Beyond the dollar line Beyond the dollar line CHAnA SHArfStein A collection of stories spanning 50 years of life experiences within the Chabad community of Crown Heights, 1954-2004 Foreword In 1954, in the early days of the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, I settled in the Crown Heights community as a newlywed. Those were exciting days for the Rebbe empowered the women to engage in outreach activities in addition to involvement in organizations and learning classes. The stories in this book encompass the fifty-year period from 1954 until 2004, a period of great changes with incredible progress. There were our annual conventions, mid-winter conventions, and the continuous activities of building our schools and developing areas of importance for Jewish women: mikvah and kashrut projects, distributing Shabbos candles, and various educational activities. Many of these stories have been previously published in Di Yiddishe Heim and N’Shei Chabad Newsletter. Several have been reprinted in other languages: Spanish, Portugese, Hebrew, to name a few. My personal letter of condolence from the Rebbe is now published for the first time. Please note that slight changes were made to update the stories and maintain consistency in Hebrew and Yiddish spellings. This volume is my response to you, dear reader. It is my fervent hope that this selection of stories will reawaken memories from a shared past and bring forth a heightened understanding and appreciation among the younger generations of the role of the Jewish woman in Chabad of today. I highly recommend the book written by Mrs. Chana Sharfstein. I have been familiar with Mrs. C. Sharfstein’s writing for many years. I have successfully integrated many of her articles into our school curriculum. The students were captivated by the stories, as well as inspired by the message. Adults as well have found her writing most enjoyable, interesting, and heartwarming. Mrs. S. Tiechtel Principal, Hebrew Division Beth Rivkah High School Brooklyn, NY When one has been privileged to experience exceedingly precious and historical moments, and then to have the foresight to document them in such a beautiful fashion, that individual, indeed, deserves our utmost gratitude. Everyone loves a story. A story remains forever, influences others: it grabs the reader and transports him/ her in time to relive the actual event. Thank you, Mrs. Chana Sharfstein, for preserving these unique memories. Undoubtedly, this collection will continue to impact lives, retaining its timeless value for years to come. Chana T. Piekarski Director, Shluchos Division of the Shluchim Office, Coodinator, Shluchos Training Program, Division of Higher Learning, Beth Rivkah Seminary, Brooklyn, NY .