At a Rosh Chodesh party in Bnei Brak for English-speaking
women, the following comment was heard, "There should be a
list. Someone must make a list of all the women who attend
this gathering and photocopy it for everyone." Thanks to
Chani, who took up the initiative, the Green Book was
conceived.
About ten years ago, Shainy began organizing the Rosh Chodesh
parties. When her family grew and her time was at a premium,
she passed the job on to Tammy, who asked, "How many copies
should I make?" "Oh, about 30-40." "But who should I put in?
There are hundreds of English- speaking families here? Let's
see. Who, here, has a computer and wants to work on this
with me?" Suri, a newlywed, volunteered, and the work
began.
In Adar, 5757, the very first Bnei Brak English directory
came into being. "How did you get the names?" people asked.
Well, we met them in the parks, in stores and just- like-that
on the street.
"I hear you're speaking English. Would you like to be
included in our directory? Where do you live?" We also worked
with old lists and, boruch Hashem, the book was
completed, herein known as the Green Book.
It was used for shiurim, shmiras haloshon,
distributing free copies of Yated English, and many other
things.
Everyone was really happy about it and wanted them to do it
again. Corrections, changes and additions were made. New ads
were accepted to pay for the publication costs, and off they
went. The second Green Book is now available, revised and
updated. To purchase your 5 shekel copy for personal use,
call 03-618-5948 or 03-618-3893. And anyone interested in
attending a Rosh Chodesh get-together, ask at one of the
above numbers.
Nu - where are the Jerusalemite laggers? Anyone to take up
the challenge? Many neighborhoods have N'Shei branches with
listings. The Community Bulletin also has a large mailing
list, and so does Yated English.
And if you're taking ads, this can become a source of
parnossa for an enterprising young woman. All she
needs is a phone and a computer and some go-getting
energy.
