Chametz is not only breadcrumbs of the five grains that are not allowed on Passover,  wheat, spelt, barley, oats and rye. It also represents humility. Yeast makes bread rise, and Matza has no ego. I recently learned with Rebbetzin Yehudis Wisnefsky in Jerusalem that we eat Matza like baby food. We have a brand new light that comes into our soul as we clean out the chametz internally, physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. We let go of what does not serve us, deep clean for a fresh start and perspective, and humbly realize with gratitude, that we are on a journey and it is God’s plan.

I personally love this concept that is a recurring theme in Jewish celebrations of a new month and in all of our holidays. Passover is considered the first spiritual month of the Jewish year. This is where we became the Nation of Israel, and when accepting the Ten Commandments said, we will do and then we will hear, נעשה ונשמע. The action is the secret, when we act and trust, we do not need to ask how, things flow and become clear.

I would love to give you a glimpse into life in Jerusalem. When we arrived in August 2024, it was one year after October 7 and one year before all the hostages would be back in Israel. Three teenagers blended effortlessly into maneuvering bus routes, school schedules and meeting friends all over the city. Luckily it is a multicultural city, with many languages and English is widely spoken. Everyone including me immediately started our Ulpan, Hebrew learning course, and day by day we are picking up more and more. Yes there are sirens, and we experienced our first when Iran attacked on the day of Erev Rosh Hashana. We were shopping at a popular mall, and had to keep on running back to the shelter. We thought the siren was done, but the attacks kept coming. I can honestly say I feel safer here than anywhere else in the world for me and my children. Everywhere in the world, Jews are getting attacked in the streets, when they pray and at events that have nothing to do with Israel. The worst is the blatant violence towards children, just being randomly attacked with Jew hatred and actual schools being rammed into, tagged with swastikas, threatened with bombs and active shooters.

As we are experiencing this current war, which started on Parshat Zachor right before Purim when we were stamping out Amalek in shul as we heard the early alert that a siren is coming, I knew they got the head of the snake. In Jerusalem it is quieter than Tel Aviv, the south and the north, so luckily we are going to Mahane Yehuda, meeting with friends in cafes. I am going to work with Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum at Midreshet Berot Bat Ayin. It is the position of my dreams at a beautiful Holistic Torah Center for women of all ages and walks of life. As the Director of Outreach and Student Affairs, I am using all my skillsets. We have a beautiful retreat center that utilizes my Hospitality Management background. Women come for gardening and meditative movement that I get to teach with my 25 years of experience in Yoga, Pilates and Dance. Even my Doula and Coaching work comes into play as I guide these beautiful souls to birth anew.

Please help me share our work and to inspire others to give Tzedaka for our women, for our land and to support my family as we navigate life in our beautiful homeland.

Wishing everyone Pesach Kasher V’Sameach!

Preparing for Pesach at B’erot – Join Us in Bringing Light A glimpse into the heart of our women’s midrasha — learning, connection, song, and growth on the land. Moments of Torah, tefilah, and sisterhood woven together in a space where women can truly show up and flourish.

Shalom From Bat Ayin!

As we prepare for Pesach here at Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin, our campus is filled with energy, purpose, and joy. Our students are cleaning, organizing, and transforming every corner—ensuring that no chametz remains, while also preparing their hearts and minds for the renewal of the chag.

At B’erot, this time of year is especially meaningful. It is a time when our holistic, Torah-centered environment comes alive—through hands-on work, shared responsibility, creativity, and deep inner preparation. From our communal kitchen to our organic gardens, every aspect of our midrasha is part of a living, breathing Torah experience.

We invite you to take part in this special preparation by supporting some of our Pesach needs:

“Without flour, there is no Torah” (Avot 3:17)

Repair the sprinkler system of the B’erot garden – $250 One load of topsoil to plant the spring crop – $180 New pots and pans for our communal kitchen – $100 One cart of straw for our organic compost – $72 Essential food for our communal kitchen – $36 Kimcha d’Pischa – One box of shmura matza for our students – $18

A heartfelt thank you to all those who have already contributed. Your support allows us to continue nurturing a warm, creative, and spiritually rich environment for our students. We warmly invite you to partner with us in sustaining and growing this special place.

Can you help us? To support Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin, click here.

 http://www.berotbatayin.org/donationsils/ Israeli PayPal: You can pay in dollars or another currency, and PayPal will convert it to Israeli currency.

Thank you so much for your support—it is truly appreciated.

With warmest wishes for all—may there be peace, safety, and security in Israel and everywhere.

Wishing you a Pesach Kasher V’Sameach!

Donate via BIT: +972-527075022, reference Berot Donate

Automatic Bank Transfer Name: Mizrachi Tefahot Bank (Bank Code: 20) Branch Number: 454 – Efrat Beneficiary’s Name: Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin Beneficiary’s Account #: 524776 Swift Code: MIZBILIT Mail a Check in the US to: American Friends of Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin c/o Judy Josephs 98 St. Marks Place Apt. #1C New York, NY 10009-5803 USA

www.berotbatayin.org | +972-2-993-4945 | info@berotbatayin.org

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