Women’s Society Leaders Meet

Affiliates of the Rosh Chodesh Society (RCS, The women’s division of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute) gathered from all around the world for a day of pedagogical training and inspiration.

The second annual Rosh Chodesh Society Conference, held at the Jewish Children’s Museum, also offered RCS’s 130 affiliates the opportunity to bond and meet with fellow instructors who teach RCS’s professional curriculum in their communities.

Described by director Shaindy Jacobson as fueling a “global spiritual revolution, one Jewish woman at a time,” each year’s Rosh Chodesh Society course is taught for seven consecutive months throughout the year, on or during the week of Rosh Chodesh.

At the RCS Conference, experienced and novice instructors alike expressed deep appreciation for the presentation by veteran RCS instructor Mrs. Rochel Holzkenner, an RCS affiliate in Las Olas, Florida, who focused on pedagogical tips and techniques for introducing guided discovery into their classrooms.

Mrs. Holzkenner is well-known among RCS affiliates for her masterful pre-recorded “pilot” classes, which many affiliates use to help them prepare for their own classes. One of her central pieces of advice was to keep students on their toes, to be a “guide on the side” rather than a “sage on the stage.”

“Sometimes our nature is to simply tell others information, to be the ‘sage on the stage.’” said Mrs. Holzkenner. “But if we allow our students to draw conclusions on their own, to have their own ‘aha’ moments rather than imposing information on them, that can have a much more powerful and lasting impact on how they absorb and internalize that information.”

Mrs. Rochel Flikshtein of Wilmington, Delaware, also addressed the conference, sharing her experience as a new affiliate, and expressing her gratitude for what Rosh Chodesh Society has helped her accomplish in her community through its professional curriculum, multimedia, marketing materials, and the online forum on which the affiliates support each other and share creative ideas for enhancing each lesson.

“I have to admit that I was hesitant to start teaching Rosh Chodesh Society. I wasn’t sure if the women would be interested in serious learning. But Rosh Chodesh society has exceeded my expectations. It’s had a lasting impact on the women in my community, whether by inspiring them to say brachos on food or to be more patient with their children. Through learning Torah with these women, I have been able to connect with them in a much deeper way. I have also become a better teacher and have expanded my reach in my community. It is a great z’chus to be a part of such an amazing group of women educators spreading light throughout the world,” said Mrs. Flikshtein.

Mrs. Carolyn Hessel, director of the Jewish Book Council and the most powerful woman in book publishing, made a surprise guest appearance, sharing a brief message about her love of Jewish books and a new Jewish book club she has initiated.

As a surprise gift, each affiliate received a copy of the discourse Lehavin Inyan Rosh Chodesh, translated as Feminine Faith as part of the Chassidic Heritage Series, published by Kehot Publication Society, which discusses the spiritual significance of Rosh Chodesh and its relevance to women. The gift was sponsored in honor of the Rebbe’s shluchos.

The conference concluded on a (literal) high note with an inspirational, original song composed by Mrs. Jacobson. To listen to a [male] recording click on the play tab in the video below: