EMUNAH
EMUNAH
EMUNAH – WOMEN’S
BEIT MIDRASH
“EDUCATE A WOMAN
AND YOU EDUCATE A
GENERATION”
BRINGHAM YOUNG
SUSAN CHALOM
THE JEWISH
women of South Africa
are involved in every aspect of South African life, be it
professional, intellectual or social. There exists a tremendous urge here to grow more in Torah, both
intellectually and spiritually. The Jewish woman of today
is looking for something that will challenge and enrich
her life in Torah to such an extent that she will not only
be able to experience continual personal growth, but
spread and share that Torah with her family and the
community at large.
The word “emunah” means to have faith, but it also
represents steadfastness or persistence. In English, its
primary meaning is to agree with a factual statement, to
acknowledge the truth of ideas1. It is in this vein that the
Women’s Beit Midrash, Emunah has become a vibrant
centre for women’s learning in the heart of Glenhazel.
Hilary Segal and Melissa Chipkin run the centre
together, working on compiling programmes and
inviting speakers, and it is a compliment to them that
they are often approached by overseas speakers, wishing
to lecture here. Well known by women in the area, the
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streets surrounding this beautiful centre are lined with
cars early on most weekday mornings.
According to Melissa Chipkin, the Beit Midrash started
both as an opportunity for women to learn, and as a
women’s centre. It is a vehicle for all aspects of female
life from Bat Mitzvah lessons to challah baking, from
shiurim to an annual tour to Israel. The centre hosts
arts and crafts events, as well as specifically focusing
on women’s issues such as pregnancy and child rearing.
Hilary Segal says: “It’s a place and space for women to
flourish.”
The Bat Mitzvah course has been extremely
successful, and is pitched at all girls, regardless of their
level of Torah learning. Terry Bennett, whose daughter is
in the Bat Mitzvah course this year, says that her daughter has loved the experience, and explains, “They deal
with all aspects of what becoming a Bat Mitzvah should
be–It’s also fun and not just focused on learning, and the
close environment makes it a personalised
experience.” One of the highlights of the course was a
session where the Bat Mitzvah girls were paired with
girls of the same age from Alexandra. They shared their
different experiences, growing up in vastly different
cultures, ate together and showed each other their
traditional dancing.
Recently, Emunah has partnered with The Academy
and they are offering a Tanach course which has been
well received. “It’s vital that women are also involved in
learning - it cannot be left just to the men. As far as the
home is concerned, women control a lot of what goes on
so it is essential that they are involved and know what is
going on so that they can grow as well. And we also see
a rise in women’s learning because women also want to
know.” The Beit Midrash provides a vehicle to grow,
focusing on deep and meaningful learning. Janet
Shenker, who is a regular shiur attendee, says: “It is an
integral part of my week. You must have an open mind,
and then you come away with something new every
time, which keeps you motivated and inspired to grow.”
Chipkin says that Emunah is always open to suggestions,
and women should tell them what they want to learn.
They will always try to accommodate these suggestions
by adding in new courses where possible.
The annual trip to Israel focuses on learning, not
touring. As it is aimed at women who want to go into
the Beit Midrash, they spend most of the day learning.
The trip is done in conjunction with Midrasha HaRova
in the Old City. The Israel tour is an unbelievable
opportunity to learn and be inspired. Melissa says that
it’s an opportunity that does not present itself too often
for women. According to Joanne Abrams, “It is a bunch
of women away from their families with no
responsibilities – except to learn.” As testament to the
inherent value of the trip, she says, “I’m going again
this year!” Doing a trip just before Rosh Hashana (both
this year and last) allows the participants to come back
inspired and ready for the Jewish New Year.
“We hope that we provide something for all types of
women – not only for frum women but also for people
who are looking at getting involved. We hope that we
provide something for everybody, and that people feel
comfortable across all spectrums of the community,” ■
1
http://www.egrc.net/articles/Rock/HebrewWords/emunah.html
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