(Courtesy of Congregation Keter Torah) This past Motzei Shabbat, Keter Torah in Teaneck hosted over 125 women ages 7-92, for an evening of achdut and inspiration. The event began with the recitation of Tehillim, divrei Torah and chizuk led by Rebbetzin Debbie Baum. This was followed by tambourine painting of Jerusalem led by Nikki Fuchs Sausen of PAINT WITH ME!. and culminated with Esti Mellul leading all in the singing of a few songs, ending with a beautiful Hatikvah while shaking the tambourines. Many women left saying, “This is exactly what we needed.” Though women throughout the community wished they were there to celebrate, it was a wonderful event that united the attendees as one nation with one heart.

Why are tambourines significant to Jewish women? Why are they a symbol of women’s strength?

The tambourine, played by Miriam and the women in Egypt, is the instrument which is used to sing to and praise Hashem for the miracles that the Jewish people know will come to be. In the hands of a Jewish woman, the tambourine is a symbol of passage, hope and achievement. When they sang their song of thanksgiving at the Red Sea, they raised their tambourines and danced.

This event was organized by Jackie Demby and Debbie Negari, sisterhood co-presidents of Keter Torah, and joined by Rebbetzin Baum and Rebbetzin Wein of Keter Torah and Rebbetzin Rothwachs of Beth Aaron. A portion of the proceeds went to support the FIDF. To schedule a tambourine painting event, contact [email protected].