What can you accomplish in an hour? This past Wednesday night, over 100 Bnos leaders and advisors got together for an inter-city leadership appreciation event, combining inspiration and fun. There was plenty of networking, plus a game, activity, and speaker.
Apropos for the crowd, the theme was “Yesh koneh olamo b’sha’ah achas.” Never underestimate the power of an hour. Bnos groups may seem like a tiny slice of time, but they have a ripple effect throughout the week.
Michal G., an advisor from the Lower East Side, explains the chizuk she gained from the event. “I grew up going to Bnos, and I was a leader in high school. Now I’m an advisor, but it’s all been within my community. I never realized how many other people do what I do! It was so inspiring to see a room full of girls and women who are also giving up their Shabbos afternoons for the klal.”
But the message went even deeper. “We heard a lot of tips and role-played situations that come up during Bnos Shabbos groups. I saw that everyone experiences the same issues. We’re not in this alone.”
That’s exactly the point, says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, national director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel. “We want to empower our leaders and advisors with the knowledge that they’re part of a national team. We have so many resources to support them, and we’re developing even more.”
For example, Mrs. Hass mentions the Purim compilation her team put together this year. It has Purim ideas from Bnos branches around the country. “Cities can learn from each other without having to reinvent the wheel,” she explains. “And watch out for a new leaders’ initiative coming after Purim!”
“Bnos leaders make an impact that goes far beyond Shabbos. Our volunteers should feel the chashivus of being a Bnos leader,” she concluded.
Want to learn more about becoming a leader? Call Bnos at 212 797 9000 ext. 330 or email
[email protected].
