Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel of America, addressing the convention. —

Excitement filled the air as hundreds of leaders arrived in Philadelphia this past Shabbos for the National Convention of Bnos Agudath Israel of America. The girls came for a weekend of leadership training, achdus and ruchniyus inspiration. The Shabbos accomplished all of that and much more. Bnos leaders travelled from 28 cities throughout the United States and Canada to attend the convention.

The program began with powerful words of chizuk from Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah of Philadelphia and member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah  shlita, who helped the girls understand their very special role in Klal Yisroel and their enormous ability to influence the next generation. The participants were then greeted by Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director of Bnos Agudath Israel, Meira Friedman, Chapter Advisor of Bnos of Bala Cynwyd and Mrs. Chani Goldstein, Chapter Advisor, Bnos of Northeast Philadelphia. The evening concluded with a panel discussion entitled “Finding Your Role within the Klal” addressed by Rebbetzin Miriam Kamenetsky, Rebbetzin Nechama Svei, Mrs. Sara Leah Greenspan and Mrs. Ruthi Lynn. The panel was moderated by Mrs. Rachael Biberfeld.

Friday was filled with enjoyable activities and engaging discussions. The sessions were entitled “Don’t Miss the Moment: The Balancing Act of Juggling Personal and Chessed Responsibility,” “Everyone Counts” and the Panel Discussion “What Do I Do If….?” The speakers were Rabbi Yechiel Biberfeld, Rosh Kollel, Philadelphia Community Kollel; Mrs. Rachel Wise, Mrs. Eve Shafer, Mrs. Dubbie Ungar, Mrs. Devorah Rich, Chapter Advisor, Bnos of Detroit; Mrs. Marla Cohen, Chapter Advisor, Bnos of Cleveland; Mrs. Chamie Haber, Chapter Advisor, Bnos of Norfolk; and Mrs. Ettie Wachs.  The program concluded with a beautiful and uplifting kumzitz which was enjoyed by all.

The excitement continued on Shabbos day with the sessions “The Art of Storytelling” by Rabbi Yitzchak Leizerowski, Mora D’asra of Bais Medrash Harav / Bnai Jacob; and “Effective Discipline” with Mrs. Besie Katz, Principal of Politz Hebrew Academy. The girls also enjoyed a Game Room Presentation prepared by leaders from five Bnos branches. Bnos leaders also shared inspirational divrei Torah and enjoyed energetic singing.

The Motzoei Shabbos program included a Melave Malka which featured a video presentation and a Bnos game show directed by the Bnos of Bala Cynwyd.  The keynote speaker was Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of America, who addressed the girls on the topic of “Joy in Leading a Torah Life.”  He said that inspiring the Bnos’ers with Simchas HaChaim is a primary goal for a Bnos leader. He also spoke about the strong bond the Bnos leaders have to Agudath Israel of America which unites Yidden throughout the world.

After an intense three days of nonstop activities, the Bnos leaders returned to their cities, tired but energized to continue to build Bnos Agudath Israel of America in their respective cities.