A major women’s farbrengen, organized by the Dnipro Jewish Community, took place at the world’s largest Jewish center, “Menora,” in honor of the 22nd of Shevat—the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Her personality and spiritual legacy continue to profoundly influence Jewish women worldwide.
The central theme of the gathering was the Rebbetzin’s special attitude towards every individual and her ability to see the value of the present moment. Participants heard a moving story from the Rebbetzin’s life involving a visit from young girls who brought her groceries. Instead of expected admonitions, they heard from her simple yet profound words about the importance of being able to rejoice in the good that Hashem gives a person in their daily life. This story served as a starting point for reflections on maintaining inner strength, fidelity to Jewish traditions, and gratitude to Hashem even in difficult circumstances.
Special attention was given to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s well-known perspective that the happiest moment is “now.” In the context of today’s reality, participants discussed the importance of not postponing feelings of joy and meaning for “later,” but rather learning to notice light and blessing in the present. The practical part of this discussion was a gratitude exercise, where each woman could identify what she is personally grateful to Hashem for in her life.
The farbrengen program included educational and interactive elements, with everyone actively participating in a Kahoot quiz dedicated to the life of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, featuring many interesting facts and thought-provoking questions. Various life statements were also presented for the women to contemplate, agreeing or disagreeing, and discussing which approaches help build a correct and meaningful life.
In honor of the Rebbetzin’s yahrzeit, Mishnayos were studied according to the letters of her name, serving as an important spiritual part of the program and a way to connect her memory with the personal work of each participant.
A special atmosphere was created by the Chassidic niggunim, performed together with all those present by special guests of the event, Rivka Stambler and Roza Nachshon. The communal singing filled the hall with a sense of unity and heartfelt warmth, characteristic of a true Chassidic farbrengen.
A unique modern element of the event was a special bot created for women for this day. Using a QR code, participants could access the bot, answer questions, make personal positive resolutions (hachlatos), after which a letter was generated and sent to the Rebbe’s Ohel in New York. In this way, the farbrengen found a continuation in each woman’s personal spiritual work.
“This was a very inspiring and meaningful event, and we all deeply felt the lesson that Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka imparted to us all. Her words help us look at everyday life in a new way and learn to appreciate the good already present in the life of every family,” noted one of the event organizers, Shoshana Weber. “When we learn to see the blessing in what we have today and thank Hashem for every detail of our lives, we truly become filled with light and meaning. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such gatherings, for the care for women, and for creating a space where we can grow spiritually together, thanks to our dear, united, and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community and its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
