Virtual Rosh Chodesh Timely Tehillim class with Rivka Segal
August 5:
LA Community Rosh Chodesh Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Moshe Gersht
August 6:
Annual Taste of Chizuk Summer Retreat - Pearl River, NY
August 11:
Cleveland community Rosh Chodesh Program
August 13:
Virtual Tisha B’Av Program with Rabbi Mordechai Burg
September 19: Rivka Segal LIVE in Monsey
September 22: Cleveland community Spa for the Soul Day Retreat
Nov 20-25: Trip to Eretz Yisrael
January 6-8: Boca Winter Get-A-Way
Ongoing Chaburah with Rebbetzin Shira Smiles - Tuesdays on zoom
Five Towns Lunch n ’ Learn Chaburah - Wednesdays
*Events will be added to the calendar throughout the year Any omissions are due to time of distribution
CHIZUK MISSION NEWSLETTER
To My Dear Chizuk Sisters,
I am filled with immense simcha as I share with you a milestone that has been long overdue The launch of this newsletter is not just the result of countless hours of dedication and hard work, but a testament to the power of ratzon and unwavering siyata dishmaya
From the earliest days of the Chizuk Mission’s journey, there were moments of doubt, challenges, and setbacks Yet, through it all, what remained constant was the dream – a dream that fueled determination and guided every step The process of expanding the Chizuk Mission’s reach has been a blend of strategic planning, creative thinking, relentless ratzon and Hashem’s tremendous chesed It has been a journey filled challenges and achievements, each teaching valuable lessons and reinforcing our commitment to be part of Hashem’s army
Now, as we launch this newsletter and witness tremendous growth in communities across the U S , the excitement is palpable It represents more than just the realization of a long-held dream; it is the ohr of possibility, a tangible manifestation of what can be achieved when passion meets persistence and when we work together as a team It is a celebration of every small victory along the way and a tribute to the collective effort of everyone involved
But beyond the personal satisfaction, there is a broader significance It serves as a reminder that dreams, no matter how ambitious, are attainable It stands as a beacon of hope for anyone who dares to dream big As we move forward, let this milestone inspire us all to chase our dreams with renewed vigor to embrace challenges as opportunities, and to believe in the extraordinary power of ratzon Here's to new beginnings and the endless possibilities that lie ahead
With gratitude to Hashem and excitement, Barrie
By:BarrieFeld
As we approach chodesh Av, there is a profound opportunity to deepen our connection with Hashem, our Father (בא) It is the very purpose of our existence Av offers us the chance to refocus reframe and reconnect with the divine in the most accessible and intimate way
**The Loving Parent**
Although a parent may have to discipline their child at times, the harshness felt in the moment is necessary in order to protect and support, stemming from a place of deep love and care This mashal helps us understand our relationship with Hashem Every challenge, every setback, and every moment of discomfort is a reflection of Hashem’s deepest love and concern for our well-being He is guiding us, nurturing us, and pushing us to reach our highest potential
**The Conduit to Hashem**
Our journey through life is essentially a journey towards Hashem Every action, every thought, and every tefilah is a conduit that brings us closer to the divine Av is a special time to reflect on this connection and strengthen it As we navigate through the daily grind, it's easy to lose sight of our spiritual goals However, Av serves as a powerful opportunity to refocus on what our true yearning is
**A Time of Yearning**
As we enter the month of Av, we often feel a deep desire for change, for growth, and for a better year ahead This is because Av is the month when Hashem is the most accessible to us This yearning is our neshama’s way of telling us that we want this year to be different, to be the year we ' ve always dreamed of
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CHIZUK MISSION NEWSLETTER
Magen Avraham
Tears flow
Where to go
Feel safe and sound
Sirens blast
Running fast
Shelters underground
Texts emails
Reports details
Heads spinning round
Through pain
Courage gain
Reserves bravely found
Shifting gears
Through our fears
New points of view
We are proud
State out loud I am a Jew!
Hashem by my side
Will not hide
Love shining through
Continue to pray
Throughout the day
Sights on what is true
As a team
Strength we glean
Becoming one
Turn evil to good
World understood
Morality has won
Show the way
Grow each day
Building faith in you
As in years past
Our people steadfast
Survival renew
A Deep Connection: Embracing the Essence of Av (cont.)
**Showing Our Commitment**
How do we show Hashem that our yearnings are genuine? By taking concrete steps in the final months of the year to demonstrate our commitment This is the time to reflect on our actions, to make amends, and to set intentions for the year ahead Hashem believes in us, and it is up to us to show that we are worthy of His investment into our relationship
**Av: Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li**
While "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li" is typically connected to Elul, the closeness to Hashem during Av is also an opportunity to show our love for Him It is a call to live with awe, appreciation, and mindfulness, recognizing the blessings we have and the potential within us
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us embrace the essence of Av Let us take this time to deepen our connection with Hashem, to show our commitment, and to prepare ourselves for a year of growth love and divine connection The opportunities are in our hands; seize the moment
The Power of Unity in Our Tefilos
By: Adina Greenberg
The power of collective effort is truly remarkable When people come together with a shared purpose, their combined strength can lead to extraordinary outcomes I have been privileged to witness this firsthand
Back in March 2021, a fellow Chizuk sister expressed her feelings of helplessness in not being able to support her children struggling with infertility Around the same time, a friend mentioned being part of a group of 40 women who, for 40 weeks, recite Tefilas Chana at licht benchting as a zchus for couples to have children Inspired by this, I was eager to help and arranged a similar group With much effort, baruch Hashem, we began davening for four couples, and remarkably, within a year and a half three of those couples welcomed babies
The news of our efforts spread, attracting more women to join us We are now on our fourth round, and nearly ten babies have joined Klal Yisroel through our prayers One baby was even born within the 40 weeks, arriving a bit early! It is incredibly rewarding to daven for these couples, playing a small part in bringing them the simcha that they have yearned for We don't know the couples, only that they are close relatives of a Chizuk sister and aware that we are davening for them (a requirement from daas Torah)
Many women have shared that aside from the obvious nisim resulting from our collective prayers they look forward to reciting the Tefillah every Friday night and have seen yeshuos in their own lives The support and unity we provide each other amplify our individual tefilos, creating a powerful force that transcends our own limitations
The power of collective tefillah knows no bounds, and witnessing the tangible results makes our efforts even more meaningful This collective effort has not only brought bracha to the couples we daven for but has also strengthened our bonds It serves as a reminder that when we join forces, we can make a real difference bringing chizuk and simcha to those in need
Poem by: Marcia Levy
What’s New
Check out our newly designed website, www chizukmission org
Find previous class recordings, register for upcoming classes and events, see pictures from previous programs and much more!
You can create a profile on the site; log in, and save personal information like payment details to streamline registrations. New features also allow you to see which upcoming programs you are already registered for
Got a Chaburah?
Have you started a chaburah?
Let us know by registering your chaburah with us. We hope to offer occasional training and ideas for those running chaburahs
Click here to register yours
Past Event Photos
CHIZUK MISSION NEWSLETTER
By: Amy Lefcoe
I hear it over and over again - “Mi K’amcha Yisrael” - Who is like you, the Jewish people? The collective efforts that have been made by the Jewish people, for the Jewish people, since the beginning of the war are staggering Donations, supplies, help, support, hope, and love, just keep coming
What else? Is there something more we could be doing? And what if a person isn’t able to give donations or pack boxes? Do they still have the ability to help?
Enter the world of mitzvos - our secret weapon How could that be? We’re doing mitzvos all day long Do they really have an effect on the soldiers, the hostages, the injured, Eretz Yisrael, and Jewish communities around the world? How could doing, or even upgrading a mitzvah, possibly make that kind of a impact?
So let’s try to understand what a mitzvah really is Jewish wisdom tells us that we were put into this world to have a relationship with Hashem We do this through actualizing our potential, by becoming the “greatest us ” that we can be What is the barometer for success in this mission? Overcoming our nature and perfecting our character! And Hashem gave us a guidebook on how to do it - the Torah It is filled with 613 mitzvos to help build us
Every time I control my natural desire and choose the opposite because that’s what Hashem wants me to do, I grow I grow as a person and I grow closer to Him It’s a winwin Let’s look at an example to which we can all relate: I’m at a get together with a bunch of friends, a topic comes up regarding a particular person, and I have a juicy piece of gossip to add It’s on the tip of my tongue and then I think of the mitzvah in the Torah to not speak negatively about someone
(Parashas Kedoshim)
cont
I bite my tongue, control the enormous urge I have to “share what I know” and excuse myself to go get a drink Success
Okay - but what does this have to do with me and my ability to impact the war? Get ready for a big concept Rabbi Shmuel Meir Riachi write in The Elucidated Tomer Devorah, “Our Sages tell us that mankind is a microcosm of the entire world The world mirrors the deeds of man, which means that we have great power to shape and improve everything that transpires By perfecting our character (by changing ourselves), an individual can indeed change the world”
We have enormous power in Heaven We have the ability to tip the Heavenly Scales on the side of good G-d created a world that we can change by changing ourselves Now that’s a win-win-win
The Art of Hosting
By: Baila Frankel and Miriam Tress
The nine days are coming (or already here depending on when you are reading this) and meal prep can be challenging boring or just extra work to think creatively about what to make From hosting to preparing, we want to give you creative and easy ways to freshen up your table
IntheKitchen
This easy and delicious recipe is great for the nine days
Side of Salmon
(Can be a small piece does not have to be entire side)
Shmear fish with Mike’s Sesame teriyaki sauce
Evenly create rows of the following toppings (as pictured):
Minced garlic
Poppy seeds
Sesame seeds
Dry fried onions
Minced onion
Dried Parley flakes
Bake at 350
For 25-30 minutes
cont next page
Our Secret Weapon - Mitzvos Matter
What’s Mine is Yours
By: Barrie Feld
Baruch Hashem the Chizuk Mission has exploded its reach and impact, and I want to thank YOU
Taking responsibility is essential to continuing to allow these ideas to spread and grow Recognizing our role in any situation, whether positive or negative, shifts us from passive participants to active contributors You are no less responsible for this than I am
Embracing our unique strengths allows us to make a positive impact You are part of making this happen When you tap into your unique life’s strength you are the benefactor helping to change the world
Enjoyed this first edition of our monthly newsletter? Let us know! Have an idea to contribute for a future edition? Be in touch with Aviva Fass, avivafass@chizukmission com
A JOKE - Praying to G-d
By: Aish HaTorah
A man had eight o ’clock reservations at a downtown restaurant It was nearly eight and he couldn’t find a single parking spot
He circled around the block with no luck Finally, he called out “G-d, please help me find a parking space!” Still no luck
“G-d if you give me a parking spot I’ll go to shul every day ” No spot
“G-d, I’ll keep kosher!”
All of a sudden, right in front of the restaurant, a car pulled out – leaving a large parking space Eagerly, the man maneuvered into it while calling out, “Never mind G-d, I found one!”
Upcoming Simcha?
Let us know! We would love to share your simcha and nachas with the group Send us an email to let us know and we will include it in the next edition of the newsletter Email: thewomenschizukmission@gmail com
CHIZUK MISSION NEWSLETTER
The Art of Hosting (cont )
Setting the
Table
Creating an inviting and stylish tablescape doesn't have to be complicated or expensive Enhance your table setting with items that are easy to find and budget-friendly
Visit your local Amazing Savings, Dollar Store or Home Goods These places have hidden gems that can add a unique touch to your table, like unique plates and glasses
Add a splash of color with colored goblets and accent plates They will add excitement and vibrancy to your table, creating a cohesive and eye-catching look
Faux floral arrangements can bring color and depth to your table without the hassle of maintaining fresh flowers They are a lasting, versatile and budget friendly option Incorporate botanicals with greenery, flowers, or succulents to bring a natural element to your tablescape (check out Ikea)
Choose placemats or chargers in bright, vivid colors to create a happy ambiance or use cork chargers to add a rustic touch
Candles are a simple way to enhance the atmosphere during evening gatherings They add warmth and a touch of elegance
Choose cloth napkins in plaid or print to add a touch of sophistication and texture to your table setting
If you ' re in a pinch, head to a place like Amazing Savings for high-quality plastic tableware that looks nice but doesn’t break the bank
The Cries of Tikvah
By: Aviva Biberfeld
We are all familiar with the idea that when chodesh Av comes we lessen our simcha We are also told,
anyone who mourns for Jerusalem will be able to see Jerusalem in its happiness or glory And one who doesn’t mourn appropriately, won’t
What does it mean to lessen simcha and what does it mean to mourn for Jerusalem? In our generation, there are two additional questions First how do we mourn for something that we never had, not clearly knowing what we are missing? Secondly, in this generation, how to we mourn and carry the churban and not fall into depression and despair?
The Nesivos Shalom brings down that when Moshe Rabeinu was floating on the Nile in a basket, Basya, Pharoah’s daughter found him She said, he’s from the Jewish children How did she know? She knew because the cries were cries of tikva, of hope, and not cries of yaush, of despair Jews cry when it hurts We cry from pain but we don’t despair We look for the light even in the darkness
This year, more than any other in our lifetime, has brought us intense pain We feel deeply what Hashem has brought on us and what it means that the Yishmaels of the world want to wipe us out This year has also brought tremendous strength and new meaning for many of us a new appreciation of being part of the holy Jewish nation
By incorporating these simple tips you can create a beautiful and inviting tablescape to usher in the geula!
The month of Av is a time to be aware that Hashem’s holy light is hidden from us The darkness in the world is palpable even to those who are not as spiritually attuned What would happen if we can use this month to try to imagine what it would be like for our Father’s home to be rebuilt and for all of Hashem’s children to come home and to stay close? Can we use the power of our imagination and visualize parents and children reuniting, in a place and space of calm beauty, and to know that we are all really finally home? What would it be like if we could really see and feel Hashem’s love for us and to see His light with absolute clarity? Our cries would still be in part for the tragedies the Jewish nation has endured in this long galus But mostly we would be looking with hope to the time when the curtains are pulled back, and Hashem is no longer hidden when families are reunited in this world, and we are ultimately reunited with our Heavenly Father May it be very soon!
