By: Zelig Katzman
The Jewish woman’s role in the observance of Yiddishkeit and the survival of the Jewish people has always been crucial. In our generation, the Rebbe elevated the function of the Jewish woman to one of pivotal importance, not just in terms of preserving Yiddishkeit but in ushering in the ultimate redemption. Just as Chazal tell us of the vital role Jewish women played in bringing about Yetzias Mitzrayim, the Rebbe applies that same idea to the final exodus from golus, the imminent Geulah.
Seeking to bring this message of empowerment in a contemporary language, speaking to the modern Jewish woman, the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302 partnered with the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute has formulated a special curriculum based on the Rebbe’s famous sicha on Chof Beis Shevat 5752.
Throughout the past month, 50 girls from the two Chabad seminaries in Melbourne joined together to take this unique course. Split into groups, each assigned a different part of the sicha, they read through it with the help of the explanations and translations provided in the course materials. “It was practical and the girls really enjoyed it. It was clear and precise,” said Mrs. Naima Engel, Shlucha at Merkos Women Seminary. “At the end, it had some review questions which helped bring it to practical life. I would definitely recommend it to others.”
“This curriculum and sicha were so beautifully presented and so clear. It really gave over the spiritual significance to the girls in a powerful way. It really impacted the girls and me,” said Rivky Gopin, Head of Informal at Ohel Chana. “We often speak about the women’s role in bringing Moshiach a little ambiguously, but through this sicha, we were able to see in black and white how critical women are in bringing Moshiach and making a dira betachtonim through our unique feminine faculties. Many girls learned ideas they had never heard before and were really empowered!”
After studying and discussing the sources, six girls were selected to take the lessons learned and share in writing how they found the ideas relevant to their lives. Many shared how the course took familiar terms and concepts and gave them practical relevance to their daily lives.
“The Rebbe’s message of empowerment to Jewish women and girls-in this sicha and so many others-are as pertinent today as they were at the time they were said,” says Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chariman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch. “In providing this unique course, we are doing our part to amplify this message within our community and in the broader world. The results of this initiative will undoubtedly hasten the ultimate Geulah, may it be soon.”
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