The Mayanot
Women’s Program celebrated its 6th anniversary with an evening of
laughter and joy, dancing and singing. The Mayanot women, together with friends
and faculty, rejoiced at reaching this incredible milestone. So much hard work
and preparation went into making the evening special, which was mirrored by the
great success of the evening.
As a token of
their appreciation, the Mayanot women painted tea boxes for the faculty, friends
of Mayanot, and Shabbat host families. The recipients were touched when they
were presented with their own unique boxes. A creative, student made video was screened
that included short interviews with the women and Rabbi Levinger. A beautifully
designed booklet, placed at everyone’s table setting, was filled with fantastic
poems, illustrations, and stories about how Mayanot has had a lasting effect on
its students.
The speeches from
students, friends, and hosts illustrated how many people come together on a
daily basis to make Mayanot a place of sisterhood, serious learning, and
spirituality. Mayanot student Rachel Graff, a PhD student from North Carolina, said
a D’var Torah, followed by a L’chaim, saying “May we all succeed in conquering
our egos, tap into our true essence and unite as a Mayanot family”.
Mr. Andrew
Abraham, a board member and friend of Mayanot, spoke about how the Women’s
Program was created and the obstacles they faced to make the dream of a Mayanot
program for women a reality. Mr. Abraham’s words made the women appreciate all
the people who make Mayanot possible.
As a regular
Shabbat hostess, Mrs. Laurie Lurie has cultivated many meaningful relationships
with Mayanot students. She reflected on what a pleasure it is to host Mayanot
women at her Shabbat table, and even exclaimed, “The way that the Mayanot women
act is the best PR Mayanot can have!”
The choir
presented a heartwarming rendition of an original song composed by Chana Mushka,
with music by Cheved Kraz, entitled ‘River of Eden’. The women in the room were
led by the choir in lively nigguns and the smiles and laughter in the room were
contagious. The night concluded with a farbrengen where the Rabbis gave inspiring
interpretations of the parsha of the week. The power and the beauty of the
dinner invigorated and strengthened the Mayanot women as a group.
We would like to
thank everyone who came to our anniversary dinner and a special thank you to
those who contributed to the success of the evening. The event would not have
been the same without you. L’Chaim!
Written by
Mayanot student: Kira Waxer & Pru Reardon