A DAD’S BROCHA

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A DAD’S BROCHA

Harav Y. Reuven Rubin Shlita

Life is no revolving door, each entrance has its own potential for a new and greater closer bond with Hashem. I started writing this column about thirty years ago, and with each article I have sought to give some measure of hope and strength. This week’s instalment has a whole new dimension of any I have sought to share these three decades.

In last week’s Shabbos magazine, there was a new author, who promises to bring a whole new dimension to the lives of many of our readers. This gifted writer has vast experience with matters of women’s midlife health challenges and how our ladies and their families can manoeuvre these choppy waters. In her premier article she sketched out her own path in growing into her present position, and how these events galvanised her into becoming who she is today. Personally, I was very taken by her words, and look avidly to her next instalment. I say personally because this new authoress is my daughter, Chani Schreibhand, and to say I am kvelling would be a vast understatement. I have seen her walk the path Hashem has chosen for her with deft strides of dedication and compassion. Having lived through her midlife health challenges, she took it on to become a vehicle for help to our community. These matters are not spoken of openly in our community this in keeping with our Torah Tznius life. Being the child of her mother A’H, she grew up with an ability to understand our health and social needs together with how the Torah guides us towards thriving in all aspects of life. Since the tragic moment of the Rebbetzin’s AH sudden passing, Chani has sought to emulate the life lessons of her remarkable mother.  Her choosing to work especially towards offering help for women who are going through health changes is indicative of her will to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her husband, Rabbi Itzik Schreibhand is the perfect helper. His support, despite her hours of needed study, and extensive travel can’t be easy, especially given his work as a renown Sofer, wherein he has to be focused in a unique way.

Since the Rebbetzin’s passing I have been the recipient of Chani’s heartfelt support. I moved into her home at her insistence and she has undertaken much of the position of  a Rebbetzin in our Shtieble. Yet, here she is, publishing the monthly magazine “Uplift”, earning certification as a counsellor in such matters, teaching, helping, and so much more.

But enough kvelling by a besotted Dad, her work is so immediate and vital, it deserves coming out of the shadows.  Midlife health problems are nothing new, but in the pressurised world we live in, its aspects are very much more difficult to live with. Our ladies need help and support, and having a Hiemisha woman who is accepted and extolled, by the highest-ranking leaders in the medical world, is a gift for all our community.

So, I kvell, tears in my eyes as I peck out my words on the keyboard, hoping I do right by her. I pray her articles will bring much to its readers, and that our ladies will be enabled to bond with one another through her efforts.

I share my humble blessings for my little daughter that has grown into a leader in her own right. May she thrive and share with many, and may we all see this in good health and true Torah blessings.