June 2010

Study Group Inspires Women at
Shaarei Tikvah to Continue Jewish Education

By Lorraine Thomas Sherman

The waiting, learning, striving, even the occasional frustration. has paid off for 45 women, all ages, at Shaarei Tikvah, Scarsdale, who completed two years of study to have a Bat Mitzvah. Embarking on this course, they had no inkling what a major impact it would have on their lives.

All it took was the inspiration of Ronit Razinovsky, Educational Director and Hebrew school teacher, who decided it was not too late; she wanted a Bat Mitzvah. Speaking from the Bima that memorable Rosh Hashonah two years ago, she invited women aspiring to that goal to join her.

Expecting seven or eight attendees, Razinovsky found over 40 eager prospective students, subsequently sub-divided into a beginners’ class--no previous Hebrew education, a second group--some basic knowledge, and an advanced group, each guided by a dedicated teacher. In charge of the beginners, congregant Sally Wittenberg opened her home for weekly Tuesday evening meetings. Alison Kellner, a Jewish day school teacher, tutored the middle group and Ronit Razinovsky worked with advanced students. Cantor Gerald Cohen helped with chanting the tropes on Saturdays. When the women read from the Torah, and, commented Gloria Fields--2nd vice president and a participant--he offered individual tutoring so they could practice at home. “He made CD’s for us and was even available via email and phone for questions.”

“I tried to learn Hebrew six times over the years, “ said Fields, “but it never stuck--this time it stuck! We learned what the little squiggles mean and how to put them with the words of the tropes. It’s amazing to see how hard these women worked.”

Each individual had her own reason for joining the Women’s Study Group, noted Heather May, who felt it was “an intellectual opportunity...which provided me with information to ponder, a process to follow, and an opportunity to meet other learners.” Some recalled that brothers and other boys were expected to become Bar Mitzvah, but girls were unable to participate, and they were eager to be included. Others felt they did not know enough and wanted to help children with Hebrew homework.

Kellner wrote she “learned from every one of them and have become enmeshed in a wonderful sisterhood of committed enthusiastic women.”
The first group of eleven had their ceremonies April 24th, followed by the second group, May 8th, and on May 15th, the third ten women completed their mission.

From the youngest member, 41, to the 89-year old who was hesitant to join, but appreciated the learning gained, participants, in associating closely with such a diverse group, found their efforts opened a door to continue their studies.

In recognition of the dedication and success of the Women’s Study Group, co-chairman May, said, “No one really expected the degree of involvement and impact this class had. The annual, main fund raiser of the year, in a new format features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dessert at a “Night of Honor,” on June 6th, honoring the accomplishment and celebrating the 40+ women who completed the course.”

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