Over 300 leaders and branch leaders from a broad range of cities participated in the 31st annual leadership convention of Bnos Agudath Israel of the United States and Canada held on Shabbos Parshas Vayigash in Chicago, Illinois. The event was hosted at the Agudath Israel of West Rogers Park which is under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Scheinberg.

This year’s theme, “Mi K’Amcha Yisroel” was poignantly developed by featured speaker Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller, Rosh HaYeshiva, Telshe-Chicago, who described the unique characteristics of Klal Yisroel and the important role a Bnos leader has in modeling those characteristics. Dr. Yitzchok Lob gave the girls the benefit of his expertise and insight, offering suggestions for developing the self-esteem of the young girls they guide, and Rabbi Benyamin Weisswasser, Rebbe, Vitziner Cheder, spoke about the power of a story. Workshops on “Discipline with Dignity” and “Let the Games Begin” ensured that the weekend was both inspiring and practical.

At the closing Melave Malka Rabbi Shmuel Feurst, Dayan of Agudath Israel of Illinois delivered a fascinating shiur on the topic of Bnos and Halacha. He was followed by Rabbi Dovid Schnell, President of Agudath Israel of Illinois, who gave divrei bracha and Mrs. Kraindel Mannes, Menaheles of Bais Yaakov Chicago, who spoke on the topic of “what the weekend really means.”

“Since its inception, Bnos has been a training ground for the leaders and educators of tomorrow,” says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director, Bnos Agudath Israel. “The convention combined practical instruction of how to run a group with old-fashioned, healthy fun – just what Bnos is all about. And it gave the girls a chance to experience the feeling of being part of something much larger than themselves – part of a national organization dedicated to Torah values, and part of the future of Klal Yisroel.”

Bnos Agudath Israel, the girls’ youth division of Agudath Israel of America, has been providing fun-filled Shabbos programs with a purpose for over 70 years.

(YWN Desk – NYC)