Bat Chayil

The Bat Chayil year long course for girls in Year 7 has existed in Leeds for many years. Many a nostalgic mother has shared beautiful Bat Chayil course books from yesteryear with her daughter as she embarks on becoming a Jewish lady. For the past fiveyears the Kollel has been involved in the end of year ceremony for the girls and for the 3rd year running two of the Kollel ladies have created a tailor-made curriculum and taught the course.

The course is based on the girls’ Hebrew names and includes topics such as Shabbat, Kashrut, Yomim Tovim, The Holocaust, Faith and Belief and so much more. The relationships built with the girls is long-lasting. The Kollel now regularly organise Bat Chayil reunions for the 4fourprevious year groups as well as teaching the current group.

Careers and Ideas

Many young people have suffered greatly through the coronavirus pandemic. Whilst they are not considered ‘vulnerable’ in terms of their health, the effect it has had on them socially is tremendous. In addition, at a time when many are focussed on exploring career paths and making life decisions many feel that their education has been compromised. With this in mind, the Kollel has undertaken many projects to boost the morale of teenagers- they have led dance classes on Zoom, baked, made cards, attended games nights, learning sessions, ‘Cholent Kiddush’ when restrictions allowed, and more.

To help them with ideas for careers the Kollel has also created a ‘Careers and Ideas’ programme where professionals advise the youth. They include what made them successful, how they balance work and home life, what they love and hate about their careers and much other precious insight. The ideas part of the evening then bounces off that with Jewish ideas reflecting the appropriate career. We have held two such evenings and are planning more.

Mikva Month

At the Leeds Kollel we are often asked, ‘Are women really treated fairly in Judaism?’ There are so many answers to this question which we have enjoyed debating. Many have seen and been inspired by the way in which each and every Kollel lady carries herself and is treated by her family. Living examples of proud Jewish women, proud of their role in Judaism has been the loudest silent answer to the question. But the Kollel has taken this further through publicly sharing and educating the role the Jewish woman has in the private area of Family Purity. Starting with a women’s concert and providing a month of programmes in October 2018, the effects of the events are still being felt in Leeds. For more information please contact any of the Kollel ladies and see www.pearlsmikvah.co.uk