Coming up this week, distinguished speaker Rebbetzin Ruchoma
Shain will be inspiring us at the JEWEL Melave Malka and mini
"Bonsai" Chinese Auction, motzei Shabbos, February 13
at Hechalei HaSimcha (formerly Hefzadi Hall). JEWEL's annual
fundraiser, the Melave Malka's theme is "Renewing the
Sparkle."
The evening's event, apart from the food and fun, is JEWEL's
way of binding together all Jewish women in the Torah
community for the goal of supporting Jewish learning for
women. Created through dozens of volunteers, businesses and
organizations, the Melave Malka hopes to raise the funds to
kick off many other JEWEL projects. These projects, in turn,
will reach our sister women in Klal Yisroel who have
not had the benefit of Torah learning in their lives. It's no
coincidence that the admission ticket of $18 goes towards one
hour of Torah learning for a JEWEL student in the
Introductory Program. Who can measure the power and potential
of one hour in the spiritual development of someone's sister,
niece, aunt, cousin, granddaughter, or friend?
What is JEWEL?
Walk down one sunny street in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood,
and you'll arrive at Rechov Mevo Timna 6. Step up the few
stairs and you're at the Jewish Women's Education League
Center of Studies -- JEWEL. JEWEL is the umbrella
organization for all Aish HaTorah women's programming in
Jerusalem, for women of all ages, from beginner level to
advanced.
The Jerusalem JEWEL Introductory Program offers dynamic,
engaging Torah classes in a scheduled learning format for
women ranging in age from 21-35. Women with a variety of
backgrounds from all over the world are welcome to join the
Jerusalem JEWEL Program. Past students include women from as
far as Australia, England, America, and Canada, in addition
to English speaking Israelis. The JEWEL program creates an
atmosphere conducive to spiritual growth in Torah, designed
especially for these educated, spirited and enthusiastic
women looking for real answers to challenging questions.
The light, airy and spacious center, complete with English
library, adds to the atmosphere of engaging discussion. Some
of the titles of the classes are "Self Development," "A Day
in the Life...." "Person to Person," and "Happiness: Getting
it and Keeping it." In addition to its wide range of
hashkofo classes, Jerusalem JEWEL offers classes in
classic texts such as parsha and Tanach, as
well as a Hebrew ulpan. One afternoon a week, a day
trip is scheduled and on Thursday afternoon, lunch and
classes are held in the Old City.
Rabbi Josh and Tamara Boretsky, the husband and wife team at
JEWEL, its program administrators and directors, have
stressed the uniqueness of the Introductory Program: "Because
of its laid back environment, a come-as-you-are attitude, and
the intimacy of the small classes, the teachers can help the
students focus on applying what they learn and making it
their own. This Introductory Program offers the building
blocks, the foundation, the ABC's of continued Jewish
learning."
Many of the JEWEL introductory students go on to centers of
higher Jewish learning at more advanced levels.
On of these centers is EYAHT. The EYAHT program addresses the
needs of intermediate and advanced students. Located at 22
Imrei Bina in the Kiryat Sanz neighborhood of Jerusalem,
EYAHT builds on the hashkafic knowledge of the JEWEL
Introductory Program. Under the leadership and personal,
caring attention of Rebbetzin Denah Weinberg, EYAHT helps
these JEWEL graduates, as well as other Jewish women, to
fully integrate Torah living and values into their minds and
hearts.
Another Aish HaTorah program located in the Old City of
Jerusalem is the Executive Women's Learning Program for
professionals who have already been successful in their
careers. Founded by Rene Feinstein, the EWLP offers classes 5
days a week from 9am to 5 p.m.
The Jerusalem JEWEL Introductory Program is also unique in
promoting Jewish leadership with each of its students. Mrs.
Tamara Boretsky emphasizes that JEWEL "encourages
opportunities for its students to go as leaders in their
communities; to take what they've learned back home. Many of
our students return as madrichot for outreach
programs."
Shoshana Potts, age 21 , from Alabama, is currently one of
the JEWEL introductory students. She says she: "Loves it.
They bring in the greatest teachers. The classes are really
thought provoking and we get answers to our questions. JEWEL
is like a home. Everyone is so warm and they really care. I
feel totally comfortable going to the homes of staff and
teachers, and going to their houses for Shabbat."
Another facet of JEWEL is the Women's Organization. It
organizes and hosts special events for the community.
Recently, Rebbetzin Fayge Twerski of Milwaukee offered words
of chizuk in Ramat Eshkol, open to the entire
community.
In addition to special events, the JEWEL Women's Organization
offers a yearly 2 day summer seminar, held in Jerusalem,
centered around a special theme. Over 300 participants at
each event, from all backgrounds, attend the lectures.
Do you know anyone coming to visit Eretz Yisroel? Know any
women travelling around the country and planning on staying
awhile in Jerusalem, wanting to look into their roots? Tell
them to check out the JEWEL Program -- it'll be worth their
while.
To book your reservations for the Melave Malka, for ticket
information and for more information on JEWEL programs and
events, contact the JEWEL office at 02-582-5323.
