Dedications
Gratitude is an intrinsic value of the Jewish People. We start our day with Modeh Ani, thanking Hashem for giving us a new day to continue to do what we can to make this world a better place. Since our early beginnings in 2009 the RCWC like any other group has faced challenges, learnt so much and has many people to thank. Whether the assistance came in a small or large package, wrapped simply or elegantly, it played an important role in our growth and development.
The RCWC - Blaser Family
In memory of their late father, Mr. Max Blaser, Moshe Ben Haya Sara and Aharon Eliyahu (z”l), the Blaser family have been the primary sponsors of the RCWC from its inception.
A Tribute from Elissa Blaser: My father died in Elwood on Purim, 2008. Mixed with all the tears my eyes shed for my overwhelming loss was the comfort that our relationship can continue. As a family, his three daughters Michelle, Elissa, and Lucy try to help provide opportunities for people to connect to each other at the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle. Our relationship to our father has expanded in meaning since his death for us and for others, we hope.
In our family life we learned many things. It was my father who always said: “Teach by example, because we learn by watching others.” He was a modest and humble man. He appreciated the ordinary – daily life lived with integrity and discipline and the value of small accomplishments – those concrete repetitive acts that are the building blocks of a life well lived. He was fascinated by economics on the micro and macro level and read financial newspapers and magazines well into his nineties.
How lucky we are as Jews to remember and honour those who came before us. How fortunate to be able to have our ancestors continue to give back to our community life. Our father left a future behind. May his memory be a blessing. Thank you, Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle, for these precious opportunities. Michelle and I are in New York, Lucy is in Jerusalem, our father is in heaven – and together we are so happy to be a part of you, wonderful you, Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle.
Eshet Chayil Series
Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Z. Kramer a'h
Described as a ‘gracious bastion of kindness’, Rebbetzin Kramer’s beautiful, loving and fulfilling life continues to inspire. Every word of Eshet Chayil applies to her – from her laughter to her capabilities, to her love and support, not just for family but for all who were fortunate enough to meet her. She was a fan of the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle, through her daughter Sara’s (Gutnick) involvement, as she always encouraged and helped her children in their communal activities. Rebbetzin Chaya Z. Kramer passed away in Montreal, Canada on Yom Kippur in 2018 after attending Kol Nidrei services. In honour of her first Yartzeit, Sara reflected on her mother’s life and love through the lens of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Readings at the Eshet Chayil launch on October 3, 4th Tishrei 2019 – 5780.
Connecting through Candle Lighting
Remembering Liba Devorah Gutnick a’h
This project is dedicated to the memory of Liba Gutnick, a young girl who spread much joy and light to all with whom she came in contact. As she was loving, so was she beloved – with her kindness and grace she made the world a better place. She is still sadly missed by all her friends who to this day speak of the special girl that Liba was – and of course by her loving family.
The Car Bumper Stickers- dedicated to R’ Mendel Drizin
This part of our candle lighting project is dedicated to R’ Mendel Drizin, a scholarly individual who lived by his Torah and Chassidic values. He had a bumper sticker on his car saying: ‘Jewish Women and Daughters Light Shabbat Candles’ as one way of spreading the light of Torah and Mitzvot wherever he went.
Donations and Grants
Every donation or grant, whether anonymous or publicly acknowledged, benefits the RCWC and its Affiliates towards our outreach work. We include here donations for our events in the way of food, decor or activities.
Bendigo Bank
Our relationship with the Bendigo Bank was strengthened on August 6, 2019 when the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle hosted its second Grant Presentation Event in appreciation for a second increased grant. With strong community values in common, we are dedicated to continue this relationship in the long term for the benefit of our Melbourne community.
Event Sponsorships
- Rabbi Shea Hecht sponsored the Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan event in 2019 at Beit Chabad Ohel Devorah in memory of his mother for her yahrzeit.
- Impromptu and much appreciated sponsorship of RCWC restaurant event 2020 by Mrs. Sheiny New.
- Rebbetzin Rivkah Groner sponsored The Jewish Woman: A Journey of Discovery event for Rosh Chodesh Nissan in 2023, in memory of her mother, Mrs Miram Paltiel-Gordon.
Hosting
- Slyvia Goldhirsch hosted a special event in Sivan 2021 and also the first The Jewish Woman: A Journey of Discovery event in 2023.
- Hadasah Kraemer hosted the Adar 2022 Significant Day event.
- Tali Meltzer hosted the 4th Eshet Chayil event in 2022.
Board and Consultants
Our current dedicated board – President: Rebbetzin Sara Gutnick; Vice President: Elissa Blaser; Treasurer: Ayala Bekker; Secretary: Naomi Rafael; Member: Evelyn Rose; Honorary Member: Chaya New; Honorary Member: Chana Warlow-Shill; Honorary Member: Karin Zafir.
Our pioneering founders of the RCWC, Rebbetzin Sara Gutnick and Elissa Blaser, together with the founding members – Ester Sarah Dickshtein, Racheli Jacks, Chaya New, Karin Zafir and Batia Slater.
Our consultants give willingly of their time and expertise – Rabbinic and Halachic Guidance: Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick, Governance: David Spiegel, Finance: Bill Kornhauser and Avi Berman, Honorary Bookkeeper: Evelyn Rose, Legal: Chana Warlow-Shill, Graphics (past): Shainy Lieder.
Past Board Members: Mushkie (New) Raskin, Ayala Bekker, Ester Sarah Dickshtein, Graziela Eidelson, Janice Furstenberg, Racheli Jacks, Jocelyn Lowinger, Amanda Mendes da Costa, Chaya New, Shayna Oyberman, Sharon Unger and Karin Zafir; Our past consultant, bookkeeper Robert Rosenzweig.
Volunteers
There are many ways to volunteer for the RCWC and the ripple effect is felt widely. Whether as a Story Presenter, a ‘Message of the Month’ writer, sharing your expertise or time for our benefit your contribution has made a difference.
Recipients of RCWC Certificates and Awards:
Founding Members:
2014: Chaya New, Racheli Jacks, Ester Sara Dickstein, Karin Zafir.
Appreciation:
2014: Chana Warlow-Shill, legal guidance
2017: Shainy Lieder, Graphics. $180 granted to RCWC Affiliate Merkos Women in her merit.
2019: Evelyn Rose
Pre-wedding:
2016: Abby Morris
Grants:
2019: Rachael Mwangi and Jignesh Jasan on behalf of Bendigo Bank
2018: Kate Ashmor on behalf of Bendigo Bank
Board Members:
2019: Sharon Unger, Karin Zafir, Naomi Rafael
Eshet Chayil:
2020: Goldie Freedman, Sylvia Cher, Debbie Wolf, Karin Zafir
2021: Di Hirsh, Tamar Paluch, Pauline Scheiner
2022: Shavi Slodowitz, Ruth Wein
Honorary Members:
2020: Chaya New, Chana Warlow-Shill
2021: Karin Zafir
About Us
The Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle is a unique and dynamic program where women come together to learn and to laugh, to celebrate life and tradition in the welcoming atmosphere of camaraderie, acceptance and discovery. As the treasure trove of history and stories unfold, lasting mementos are created on a DVD for future generations. Women of different ages and stages, of different backgrounds and views, with different life experiences and dreams for the future, are all joined together by Rosh Chodesh, the new Month or the New Moon.
The RCWC began at Elwood Shule, Melbourne, Australia on October 21, 2009 founded by its Rebbetzin Sara Gutnick and by Elissa Blaser on behalf of the Blaser Family in memory of Mr. Max Blaser. In October 2013 Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle™, Inc was registered with IP Australia as a trademarked name and registered as a not-for–profit association with ASIC regulated by Australian Consumer Affairs. With the helpful guidance of consultants and the founding members our first Board meeting took place early in 2014 to formulate a mission, a vision and goals. In March 2015 RCWC was registered as a charity with the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for–profits Commission). Australia ABN: 18166217090.
With thanks to Hashem we continue to grow and evolve as we move with the times, always remaining true to our original mission and Torah values.
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle Promotional Video
Our Mission
Our mission is to recognise and empower all Jewish women to inspire, educate and support each other in building connections. Thus we create a harmonious and meaningful society where each woman is encouraged to explore the individual mission of her life.
Empowering
At each RCWC event, as women share their family story, they begin to understand themselves better, and the listeners gain insight and wisdom from these stories. Their voices are heard, the messages are understood evolving into a beautiful feminine strength and empowerment.
Connecting
Each Jewish woman has her unique tale. While sharing and connecting through stories, the unique story of each woman is woven into the fabric of the continuous spiral of Jewish history. Women connect with each other, with their tradition and with their past.
Nurturing
This is the time for women, who are constantly nurturing others, to meet together so they may reflect on themselves and with each other – feeling beautifully nurtured and accepted in the process.
Our Program Suits
- Women’s groups
- Shules and Schools
- Aged Care Facilities and Seniors’ groups
- Communal organisations
- Bat Mitzvah Groups
- Businesses and Restaurants
Join Us
Whether you are in Melbourne, Australia or in other parts of Australia or even around the world we are seeking to expand and grow and welcome the involvement of interested women.