תשס"ג Nissan י"א
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Sorry for the delay of this newsletter, with
Pessach around the corner and a pre-Pessach seminar to tend to, in addition to
planting the summer crop, it’s been quite hectic here.
Soon we will be eating “Lechem Oni”- the
bread of simplicity, which has nothing but the absolute essential. By teaching
us to become free from excess, matza symbolizes humility. It’s message to us is
that as individuals we must do everything in our power to avoid pride, which is
only good for Israel as a nation. Reciting the Hagadah will moreover remind us
that we didn't redeem ourselves, but H' redeemed us and we must serve Him. The
bread of poverty teaches us that just like G-d redeemed us even when we were
poor in merits, also our long awaited last geulah will come about even if we
don't deserve it, but for the sake of revealing Hashem’s great name in the
world. May it happen soon!!!
With Blessings of the Torah and the Land, Pessach
Kasher V’Sameach
Chana Bracha Siegelbaum
URGENT CALL FOR PRAYER FOR ALTE BRACHA MIRIAM BAS CHAYA RACHELL WHO IS 28 AND HAS CANCER THAT HAS METASTISIZED IN HER LUNG. ONLY HASHEM AND OUR PRAYERS CAN GIVE US A MIRACLE OF HEALING.
B’EROT PURIM CELEBRATON
By B’erot
Student Yael Tzipporah Sanders
Let’s say we were between the ages of twenty and fifty.
I won’t say how old everyone exactly was.
I will confess that we were playing musical chairs.
We were chasing by the chairs, our minds drunk and involved in playing.
The Moshav Band played on the CD player, and then the music stopped playing.
I recall the penalty for that was to give a d’var Torah.
So a clear voice spoke:
“I wish everyone a happy Purim! Purim is the time to be happy!”
We thought about this adage.
We noticed the voice was speaking from a depth of sincerity.
What did it mean?
Then we all had to walk around the room greeting one another insincerely. But we
could not seem to do it.
We were much too happy.
It was time to eat. Someone brought ‘rebbe wine,’ alcohol that had been blessed by the last Lubavitcher rebbe. We made a l’chaim.
Many people would say that a Jewish holiday is not really a time to be funny.
This is what I said:
“When we fell from Eden, the world fell upside down. And all the year, the world is upside-down. But on Purim, the world is rightside-up.”
My friends of all ages seemed to understand the d’var Torah on the same level.
It had to be said.
I recall those grins were as wise as the deepest d’var Torahs I had ever learned.
Let’s say we were between the ages of twenty and fifty – so what?
On that day we all faced reality equally.
By B’erot Student Lisanne Turnbull
It is amazing to think, standing on the edge of the Dead Sea the lowest place on earth – 400 miles below sea level, where nothing lives – that one day soon, Hashem will bless this sea; it will swarm with a multitude of fish and fruit trees will grow in En-gedi as it states in Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 47:8-10:
“These waters issue out towards the eastern region, and to down into the Arava; and on their entering the sea, the sea of issuing waters, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every living thing, with which it swarms, wherever the streams shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: so that everything shall be healed, and shall live where that stream comes. And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi as fare as En-‘eglayim; there shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be of various kinds like the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”
The women of B’erot are visiting the Spa at En-gedi. We scrub ourselves with mineral mud until we are smooth, we float in an indoor pool of warm water from the sea. We even brave the cold wind and take the shuttle to the Dead Sea. We are the only ones there, floating without effort in the salty cold water. An amazing experience
But even greater is what happen in En-gedi thousands of years ago. The Dead Sea is where Sodom stood. Before Hashem destroyed the city because of the inhabitants were “wicked and sinners before Hashem exceedingly”, Sodom and its surrounding plains were the most fertile place on earth, “well watered everywhere…like Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden).” (Bereshit (Genesis) 13:10.
It was in the mountains around En-gedi “the wilderness of Ma’on, in the Arava” that King Shaul pursued David. “David dwelled in the strong hold at En-gedi” (1 Shemu’el (Samuel) 23:29.
Wow! To think that David haMelech may have walked on the same rocks that we walked on. In En-gedi the past, present, and future meet. David haMelech walked here and in the time of Moshiach ben David the Dead Sea will be healed. Do you see why we love Eretz Yisrael, even a most mundane trip to a spa, can revel the greatness of the Torah and the word of Hashem. That is truly amazing.
SPRINGFLOWERS MEDITATING IN THE LUPIN MOUNTAINS By B’erot Student Chani Krevsky
Since the last snow melted, spring has been in the air. Flowers of all the rainbow’s colors, sizes and shapes greet us when we walk the paths and climb the rocky hills at Bat Ayin. We were grateful to Chana Bracha for giving us the opportunity to encounter even more of Israel’s abundant flora. Off we were to Givat Haturmusim near Beith Shemesh during our Herbal Workshop which coincided with Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Nature has its special way of teaching us about life and G-d. Its amazing how many species grow close together while leaving space for one another, each one adding its own unique touch to both the earth and our view. After singing along together we all went off in different directions for Hitbodedut -- talking one on one with G-d. Each of our prayers was like a flower, so we returned home with fresh flower garlands.
FREEDOM & CLEANSING PRE-PESSACH SEMINAR
Last week was my first visit to Bat Ayin. During the Pessach Seminar at B’erot, I truly attained a sense of freedom and cleansing, one that far exceeded my expectations. Through the incorporation of Torah study and creative expression, I came to find that my freedom lies within Judaism and within Eretz Yisrael. I learned that it is through the expression of my Judaism that the inclinations of my soul, which have been struggling to be released for my entire life, are set free. At B’erot, it became possible for me to connect not just to the words and thoughts of my ancestors, but to their lives and emotions as well. I felt this as I sang Niggunim that they sang, worked and ate from the land that they worked, hiked through the same mountains and watched the sun set over the same valleys, and immersed myself in a community with the same culture, custom and values as they had. This to me, was pure freedom, the freedom to know who I am.
I would like to thank Chana Bracha for her vision and for opening her home and her garden to us as well as the rest of the staff and students at B’erot for welcoming us and creating an incredible learning and growing environment for the week we were there. I would also like to thank the community of Bat Ayin for their hospitality and for all they have done to create a community with such warmth, beauty and spirit. For a week, I felt truly at peace, connected to the land and to my fellow Jews. Hashem truly dwells in Bat Ayin.
Happy and Kosher Pesach, Nechama (Nancy) Gauchman
Among our Upcoming Events:
A A A A A A A
MIDRESHET B'EROT BAT AYIN SPRING AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
Nestled in the serene Judean Hills of Eretz
Yisrael, Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin provides inspiring programs and retreats
that encourage spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth. Women of all ages
feel at home in its open and supportive environment, where both beginner and advanced
courses are offered.
B'erot is the ideal place for the Jewish woman who wishes to delve
deeply into her spiritual self through intensive textual study and creative
expression. Our students range from college graduates to housewives, all
sharing a common goal: to develop their relationship with Hashem, the Jewish
people and the Holy Land.
B'erot is currently accepting applications
for its spring and summer sessions, as well as the upcoming school year.
DATES OF UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Sunday,
June 8-Shabbat, June 21 (2 weeks)
Sunday,
June 22-Shabbat, July 12 (3 weeks)
Sunday,
July 13-Shabbat, Aug. 9 (4 weeks)
Sunday,
Aug. 3-Shabbat, Aug. 16 (2 weeks)
Spring
Semester: “Counting the Blessings” (Sunday, May
4-Shabbat, June 7)
During the most beautiful time of spring, students
may join us for in-depth textual study, Chassidut and melodies, and
Jewish meditation as nature unfolds in the Judean Hills. This semester takes
place during the Hebrew months of Iyar and Sivan, coinciding with many special
times in our calendar that provide an opportunity to deepen the understanding
of Counting the Omer and Lag B’Omer, Jerusalem Day and
preparation for receiving the Torah. There will be programs offered all night
on Shavuot, including Tehillim at Sunrise. The semester includes three organized
Shabbat programs and Rosh Chodesh celebrations.
“Women of Wisdom” (Sunday, Aug. 3-Shabbat, Aug. 16)
A temporary aliyah geared towards
women of all ages (suitable for mothers and daughters)
This program is for women with busy lives who seek a retreat in the
Holy Land where they can pursue their spiritual path and connect to Zion.
“Women of Wisdom” presents Torah study on Israel’s holy sites and offers
excursions to some of the places studied. Students will increase their
knowledge of ancient texts and revitalize their inner femininity through
in-depth study with some of the most learned teachers of Israel. Women will be
encouraged to awaken deeper parts of their psyche that have been swept aside
and will experience a rebirth in kedusha through workshops in Jewish
meditation. The Torah learning is not limited to lectures but will encourage an
integration of the material learned with artistic expression -- painting,
music, writing, dancing and more.
Program Includes:
· Intensive textual study of feminine themes in the Book of Eicha and Tehillim
· Learn about Rachel our Matriarch and her connection to the Return of the Shechina
· Daily afternoon prayer at the Kotel
· Excursions in the Old City of Jerusalem
· Full-moon desert hike
· Musical Ein Gedi nature hike with teaching and recital of Tehillim
· Drumming circle, singing, meditation, movement and dance
· Two nutritious catered meals daily
· Private high-security transportation
· Fee: $899 for the two-week program; $50 off for those who register before Pesach for the full program
· Spaces are limited; reserve your spot now
The first week (Aug. 3-9), which includes Tishab’Av at the Kotel, will take place in the Old City at the Sefardic Educational Center. The second week (Aug. 10-16), which includes our annual “Rise of the Feminine Consciousness” TuB'Av seminar, will take place in the serene, rural location of Bat Ayin (nestled in the Judean hills with breathtaking panoramic vistas and rugged mountain ridges). For more information, contact: Shoshana Shamberg in Baltimore, (410) 358-7269 or shoshamberg@yahoo.com; or Chana Bracha Siegelbaum in Israel, (2) 993-2642 or berot@netvision.net.il.
Faculty:
Nechama Sara Burgman
Author of “The Twelve Dimensions Of Israel,” based on Chassidic and Kabalistic sources and featuring Nechama Sara’s paintings, poetry and meditations that express personal spiritual growth through the archetypes of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Also a harpist, Nechama Sara compliments her spiritual guidance based on the healing qualities of the Holy Land with her own music.
Daughter-in-Law of renowned
author Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov (“The Book of our Heritage”), Esther is a
graduate of Michala Jerusalem College for Women and a
devote student of the famous Rabbi Yitchak Ginsburgh. A specialist in Women in
the Bible, she currently teaches at Michlala and Ohr Chaya.
Rabbi
Daniel Kohn
The head Rabbi of Bat Ayin, Rav Daniel received his
BA in Comparative
Religion from Columbia University, studied at Yeshivat Netzach Yisrael,
Jerusalem, and received ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
Sara Yehudit Schneider
Sara Yehudit is the founder and director of “A Still
Small Voice,” a correspondence course in Judaism, and author of several books.
She has written and studied with Ginsburgh (see above) and teaches meditation
and comparative mysticism. She has a BS in Molecular, Cellular, and
Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Rebbetzin Chana Bracha
Siegelbaum
The director of Midreshet
B’erot Bat Ayin, Chana Bracha has a B ed. in Bible and Jewish Philosophy from Michlala
Jerusalem College for Women and MA in Jewish History from Touro College. She creates
curricula emphasizing women's spiritual empowerment through traditional Torah
values.
Rabbi Avraham Sutton
Rav Sutton has translated, edited and authored more than 15
major works in English on the deeper significance of Torah for our age. He has been
teaching prophetic Torah, Kabbalah, Talmud, Midrash, Chassidut, prayer and
meditation, and sacred song for over 25 years. He harmonizes the most advanced
theories of science and psychology with the deep inner wisdom of the ancient
prophets and sages.
Rabbi Joel Zeff
Rav Zeff graduated with a BA in Hebrew from the UCLA and has an MS in Medieval Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies of Yeshiva University. He received Semicha from Yeshivat Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan of Yeshiva University.