An Inspirational "Fashion Show"

bv Yoni Kampinski, Arutz 7

Instead of super-models, illustrious, inspirational women from the Religious Zionist public participated in this moving event in memory of Chani Weinrot z"l.

Orot Israel College, together with the "Bat Melech" organization, held an extraordinary "Fashion Show" for the students of the College and religious women from the general public. The slogan, "Walking with Valor - When External and Internal Beauty Meet," headlined the event, which featured inspirational woman, rather than super-models.

The event was dedicated in memory of Chani Weinrot z"l, who valiantly battled cancer over the last nine years. Weinrot had planned to participate together with the other women, and to present the remarkable story of her confrontation with her illness.

"I visited Chani a few days ago in the hospice. She said, 'Yemima, no one is willing to talk to me about that world. Tell me what happens there.' I told her that it is a world of pure goodness. Then she asked we sing together. She gave me her hand, and with a bashful smile, began to sing with me the song we will now hear. We will imagine her and her valor walking together down this platform. 'Imagine a Beautiful World' is the song Chani wanted to sing at the end, and we will now sing the song, together with her." This is what Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi related in her opening remarks, leaving not one dry eye in the audience.

Among the women taking the stage were MK Shuli Mualem, an IDF widow, Dr. Adva Biton, who lost her daughter Adelle in a terror attack, Ofra Boaron, who was evicted from Amona, Pedut Rotenmar, a diminutive teacher of theater, Adv. Tzilit Jacobson, Chairwoman of "Bat Melech", and others.

The women were dressed in designer clothes by Beruriah Bartler, a popular stylist in the religious public, who was sent by the magazine, "Penima", which took an active role in the event. At the conclusion of the "Fashion Show", each of the participants presented her personal story. Dr. Tzippie Rhein, Director of the Family Center at the College, who initiated the event, said, "Our goal is to promote an event for the empowerment of women. Our sense is that fashion shows and the beauty industry emphasize only the external facets, thus weakening women. In this event, "Walking with Valor", we send a message about the correct balance between external and internal beauty. External beauty is important, but the emphasis should be on internal beauty. We believe that every woman has external beauty, but primarily, has internal beauty, and each one walks in valor through her journey of life."

The event also included a fair, with dozens of stalls selling products from the Shomron, and performances by Dafna Chasdai and the Dance Troupe of Orot College. Riveting lectures were delivered by outstanding lecturers, like Dr. Chana Kattan, Dr. Tzippie Rhein, Rabbanit Naomi Shachor and the Rabbanit, Dr. Leah Wiesel.

Finally, at the conclusion of the event, the extraordinary women who took part in the "Fashion Show" met with the women in the audience to share with them their personal stories.