Baruch Hashem, the midrasha just completed an incredible retreat with twenty young women most B’erot students but also some great guest who merged beautifully with us. If Rosh Hashanah was truly a blueprint for the coming year, then this year will be filled with so much celebration and Ahavat Yisrael. There didn’t seem to be one moment without a song on our lips, a jig in our step, and every word filled with love, bracha, and the overwhelming hope for Moshiach. 

We were all invited to an incredible introductory meal at Rabbi and Rebbetzin Siegelbaum’s home, where we appreciated the fruits of Israel, and each woman shared a bracha for the coming year. 

The finale of the two days was arguably the most exciting part of the holiday. One of our students, Erika who now goes by her Hebrew name “Orli” prepared an amazing Amen/Bracha party. As each woman said five brachos for various foods, everyone else listened with intense kavana (intention) and responded with an affirmation of emuna in the form a resounding AMEN!  The event created a feeling of sisterhood, hope and joy for the New Year, and necessary closure. 

To finish the retreat, three B’erot students, calling themselves “Azamra”, performed in a surprise concert with such favorites as Chabad’s version of “Avinu Malkeinu” and Matisyahu’s “One Day.” Thanks to our wonderful madrichot, Nili and Adar, each student had the opportunity to meet Bat Ayin families, to pray at various shuls, and enjoy a home-cooked celebratory lunch by the B’erot students. This year is sure to be the best year yet, thanks to our new family and thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.