Sha'alvim for Women: September 2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

Racheli Frenkel with SFW

Over Rosh hashana, Sha'alvim for Women had the tremendous zechut to hear a sicha from Mrs. Racheli Frenkel.

Mrs. Frenkel is the mother of Naftali Frenkel who, together with Eyal Yifrah and Gilad Shaar, was kidnapped and murdered this summer.

Racheli Frenkel introduced her talk with SFW students in only 3 minutes... and then opened up the floor and answered any and every question that was posed. No question was off-limits. We sat spell-bound for over an hour as questions were asked and answers were offered comfortably and sincerely.

For example, she was asked about her belief in Hashem after the tragedy and about how, if at all, her Rosh Hashanah davening was changed because of the events this summer. She spoke

openly and emotionally about how her other children handled the news of Naftali's capture and then again when they heard of his demise. Racheli was asked if she knew why she, of all people, was "chosen" for this difficult challenge and she discussed her role models. We heard about the beautiful relationship that her family has formed - and continues to this day - with the other two families. Racheli also spoke about the army's role during the 18-day search for the children and the "Tzaddik Gamur" (her words) from the IDF who was also a completely non-observant Jew who worked with her day and night as a therapist and guide. She also spoke painfully and proudly about who Naftali was and she discussed how strongly she felt after the displays of achdut and togetherness that were displayed this summer by the Jewish people. Many more questions were asked as well but, lastly, she expressed intense hope that that "teamwork spirit" that became Klal Yisrael not die down. This, she felt, is the true memorial to the boys.

We were moved, on the one hand, by the tragic stories that she told. Yet we were also mesmerized by her unshakable emunah and grace. Rather than complain and express theological or political bitterness, Mrs. Frenkel became a role-model for us of the simcha and the joy that she experiences living in Israel and being part of Klal Yisrael.

We thank her from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time out of her chag to transform us over this beautiful Rosh Hashanah.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Rosh Hashana at Yeshivat Sha'alvim

In most years, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur usually occur soon after our students’ arrival in Israel. Rather than require them to find a place in a minyan outside of SFW, we are privileged to spend the Yamim Noraim together in Yeshivat Sha’alvim. We are uplifted by the inspiring tefillot there and by the sichot and shiurim from Shaalvim’s outstanding Roshei Yeshiva and faculty. With all the meals eaten together in our own dining room and sleeping together there, all our spiritual and physical needs are met on these important days!

Our experience on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is part of a larger picture: At Shaalvim for Women, we are blessed to be a branch of – and closely connected with – Yeshivat Shaalvim.

Established in 1960, Sha’alvim has more than 50 years of experience and thousands of alumni serving leadership roles throughout the world. We are the fortunate beneficiaries of that expertise and of those resources. For example, our students have unparalleled access and exposure to gedolei Torah; our Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Yechezkel Yaakovson, shlit”a and S’gan Rosh Yeshiva, Harav Michael Yammer, deliver sichot and answer questions every week. In addition, many of our faculty – such as Rav Ezra Shapiro and Rav Noam Koenigsburg teach regular shiurim at SFW.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Hilchot Shmitta - Part I

Please click here to listen to a shiur on the basics of Hilchot Shmitta from SFW's Menahel, Rav Yamin Goldsmith.

This shiur, Part I of a series, covers topics such as: What type of produce can have Kedushat Shviit? When do various types of produce attain Kedusha? How must produce with Kedushat Shviit be treated?

For other shiurim at Sha’alvim, please click here.

Shiur on Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech

Please click here to listen to a shiur (in Hebrew) on the Parsha from the Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Yechezkel Yaakovson, shlit”a.

For other shiurim at Sha’alvim, please click here.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech

Please click here to listen to S.E.M. Torah for this week's parsha from Rav Yamin Goldsmith.

For more S.E.M. Torah, please click here.

S.E.M. Torah is a series of brief divrei Torah delivered by various members of the faculty of Sha’alvim for Women.

S.E.M. stands (good-humoredly) for "Squeezing Every Minute" and represents an important philosophy at SFW: every minute counts and every minute can be used productively. Torah must be learned deeply and profoundly on the highest levels possible. However, even when you find that you have only a few moments, we believe that opportunities - like listening to this S.E.M. Torah - are always available…. if you know where to look!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014