Batsheva Learning Center Beis Midrash Celebrates Graduation

Last Sunday evening, a crowd of women gathered in a shul on Maple St. to mark the conclusion of the second year at Batsheva Learning Center’s Beis Midrash.

Mrs. Sara Morozow started off the evening by speaking about the Rebbe’s revolutionary approach to women’s Torah study. Referencing the Rebbe’s sichos as well as anecdotes from her own life, she painted a picture of what a woman’s relationship to Torah should look like today.

Following her address, two graduates of the Beis Midrash spoke, each one sharing an idea they had learned that year and how it impacted them. The first, Chavi, spoke about the experience of taking one halacha and exploring its history from the source in the Gemara through the discussions in the rishonim and acharonim. She described how this journey changed her perception of the halachic process and gave new vitality to her daily practice of halacha. “Learning the backstory of Halacha makes it come alive.” She said. “Before, all of the various halachos I learned in class seemed like loose strings; now I can see how they are like silk threads woven together through generations to form a fabulous tapestry.” She showcased this experience with one example from the hilchos kashrus curriculum she had studied that year, giving a thorough overview of the halachic discussions on waiting between meat and milk.

Next, Menucha Minkowitz, who is completing her second year as a student at the Beis Midrash, shared an insight from the maamarim she had learned this year. She spoke about the power of a single mitzvah in connecting us to the Infinite and how the immersive learning she did at the Beis Midrash gave her a new perspective on her Yiddishkeit.

Next, Mrs. Vivi Deren was introduced by her granddaughter, Musya Deren, another Beis Midrash graduate. Mrs. Hadassah Shemtov, director of Batsheva Learning Center, interviewed Mrs. Deren about the evolution of girls’ education that she witnessed in her lifetime. She described the cultural shifts from her grandmother’s generation to her own and her experience being part of one of the first graduating classes of Bais Rivka High School. She also gave practical insights and advice for how women today can incorporate Torah learning into their lives in a way that will be personally meaningful.

The evening ended with awarding the Beis Midrash graduates with certificates and gifts. Batsheva Learning Center hopes to turn this into an annual event for the community, celebrating the Rebbe’s vision for the advancement of women’s Torah learning in our generation. Applications for next year’s Beis Midrash are now open at:
www.batshevalearningcenter.com/beismidrash