Two Bergen County women played leading roles in the 2013 EMUNAH of America Spring Luncheon “Empowering Women,” held May 22 at the Westin Grand Central Hotel in Manhattan. “From generation to generation, Emunah is devoted to the empowerment of women,“ said Rena Steigman, who with her sister-in-law, Karen Spitalnik, co-chaired the event. Several hundred dedicated members gathered to listen to Dr. Merryl Tisch, Chancellor, New York State Board of Regents, celebrate “Empowering Women,” and honor Miriam Arond, Debbie Davidman, Vicky Harari, Miriam Morgenstern, and Felicia Zwebner.

Established in 1935, EMUNAH’s mission is to “improve the quality of life for the Jewish people in Israel.” Through its 250 homes, schools, counseling services, and help networks it provides for those in need from infancy to old age.

For Rena Steigman, the Spring Luncheon was an opportunity to introduce the work of EMUNAH “so many people at the luncheon were enlightened. Many didn’t realize the ongoing nation of EMUNAH‘s involvement. EMUNAH has expanded its role in many areas, from providing absolutely everything for an abandoned child to a hot meal for a lonely senior citizen. It touches my heart to see how EMUNAH touches the lives of so many in Israel. There is such a need; it’s good on a very personal level. “

JLBC asked Steigman how her involvement with EMUNAH began. “My husband’s parents fell in love—of course, with each other, but also with EMUNAH. Once they saw the children’s home—a home that actually becomes the ‘parents’ and gives the children a good life—they were dedicated.” She continued, saying, “Some children never have a home other than the EMUNAH house. They grow up in the home; they go to school, and to the army. Children return even after the Army and EMUNAH helps them find an apartment, a good job, or celebrate a marriage. “

The projects to which Rena feels closest are Ahuzat Sarah, and the Appleman College, both introduced to her by her parents-in-law, Gisella and Jonas Stiegman. She and her husband Elliot first visited about 15 years ago. “A very moving experience,” she recalls. She notes that her mother- in-law, who is an amateur painter, had a special affinity for the courses taught at the Appleman College, which include the full range of applied fine arts –sketching, photography, computer graphics and other topics.

“What got to me most was visiting 15 years ago when babies were brought to EMUNAH because they were neglected and abused. …It touched my heart the most. Protecting the children and giving them the love and support they need to thrive and to express themselves is essential. “

JLBC asked Steigman what she would most like her Bergen County neighbors to do. “I would like them to take a few minutes to look into the good work, the kind of difficult work EMUNAH does for children in Israel. Visit,” she suggests, and “have the feelings that I felt toward the children….This good work has meaning to me. Call the EMUNAH office. Someone will be more than happy to take a visitor to all of the programs.” (EMUNAH’s New York office can be reached at 212 564 9045.)

Mindy Stein, EMUNAH’s immediate past president, is a long time Teaneck resident.

Teaneck’s Libby Kolb Chapter of EMUNAH of America was the conduit for involvement of Felicia Zwebner in EMUNAH of America. Zwebner, one of the 2013 Empowering Women Luncheon Honorees, told JLBC she believes a woman is empowered by “believing in her passion and not taking ‘no’ for an answer. You should have goals and you should strive for them.”

Zwebner was contemplative. “Often women—especially religious woman—are discouraged, even by their mothers.” She reviewed a recent conversation with an acquaintance: “She is telling her daughters to choose a career based on being able to work at home. It is so limiting! I looked at her with complete shock,” said Zwebner. “We were given brains! If a child has a talent or a passion, why shouldn’t she pursue it? Why should a religious woman not have it all?”

Felicia is married to Moshe (Marc) Zwebner, Director of Marketing at Third Point. She is the mother of three sons and daughter: “Our kids are great kids,” she says. “They are grounded and understand that they have two hard working parents. They don’t feel ‘entitled’ but rather privileged.” She noted that her son Etan dedicated his bar mitzvah money to purchase items wanted by the soldiers of the Israeli navy.

JLBC asked Felicia how she had discovered EMUNAH. “That goes back to when I was a kid! During my year in Israel, my chesed project involved EMUNAH. I’ve always had the connection from my time in Israel.” Her interest in EMUNAH was re-established when Ronnie Faber invited Felicia to join the Libby Kolb Chapter in Teaneck.

Zwebner has made a unique contribution to the Teaneck community: she is the designer of the Teaneck mikvah, which was rebuilt just a few years ago. This successful entrepreneur stresses the importance of focusing one’s time. “Spend the time you have with purpose. I really live by that. As my career has grown, I have learned to dedicate my hours. There are so many ways to concentrate time. I am always, considering opportunities, planning ahead. That is how I am able to succeed at both home and business life.”

By Maxine Dovere