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What women are saying about Bais Chana's study retreats ...

Shirley, Panama City
Spring 08 - Panama
In analyzing the meaning of the seminar for myself, there are several qualities that stand out. There were lessons which I learned and simply refreshed in my mind, and there were those which were totally new, such as the introduction to Tanya. However, the most meaningful were those which I thought I knew, but were reintroduced to me in a positive light. Perhaps the most difficult position to find oneself in is the middle, where one is neither a nonbeliever, nor a totally convinced believer, because that brings with it feelings of doubt, of guilt, of loss. All of these imply a certain negativity, and any introspection automatically brings with it a desire to evade, to elude. The belief, so loudly and emphatically affirmed by all the speakers, that just being a Jew is something to be celebrated, has pushed aside the curtains of negativity that I have often felt, allowing me to explore without fear, the questions I have about my beliefs.
 
I certainly am convinced that this is but a first step, and that the way is long, but to know that the road in and of itself has value makes the walk that much pleasurable, even exciting. We have become so used to labeling everyone and everything, and of course this brings with it the next step, which is judging everyone and everything. How refreshing to remove those labels, to simply enjoy "being" without concern of somehow being able to "live up" to the expectation of those around us. But this does not imply languishing and simply existing, not by a long shot.

If there would be one word to describe Malka's talks, it would have to be "dynamic", and that is what we are motivated to be. Actively and above all, positively, thinking, questioning, learning.
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Sylvia, Panama
Spring 08 - Panama
The seminar was of great value and content. The speakers were very well-versed on their subjects and their delivery kept one’s attention at all times.
I can only wish your group all the best, to continue to do the job you do for the improvement and well-being of those you teach. Thank you for all your efforts in making us better people!
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Heidi, New York
Summer 2007 - Minnesota
One of the things i find most exciting and rewarding about being together with others who are honestly seeking truth and authenticity in their lives is that just as I can see my own flaws reflected back to me from those around me, I can also recognize other aspects of myself when those around me honestly share their perceptions and experiences of themselves and their world.
This is particularly helpful when I inevitably (periodically) get disconnected from my inner self. Being a part of a group of others who are honestly sharing their experience, strength and hope helps revive and reconnect me to myself, my goals, the Rebbe, and ultimately to G-d when I temporarily lose my ability to recognize who and what I am and can be.
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Patricia, New York City
Summer 2006 Minnesota
I've returned home to New York and the "24/6" work world after the most memorable week of my "adult" life entirely rejuvenated and enlightened thanks to both Rabbi Friedman's lectures and the other very informative and inspiring lectures which I had the great fortune to attend last week! Even though I'm learning on a one-to-one basis with my conversion rabbi both here (twice/week) and in Florida (twice/month), what I EXPERIENCED with a great group of gals at Bais Chana only reinforced my love of Judaism's practices. For it's not only belief and philosophy that is so true in Judaism, it's putting those beliefs and philosophies into action that makes it real, true, and new each and every moment!

Chani, Ellie, and Estee's enthusiasm and knowledge were truly inspiring and I hope to return for a longer period next year! Many thanks!
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Joanne, Kansas City
Israel, Spring 2007
Recently I was asked to speak at our Chabad House about our trip to Israel and I was so pleased to tell about our wonderful hours spent in class; about the high caliber of women who went on the trip together; how our schedule never remained fixed but was always a moving target; about re-experiencing some places (i.e., Dead Sea, Ein Geddi, Acco, the western Wall tunnel, and others) was never boring and provided me time for reflection, or for seeing the same thing in a new way. I hope Bais Chana does this trip again. What a unique experience!
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Myriam, Miami
Winter 2007 – Key Largo, FL
Emotional healing with Fraidy Yanover was incredible, Rivky Slonim was amazing, and of course all of Rabbi Friedman’s lectures were unbelievable. I can’t describe how and what I’ve gained. It was just so filling and amazing. Count me in next year.

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Anna, Toronto
May 2005 - Berkshires
My thinking was challenged and I came away with a clearer understanding of my place in G-d’s world.
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Meet Kayla from Seattle. She’s got questions about life, about purpose and about her role as a woman. more women's profiles

 

Meet Dani. She attends a private school for math and science near Chicago, and really enjoyed meeting girls from around the world the summer she spent at Bais Chana. more teen profiles

Meet Yanna from Uzbekistan. Everything piqued her interest at Bais Chana – especially the waverunning. more student profiles

Following In Their Footsteps
Wondering where your favorite Bais Chana teachers will be over the next month? Track their footsteps here and catch up with them at classes, workshops, weekends and community events all over the world. this month’s calendar