Pearls from the Wellspring
Dear
Friends,
I want
to wish you a renewed passion for the inner dimensions of the Torah this
Lagb’Omer.
May our
bonfire capture Rabbi Akiva’s passion and love of Hashem which he transmitted
to his student Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai as expressed in the light of his Holy
Torah. May we have part in revealing sparks of this light that will ultimately
be expressed at the final redemption when Israel will be a light to the
nations.
With
blessings of the Torah & The Land,
Chana Bracha
Siegelbaum
|
Inside
this Issue |
|
|
1 |
Coming Home: A student’s journey to the Holy
Land |
|
2 |
Yom Haatzmaut
in Israel: One
student’s perspective |
|
3 |
Excerpts from
the April 2003 board meeting |
|
4 |
Spring and
Summer Programs |
Coming
Home
By
B’erot student Heather Fuller
If you
would have told me a year ago that I'd be living in Israel today, I would have
told you that you were crazy. I always knew that I wanted to end up in the Holy
Land, but it seemed like something so far fetched, like winning the lottery or
becoming a rock star.
My
dream came true when I landed in Tel Aviv on Jan. 15, 2003. I had begun my
conversion process in Southern California, but I was discouraged by the lack of
orthodox community where I lived. I thought about moving to Los Angeles or New
York, but Israel didn't cross my mind until a friend suggested it: "You
know, in Israel, they have midrasha that accept women who are in the process of
conversion."
Within
two months, I had found a school, earned enough money to buy a plane ticket and
prepared to leave my life in California behind to make Aliyah. I had never been
to Israel, but something inside of me knew that it was my home.
I spent
my first two months in Israel on a "holy high." If you looked closely
enough, you could see the sparks of holiness emanating from all four corners of
the Land. Nothing is ever average: You're either experiencing the most
incredible high praying at the Kotel (Western Wall), feeling the Divine
Presence right there with you; or you're mourning the death of a young Israeli
soldier who gave up his life for something bigger than he could ever put his
finger on, and you cry like it was your own brother.
My
parents, friends and co-workers thought I was crazy. Didn't I know what went on
in Israel? Didn't I know that the U.S. was about to go to war with Iraq and, if
it were anything like the Gulf War, Saddam would be launching scuds on Israel?
(Fortunately, my closest friends were very supportive. The common reaction was:
"I'm so happy for you. This is what you've wanted for as long as I've
known you.")
Another
issue of concern for my family was that I would be living in the so-called
"West Bank" -- a term used on the nightly news almost as much as
" The War on Terror." Personally, I felt safer in the Judean Hills
for several reasons: 1) I live on a relatively small yeshuv with no more than
200 families; if terrorists wanted to kill a lot of Jews (G-d forbid), they'd
aim for a bigger target. 2) The security in Gush Etzion is great. IDF (Israeli
soldiers) is camped out just down the hill, and most of the men in Bat Ayin own
guns.
No
matter where you live in the world, there is always the possibility of
something happening. Living in Israel has helped me to strengthen my faith in
Hashem and realize that it is all in His hands.
Heather
Fuller wrote for several publications, including daily newspaper "The
Orange County Register," before she came to study at Midreshet B'erot
Bat Ayin. She is currently enrolled in our conversion program.
As I read Heather's piece in the newsletter, I was struck with the most amazing
feelings...I feel such a sense of gratitude, maybe even pride, for those who
demonstrate such strength... Being a Jew is not always easy, to take this
on willingly is amazing...growing up in middle class assimilated America I
was fortunate enough not have experienced the horrors my ancestors did, or
that even now Jews still face in parts of the globe. However, there were still
plenty of times that I wished that, "G-d would chooses somebody else
for once." I do not know if I would have had the strengtgh to make that
choice, I feel that those that do are a blessing on all Israel. I hear in
Heather's essay the singing of my own soul, and would just like to say to
her, and to your two other conversion students, welcome, our family is only
strengthened by you
please pass these thoughts on to them
love,
Shira
Yom
Haatzmaut
By
B’erot student Nechama Gauchman
The
B’erot family and guests celebrated Yom Haatzmaut with a hike to one of the few
local maayans, a barbecue, Divre Torah, stories, singing and drumming. During
the holiday in which we celebrate the Jewish return to our land, there can be
no more appropriate act of recognition than feeling the earth of Israel under
our feet, preparing and eating the fruits of this land, and giving thanks to
Hashem through song and study.
The
hike, which took about 45 minutes each way, led us through the modern gardens
of Bat Ayin, to ancient ruins and ritual bathing houses possibly used by our
ancestors who lived here in Biblical and ancient times. In a sense, we were
walking back into our history. We walked through the site of a former kibbutz
where, just years earlier, Jews lost their lives in fighting to hold on to the
very ground their forefathers trekked and fought on. As we approached the
mayan, we encountered many others who came to spend the day in the relief of
cool, clean water and fresh beautiful scenery. Families brought their children
to picnic and swim and enjoy the beauty of Israel.
As we
began to set up camp, we used the resources provided for us. A tree and its
shade became the buffet spot, with bags of plates and cutlery hanging from its
sturdy branches. The natural spring became our watering hole. As we cooked and
ate, the sounds of Torah began to penetrate the air, in particular the theme of
raising the physical world to a spiritual height, which can be done in Israel
like no where else in the world. After lunch, we created music with drums,
guitars and voices, singing songs about Israel and the Jewish people.
Afterwards, some participants told about their stories and relationship to the
land of Israel.
The day
was a successful celebration of the land of Israel and our relationship to it
as Jews.
Nechama
Gauchman came to Israel on a Birthright trip in January and never left. Nechama
started her studies at B’erot two weeks ago and hopes to stay in Israel to
study for quite a while.
Davar Torah for Lag B'Omer
(Source of inspiration: The Mystical Glory of Shabbat and Festivals by Matityahu
Glazerson)
Lag B'Omer marks the beginning of the emergence of the light of Shavuot and the completion of two-thirds of the Omer count. As R. Glazerson beautifully puts, it is the first glimpse of daylight after two-thirds of the night has passed. This first two-thirds of the Omer is a time of sorrow and mourning for the tragedies and judgment that historically afflicted the Jewish people during this period. This night, void of the light of Hashem, most obviously refers to the 24,000 pupils of Rabbi Akiva who were plagued and died during this time. It is said that the plague was brought on by the students' lack of respect and honor for one another, a lack of unity.
If we look back to the story of Passover, we see that going into the Omer, the Jews were united. Israel emerged from its slavery and persecution as one unit. Living this peaceful existence the Israelites are represented symbolically by lamb or sheep, which surrender their selfish needs for the sake of the herd and subjugate themselves to the shepherd. Remarkably, the Mazel or astrological sign for the month of Nissan, in which Passover is celebrated, is the Lamb. During Passover, we recognize the birth of the Jewish nation, the strong unity that emerged from the threat of our loss of identity. The submission and cohesion we employed before Hashem.
Once one is able to humble oneself for the sake of the community, the Omer comes. During this time of the year, it is a mitzvah to prepare and improve oneself to become ready to receive the light of Torah on Shavuot. The focus is switched from a group to an individual-mindedness in order to recognize and work towards fulfilling one's purpose in the world. The students of Rabbi Akiva were probably concentrating on themselves as is necessary during the Omer, however, perhaps they took these energies too far. Perhaps they strayed and lost sight of the herd. Symbolically, the sign for the month of Iyar, in which these first 2/3rds of the Omer count takes place, is the bull, the proud beast which is the polar opposite of the submissive lamb.
It is said that when the light of Shavuot began to descend, the students stopped dying. Perhaps they were realizing the error of their ways. Shavuot falls in Sivan, for which the sign is twins, recognizing the necessary unity of the individual and the community. This reconciliation acknowledges the need for individuals who know their place and their role in the communal world. Perhaps with this light, the students realized their responsibility as part of the community and united in mutual respect and honor.
If you reverse the letters in Hebrew of lag
, you spell gal, which means revelation. Lag B'Omer is a revelation
in the midst of darkness. If you extend that root, you also get the world
galut, which means exile, the current condition of the Jewish people.
We can look at the story of Rabbi Akiva's students to learn how to bring about
this dawn, this revelation which will bring light slowly into the world (a
metaphor that has been used to describe the coming of Mashiach). Perhaps the
mourning of the Jewish people over our galut will begin to cease when we are
able to unite as a single unit with one heart and lay to rest the animosity
and dishonor between Jews. With Hashem's will, may we begin to see the dawn
and receive the full light of his Torah speedily and in our days.
Excerpts
from board meeting, held 27 Nissan 5763, 29 April 2003
Overview of the midrasha’s vision, goals and direction by director
Chana Bracha Siegelbaum
Chana Bracha founded Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin 6 years ago in
response to a need for a women’s place of learning that offered creative
classes in addition to textual learning. (Such classes include meditation,
yoga, art, music, gardening and herbal workshop.)
Overview of budget and finances by Elana Benarroch
Currently, we are ahead but not by much. Additionally, due to fact
that we have more staff and are not receiving a government grant, more than
50 percent of money for 2003 needs to be raised through fundraising.
Conversion Program
B’erot’s conversion program, approved by Rav David Mamou of the
Rabbanut HaReishit in Jerusalem, began in January 2003. Currently, there are
three women enrolled.
General Program: Students earning college credit
Chana Bracha is currently looking into students earning college
credit for their studies at B’erot.
If anyone can help with this please contact us.
Hebrew Program
Courses in Hebrew were scheduled once a week, however, due to lack
of resources, the program has been put on hold for now to focus on other
programs.
Location
Currently, B’erot does not own its own land; the land that the
midrasha is located on belongs to Bat Ayin. It is important for B’erot to have
its own land in order to draw up building plans and raise money for it.
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)
Descriptions
of Programs
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 Shavuot 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. Visit us online at www.berotbatayin.org.