Media RoomTorah & Life Lessons In South Florida
AFN Board member Nicole Kavana and husband, Jordan, hosted a conversation with two extraordinary Jewish women, International Board of Governors (IBG) President Jeanie Schottenstein and Nishmat Scholar Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel in their South Florida home. AFN Vice President and IBG Chair Wendy Greenbaum moderated the talk that focused on the importance and changing roles of women in Jewish life.
Jeanie Schottenstein embracing one's role as a Jewish woman and carrying that identity with pride. She mentioned the importance of parents today giving their children undivided attention. She also spoke about living with passion and dedication to a meaningful cause like Nishmat, where women can have their questions answered by an expert, compassionate female address. She quoted IBG member Ariella Guggenheim, who said, "Nishmat's work is revolutionary, yet it occurred without a revolution." Lindsay and Joey Schottenstein and Chava and Alex Mann cohosted the event, which concluded when Jay Schottenstein spontaneously spoke to the group, "In my business, we have to understand what the next generation wants. They want something real, something genuine. Nishmat is real. When you go to Nishmat and see the faculty and students and how much they are passionately committed to both study and service, it excites you."
Chava Mann hosted a luncheon for Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel the next day attended by over 60 women. “Simcha (joy) is a great form of worship,” Yoetzet Halacha Fraenkel taught, “but it’s not always so simple. Sometimes we put obstacles in our own way.” Crediting Rav Nachman of Breslov, she advised, “Take a certain time of the day to be broken (hearted). The rest of the day to be in joy.”
