A Typical Day of Women's Learning

A Personal Perspective by Braha Bender,
Women's Seminar Participant

From nine o’clock every morning a small portion of the beautiful, ancient Churva Synagogue is opened for participants in the seminars to arrive early, settle in, chat or daven before beginning study at nine- thirty. From nine- thirty until ten- thirty, students engage in rigorous textual analysis of selections from Ayin Yaacov, a compilation of the narrative, as opposed to the legalistic, Talmudic texts with a study partner, tutor, or small group. Textual analysis is facilitated by Rebbetzen Wegbreit, experienced in many facets of Torah analysis. At ten thirty, an expectant hush sweeps over the group when the Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Shimon Green quietly walks into the synagogue, takes his place at the head of the table, engages the group with a bright warm smile, a personal anecdote or joke which relates to the material and then proceeds to address the text. The Rabbi has a special way of introducing women to serious Torah learning which makes every class a surprise, delight, and adventure.

After a short break, participants gather once again with their learning partners to study selections from mussar writings or Chumash. Once Rabbi Zahavie Green begins, its time to buckle your seatbelt and get ready to participate. Students are captivated, as thought provoking questions Rabbi Zahavie has listed from the previous day’s class are asked. Challenging women to reflect on their own life and the lives of biblical figures, the final class presents patterns and tools for self development. Rabbi Zahavie offers exercises for personal growth from both Torah sources and years of his own experience, engaging those tools for character refinement on a personal level. This class concludes the day at twelve thirty.

We are also given the opportunity to learn with Rabbi Asher Baruch Wegbreit. Rabbi Wegbreit’s class contributes to an understanding of the greater structure and purpose of particular Torah texts such as Ashrei or Mishlei, as well as highly practical lessons drawn from the specific verses and themes therein. This class is also one in which audience participation is encouraged and keeps the learning accessible and practical.