Mazal tov to Shira (Moer) Maslow (SFW '09, '10)!

Mazal tov to Shira (Moer) Maslow (SFW '09, '10) and her husband and family on the birth of a baby boy!

שיזכו להכניסו בבריתו של אברהם אבינו בזמנו ולגדלו לתורה לחופה ולמעשים טובים

For other announcements please click here

Rav Yakov Haber: Sukkot- Two Forms of Divine Providence

Please click here to listen to a shiur from SFW's Rav Yakov Haber, titled "Sukkot: Two Forms of Divine Providence".

This shiur was part of our Annual Pre-Sukkot Yom Iyun.

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

Rabbi Moshe Gersht- Succos Inspired! Finding Meaning in the Joy

On Thursday morning we were privileged to welcome Rabbi Moshe Gersht to our Sukkot Yom Iyun. Rabbi Gersht gave new meaning to the holiday of Sukkot, with words of torah based on his new book Succos Inspired.  

The SFW Guest Speaker Program for 5776 is generously sponsored by an anonymous family.

Please click here to listen to the shiur.


Rabbi Moshe Gersht is the author of Succos Inspired, Discovering Depth, Joy and Meaning. His book brings new meaning and a different perspective to the holiday of Sukkot. Originally from LA, Rabbi Gersht now lives in Jerusalem, Israel. His torah is inspired by the Ramchal, Maharal and the chassidic masters. 

S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Haazinu

Please click here to listen to S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Haazinu 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!

Mazal tov to Ophira (Kopitnikoff) Abramson (SFW' 05)!

Mazal tov to Ophira (Kopitnikoff) Abramson (SFW' 05) and her husband and family on the birth of a baby boy!

שיזכו להכניסו בבריתו של אברהם אבינו בזמנו ולגדלו לתורה לחופה ולמעשים טובים

For other announcements please click here

Rav Yamin Goldsmith on Chag Sukkot

Please click here to listen to a shiur on Sukkot from SFW's Menahel, Rav Yamin Goldsmith, entitled "Sukkot Reality." 

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

Mazal tov to Elisheva (Koplen) Horowitz (SFW '05, '06)!

Mazal tov to Elisheva (Koplen) Horowitz (SFW '05, '06) and her family on the birth of a baby girl!

שיזכו לגדלה לתורה לחופה ולמעשים טובים

For other announcements see the scrolling list on our homepage or click here

Mazal tov to Devorah (Teitelbaum) Nadelbach (SFW ’09)!

Mazal tov to Devorah (Teitelbaum) Nadelbach (SFW ’09) and her husband and family on the birth of a baby boy!

שיזכו להכניסו בבריתו של אברהם אבינו בזמנו ולגדלו לתורה לחופה ולמעשים טובים

For other announcements please click here

Yamim Noraim at Yeshivat Sha'alvim

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.

Racheli Frenkel at 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 last summer. 

Racheli Frenkel introduced her talk with SFW students in only a few brief minutes... and then she opened up the floor and answered any and every question that was posed. No question was off-limits or too personal. We sat spell-bound 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 last 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 death. 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 last summer by the Jewish people. 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.  

Rav Knapel's Pre-Yom Kippur Sicha

It has become a tradition at SFW to hear from our very own Rav Jason Knapel before Yom Kippur. With his clear, insightful analysis and his "I'm from Brooklyn" directness, Rav Knapel sichot have - for 10 years and counting - become an inspiring part of our pre-Yom Kippur preparation. 

Please click here to listen to the shiur.

S.E.M. Torah for Shabbat Shuva

Please click here to listen to S.E.M. Torah for Shabbat Shuva from Rav Gershon Turetsky.

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!

Rabbi Eliyahu Yaakov at SFW

On Wednesday night we were privileged to welcome Rabbi Eliyahu Yaakov who analyzed the way our interpersonal relationships develop as a model for our relationship with Hashem. 

The SFW Guest Speaker Program for 5776 is generously sponsored by an anonymous family.

Please click here to listen to the shiur.


Rabbi Eliyahu Yaakov is a sought-after cutting-edge speaker on Kabbalah, relationships, parenting, and life. His Amazon bestseller, Jewish By Choice: A Kabbalistic Take on Life& Judaism, has won wide acclaim as one of the clearest, most comprehensive, easily accessible, and practical depictions of Kabbalah and the "whys" of Judaism. His most recent book is Parent by Choice.

Mazal Tov to Talia Lichtenstein (SFW ‘11, ‘12)

Mazal Tov to Talia Lichtenstein (SFW ‘11, ‘12) on her engagement to Noah Cohen!

שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל

For other announcements please click here

Rav Yaakovson Shlit"a on Yom Kippur

Please click here to listen to a shiur (in Hebrew) on the many facets of Yom Kippur from the Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Yechezkel Yaakovson, shlit”a.

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

Rav Ari Kahn at SFW

Please click here to listen to a shiur from Rav Ari Kahn. Rav Kahn spoke about the aggada of Elisha ben Avuyah and the meaning behind the bat kol who told him - as it would seem - that the doors to Teshuva were closed to him. 

We thank Rav Kahn for taking time out of his busy schedule to share words of Torah with us!

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

Rav Yaakovson shlit"a on Parshat Nitzavim

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

Rav Yaakovson also used the opportunity to welcome the SFW Class of 5776 and share divrei bracha. 

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

Rav Moshe Benovitz at SFW

We were privileged to welcome Rav Moshe Benovitz on Wednesday to deliver a guest shiur.

Rav Benovitz discussed the chag of Rosh Hashana as a communal holiday, not about you per se but about all of us getting along, b'Shalom!

Please click here to listen to the shiur

We are grateful to Rav Benovitz for giving of his time to share words of Torah and inspiration.

Rav Benovitz is a Rebbe and Director of Admissions at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim in Beit Shemesh.

The SFW Guest Speaker Program for 5776 is generously sponsored by an anonymous family.

S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Nitzavim

Please click here to listen to S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Nitzavim 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!

Mazal Tov to Rav Menachem Leibtag

Mazal Tov to Rav Menachem Leibtag and his family on the marriage of their son!

שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל

For other announcements please click here

Mazal Tov to Yael Raden (SFW ‘11, ‘12)!

Mazal Tov to Yael Raden (SFW ‘11, ‘12) on her Aliya to Eretz Yisrael!

ושבו בנים לגבולם!

For other announcements see the scrolling list on click here

Baruch Dayan HaEmmett

It is with shock and sorrow that we inform you of the tragic passing of Morris and Beth Faitelewicz, beloved parents of Shani Faitelewicz (SFW '07), and of the tragic passing of Yehuda Bayme, Shani's beloved chattan. 

We will notify regarding shiva and other information as it becomes available. 

בלע המות לנצח ומחה ה' אלוקים דמעה מעל כל פנים

Mazal Tov to Shosh Grad (SFW ‘11, ‘12)!

Mazal Tov to Shosh Grad (SFW ‘11, ‘12) on her Aliya to Eretz Yisrael!

ושבו בנים לגבולם!

For other announcements see the scrolling list on our homepage or click here

Rav Goldsmith on Parshat Nitzavim

Please click here to listen to a shiur on Parshat Nitzavim from SFW's Menahel, Rav Yamin Goldsmith, entitled "Teshuva and Shlichut." 

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

Mazal Tov to Atara Polinsky (SFW ‘11)!

Mazal Tov to Atara Polinsky (SFW ‘11) on her engagement to Meir Szegedi!

שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל

For other announcements please click here

Rav Yaakovson Shlit"a on Parshat Ki Tavo

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

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

Rav Eli Reich at SFW

On Thursday nights, we are privileged to host Sha'alvim's Rosh Yeshiva, S'gan Rosh Yeshiva or another member of the greater Sha'alvim faculty for a weekly "Sichat Ram'im." 

This week we were privileged to welcome Rav Eli Reich, Ra"M at Yeshivat Sha'alvim. Rav Reich helped us prepare for Selichot and the teshuva that is so critical to this time of year and to our lives in general.

Please click here to listen to the shiur.

Rav Reich learned at Sha'alvim from 1990-1992. He then returned to the U.S. to continue his studies at Yeshiva University where he learned under Rav Michael Rosensweig while studying for his B.A. in Jewish studies and M.A. from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. In 1995 the Reichs made Aliyah, coming back to Sha'alvim where Rav Eli continued learning in the kollel and finished his Semichah studies while giving a chabura to talmidim in the Overseas Program. Standing out as an emerging Talmid Chacham, Rav Reich joined the staff in 2002. His analytical and engaging shiurim are very popular among the students.

Rav Aryeh Leibowitz at SFW

This week we were privileged to welcome Rav Aryeh Leibowitz, S'gan Menahel and Ra"M at Yeshivat Sha'alvim as a guest speaker. Rav Leibowitz discussed nature of Teshuva on Rosh Hashana.

The SFW Guest Speaker Program for 5776 is generously sponsored by an anonymous family.

Please click here to listen to the shiur.


Rav Leibowitz attended Sha'alvim for two years before studying at Yeshiva University. At YU, he was a student of Rabbi Mayer Twersky, and earned semicha ordination from RIETS, a B.A. in Modern Jewish History and Philosophy from Yeshiva College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Yeshiva's Bernard Revel Graduate School. Following his marriage, Rav Leibowitz moved to Yerushalayim, and continued his learning at Yeshiva Ohalei Torah, under Rav Daniel Belsky. In 2007, he returned to Sha'alvim as a member of the kollel, and in 2011 he was appointed Assistant Dean of the Overseas Program. Rav Leibowitz has written a number of Torah and scholarly articles, and is the author of Hashgacha Pratis: An Exploration of Divine Providence and Free Will (Targum Press, 2009).

Mazal Tov to Ariella Polakoff (SFW ‘10)!

Mazal Tov to Ariella Polakoff (SFW ‘10) on her engagement to Raffi Leicht!

שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל

For other announcements please click here

Mazal Tov to Melanie Simon (SFW ‘10)!

Mazal Tov to SFW Co-Director of Student Programming Melanie Simon (SFW ‘10) on her engagement to David Gross!

שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל

For other announcements please click here

S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Ki Tavo

Please click here to listen to S.E.M. Torah for Parshat Ki Tavo 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!

Mazal tov to Sarah (Jacob) Indig (SFW ’08)!

Mazal tov to Sarah (Jacob) Indig (SFW ’08) and her husband and family on the birth of a baby boy!

שיזכו להכניסו בבריתו של אברהם אבינו בזמנו ולגדלו לתורה לחופה ולמעשים טובים

For other announcements please click here