A retired optometrist who was seeking to find fulfillment in the next chapter of her life will be honored during Chabad of Western Monmouth County’s 31st annual Jewish Women’s Day program, which will take place on Feb. 4 at the Radisson Hotel, Freehold Township.
Doors will open for the auction of themed gift baskets at 10:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 11:30 a.m., according to a press release.
The event will honor the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the wife of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe. The theme of this year’s symposium, which honors all Jewish women in the community, is “Finding the Silver Lining.” Guest speaker Dina Hurwitz is known for her blog “The Caffeinated Thinker.”
Honoree Lisa Silberman will be presented with the Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor) award during the program.
“I loved helping people, whether seeing a smile on their face with their new glasses or contact lenses, or perhaps lending an ear to a person with a problem, not even vision related,” said Silberman, who practiced as an optometrist in New York and New Jersey for 25 years before retiring four years ago.
She continues to put smiles on people’s faces through her volunteer participation in the monthly Smile on Seniors (S.O.S.) program and the Loaves of Love program, where she assists young adults who have special needs, according to the press release.
“When I retired from optometry, I told Tova Chazanow, the assistant director of Chabad of Western Monmouth County, that I needed to find a next chapter in my life,” Silberman said. “She immediately responded by telling me that with involvement in Chabad I would never have a boring day. And so it began.”
Silberman and her husband, Aaron, have been Marlboro residents for 18 years, and are the parents of three children, Scott, Lauren and Michael, who all live and work in New York City.
“Chabad has enriched our lives as we feel we are part of a community,” Silberman noted. “We immediately felt the caring and genuine nature evident in the Chabad environment. We have made many special relationships and friendships.
“Receiving the Eishet Chayil honor makes me feel humbled and honored and special. I do what I do because I like to help. I have always enjoyed helping others in any way I can make a difference. This may be the next chapter in my life, but I am trying to add value on every page,” she said.
Tickets for the Feb. 4 brunch are $45 with a prepaid reservation by Jan. 19. Admission after that date will be $54. To register, visit www.chabadwmc.org/JWDRSVP
