Wednesday evening some 200 women gathered for Bikur Cholim’s Summer Fete in celebration of 40 years of outstanding community service.
Held at Beis Rivkah’s Campus Chomesh, the guests included older women as well as a younger crowd, in testament to the both the organization’s long history and the recent influx of young organizers who breathed new life into the program.
The event was emceed by Baila Olidort, editor of Wellsprings Magazine and Lubavitch.com, who began with how Bikur Cholim came to her family’s aid when her mother took ill, providing much needed transportation in the late hours of the night.
“Amidst my misfortune, I was blessed with good fortune,” Olidort said describing how even through those difficult times, she felt lucky to have the support of the organization.
Next, Mrs. Ita Lustig was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in tribute to her 35 years as leader of Bikur Cholim. She was presented with a beautiful clay art piece depicting the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim created by 14 year old Mushkah Friedman of Santa Cruz, a finalist in the Art & Writing Competition.
Lustig spoke to the crowd about her years at the Bikur Cholim, before the advent of email and text-messaging—where it was actually hard work to get through to someone! She reminded the organizers of the importance of the work that they do.
“And not to get discouraged even when it gets hard.” She ended with a plea to the audience to “Please help them carry the burden” through volunteering and fundraising.
Marcia Bodenstein, the affable and humorous CEO of StartFresh Weight Control Program began her talk with the mantra: “You are not good to anyone if you are not good to yourself.”
She taught the crowd to nurture themselves through SNAP: Sleep, Nutrition, Action and Psychology. “We don’t have a healthcare system in this country,” she said, “we have a disease-care system. Take a walk, that’s healthcare!”
Levana Kirschenbaum, the renowned cooking instructor, preceded her demo with the announcement that she is working on a 4th cookbook, her “magnum opus”.
Then she demonstrated a quick and healthy meal including Miso soup, maple roasted salmon, Spanish cous cous, chocolate mousse and carrot cake for dessert. She showed the audience that healthy cooking does not mean extra mess, time or effort and pointed out that gourmet cooking is within reach—as all the evening’s ingredients (at the buffet and during the demo) were generously donated by local businesses BenZ’s and Mr Greens. Then everyone got to feast on the delicacies she had prepared.
Writers Rishe Deitsch and Devorah Leah Rosenfeld made an appearance to announce The Bikur Cholim Art & Writing Contest Winners:
Esther Heubner of Bnos Chomesh – Grade 11, took home the iPad for her first prize winning essay.
Chana Silver of Bnos Menachem – Grade 12, received an iPod Nano and music CD for her 2nd place winning painting of two boys laughing.
Levi Gansburg of United Lubavitch Yeshiva – Grade 8, and Mushky Goldshmid of Bais Chaya Mushka – Grade 8, tied for third place for their essays, each receiving a personalized leather tehillim and a music CD.
The remaining finalists were awarded a certificate. All of the top 10 entries will be published in the upcoming issue of N’shei Newsletter.
Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights is currently serving 117 families in Crown Heights, providing services ranging from transportation and hot meals, to babysitting and financial assistance. It began 40 years ago by the women of Crown Heights and has continued till today as a bedrock community organization committed to helping those in medical distress.
The evening was dedicated to the memory of Avraham Shamshon ben Reuven by his children Alexander & Leah Poltorak.
so why don’t you leave an email address where you can be contacted?
what book are you writing?
this was a project launched in girls high schools.
to help create an awareness of the importance of bikkur cholim, helping out families in the community. Not because they are C”V “nebach…”, but because we are “areivim ze laze” and we are here for each other!
how did every one know about this event I didnt see any advertising. can someone tell me please
Baila Olidort was a superb hostess. Wonderful stories well delivered. No pedantics. I enjoyed meeting her. Not only a writer, but also a wonderful speaker.
Is this the mother of Maimon Kirschenbaum? The celebrity New York lawyer? Wow. What a family! If it is indeed his mother I would love to interview her for a story I am doing on Maimon. When it comes to subject research thank goodness for google!
congrats esti,fruma and chana!!!
i can not belive those tables in Beis Rivka!!!!
very moving mc with good stories and inspiring words
New talent!
What a great MC!
Sophisticated yet moving and engaging.
Would love to see her MC other functions.
looking & looking for RTY and finally we found her 😉
schaust gut aus, weisht,
sehr weit entfernte menschen
I am surprised you haven’t commented on this beautiful event!
From Enn Are!
I attended the event and it was every bit as beautiful as described. Inspiring, entertaining, with delicious food and impeccable decor. It was such a treat of a night out! And to think that it benefits bikur cholim is the cherrry on the pie…
as usual the greatest!!!!!! levana does it again!
adina gachan is that you? baby? blue=boy??
NGVVFB VB
mushka that piece of art is stunning!
why no pictures of marcia? she was hilarious! so was levana. i really enjoyed the evening.
love the friend of ur bubby – ilsh – you know who i am!
YOUR PIECE ROX DA HEAVENS!!!!!!
Always big baalei tzedakah! You make our community proud.
Good luck to all
We love Lavana!!! YEAH
henya you look so cute!
Mushka, can you make me one of those? It’s extraordinary!
it was a beautiful event and Marcia Bodenstein’s talk was outstanding
she is beautiful and eloquent and her words are wise
btw it’s the N’shei Chabad Newsletter – not N’shei Newsletter
thank you for lovely coverage
GOOOOOOO MUSHKA FRIEDMAN!
ur project is gorges
mazel tov