N'shei Chabad Newsletter

11/11/2022

This book is a tribute to a lady who never stopped seeing more than the eye can see, and who tried her best to be cheerful and positive despite setbacks and health challenges that would make most people rather cranky.

When Lieba Schwartz began writing for the N’shei Chabad Newsletter in 1998, she was totally blind, and trying to see what was really important in life. She succeeded, found Yiddishkeit, and moved to Crown Heights. And so Lieba titled her articles “More Than the Eye Can See.”

The N’shei Chabad Newsletter now brings you all seven of her articles, including the story of how she regained her eyesight after many years of blindness.

Lieba’s gratitude to the people of Crown Heights, especially the children, is heartwarming, and her writing style is fast-moving and humorous.

Lieba passed away on 13 Sivan 5782 (June 12, 2022) at the age of 82.

We hope you fall in love with Lieba Schwartz’s writing and learn some important (and surprising) lessons from her as well.

More Than the Eye Can See

More Than the Eye Can See

30/06/2022

Our interview with Abraham Freid in the N’shei’s Tammuz issue, out now, gives a little insight into how being a chassid impacts his music.

NCN: How does being a Lubavitcher impact your shlichus as a singer?

AF: We are chassidim of the Rebbe, and we need to reflect the Rebbe’s hora’os, teachings, in all that we do. The Rebbe tells us to live our life always positive, uplifting, and inspiring others. We need to make people feel joyful and good and hopeful.

NCN: Did you give your albums to the Rebbe?

AF: Sure. I either brought it at dollars or gave it to the Rebbe through the mazkirus. Before releasing my very first album, I notified the Rebbe. He answered, "Write on the album not to play on Shabbos or Yom Tov." The Rebbe saw that one day the audience would expand to people who might
not know better.
I’ve had the zchus to get personal guidance from the Rebbe. After I informed the Rebbe about concerts coming up in Elul, he said, "Surely you will speak at each place about melech basadeh."
To this day, I keep doing that at every Elul concert.

28/06/2022

✨Handpicked✨

This past winter, in honor of Yud Shvat, Sara Gold, Mushka Pinson, Moussia Mandel, and Chana Rivka Stolik, all seniors at Bnos Menachem High School of Crown Heights, decided to create a unique booklet in which BMHS students would write about hishkashrus to the Rebbe. They told their fellow students:

“We want to hear your perspective, your experience, how you find meaning, and what hiskashrus means to you.”

In honor of Gimmel Tammuz, a day to increase our hiskashrus, Sara, Mushka, Moussia, and Chana Rivka are proud to share three of the submissions published in the book with readers of the N’shei Chabad Newsletter.

Their message is, "We hope you, too, will find meaning and inspiration to strengthen your own connection with the Rebbe."

An excerpt from Estee Wolfe’s writing, Handpicked:

I remember
That every time I hold back
I am sacrificing
That every time I do a mitzvah
I am connecting
That my ancestry
And my personal journey
Are also HP
And I’m only here
Because I was handpicked
The Rebbe wants me.

20/06/2022

Our N’shei should be gracing the stands very soon! As you can see, is on the cover and her inspiring, heartwarming story is on the inside pages🥹😊

We’re so excited for you to read the Tammuz issue of N’shei Chabad Newsletter! It’s a good one🤗

15/06/2022

Singing is a labor of love, sweat, and tears. This year marks a milestone for singer Avraham Fried, whose shlichus as a singer began 40 years ago at the age of 22. Avraham Fried has become a household name in many Jewish homes. (Avraham Fried is his professional name, but he's actually a Friedman, and his family goes only by the name Friedman.) His songs have been the soundtrack to many of our memories and life events. We’ve all enjoyed and been uplifted by his music. Avraham Fried kindly agreed to speak with the N’shei Chabad Newsletter and to share some of his memorable experiences and timeless principles with us.

Avraham Fried opens up and answers some interesting questions with some heartwarming answers in our newest issue of N’shei. Don’t miss out, you’ll want to read this one😉

Jewish Women's Magazine, Inspiring readers around the world for over 45 years!

01/06/2022

✨Never at a Loss for Words✨

How does N’shei keep filling up issues? Year after year? Five every year? For over forty years!? Approximately 180 pages each!? Where is the material coming from?

This past month, Rishe Deitch let the girls of Beis Rivkah seminary know that N’shei is NEVER at a
shortage of stories. How, you ask?

Every single person is a potential article. Every person has a story inside of them.

Rishe told the students where she may happen upon these stories: an airplane, a wedding, any social gathering, really!

She gave a few tips to unlocking this story, one being to look open and inviting. You’re interested! You want to know their story!

Rishe once ran after a woman playing guitar in a hospital and ended up with the incredible story of Judy Buckman that landed up on Chabad.org.

N’shei will always find the articles to fill its pages, because there’s an article in everyone.

31/05/2022

✨Only $3, but a whole lotta trust✨

If you’ll be working in a camp this summer, or attending or sending your children, this story is a must read! Written by Goldie Grossbaum and appearing in the next N’shei issue.

A boy attends summer camp and has a blast! He’s given inspiration, trips, fun times with friends, but only remembers his keychain when he comes home.

Let me explain.

One day during davening this boy brought his keychain to shul. He was holding it and fiddling with a keychain he had bought before camp for three dollars. Being that it wasn’t the time or place for it, the head counselor asked for the keychain, took it, and told the boy he’d return it on the last day of camp.

The last day of camp rolls around, and the head counselor doesn’t remember his promise.
“I never give things back when I take them away, sorry!”

The boy comes home after all this time away from his parents. And instead of mentioning the meaningful shiurim, the pool and crafts, he tells them about the broken promise.
“He took my keychain and wouldn’t give it back! Even though he said he would! And it was
three dollars!!”

His father, realizing that this symbolized more to the boy, reached out to the young head counselor. He explained that it’s more than just words or just a keychain. It’s the boys integrity and trust in an adult’s words. It’s a whole three dollars to a child, a lot more than it may seem to someone older.
The head counselor agreed and said he would replace the keychain.

Sadly, he later changed his mind.
“I don’t give back things that I take away.”

What do you think of this story? Do you think that you could see yourself sticking to your principals like that? Or maybe, once seeing the big picture of a child’s trust in what an adult promises, can make adjustments?

27/05/2022

✨Anxiety: Self-inflicted Punishment✨

Rabbi Manis Friedman calls anxiety, in part three of How Jews Deal With Anxiety, (in the upcoming NCN) “self-inflicted punishment”.

Many times, anxiety can come from having a rational problem that one can resolve, or a problem that he has no control over. If he can find a solution to the problem, he should try and do so, and if he can’t-worrying won’t help!

Rabbi Manis Freidman gives over a story to further his point:

A man once told the Rebbe that he wanted his daughter’s marriage to be sooner, because he had a heart condition and was afraid he would not make it to the wedding.
The Rebbe told him, “Don’t worry. It will be okay.”
The man said, “But Rebbe, I am going to worry.”
The Rebbe said, “There is nothing to worry about. You’ll be okay.”
The man said, “Rebbe, you know me. I’m going to worry.”
So the Rebbe made a gesture with his hand and said, “Worry; don’t worry. Either way, it’s going to be okay.”

You might have a tendency to think negatively, but you’re not going to mess up G-d’s plan. You’re only going to make life harder for yourself.

See what else Rabbi Manis Freidman has to say on anxiety in the upcoming Tammuz issue!

26/05/2022

✨Morse Code in the Classroom✨

Rabbi Avrohom Beller, a Gerrer chossid, brilliant educator, and licensed therapist from Borough Park, spoke to us about his experiences in the classroom.

“Often, students who seem to need discipline actually need something else, be it attention, recognition, or a more personalized learning plan.”

Rabbi Beller works to make sure his students know that his classroom will always be a safe and comfortable place, so that they can properly learn and flourish-not only as his students, but as children.

“One time, I noticed a boy looking under his desk while we were learning. I went over to him and saw that he was reading a book on Morse Code. This boy is on the Asperger’s spectrum. He is very bright but operates on a different wavelength than everyone else. I asked him if he wanted to fill out that day’s quiz in Morse Code, and his face lit up. He spent about an hour doing it. To figure out the answers I had to learn Morse code myself. He got all the answers right!”

In the coming N’shei Tammuz issue, Rabbi Beller shares more of what he believes makes a teacher, and how to help shape a student. He gives recommendations and advice for anyone in the education field, but also anyone working with a child.

23/05/2022

✨Rabbi Katzen’s Story✨

Part 2 of 2: The Pintele Yid

In part 1 on My Story 2, Rabbi Katzen relayed his memories of the Rebbe, with whom he went to often for advice and guidance.

After a year in yeshivah, where the Rebbe had suggested he attend, instead of college, Rabbi Katzen started worrying about finances. Maybe now would be a good time to get some credentials so he can make a livelihood. He went to the Rebbe and asked if he should go to college, he was nervous about the future. The Rebbe replied: “Right now, G-d is managing to take care of three billion people who have no college education. So probably He can take care of you also.”

Later, Rabbi Katzen came back to the Rebbe. Ready to work, but unsure in which area. The Rebbe advices that he take an aptitude test. He did, and was confused with the conclusion. The test had said he’d be best suited to be in a position to “help people”.
The Rebbe clarified for him that he should go into teaching. To focus not only on structure and curriculum but also on the Pintele Yid inside his students.

Rabbi Katzen explains: This was especially important in teaching Pre-1A, which is the equivalent of kindergarten in the Lubavitch day school system, where I have taught for over four decades. I have always tried to reach the Pintele Yid and to instill in each child an awe of G-d. With the Rebbe’s blessing, I believe I have succeeded.

19/05/2022

✨Remember Her? ✨
  
Back with some more interior design tips from Rivka Stern. If you’re interested, get ready for our Tammuz Issue, which will include all 23 of Rivka’s tips and tricks to make your house feel like home!  
  
✨Use the 60-30-10 Rule✨
The colors in your home can influence how you feel. Warm tones like red, orange, and yellow will energize you. Cool tones such as blue, green, and purple generally create quiet, relaxing atmospheres. If you want to put your color scheme together easily, use the simple 60-30-10 rule. Your 60 percent is the main color of your room (walls, floors, large accent pieces and furniture, and the main color of your area rug). This will anchor the space and serve as a backdrop for what comes next. Your 30 percent is the secondary color (bedding, large pillows and accent chairs, painted furniture and cabinets). Your 10 percent is the fun part—the “pops”  or accent color within your room (bright accent pillows, throws, flowers, or fun ornaments for your coffee table or bookshelves).  
  
✨Style With the Rule of Three✨
Things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and visually effective than  even-numbered groupings. One is lonely, unless it’s a showstopper element such as an over-  
sized vase or sculpture (in which case let it take center stage), and five is often too cluttered.   
Choose three objects of varying heights to style items on tabletops, consoles, nightstands or other surfaces, or arrange clusters of things grouped in odd numbers.  
 
Check out House to Haven NYC! (In our last post on Rivka, we forgot "NYC", it's important since there are other companies with similar names😋)

18/05/2022

✨challah for the soul✨

“My grandmother used to tell me stories of her childhood in Morocco. She would describe waking up at five on Friday mornings to bake challah with her aunt. In their small stone cottage, on a table covered in flour, they would knead the thick dough together and separate a chunk for Hashem. The impact of my grandmother’s challah traveled across oceans and generations.”

At the age of 26, Sheli Atara Man opened up Aroma NetCafé, believing that wealth was what made a good life. While making delicious foods and glorious coffees one day, Sheli was asked if the café could be used to host a weekly Torah class. Because it seemed like a good business opportunity, Sheli agreed.

Every week, while Sheli worked behind the counter, a Torah class was happening in her café. At first, Sheli tried to focus on something else besides the class, but soon became swept up in the interesting conversations and discussions.

Many difficulties, inspiration and years later (with many interesting details that you’ll have to read more about in our Tammuz issue) Sheli begins My Challah Project.

“The project aims to teach women how to make challah and perform the mitzvah of hafrashat challah. There is also a strong emphasis on how to spread love and compassion while making challah and giving it to others,” Sheli tells N’shei.
“My Challah Project began simply. I approached a few friends and asked them to come make challah with me in my house. We did that every week for months. Then, in order to reach even more women, I started going to the Ohel with many batches of dough and offering women a chance to make the brachah of hafrashat challah.”

There is so much more to Sheli’s story and the inspiration she gives to others! Maybe we’ll have to do another post on this one🤔

17/05/2022

✨Recipes, but make it inspiring✨

In this coming issue’s “Recipes” portion, Chana Murgulies, a resilient, optimistic and inspiring woman, is interviewed on how she hosts and entertains her guests in Tzfat. But she shares more than just that.

In her interview Chana relays how she perceives her past and present struggles:

I had just finished cancer treatment. I came to Tzfat to heal. The Chassidus classes in Machon Alte opened up new worlds for me. It didn't teach me to believe more in G-d. It taught me that I only exist in G-d…I had lost my fertility through the life-saving treatments and, with it, my self-esteem. Learning to identify as a spark of G-d allowed me to feel essentially worthy. That gave me the courage to be me, and to feel worthy of getting married.

Check out the coming issue of NCN to hear more about Chana’s journey and the recipes she shared for both your shabbos table and your daily life😊

10/05/2022

SATISFACTION AND SLEEP- 
 
Part 1 of 2: 
 
My Story 2, Lives Changed, published by JEM, has 33 stories of personal encounters with the Rebbe.  
Rabbi Shmarya Katzen tells of his story with the Rebbe in the new issue of the NCN, an excerpt from the new book. 
 
Rabbi Katzen wrote to the Rebbe for the first time asking whether he should leave university or not, having lost interest in studying. After the Rebbe’s advice to consult a friend, Rabbi Katzen wrote to the Rebbe again. He then responded saying, “It’s impossible for a Jew to feel satisfied unless he first satisfies his soul.”  
Rabbi Katzen committed himself to learning Torah. 
 
Rabbi Katzen continues to relay his story: 
As I proceeded with my yeshivah studies, I wrote to the Rebbe many times, and it was amazing to me how the Rebbe tolerated so many letters from me, and how he always answered. In one of my letters I complained that I was always very tired and that I didn’t sleep well at night. This made it hard for me during the day when I attempted to study for hours  
on end, trying to absorb knowledge. The Rebbe responded that I should see a doctor, and that I should begin reciting Chitas —the daily selections from the Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. And finally, he urged me to be more careful when reciting the bedtime Shema. He was referring to the prayer when we acknowledge the oneness of G-d before going to sleep. I recall that he specifically underlined the phrase “be more careful.” And ever since—for the last 54 years—I have been. It helped me enormously to sleep soundly back then, and it continues to help me to this day.  
 
Keep checking our Instagram for the continuation of Rabbi Katzen's story!

10/05/2022

“It takes great strength and bravery to stop doing that which worked for other people, and go for what you actually need right now, even if it's the unpopular choice.” 
 
There’s always been a stigma about going to therapy, seeing a psychiatrist, taking medication… although we’re becoming more open-minded these days, the stigma can stick in small doses. Enough to make you think, maybe I don’t need to speak to a professional, maybe a vacation is what I need instead.  
And of course, we all know ourselves best, but, like Avigail Levy says in the given quote, it’s extremely brave to be honest with ourselves and our current needs. No shame. No regret. No stigma. 
 
After her eighth child, Avigail experienced Post-Partum Depression. She writes in the upcoming N’shei Chabad Newsletter about the relatable journey from disbelief to acceptance, and from there to solutions.  
 
An incredible read with honesty, vulnerability and a handful of helpful platforms for anyone experiencing a similar situation. Pick up the next issue of N’shei Chabad Newsletter and flip to her article!

06/05/2022

Just as she was getting up from shivah for her mother, Mushka Lightstone got a call from Mrs. Chaya Rochel Lipsker, founder of the Los Angeles Jewish Ladies Chorale (LAJLC).  
 
“We have a song that will uplift and connect women—it carries a message of hope during this time when our tears are endless. The Chorale has not been able to practice together. Everything is on zoom. We need this to unite us. We want you involved. We want you to shoot and direct it as a music video.” 
 
Mushka writes her reaction: The next day I sat absorbing the melody of the 8th Day Song Tears and cried uncontrollably for the first time since my mother’s passing. The song unraveled emotions  
my mind had kept at bay. It touched my essence. Emotions of emptiness came crashing down as I yearned to connect with my mother’s soul. I stopped the song at the two-thirds point, called Chaya Rochel back and declined the job. Rather than be in any way discouraged, she took it as a sign that I was the right person for the project. 
 
Mushka took on the job of directing the music video for Tears, explaining she appreciated the opportunity to channel her grief in a healthy way. The opportunity to dedicate her work to her mother, and all mothers.  
 
You can find the music video Mushka directed on LAJLC's Instagram:

03/05/2022

Ever since his father’s passing, Lazer Raksin (to the right of the Rebbe) has made it his life’s mission to help other Jewish men fulfill the Mitzvah of putting on Tefillin.

In the upcoming issue, Raksin relays a miraculous story where he was able to be a shliach, and help another Yid understand the importance of the Mitzvah.
Raksin explains: “Yes, life can be devastating. Yes, sometimes we cannot understand Hashem’s ways. But we do not throw out our tefillin.”

This can be any mitzvah that, when times are hard, we find challenging to complete. Those are the mitzvos that we need to fight for.

02/05/2022

A few interior design tips from Rivka Stern, founder and principal designer of House to Haven:  
 
Mix Textures! 
If your space still feels like it’s lacking, add different textures via accents like rugs, throws, or  cushions. Always mix materials when adding texture-something glossy next to something  matte, something textured next to something smooth, metal mixed with wood, and don’t forget  some organic-shaped elements (often curvilinear in appearance, similar to those found in  
nature, such as plants, animals, and rocks). 
 
Mix up the Shapes! 
Most living rooms and dining rooms will have a lot of rectangles and squares —it’s simply the  nature of those bigger furniture items such as sofas, sideboards and sefarim shelves. If you  notice your space has lots of lines and right angles, think about adding some circles. A round  coffee table, a pair of round side tables, a round rug, or a large round mirror can really make a difference! 
 
Remember to Keep Things Consistent: 
Simply repeating a color, fabric, shape, hardware, molding, metals or lighting several times  within a room tells your eye the space holds together. 
 
More tips coming to the Instagram page and our upcoming Tammuz issue!

14/04/2022

♥️♥️♥️

11/04/2022

“From the time that I was a child attending cheder, and even earlier than that, there began to take form in my mind a vision of the future Redemption: the redemption of Israel from its last exile, redemption such as would explicate the suffering, the decrees and the massacres of galut.” —The Rebbe, in a 1956 letter to Israel’s president

May the Rebbe’s dream materialize into reality. We need Moshiach now!

10/04/2022

Not long after my book, Make Mine a Mensch!, was launched, I was out driving and stopped at an intersection just as a trendy young mum, pushing her stroller briskly on her morning power walk, called out to me, “Talli, see? I’m already implementing what you wrote in the first chapter of your book, and looking after myself!” How funny it is, I mused, how we all take to heart the lessons that speak to us most. She was right on task, recognizing that filling her own cup, in order to be able to pour into others, is not a luxury but essential!

—Talli Kimelman is the winner of the 2006 National Childcare Director of Australia Award, and author of Make Mine a Mensch. In the , she shares her commonsensical approach to raising great kids.

07/04/2022

Where in the world is the N’shei?

📍770 Eastern Parkway

Let us know where you’re reading the N’shei in the comments below!

06/04/2022

The Rebbe taught us that we answer darkness with light, hatred with love, negativity with more Jewish education and awareness. In the very same streets where the N***s once marched, we have Jewish children marching in Camp Gan Israel, singing Am Israel Chai. The very same rooms that were used by the N***s as a meeting place now house a Chabad school where Yiddishe kinderlach learn Torah daily.
There is no greater answer to darkness than that. The place that was the essence of evil is now a source of light. This is the Rebbe’s revolution!

—Mrs. Leah Tiechtel shares her experiences as a shlucha in Berlin in the

📸: Camp Gan Israel of Berlin

04/04/2022

NCN: What is your view on taking non-Jewish tunes and putting Jewish words to them?

Avraham Fried: A song has power. It connects you with the essence of the composer. I'm opposed to taking our holy prayers and setting them to unholy songs. You can’t take non-Jewish pop songs and make them holy. If after 120, I am asked in heaven if I ever used a non-Jewish tune, I hope I can proudly answer no.

Enjoy an exclusive interview with in the next N’shei Chabad Newsletter!

29/03/2022

As a young girl, I once sneaked into my parents’ bedroom and found a newspaper article hidden in the back of a drawer.
“Finally,” I thought. “Another piece of the missing puzzle of their past.”
The clipping showed a picture of my mother holding a picket sign in front of downtown Cleveland City Hall. She was demonstrating to extend the time limit for restitution from the German government.
The article briefly described her life story.
This is when I discovered that I had once had an older sibling, a newborn whom the N***s had taken from my mother and murdered…

—Raizel Sora (Sonia) Pershin, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, in the

📸: Abraham and Ruth Schwarz with their children Bill, Lily, and Raizel Sora (in the blue coat) in 1963

27/03/2022

On March 1, at 8 a.m., the main government building on Freedom Square was blown up by Russian soldiers. That same day, our beautiful Jewish day school was bombed.

By Wednesday morning it became clear that everyone who could move had to leave. We had to pack 32 years into two suitcases, with no
time to think about what to take and what to leave, and who knew when we would be back?

Before leaving Kharkov, we went to the shul, down to the basement where everyone was sleeping on mattresses on the floor. I told Ola the cook that we would be back soon. We both cried.

My husband went to the aron kodesh, kissed the paroches, and told the Aibershter, "We're coming back.”

—Miriam Moskovitz, shlucha of the Rebbe to Kharkov, shares her story in the upcoming . Subscribe now so you don’t miss out!

📸: Rabbi Moshe and Miriam Moskovitz. Swipe to see some images from their harrowing experience.

25/03/2022

At the Seder table, the Tzemach Tzedek, once observed someone measuring which piece of the middle matzah is bigger.

The Tzemach Tzedek remarked, “A gadol vas men darf em mestin, is kein gadol nit” – “One whose greatness has to be measured is not really great.”

True greatness is readily apparent and immediately recognized.

In the , enjoy selected excerpts to enhance your Seder from the book Ki Yishalcha Bincha by Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky

23/03/2022

Men and women were separated as soon as they entered the camp. My mother stood in a line, waiting to be directed to the right or to the left—towards life or towards death. A German officer called out, “Does anyone know how to sew?”
My mother jumped up and declared, “I am a professional seamstress.” In fact, she had never held a needle or used a sewing machine in her life. She learned quickly. Little did she know that sewing would become her savior and lifelong passion.

—Raizel Sora (Sonia) Pershin shares her mother’s story of faith and survival in the . Subscribe now through the link in our bio!

📸: Raizel Sora’s parents, Ruth and Abraham Schwarz, in 1990.

21/03/2022

“Ever since the war began, there was no electricity in some parts of Kharkov; many elderly or wheelchair-bound people cannot get out without elevators. Some of them had not eaten anything in days when we found them. It is hard but we were (still are as of this writing) trying to find drivers to bring food to these stranded people, and to carry them down and away when possible. Our brave driver just informed me that he managed to bring hot food to the 95-year-old man stuck on the sixth floor. The Israeli family that was for five days in the underground subway station finally moved into our shul shelter. We are feeding people in the shul—a lot of people. The phones keep ringing. Our hearts break as we know we can't help everyone.”

—Miriam Moskovitz, one of the Rebbe’s brave shluchos in Ukraine, shares her story in the
. Subscribe now so you don’t miss out!

📸: An elderly man being helped to safety in Kharkov’s Jewish Center

14/03/2022

When I was 21 and newly married, I called my parents across the country, with some bad news regarding my pregnancy. Something is wrong and they don't know what. It's Thursday and the results will only come after the weekend.
My mother phoned me back ten minutes later. Tatty and I have booked tickets. We are coming from Seattle to New York for Shabbos.

They came and they waited with me. In my little apartment. We sat all Shabbos. Talking about nothing. Eating food my mother had bought Friday afternoon on Kingston Avenue. There was nothing they could do. But they were there.
That's what love looks like.

In the , Temmi Hadar shares what true parental love looks like (and what it doesn’t). Subscribe now through the link in our bio!