Davening, as usual. We each received a shlucha card with our photos and the name of our hometown, highlighting that wherever we are, we are shluchos.
After breakfast, we got straight into the special atmosphere of the day with chavrusa learning, delving into the Rebbe’s teachings on the hora’os we can learn from the Rebbetzin’s yartzeit. Throughout high school, we always heard the phrase ‘v’hachai yiten el libo’, and would speak only briefly about its meaning, which made it very refreshing to have the opportunity to learn more in depth on the Rebbetzin.
We then watched the video, ‘The Rebbetzin’, which gave us a new perspective on the amazing qualities of the Rebbetzin, from the stories of the few people who knew her.
Following the video presentation we were privileged to hear from Mrs Timmy Rubin, a prominent member of the Melbourne Jewish community who runs the Chaya Mushka mikvah. She shared stories of her own personal experiences in returning to Yiddishkeit, and her long journey spanning years and continents in search for truth. She recalled her first encounter with the Rebbe, and the powerful connection she felt when passing for dollars. Mrs Rubin imbued in us feelings of pride in being Chassidishe women and inspired us to go out and help others find the path to our way of life.
After lunch, we had a special program in the dorm. The dining room was spectacularly decorated by girls, with coloured tablecloths and posters on the walls. We felt as though we were at a professionally planned event!
The idea was that we were coming to the Convention of ‘Tof Shin Pey Beis’ – each girl dressed as she sees herself in 10 years, and we had workshops focusing on how to reach these goals. We were all so excited with this challenge, and although we have a vague idea of who we want to be – some more than others! - finding something specific was both difficult yet extremely fun.
The first workshop was with Chaya R. an alumni of Ohel Chana and a previous shlucha in Beth Rivkah high school. She spoke to us about a Chassidishe home, and how we, the women, are specifically responsible for setting the tone in our house. She told us stories about how we can influence our families, and shared with us tips for the future, such as making a big deal of Chassidishe Yomim Tovim by setting the table nicely and serving dessert. It was really empowering to see the Rebbe’s words, from sichos and the like, about the tremendous impact we can have.
Our second workshop was with our temporary dorm counsellor (while Brocha and Mushka are attending the Kinus in NY), Ella G. She addressed the theme of what type of women we can aspire to be, by contrasting various women in Jewish History and how we can learn from their diverse personalities on how to lead our own lives. We examined the priorities in our lives, and saw how even when our lives are occupied by more mundane pursuits, we always have our emphasis on the right Chassidishe priorities. We then had a roll call, showing how diverse our seminary is – we have girls from all around the world, from Adelaide, Australia, to New Haven, Connecticut, and pretty much everywhere in between including countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Israel!
After the program, Bnos Chabad, run by the girls of Ohel Chana, held a chof beis shvat function for the girls of Beth Rivkah primary school. We spoke to the girls, and showed a video about what the Rebbetzin exemplified for girls as Bnos Chabad. We put emphasis on the role that Rebbetzin played in her own right, as well as her immense role in helping the Rebbe, her particular attention to tznius in both dress and behaviour and her genuine concern for others' wellbeing. The girls decorated mirrors for them to look at themselves and make sure they are following in the Rebbetzin's footsteps. The girls had a great time, and we really made it a relevant and meaningful day for them, ensuring they truly felt the significance of this day in the Chassidishe calendar.
We concluded our day with a Farbrengen with Mrs. Sara Lieder, shlucha here in Melbourne in the Chabad House for Israeli Travellers. She brought out the idea of how Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka was completely mevatel to the Rebbe, and how we can learn from her how to be true Chassidim. The stories she shared of her shlichus brought to life the inyanim of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s yartzeit, where we saw the actual effects of the Rebbetzin’s support for the Rebbe. She explained to us how we need to connect to the pnimiyus of mitzvos to truly fulfil them, especially nowadays, and the importance of our connection to the Rebbe and our mashpiyos who have his kochos to give us grounding. We found it especially moving when she shared the story of her mekurav who joined her at the Nshei convention and was inspired merely by seeing a picture of the Rebbetzin, and the honor we give to her. If this mekurav could form a connection with the Rebbetzin just from seeing the Rebbetzin’s regal nature, as captured in a simple photograph, how much more can we feel when we hear all these incredible stories and learn the Rebbe’s Torah about the Rebbetzin, and spend this special day enveloped in the incomparable environment of Ohel Chana, Melbourne…
We would like to thank Rabbi Tenenbaum, Ella G, Chaya R, Mrs. S Lieder and the committee of girls in the dorm who helped plan, decorate, prepare and set up, and to Reena F for making the shluchos cards for each girl! What a wonderful and inspiring day! |
Fortnightly Report Parshas Beshalach
By Mushkie E and Muki S.
The new semester has gotten off to a great start with the Melbourne and interstate girls moving in to the dorm and instantly adding a great deal of chayus and simcha. The first Shabbos with everyone here together, we had an in Shabbos with amazing food cooked by Room 2 & helpers and brilliantly decorated by Room 11. The theme was ‘Get your feet wet!’ – by having true unity, like the generation of Yetzias Mitzrayim who walked through the Yam Suf united as one, we will get a taste of what the world will be like when Moshiach comes.
Mrs. U. Stern farbrenged with us until late after the Friday night meal, showing us that even when times are really hard, we should always persevere and do all we can because Hashem tests us according to our own capabilities and we have the inner strength to deal with any tests that come our way. She inspired us with her recollections of her own personal hardships and how she focused on the positive and with Hashem’s help, things turned out for the best.
The new school year has started for the primary and high schools, and everyone has gotten back into their shlichus positions, be it bnos, mishmor or Chabad Sparks. Girls are also doing cheder and Hebrew school, and everyone is busy with their work for Chabad Youth! It’s great to see the impact we are having on the girls’ lives.
On the second day of school we went on a wonderful trip to the world-famous tourist attraction, the Great Ocean Road. We spent the full day out, leaving extra-early in the morning and arriving back close to midnight! The scenery was breath-taking, especially of the ocean and we truly felt a new appreciation for the meaning of the words ‘ma rabu ma’asecho hashem’. The time spent together in this beautiful setting was very enjoyable, although there were some disappointments such as not being able to watch Agent Emes on the bus back!
Our first practical shlichus session of the year was with Mrs. L. Greenbaum from Moorabin here in Melbourne. She spoke to us about the special qualities of shlichus, her life growing up on shlichus in Canada and now doing the same as an adult. She also spoke with us about the idea of going on shlichus next year, which we were very appreciative for!
We were also lucky enough to have Rabbi M. Blecher, on shlichus in Woodlands, Texas speak to us about his work over the past year. He shared with us stories of the amazing hashgacha pratis he has encountered, both in his shlichus and in how he found the place to begin with! We wish them both only continued success in all their peulos.
We had an incredible hachana program for Yud Shvat which really got us in the right frame of mind for this auspicious day. Rabbi Braun from Yerushalayim came and Farbrenged with us Wednesday night in honor of Yud Shvat, and brought up many important and relevant points:
If a Chossid is a Chossid, then a Rebbe is a Rebbe. But if a Chossid is not a Chossid, then a Rebbe is not a Rebbe. Meaning, when we act like Chassidim, and live our lives devoted to Kedusha and elevating this world, we make our Rebbe a Rebbe because we are doing what is expected of us.
Not one Sicha was said without the Rebbe talking about Hashem and not only just Chabad Chassidus, but also about always being aware of the Creator of the world. And if there was one thing the Rebbe stressed the most, it was for us to see G-dliness in everything Gashmius. To look at the bowl of chips on the table, and actually see the G-dliness in it, understand who created it, and the power of making a Bracha. Because when we make a Bracha, we are acknowledging where the Gashmius came from, and how much we can elevate it by making a Bracha on it. The first step to being a Chossid is applying this idea, and making sure that we see Hashem in a physical way. That when we look at the food on our table, we don’t just see food but we see Elokus!
Many times we question “If that high generation, the generation of the Baal Shem Tov couldn’t bring Moshiach, how could we?”
If we think about it deeply, we find that we really don’t have this question. Why?
What is the essence of EVERY Jew? We all have a Neshama that comes from Hashem himself- it is a Chelek Elokai Mima’al Mamesh. So every Yid, on every level, has a Neshama that is on the same level as the next person. The actions we do are based on our essence, and although these people didn’t bring Moshiach and we say that they are greater than us, we have the ability to accomplish things higher than we can imagine because of the lofty level of our Neshama, which is in essence on the same level as these great people.
Leading up to this Farbrengen our dedicated dorm counselors Mushka and Brocha arranged meaningful Rebbe times every night in the lead-up to Yud Shvat. We explored the practical ways in which we can develop hiskashrus to our Nasi, such as by hearing his voice (kol), as represented by the kuf of hiskashrus. The night of Yud Shvat (Thursday night) we had a shiur on Basi Legani by Rabbi Tenenbaum, watched a full-length video of a Yud Shvat farbrengen, and really got a taste of the experience of being at a real chassidishe farbrengen with the Rebbe.
On Yud Shvat itself, we were privileged to have a full-day program in the dorm, with a slideshow presentation by Rabbi Menacham Lipskier and a shiur by Mushka Groner on the year between the Frierdiker Rebbe’s passing and the Rebbe’s acceptance of the nesius. We then split up into our chavrusa groups and delved deeper into the ma’amar Basi Legani. Mushka and Brocha prepared a beautiful brunch for us in honour of the special day which we really enjoyed! Thanks to them and everyone else involved in helping us gain a new appreciation for the significance of Yud Shvat.
We are deep into our hachana for Chof Beis Shvat, in which girls fill out checklists and strive to fulfill all the tasks. For extra points, you can achieve special goals such as learning with a chavrusa for half an hour a day, reading a Rebbe letter and listening to niggunim before bed. Mushka has also prepared learning booklets full of extra sources to do with a chavrusa or by ourselves, helping us get the most out of this special time in the preparation for the Rebbetzin’s yahrtzeit. The girl with the most points and another girl who will be chosen by a raffle will each receive an iPad as a prize!
The dorm counselors and Mrs. Groner are attending the convention in Crown Heights; we wish them a safe trip and can’t wait to see them back here! We would also like to wish a huge mazal tov to our esteemed principal Rabbi Tenenbaum and his family on the birth of their son! They should have only nachas from him and from the rest of their children.
Summer Learning Program
By Mushky T.
 Here in OC, summer learning has begun! Every day begins with a refreshing JLI course given by Rabbi Lange on the roots of our emunah, and our response to dark times. We began to explore the Holocaust, and as we continue, we are all really enjoying the openness in asking questions freely and discovering so much about our own personal emunah.
The day continues with learning Basi Legani from its text. It is extremely interactive, as Rabbi Winner incorporates the Ma'amer in very practical ways to make sure we all understand it. We have our own time, to learn in chavrusa, and study Chitas together. I think everyone agrees that we are really grateful to have a set time for this, so that we can all do it together and push ourselves even more. We have daily halachic shiurim, which are very informative and powerful on the topics of; "is bungee jumping allowed if according to halacha we can't put ourselves in danger?", " having the same name as your mother in law", "do we believe in ayin hara, and if so where is it sourced?", and "Maras Ayin - following the halachos it implies in ways you would not expect".
 We were very priveleged to go on a trip Thursday afternoon! All OC girls went motorboating far out by the coast. The trip was really fun, and created an energetic spirit for all of us. As Thursday was Chof Daled Teves, the day could not have been complete without a farbengen. We were honored to have Rabbi Cowen speak to us and enlighten us on the topics of Ahavas Yisroel, and how our beliefs keep us intact.
Achdus is in the air as the new week begins and all of the Australian girls, both Sydney and Melbourne alike, move in and join the Ohel Chana family. As for the overseas girls, we've had a wonderful summer break, and we feel fresh and ready to jump right back into our learning - together with the new students!
On behalf of the OC girls, we'd like to thank Rabbi Tenenbaum, Mrs. Groner, and our amazing dorm counsellors for all of their hard work, concern, and dedication towards us. Our first term here has been really enjoyable and we felt looked after in all areas, whether or not we were in seminary. Thank you!
Summer CGI Report
By Esty V. and Chana L.
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
They say that you can take a child out of CGI but you can NEVER take CGI out of a child. When I was told that no one leaves CGI Melbourne the same, I thought to myself, yeah that's what they all say, but believe it or not, I was wrong! After having the experience of a lifetime in CGI, I witnessed it for myself; NO ONE leaves CGI Melbourne the same. Although it’s only 2 weeks and it seems like such a short time to be able to accomplish GREAT things, in CGI Melbourne we are able to accomplish more than any other camp accomplishes in 1-2 months. From the second we drove up to Coonawarra, all feelings of anxiety and nervousness ceased and a feeling of excitement overcame us. We didn’t know what to expect but we had the Rebbe’s Brachos and we were confident that we would be successful in our mission for after all; we were working in the Rebbe’s camp and dealing with the Rebbe’s children.
The theme of this year’s high school division in camp was ‘Plug In-Making The Connection’. We started off every morning by learning the meaning of a different part of davening. We had very inspiring shiurim given over every single day by our most amazing, devoted, and dedicated counselors and learning directors about the meaning of davening and connecting to Hashem. In addition, we also had Rebbe time every night and learned about hiskashrus. Every day’s theme and activities were all connected to the main theme, Plug In, and we learned a different lesson every day depending on what the theme of that day was. Everywhere you turned, the girls were always running and so eager to go to their shiurim or even just learn with each other in their spare time! The chassidishe and ruchnius atmosphere that was generated made CGI an even greater experience!
As soon as you enter CGI, there’s a certain atmosphere and vibe that makes you jump right into it and get involved right away. The chayus, excitement, inspiring Shiurim throughout the day and unbelievable activities have definitely made a lasting impression on each one of us. The achdus, enthusiasm, warmth and new friendships created an incredible atmosphere. Our amazing campers, each and every one so special and unique in their own way, have been true sources of inspiration to us all and we definitely learned a lot from every single one of them. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime. There is nothing like CGI Melbourne. CGI Melbourne has changed my life forever.
PRIMARY SCHOOL DIVISON
So this summer I had the great privilege to be a counsellor in Gan Yisroel of Melbourne primary division. I have been a counsellor in other Gan Izzy’s but this one is unique. The theme of camp this year was- Blast Off to Moshiach. Every day in camp was another variation on the theme of space which was connected with a way to bring Moshiach closer. The campers really felt the theme and the messages brought out with them.
The shuirim each day in camp were geared to teaching the girls more about Moshiach. It was on various topics, such as Dira Bitachtonim, what will be when Moshiach comes, how to bring Moshiach etc.
We had two trip days and went bowling and boating, which were a blast!! I really got to know the girls of Melbourne and have a big effect on them, while having great time with them as well. I also had a really fun time with all of the staff and head staff, they are really amazing to work for and treat you really well!! Thanks so much to everyone who made it happen; it was a really great experience!!!!
Chodesh Kislev Report
 In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the date the Rebbe recovered from his heart attack, we had a beautiful Seudah organized, once again, by our amazing dorm counsellors Brocha S and Mushka G! They worked for hours slicing, dicing and cooking up a storm! After we finished eating, we watched a touching Rebbe video. Rabbi Glasman then came and Farbrenged with us. He told us about the importance of following halachos, and how that in order for one to be a true chossid, you must first be a true Jew, which means following all halachos. We shouldn’t think that solely by virtue of being Lubavitchers we can skip out on basic halacha.
 For Tes/Yud Kislev We were lucky to have Rabbi Wolf come and farbreng with us. He spoke to us on the topic of being a Lubavitcher, how one can determine if they have a true hiskashrus, and how you can be sure you truly can call yourself a Chabad Chossid. He also told us about the importance we would have in camp upon the campers, and how every action we do would be watched, and copied, by all of the campers.
We had our last in-Shabbos of the first half of OC, which was decorated by Muki S, Esti V, Rochie G . Rabbi Kluwgant honored us with the presence of himself and his family by our beautiful Friday night meal, and Farbrenged on the importance of having a goal in seminary that we can always be striving towards, and to never  forget this goal that we set for ourselves.
In honor Yud Daled Kislev, the anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s wedding, we had a Melava Malka and our own mock wedding on Motsei Shabbos! Mazal Tov to the chosson, Tzippy N, and the kallah, Huvy L, we had a great time participating in the recreation of the amazing simcha!
As this month marked the end of the first half of seminary, we had our final meeting with Rabbi Tenenbaum and Mrs. Groner. We got some delicious ice cream as a ‘congratulations’ treat, and all of the girls who had either a perfect attendance record or close to perfect received a beautiful sefer as a gift. Congrats to all who achieved this goal!
Speaking about camp, this month involved some intense camp preparation! Every free moment someone was rushing off to a meeting, there was always someone painting something in the activity, and girls were getting into the camp spirit by testing o ut their knowledge of classic camp cheers! A lot of work was put in to camp, with a great outcome! The first day of camp was on the auspicious date of Yud Tes Kislev. Our learning directors Shevi S and Chana G organized a farbrengen for the entire primary camp, which all of the girls and the staff really enjoyed.
As Chanukah was during camp, our hard-working dorm counsellor Mushka G organized for our parents to write us notes expressing their love towards us. Brocha S drove up the 4 hours from Melbourne to give us our notes, along with some delicious chocolate. Thanks so much to both our parents and our dorm counsellors for being so caring, even while we were on our summer break!
|
