The day of Chof Beis Shevat has major significance for Jewish women worldwide. ‘Welcome Home,’ an innovative program from the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302, sheds new light on the themes of the day, namely the integral role women play in bringing Moshiach.
In 5752/1992, on the eve of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s Yartzeit, the Rebbe turned to speak to an overflowing crowd at 770. The Rebbe acknowledged that with the passing of the Rebbetzin began a new era in his Nesius – the final stage in bringing Moshiach.
The Rebbe spoke to the chassidim, explaining how over thousands of years, the Jewish people have worked on building a home for Hashem in this world. That house is now complete, but it’s still lacking that magical touch that turns a cold and bare “house” into a warm and loving “home.”
The Rebbe describes how this is where the feminine touch is needed most. It is the female eye for beauty and aesthetics that transforms Hashem’s house into a home. The extra sense of beauty and warmth that women introduce to Torah and Mitzvos brings Hashem’s presence into every aspect of this world.
Today, exactly thirty years later, the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302, collaborating with The Kinus Office, has brought these ideas to life. A comprehensive learning program has been formed entitled “Welcome Home,” overviewing the unique role of Jewish women and girls in hastening the arrival of Moshiach. The booklet can be learned on one’s own or in a group. The reader is taken on a thoughtful four-part journey through sources and explanations, weaving a cohesive picture of the unique responsibility of women at this time.
“The Rebbe spent so much time explaining the special place women have in our generation,” explains Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice-chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch. “B’zchus noshim tzidkonius the geulah will come. They are the ones that lead the way in making our generation a dor shekulo zakai – a truly worthy generation. That is why this program is so important!”
Farbrengens, a key component in the learning of Chassidus, helps in bridging the world of ideas and ideals to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Supplementing the learning curriculum is the “Farbengen-in-Print,” a modern digest featuring six Shluchos, each showcasing one nugget from the Sicha and how they have internalized and applied it to their life.
Already available to all Shluchos, many have utilized the program to prepare and understand the theme of this year’s Kinus Hashluchos, which is based on this sicha.
“This program opens up a concept in a way that I’ve never experienced before,” Commented Shlucha Mrs. Chaya Wilhelm to one of the organizers. “The Farbrengen-in-Print is a perfect supplement to the learning booklet, helping me turn an idea into living action.”
“When I was learning the Sicha from the learning booklet with a friend,” Added Shlucha Mrs. Rivky Wilansky, “We were both so inspired and excited about the concepts there! But we really felt that it needed to be unpacked – to be followed up with a good farbrengen.
And then suddenly there it was! We find out that there is also a Farbrengen-in-Print, exactly the follow-up we were looking for!”
It’s not only the adults who are empowered to make a Dira Bitachtonim for Hashem but also the children. Recognizing this, the Moshiach Office released “Home Sweet Home” for all the young girls out there. It is an engaging magazine modeled after the popular Tut Altz Kids series, replete with stories, mashalim and a game.
Mrs. Gitel Naparstek, Co-Director of the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302, is looking ahead to the long-term impact she hopes this innovative program can have. “It is truly a remarkable journey, to see vaguely familiar concepts presented with such clarity and context, connecting so many dots. Our partnership with JLI and Sichos in English, has created a masterpiece that is sure to have an impact on anyone who gets a taste. We look forward to seeing this become a staple in the education of every Jewish woman.”
Get the complete experience at Tutaltz.com/welcomehome
(Resources are available in English and Hebrew)
Welcome Home Booklet (adults): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nksrJxtt_jN_Wjw0bQLVP0geMHgtrkP6/view?usp=drivesdk
Farbrengen-in-Print (adults): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rml-OmCPf6w-Fat6qXuJML4mhgX6VENP/view?usp=drivesdk
Home Sweet Home (kids): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBNK7FPzLbjRoC6zX46jywwG7tjwVpPo/view?usp=drivesdk
Shiur by Mrs. Rochel Holtzkenner: https://youtu.be/_T9msAzmNfU
Shiur by Rabbi Lazer Gurkow: https://youtu.be/m20ee55vdt8
AudioBook on Welcome Home learning booklet: https://anchor.fm/tutaltz/episodes/Welcome-Home-22-Shvat-Introduction-and-Lesson-Audiobook-e1dbems/a-a79i0ar
Please can you send me the Google Drive Link