Emet’s TorahConnect for Women Ignites Learning & Relationships

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There was a beautiful kol Torah and a feeling of friendship emanating from the room as women learned with their chavrusas this winter at Emet’s TorahConnect. Held on Wednesday evenings for 10 weeks, the program returned to YCQ for the first time since its launch in the fall of 2019. Designed as a forum where Emet students of varying Jewish backgrounds are paired with members of the community to connect, share Torah thoughts and elevate their learning, TorahConnect continued to inspire. “There are amazing women in our community who have the ability, knowledge and ahavas Yisroel to share Torah and they have made TorahConnect so enjoyable and impactful,” said Ms. Adina Fendel Emet Women’s Director. “It was so inspiring to see women who lead busy personal and professional lives making time for Torah.”

The current installment of TorahConnect was primarily geared towards married women since Emet offers many learning opportunities for their single counterparts. The hallmark of the program this and every semester, was the special effort made by the Emet team to introduce mentors and students with the same care as setting up a shidduch. The goal was for the chavrusas to not only learn from each other but to also build meaningful relationships.

Each session began with a buffet dinner at 7:45, followed by learning from 8-9 p.m. At the start of the semester, each chavrusa selected a topic of study from a variety of books that fit their areas of interest and aspirations for personal growth. Topics included Jewish ethics, Jewish history, weekly Parsha, Tehillim, and Tefilla. “I was really impressed that everyone was so committed and consistent each week. Even when they couldn’t make it in-person many partners still learned together virtually,” Ms. Fendel explained. “I heard from so many participants that it was the highlight of their week and a special opportunity to connect women to women and to also stay connected to Hashem.”

The learning was so well-received that the Women’s Division introduced a new program from 9-10 p.m. “The Next Step,” is a lecture style program with Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi that’s held immediately after TorahConnect. This program was modeled after the popular Step It Up program. “Many of our students grew so much through Step It Up, and this is a way for them to stay connected and inspired as they juggle the responsibilities of married life,” Ms. Fendel added.

Mentors and students were eager to share their thoughts on the program. “This is my second semester as a mentor for TorahConnect, and the program has been very meaningful and rewarding for me. I feel it’s like hashgacha pratis because every time Hashem sends me the exact right student to learn with and the exact right book that I need to study for myself as well,” Shoshana Zavulunov said. “This semester I actually worked with three students, and I felt a special connection with each of them. The program has such positive energy and everybody wants to learn and grow together.”

TorahConnect has been refreshing for seasoned Emet students as well. “I’ve been part of Emet for about 15 years. I started out as a college student, and I’ve grown so much since then. I’ve attended many Shabbatons and couples retreats, but TorahConnect has been the most meaningful experience. It was my first time learning one-on-one, and I had an amazing partner who was perfectly matched for me,” Zina Rafailova said. “After every session I came out of the room feeling much richer and more knowledgeable and I hope to apply this knowledge in my everyday life. I want to thank the entire Emet staff for coordinating such a wonderful program.”

Emet would like to thank YCQ, and especially Rabbi Yaakov Lonner, for their support in hosting this program. TorahConnect will resume after Pesach for another 10-week semester until the summer. For those interested in becoming mentors or students, please contact Sara Grossman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information about Emet programs visit www.EmetOutreach.org, and to experience Emet’s comprehensive video library of Torah lectures visit www.EmetTorah.com.