JLI Rosh Chodesh Society Course Invites Women to Experience Prayer

When people think of Jewish prayer, they often think of the quintessential Jewish male image—flowing tallis, wrapped tefillin, a quorum of men raising their voices in song. Prayer is often associated with a synagogue, the prayer book, and the community. In truth, though, prayer is an inherently personal experience—one where the feminine shines brightly.

The Rosh Chodesh Society’s new course, A Work of Heart, explores prayer through the eyes of a woman.

Throughout history, women have always prayed. Their pure and earnest words born from real-life trials and tribulations, joy and gratitude, expressed their deepest hopes, fears, and aspirations. It is specifically feminine prayer that touches the essence of what prayer truly is—forging an authentic relationship with G-d.

A Work of Heart’s seven-lesson monthly curriculum explores the rich tapestry of meaning within the prayer book, the prayer service, and the synagogue. It presents prayer as an art, an opportunity, a means of bonding with G-d, a journey of self-discovery, a perspective changer, and an exercise in self-empowerment.

The Rosh Chodesh Society is dedicated to empowering women through Torah learning. It offers a platform for women to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and create lasting connections with their Shlucha, their Yiddishkeit, and each other.

Rochel Gordon has been on Shlichus in Tasmania for the last thirteen years. In the beginning, she says, she never imagined herself leading classes. “I was never the teacher type,” she admits. “Giving classes is not my thing.” It was her younger brother, who worked for JLI, who encouraged her to try the Rosh Chodesh Society (RCS) classes. “He kept saying, ‘You have to sign up for RCS—the program and the personal support is incredible.’” She agreed to give it a try for one year. That first year changed everything.

Despite her initial concerns, Rochel found herself drawn into the experience. “I was honestly very nervous because I wasn’t used to giving the class,” she says. “But I was surprised how easy they were to put together with all the accompanying resources—the PowerPoints, the recordings, videos, and the Student Books.” To her surprise, the women responded enthusiastically. “That first year, I had a lot of women who attended,” she recalls, and the impact she witnessed kept her teaching every year since.

In recent years, Rochel’s perspective on teaching has deepened, especially as she’s seen the classes resonate on a personal level with each attendee. “Last year really opened my eyes to the quality of the classes and their impact on each woman,” she shares. This impact became even more poignant in the wake of recent tragic events. “After October 7th, women were hungry for inspiration. Every class was written with a message that was so current. It was incredible.”

Chana Kaplan of Potomac, Maryland, is passionate about teaching Jewish women. She says the materials and resources provided by RCS bring depth and relevance to Jewish topics, making them accessible and engaging: “After sending out the latest email, immediately I had women messaging me, telling me how excited they were for this upcoming course on prayer.”

For the over three hundred Shluchos around the world who currently teach RCS courses, the courses have revolutionized Jewish learning for women with their easy-to-teach materials, brightly designed PowerPoints, and clear handouts. In addition, RCS has a 24/6 support line for Shluchos to gain insight into the course material, engage, and share inspiration.

Estie Ciment of Little Rock, Arkansas, says that her community has gained tremendously: “These courses are life-transforming. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the experience is incredibly positive.”

“The Rosh Chodesh Society has truly enhanced our Shlichus, fostering incredible personal growth in Yiddishkeit for so many; numerous women are drawn to this unique style of learning. The impact we have seen, and continue to see, is remarkable: Women are not only learning themselves but are inspired to bring others to join as well. The friendships formed through these classes are heartwarming, and the Rosh Chodesh Society sessions have become a highly anticipated highlight,” says Mrs. Sara Steinmetz of Sarasota, Florida. “For Shluchos considering joining, know that under the RCS team’s leadership, the support provided is truly exceptional, making the experience of teaching this course not only very manageable but personally gratifying, rewarding, and empowering.”

“The Rosh Chodesh Society curriculum has truly transformed my women’s classes, bringing profound depth and richness to our learning,” shares Mrs. Sivan Boas of Vienna, Austria. “It creates an environment where women feel uplifted and empowered, fostering spiritual growth and a stronger sense of connection.”

“Jews are a people of prayer. They always have been, from the birth of their existence; the biblical narrative depicts Rivkah Imeinu praying for children, Devorah Haneviah singing a victory prayer, and Queen Esther impelling an entire nation into fervent prayer,” says RCS director Mrs. Shaindy Jacobson. “Throughout the ages, whether publicly or in private, we seek to soar on the wings of prayer, to experience the unity of Heaven and earth. Like every specialized art, prayer must be learned. And there are no greater instructors out there than the Rebbe’s Shluchos! How lucky are we to have them! Ashreinu and Ashreichen!”

The course will be taught once per month for seven consecutive months and is designed for women at all levels of Jewish knowledge.
Allow women in your community to experience prayer for themselves. For more information, please contact:

Mrs. Shaindy Jacobson: shaindy@myjli.com / Mrs. Chana’le Dechter: rcsadmin@myjli.com