“We are all wearing masks. We cannot imagine what the next person is hiding behind their mask.”

This was but one of the profound lessons shared at the recent Melava Malka celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Crown Heights Women’s Circle. Keynote speaker Mrs. Ariella Kamen described her miraculous journey to motherhood in a talk that brought tears and laughter. Though her condition is rare, her approach to emuna and her coping methods are universal lessons that all the attendees could relate to. 

Kamen was followed by Mrs. Matty Bryski, who spoke powerfully about her personal odyssey to Chassidus and her fruitful shlichus in California. Women’s Circle stalwart Mrs. Pearl Rimler brought the crowd to tears as she shared memories of her beautiful son, Sholom Meir, who passed away a few months ago, right before Rosh Hashana. The night of the melava malka would have been his tenth birthday. 

The hall was packed that motzei Shabbos as regulars and supporters gathered to share their love of the Circle that has created a powerful community over the last decade and a half. Its hallmark program is the popular Wednesday morning class, held each week in the shul at 580 Crown Street. Throughout the year, the Circle hosts farbrengens, mother-daughter learning programs, and special events. Between formal events, the Women’s Circle’s strength shines as it provides personal and financial support to women and families across the community. 

As they do every year, the Circle women made a collective hachlata at the Melava Malka’s close. In line with the Rebbe’s request that good news be shared with him, the women committed to filling in a duch at each Wednesday class. This follows another hachlata the women undertook at their monthly Imahos Ubanos gatherings. To honor two boys who tragically passed away this past year, attendees at the mother-daughter learning complete Thank You Hashem cards that are also brought to the Ohel regularly.  

The Women’s Circle is exceedingly grateful to several Crown Heights establishments that believe in their cause and support their work throughout the year. Of particular note, the Circle thanks Mr. Greens, Shabbos Fish, Sushi Spot, Everything but the Baby, Tzfasman’s Jewelers, Kettle and Cord, Chantilly, and Anash.org.

VIDEO

CH Women’s Circle Table Game: