(Courtesy of CIS) Over the last week, the women of Congregation Israel of Springfield have gathered together in support of Israel. First there was an evening of unity where the attendees completed sefer Tehillim and davened for the chayalim, shvuyim and families in Israel. Rabbanit Chamutal Shoval from Israel shared words of inspiration and relayed messages from her family and friends in Israel. The evening concluded with the women doing hafrashat challah together.

The next event featured a special program, “The Power of Amen.” Led by Rachel Levy of Englewood, the most common brachot which we say over food were said aloud by each woman, which allowed all the others there to respond with the powerful “Amen.” Learning the meaning behind each of these brachot and the power of stating “Amen” after helped everyone add a new dimension of kavana to their daily brachot. There was also an opportunity to hear directly from women who live in Israel and wanted to share their current situation with the women here. All money raised by CIS Sisterhood through its initiatives has been donated directly to Israeli families and causes in need.