Powerful women

Two local women will be honored for their support of the Chabad of Western Monmouth County community at “Jewish Women, the Power of Now,” its 28th annual Jewish Women’s Day program, on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Freehold Jewish Center. The luncheon event will honor the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the wife of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson. 

Kabala coach Shimona Tzukernik will describe her “Method for Self-Mastery,” which guides individuals and corporations to live and lead from the inside out. 

Renata Magurdumov of Old Bridge and Marion Bernstein of Freehold will receive the Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor) award.

Magurdumov was born in Odessa, Ukraine, and came to the United States in 1989. She participates in Chabad’s weekly women’s parsha (Torah portion) class and has taken several Jewish Learning Institute courses. Magurdumov invites families to join hers for holiday celebrations and has organized a Shabbat Club to enable families to observe the Sabbath together.

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Bernstein is the child of two Holocaust survivors. When she was three, her family moved to Vineland, where her parents owned a chicken farm. 

A retired social worker, Bernstein served as a domestic violence liaison at a women’s shelter, worked on a project for Section Eight Housing, and worked with aged and disabled people and families in need. Her Chabad volunteer efforts include participating in the Bikur Holim (hospital visitation) program, and transporting local people to doctor or hospital visits. She raises funds for Chabad and helps with the monthly Smiling on Seniors meetings. In addition, as unofficial photographer, she is often found snapping pictures at events and celebrations.

Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for a preview of gift baskets to be auctioned; the program will begin at 11:30.

Tickets cost $54, $45 when purchased by Jan. 28. Sponsorships range from $60 to $226; all sponsors will be included in the program. For reservations, call 732-972-3687 or go to chabadwmc.org/JWD.