Will this year be different? Will this be the year in which we remake our inner selves, restyle our priorities, remodel our daily choices? Or…will it be a robotic repeat, an automated drill, a mindless going-through-the-motions?
It depends on you—and Ohr Naava is here to help.
Founded in 2004 in loving memory of Naava Katlowitz a”h, a devoted wife and mother who was a beacon of spirituality, the legendary organization has filled a gaping hole, giving Jewish women and girls of all backgrounds a place to recharge their spiritual batteries, build a supportive social network, and enjoy wholesome, creative programming all year round.
But during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah each year, Ohr Naava spurs a veritable revolution—hosting Avinu Malkeinu, the largest-of-its-kind women’s event ever. Jumpstarted by Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, the center’s unstoppable founder and director, Avinu Malkeinu’s evening of inspiration first made its appearance eight years ago, offering women of the tri-state area a massive, transformative event of awakening. Since that hugely popular start, attendance at the gathering has shot up each year.
“People were thirsting for this kind of program,” says Ohr Naava’s newest addition, Director of Fundraising Mr. Binyomin Hoffman. “For many, it’s become a mainstay; they won’t go into Yom Kippur without it.”
As in previous years, the much-anticipated Brooklyn gathering is to be held in the neighborhood’s largest venue: the Walt Whitman Hall at Brooklyn College. On Monday, September 9, 3000 reflective women from across the religious spectrum will once again pack the cavernous auditorium, embarking on personal journeys of transformation.
“We get high school students, post-sem girls, young marrieds, middle-aged moms, and grandmothers,” says Elisheva Perlman, the center’s Director of Communications. “Not infrequently, we’ll see three generations walking through the doors together. It’s incredibly moving.”
But beyond the enormity of the event, or the breathtaking, electric atmosphere that’s inevitably induced when 3000 growing women get together, attending Avinu Malkeinu has become a community given thanks to the evening’s stellar lineup— an array of internationally-renowned speakers known for hard-hitting, riveting presentations, including Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, Rabbi Eli Mansour, and Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser.
And the inspiration continues to spread. Following the overwhelming success of past events, Avinu Malkeinu is now replicated in nearly every major Jewish community across America. This year, thousands of Baltimore, Los Angeles, Lakewood and Toronto residents have already been uplifted by Ohr Naava, with overflowing attendance in their respective communities.
“All I could think was mi ke’amcha Yisrael,” reflects Mr. Avrohom Tikotzky, propietor of Home and Stone, corporate sponsor of Lakewood’s Avinu Malkeinu. “As MC of the event, it was staggering to see how many women and girls took time out of their busy schedules to learn, grow, and change.”
Coming up this week are the major Brooklyn, Monsey and Yerushalayim women’s events, all featuring dynamic speakers who masterfully combine charisma and content, including Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Rabbi Wallerstein, and Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi—the brilliant, powerful Jerusalemite teacher who has fast become Israel’s most sought-after, beloved speaker.
For women in all other locations worldwide, the Brooklyn and Israel programs can be viewed live from the comfort of their own homes, or at a satellite location arranged in advance with Ohr Naava.
“You may not be in Yerushalayim, but you can still capture the inspiration,” says Elisheva Perlman. “Right before Yom Kippur, thousands of women worldwide will tune in to the monumental gathering at the Great Synagogue.”
Reports of Avinu Malkeinu’s astounding impact have sparked interest in the corporate world as well. Numerous stores and companies haved asked to participate in the unforgettable evening, and this year, the event’s corporate sponsors include Junee, Yated, Pinnacle Diagnostic Radiology, and AMI Magazine.
“Avinu Malkeinu is ours,” says June Abkesis, creator of the popular Junee brand and franchise. “Sponsoring this hallmark event is an immeasurable zechus for myself, my family, and my business, and until 120, I will cherish the magnificent opportunity.”
“Pinnacle Diagnostic Radiology is proud to support Ohr Naava and sponsor such an important event for women in the community,” says Sofia Napalotino of the PDR state-of-the-art imaging center. “Our commitment to women’s health is equivalent to the mission of this worthy organization.”
“We feel privileged to be sponsoring this event, which will serve to inspire thousands of women and enable them to merit a kesivah v’chasimah tovah,” says Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz, Editor of Yated Ne’eman.
“Ohr Naava is an outstanding organization that has become integral to frum women and girls worldwide,” says Rechy Frankfurter, senior editor at AMI Magazine. “We are excited to partner with them as always.”
Whatever your age and stage, asserts Communications Director Elisheva Perlman, you will emerge from the experience inspired—and invigorated.
“If you are a growing Jewish woman, you want to be here. It’s about 10,000 women dropping it all—and coming together to change.”
Past years’ events have sold out; ensure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance at www.onavinumalkeinu.com , or by calling 718-647-6228.
For more information about Avinu Malkeinu, or to sponsor a part of this program l’iluy nishmas a loved one, please email [email protected], call 718.647.6228, or visit www.ohrnaava.com .