The Cabbage Patch Doll

Perth report by Michelle Berg

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Michelle who desperately wanted to become a mummy to a Cabbage Patch Doll. When she finally got the chance to get one at the age of 8, she didn’t choose the gorgeous dolls with long locks and pretty dresses, but the bald boy with the ugly name. Our story presenter for Rosh Chodesh Kislev, Michelle Lewsen, volunteers for the charity Menora in Perth and creates photo books and stories. Through a story, she shared her experience of living with alopecia and how, just as she did with her bald Cabbage Patch Doll, she has learnt to look for inner beauty and help others who need it. Just like Yehudis who stood up for her beliefs, Michelle stands up for others and inspires them.

After Michelle had shared her story, some of the 30 women around the table got up to light a candle to spread the light and share miracles in their lives or occasions that they have been inspired by during the last year. Many women who work with Michelle at the charity attended the group for the first time, and even within a group of strangers women felt at ease to share their most vulnerable moments.

The activity was followed by a spread of Italian-style donuts and sauces, fruit and biscuit platters, hot and cold drinks.

To continue spreading the light in our community, each woman was asked to take a  Chanukah Menorah set and give it to someone that they know may need one.

After a 5782 grand finale on Rosh Chodesh Elul the Perth RCWC signed up for 5783 with their first program taking place in Kislev. RCWC looks forward to working with Perth for their next event in Adar and for the rest of the year.