Woodside_park Synagogue

The Ladies who Learn and the New Moonies

On Thursday 23rd February Gila spoke to the Ladies Who Learn and the New Moonies on the subject of "From Commoner to Queen". This was followed by a demonstartion on how to decorate cupcakes by Suzi. Below are two articles one written by Deanna Levine and the other is the WPS Press release published in the YOU & US magazine summarising the evening.


Previous Meeting on 23 Feb 2012 with Gila Hackenbroch speaking about "From Commoner to Queen"

by Deanna Levine

To view photographs from the talk please click here .

On 23 February, the final session of the series, the New Moonies gathered at the home of the ever-hospitable Hackenbrochs to hear her Gila's talk entitled "From Commoner to Queen". Gila did us all proud with her fascinating description of how Esther, a mere commoner, ended up as a Queen to King Ahasuerus. After some initial hesitation, Queen Esther decided to do what she could to save the Jewish people from the wicked Haman, who was plotting to destroy the Jews - and she succeeded in doing so. While that is the basic story line, Gila explained how the story of Esther illustrated the development of one's personality, peppering her talk with practical examples. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone listening intently to what Gila, in her uniquely charismatic way, had to say.

Next, we had an unusual and entertaining demonstration from Suzi Diamond, who showed us how to put fancy frosting on cupcakes and then create and decorate the icing that sits on top of the frosting. Suzi told us how she had won a prize on Sky TV, which had led to bulk orders for various shops, leading in turn to further development of her business. She had decided to start this business because she felt she could successfully combine her artistic skills with her baking skills, both of which were great hobbies - and of course this was why she had won the prize. As you will see from the photographs on the website, Suzi created some beautifully designed cupcakes. What a talent!

After Suzi had demonstrated how it was all done and made it look so easy, we all had a go at decorating the cupcakes. She helped us turn out more beautiful creations than we could have done if left to our own devices. It looked as if there were hundreds of basic pre-baked sponge cupcakes awaiting decoration and much to our delight, after creating our own cupcake designs, we were able to take them home for family and friends to enjoy.

Suzi's demonstration was followed by refreshments which maintained their very high standard in being both tasty and beautifully laid out. This of course was the great opportunity that we had to socialise and catch up with each other - and indeed also to make new friends.

We will be planning for the next series for the New Moonies and will let you know when they will be. In the meantime, I should like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for the very kind donations which you made at the door and also those who made donations by way of dedicating the talks. The monies received go towards the expenses of running this group, thereby helping to make the sessions interesting and lively, while giving us all an opportunity to socialise.



WPS Press release published in the YOU & US magazine

The Woodside Park Shul "Ladies who Learn" recently enjoyed a talk by Rebbetzin, Gila Hackenbroch, at her home. She spoke about Queen Esther, and how she had managed to maintain her Jewish identity in King Ahashverosh's court, under very difficult circumstances All were encouraged by Gila to recognise and embrace the fact that, like Queen Esther, everyone has their own purpose in life to fulfil.

After the talk, there was a cup-cake decorating demonstration by celebrity chef Suzi Diamond. Suzi recently won "Cooks to Market" to be shown soon on Sky 1.

Suzi demonstrated innovative ways of icing and decorating the cup-cakes that had smelled amazing baking in the kitchen during the talk! Anything from football designs to babies under blankets can be expressed on top of a cup-cake; and with the huge range of supervised icing products now available, it is easier than ever to be creative with baking. Although the finished efforts were more basic than Suzi's, they were hugely appreciated by the children back at home! Suzi demonstrated what Gila's words expressed: that all can find their own potential and fulfill their purpose in life in many ways, and making beautiful celebration cup-cakes is just one of these.

The "Ladies who Learn" at Woodside Park meet regularly to listen to uplifting guest speakers, and enjoy demonstrations ranging from challah-making to handmade hats and cards.

To read about some of our other talks please click on the link below

To read about some of our other talks please click here