On July 31, 2023 the Mayanot shul was filled with laughter and hugs as the Mayanot women’s summer program had their final banquet and hakel gathering. In true Hakel style, the event was also attended by many teachers and alumni, coming from many parts of Israel to share Mayanot memories and inspiration together.
Rivka Marga Gestetner, Director of the Women’s Program welcomed everyone and kept the program running. Rabbi Gestetner, Dean of Mayanot Institute spoke about the Rebbe’s vision for us for a Hakel year, and Rabbi Shemtov, Executive Director of Mayanot Institute gave us fire to warm us as we went on our separate ways.
Rivka Cohen, Ulpan teacher, celebrated her 60th year of teaching with us, and Susie Muller, Creative Director at Mayanot, spoke passionately about Mayanot and how it impacted her and how she now works to get more students to come learn here. Zehava Domi, a high school physics teacher from California, spoke about what made her change her mind from being ‘just’ a summer student, to commit to stay for the entire year. She then challenged all of us to ask ourselves, ‘when was I truly happy’?
The evening was more than the sum of great food, beautiful décor and inspiring speakers. It really highlighted the impact that Mayanot had and continues to have on so many women as they navigate their lives. The learning they did, the friends they made and the connections that continue to reverberate in their everyday were clearly on display.
The Jerusalem event was the culmination of a year of Hakhel activities, bringing Jews together to inspire and be inspired in line with the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s directives for the the year of Hakel. This Jerusalem Hakhel Banquet was one of over 20 events Mayanot held worldwide celebrating and connecting with alumni.
For more info on Mayanot programs and opportunities please visit: www.Mayanot.edu
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How very, very beautiful!