Keeping the Flame Burning

What a great community!

I received a phone call from Chabad's Mimi Wilhelm. She wanted some guidance in planning a women's learning event focusing on Shabbat Candles. Maybe to make them, or decorate them, or something like that.

My own experience with wax and candles is NOT something you'd want to repeat, let alone share or pass on! So I put out a quick e-mail to our ORA membership asking for help.

Within a few hours I had replies from several people, with all kinds of helpful information, AND volunteering to help! I could hardly believe how easy it was. And, next thing I know, there's a photo in my email box of Sharon Segal following through with Mimi!

If you're available, you may want to join Mimi when she presents this study session on the mystical and magical powers of Shabbat Candles, Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm

For information, and to sign up, go to www.PortlandJewishWomen.com

And thanks go to Sharon and all the others who replied so quickly and graciously. Women sharing their knowledge with other women... keeping the flame of Judaism alive... it's beautiful!

Hannukah in "the Couve"

ORA made some new friends today. Four of us participated as vendors at Vancouver Chabad's Hannukah party. We (Diane, Eddy, Esther & Rosana) brought our wares to the Hilton Hotel in downtown Vancouver, and joined the Chabad group after their menorah-lighting outside. Inside, it was warm and friendly, with lovely people, terrific live music, latkes and sufganiot.

Did we sell a lot? Nope. But did we have fun? Yup. And we all sold something, so it was okay. Meanwhile, we gained some new exposure, both for ORA and for the Vancouver Chabad group. It was one of those adventures on our journey, and we're glad for all of those!