The Etta Kossowsky Fund News Update
Chanuka 5769
Dear Friend,
Like the Chanukia, Torah learning spreads light, and both need good light-bearers. The light-bearers
of our Torah learning are the members of the Study Groups that enthusiastically continue to learn in memory
of Etta Kossowsky ,z.l. Nowadays, the people who knew Etta have been added to by many women for whom her
name simply stands for wide ranging analyses and debates of Torah related texts. That is the aim of the
Study Groups and their success is due to the dedication of those who organise them. Now for some details:
Bet Shemesh currently has two groups. In one, the last year was spent on a number of texts by Maimonides.
This was unfamiliar ground and the challenge was most stimulating. Discussions ranged from the Rambam’s
Principles of Faith to his analysis of knowledge of the Oral Law and the qualities required to understand it,
to the very personal, caring responses that he wrote to the distressed communities in Yemen and Morocco.
The second study group is continuing ‘Sefer HaChinuch’. One recent shiur revealed an amazing medical
awareness in the long list of blemishes that disqualify a cohen. The Gemara group in Jerusalem enjoys discussing
the legal intricacies of betrothal, acquisition and ownership in Tractate Kiddushin, under the guidance of Rabbi Silberg.
Rather different is the programme of another group in Jerusalem, currently examining the story of Josef and
his brothers in Breshit. ‘We draw extensively on classical ‘parshanut’ as well as on modern literary expansions
such as Thomas Mann’s “Joseph and His Brothers”, reports Dr Rachel Adelman. Here, ten to fifteen women come every
Shabbat afternoon. The class is discussion oriented and very lively'. A third group in Jerusalem is currently
studying Jeremiah.
Our newest group is in the Golan. ‘I photocopy a sicha from Netivot Shalom on the Parasha... Somehow, it always
relates to our lives in some way... For instance, when we learnt Parashat Noach, we discussed what is truly evil,
if we have a conscience, how can people commit evil acts like terrible child abuse, killing…It is a real learning
experience, where everyone is involved in the learning process…’ writes Rebecca Rubinstein.
As always, I am delighted to thank the many people who support us with donations that further all the learning.
We hope, BEH, to mark Etta’s fourteenth Yahrzeit, Monday night, February 16th ,with an evening of learning, as in
previous years. I shall send out details a little nearer to the time.
Chanuka Sameach
Esther Ehrman
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