Posted on 09/16/24
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 15, 2024 - When close to 70 almanas (widows) of all ages, stages, and backgrounds get together to share a weekend, you would think the mood would be sad or morose. On the contrary, this past Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 1, the atmosphere was uplifting, upbeat, and inspiring at the Third Annual Nismach Labor Day Weekend Shabbaton.
The Shabbaton is the highlight of the year for the members of Nismach, a group formed for Orthodox Jewish widows in 2016 by Stephanie Savir-Perlman of Silver Spring. Its activities are patterned after those of Samchainu, the New York-based international support community for presently 2700+ almanas. In 2019, Nismach expanded to include widows from Baltimore. The group is sponsored by Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington. There is no charge to join or to participate in any event. Ahavas Yisrael and STAR-K Kosher Certification, in addition to private donors, helped sponsor this year’s Shabbaton.
The Shabbaton kicked off on erev Shabbos when the women descended upon Michael and Margie Pensak Steinberg's home - where all five meals and activities took place - to pick up welcome bags and enjoy a piece of hot potato kugel. In addition, professional sheitel touch-ups by Fagie Rosen and Sury Goldman and relaxing mini chair massages by Holistic Massage were offered. The women were hosted in approximately 16 neighboring Ranchleigh homes.
Insightful, inspiring Divrei Torah on a variety of topics were shared by scholar-in-residence, Mrs. Malkie Katz, of New Haven, Connecticut, and Baltimore’s own Rivka Leah Goldman. The delicious meals were peppered with beautiful Shabbos zemiros led by Rebbetzin Evelyn Hyman. The Shabbos afternoon program included a Q & A featuring Rabbi Yisrael Motzen, Rav of Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue; and presentations by former Baltimorean, Rosalie Daniel, of Boca Raton, who described growing up frum behind the Iron Curtain, and Keren Simchas Chosson V'Kallah (KSCVK) founder, Devorah Benjamin, of Brooklyn.
Following Shalosh Seudos and Havdalah, the women were treated to a pizza Malave Malka and live concert by internationally renowned singing star, Elena Tal. As part of her impressive and inspiring hour-long performance, Mrs. Tal was joined by guest artists, violinist Sara Leeba Caplan and one of her own voice students, Shira Miriam Kimelfeld.
The weekend culminated with a farewell brunch on Sunday morning, which featured speakers Breindy Halberstam of Monsey, co-founder of Samchainu, and Baltimore native Estelle Levitas, a nonagenarian who shared her humor and inspirational life story of becoming Shomer Shabbos at the age of 90.
“New friendships were made, and old ones nurtured,” shares co-Shabbaton coordinator Laurie Cohen. “Everyone went home on a high, feeling filled with warmth and love… Today, Nismach has over 170 members from Baltimore, Silver Spring, and the Greater Washington area suburbs. It is the club "no one wanted to join", but those who do find friends and solace, by others who "get it”.”
Breindy Halberstam was just one of several guests who gave a rave review about the event:
“It was so enjoyable! I appreciate all your hard work. I am sure you had pleasure to see the impact on so many women. It will keep them going through many hard times!”
Yet others expressed sentiments such as: “Thank you for an amazing Shabbos!! I loved every moment of it!”; “Beautiful memories of new friendships and sisters.”; “The Shabbaton was so uplifting! All the speakers were inspiring. Also, I loved the ruach and the singing.”; and “The Shabbaton left me filled up, physically, spiritually and emotionally. I received chizuk from all of you to last until next time we’re together…I thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Nismach provides informal support and camaraderie by offering opportunities to get together – both in-person and virtually. Just some of their events include monthly speakers; weekly art classes on Zoom; paint nights; women-only swims; luncheons; and an annual boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay. Prior to Yom Tov, each woman receives a beautiful gift.
In addition, approximately 80 members participate in a very active Nismach WhatsApp chat, where information, simchas, concerns, and sorrows are comfortably shared.
For more information regarding joining Nismach and donating, visit Nismach.org.
