On Hoshanah Rabba eve, 5778, 300 women of all stripes of Judaism united for an evening of study and inspiration in Matan—Women’s Torah Institute in Raanana in memory of Danielle Sonnenfeld, z”l. Several months ago, one study hall in Matan was renamed Shirat Danielle and dedicated in memory of Danielle. Throughout the year, Shirat Danielle hosts a variety of riveting lectures and classes ranging from Tanach, halachah and Jewish philosophy to dance, yoga, and a women’s choir that harmonizes to songs from the Scriptures.
Matan Director Rabbanit Oshra Koren opened the evening with a tribute to Danielle, z”l. “Every room in this institute has a special name. Every room in this institute was dedicated to a special woman, but this room was dedicated to a young girl—Danielle. Here in this room, dozens of girls, teenagers, and women gather weekly to learn, sing, dance and let their souls take flight! This is the Shirat Danielle room. This is Danielle’s Song in memory of Danielle Sonnenfeld, a paragon of compassion.
She was a young girl with a giant heart. She was wise, talented, active, and creative, and in her short life made a deep impact on the world. We chose to dedicate the learning of this evening, these moments in which the final judgment is signed and sealed, in memory of Danielle Sonnenfeld. May our learning here this evening bring spiritual pleasure to Danielle’s soul and elevate it in the heavens, and may she serve a powerful advocate for all of us.
Koren cited the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslev: “‘Tears open gates, but song causes walls to tumble.’ Tonight, we ask to open up the gates of our hearts, so that the gates of heaven will open vast to accept our prayers as judgment is being sealed.”
The director’s words were followed by the Matan Women’s Choir, conducted by Mrs. Hedya Alexander. The choir meets for rehearsals once a week in the Shirat Danielle Room.
Later in the evening, Justice Rabbanit Penina Neuwirth gave a lecture entitled “L’chol Ish Yesh Shem, Every Person Has a Name” which discussed the essence of a person’s name and its effect upon his life and actions in this world. Rabbanit Oshra Koren’s class, titled “Chochmot Ba’chutz Tarona, Wisdom Cries Without,” engaged in the debate between Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi and Rabbi Chiyya regarding whether Torah should be taught only in a closed beit medrash to a select group of students, or taught to everyone, everywhere, regardless of stature or capacity. The famous resolution was “These and these are the living words of G-d;” both are correct. On one hand, Torah should be safeguarded for the talented and illustrious, while simultaneously it must be taught and learned by the masses.
The evening concluded with an address by MK Dr. Aliza Lavi who waxed eloquent about the inestimable value of women’s prayers throughout the generation. Her message was accompanied with music and poetry by musical artist and composer Chagit Kfir.