Women of Strength Turn On Lights in Jerusalem (2024)

Shavuot is a time of beauty, blessings, and revelation. These elements were profoundly present in the inspiring 5784 Shavuot program titled “Women of Oz – 8 Voices that Inspire,” organized by the Chabad Talbiya – Mamilla Women’s Circle.

Yalkut Shimoni states, “אין עוז אלא תורה” (there is no strength like the Torah), which set the stage for this pre-Shavuot event held against the backdrop of the ancient walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, at The David castle. The evening infused every guest with much-needed strength and light.

Each of the women who spoke astounded the crowd with their source of strength, sharing their methods of overcoming immense challenges and stories of grief. They shared not only their tears but also their triumphs of faith and joy over despair and darkness.

The holiness in the hall was palpable as these heroes, with their regal voices, made individual blessings on dough specially prepared for Hafrashat Challah. This was performed in honor of different groups in Am Yisrael who need those blessings.

Seven Hafrashat Challah, seven voices, seven stories were heard by the 150 women and girls who attended. The speakers included Devorah Kay, Shani Arditi, Yitty Glaser, Orit Becher, Noor Geudalia, Rotem Sharabi, and Chana Shenhav. While some stories were difficult to relay and hear, each one also focused on the blessings of being saved, helping others, or the greatest blessing of all: the gift of unity and defending Am Yisrael.

Throughout the program, there was incredible singing led by singer Tzipporah Evgi. This eventually broke out into dance, and as at every Jewish celebration, there was a delightful assortment of food.

Shani Arditi was the first voice heard. Her story was shocking, filled with terror on the one hand and open miracles on the other, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Shani spoke about clutching her “Am Yisrael Chai” necklace during moments where life and death hung in the balance, feeling a higher reality protecting her. Unbeknownst to her, her mother was doing the exact same thing during those grueling 16 hours of terror and uncertainty.

Devorah Kay, mother of Elyahu David HYD, spoke of the tragic loss of her son, a courageous chayal in the South. Two years later, in 2021, he was on his way to the Kotel when he was shot and killed, holding a Likutei Sichot and his tefillin. This loss triggered the Kay family to establish “Beit Eli,” a home for lone soldiers, in his memory. This is only the first step of many others leading to rebuilding in the wake of tragedy.

The next Hafrashat Challah was made by Yitty Glaser, who, together with her husband Eli, has exemplified endless and selfless volunteering since October 8th during this crisis.

Orit Becher, the mother of Yehuda HYD, who was murdered on October 7th, spoke next. A few days prior to his death, Yehuda was videoed singing “Elokai Neshama,” thanking Hashem for every moment of life. The participants shared in her intense pride and simultaneous pain for her son Yehuda.

Chana from Sderot was the fifth voice. She humbled the crowd with her brilliant smile and endless thanks to Hashem for saving all nine members of her family amidst unrelenting shelling, which resulted in a destroyed home. ” And Hashem! What about HIS evacuated home! Hashem has been crying for a home for over 2000 years,” she concluded….

Rotem Sharabi, niece of Yossi and Eli, both hostages in Gaza, spoke about her new role as their voice. Yossi was tragically killed three months ago in captivity. Rotem sang a duet with guest singer Tziporah Evgi, and their “Shir Lamaalot” ascended to the heavens. Rotem still has one uncle in captivity while many family members were killed on October 7th. She has become the voice for the family, expressing her love and longing through song, which she did beautifully in the duet.

Noor Guedalia, wife of a reservist, was the final speaker. She has been home alone for many months with two babies. Her husband lost his brother Yosef HYD on October 7th, along with many close friends in combat. Listening to Noor reminded us that there are no successful soldiers without their devoted families and wives holding down the fort.

When the last voice had made the blessing on the challah, a spontaneous burst of dancing united women of all orientations. This lifted the crowd to a level of determination and faith crucial for transforming darkness into light at this time.

As the evening concluded on a spiritual and physical high following music, moving stories, joyous dance, and delicious food, it was clear that this was the perfect preparation for ascending the mountain tops of Matan Torah 5784.

Each and every guest that night felt that connection. Each speaker was gifted with a beautiful bracelet engraved with the words Am Yisrael Chai..

Shani herself expressed that dancing with the women that night was “A healing, festive experience of a kind she’d never known”.

For the entire crowd, it was another positive and empowering example of the inexplicable truth, amid all the darkness, that Am Yisrael’s spirit can never, ever die.. Am Yisrael Chai…

For the full speeches of the women of OZ, please click here.

To contribute to Chabad of Talbiya –https://www.jgive.com/new/en/ils/donation-targets/112831