A mother’s road to resilience
“Judaism teaches us that in the midst of struggle and pain, we can also find growth if we receive enough support and love". That's the message Israeli-American author Sherri Mandell will share at Chabad North Shore’s gala dinner later this month.
“JUDAISM teaches us that in the midst of struggle and pain, we can also find growth if we receive enough support and love from the community and from our families.”
That is the message Israeli-American author Sherri Mandell hopes to impart to her audience when she addresses Chabad North Shore’s gala dinner later this month.
In 2001, Sherri and her husband Seth lost their 13-year-old son Koby, who was brutally murdered by terrorists near their home in the West Bank.
The couple subsequently established the Koby Mandell Foundation, which works with bereaved families who have been impacted by terror and other tragedies in Israel.
“We run a sleep away camp – Camp Koby – for 400 orphans and bereaved siblings during the summer and holidays,” Sherri told The AJN this week.
“We also run weekly groups for bereaved mothers and widows. We work to help families find hope and healing.”
Sherri, who has written The Road to Resilience: From Chaos to Celebration and The Blessing of a Broken Heart, will speak for the first time in Australia about her story of pain and hope.
Asked about the legacy Koby leaves behind, Sherri said, “He leads us to help the people of Israel find a way to grow in the midst of pain. He teaches us that there are those that continue to live even after their deaths.
“He connects us to the power of the soul. He leaves behind a love of Israel and the Jewish people. His death forces us to search for greater meaning in life.”
Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, who met Sherri on a recent trip to Israel, said too often we find that people who go through a loss and tragedy “have a very difficult time living a productive life as their world becomes shattered”.
“Sherri Mandell has not only continued living for her other children but has thrived in many ways including founding the Koby Mandell Foundation,” Rabbi Schapiro said. “Indeed, even with her loss, she celebrates and lives a very productive full life.”
He added: “She is a woman who embodies inspiration and resilience and we are so proud to have her join us in Sydney for this year’s event for Chabad North Shore.”
The evening will culminate in a musical performance by The Voice winner Harrison Craig.
The gala dinner is on Monday, June 27 at Curzon Hall. For more information, call (02) 9488 9548.
EVAN ZLATKIS
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