Seventeen years. For the younger readers, that might be a lifetime ago. For the older readers, it might seem like the blink of an eye. For anyone who lived in Teaneck in 2005, you likely remember that tragic night 17 years ago when a house fire on Rutland Avenue killed four of the precious Seidenfeld children and left their mother, Philyss Seidenfeld, hospitalized.
An experience like that can shake anybody’s faith. It would be completely feasible for anyone in such a situation to throw their hands up, shout at God and walk away from a life of faith and devotion to Judaism. Philyss, however, has done just the opposite. She has cleaved to God with every fiber of her being, trusting Him to get her through the struggles, both large and small, that have come her way since.
During the Three Weeks, we as Jews reflect on the numerous tragedies and troubles that have befallen us during this time period throughout history. It’s a meaningful time to reflect on how we conduct ourselves, how we react to situations, and how we can grow and improve ourselves.
Over the years, many people have asked Philyss, “How do you do it? How do you continue putting one foot in front of the other?” or they tell her of some sentence she said, story she’s told, or behavior she’s exhibited that has inspired them in their own lives. The women of the community now have a unique opportunity to hear from Phillys, in her own words.
In loving memory of Ari, Noah, Natan and Adira Seidenfeld, Philyss will be presenting a six-part emunah series entitled “Why I Still Love God: Surviving the Loss of Four Children After 17 Years.” She will reveal the secrets of her beautiful relationship with God, and how you can have that, too. Through personal stories, she’ll share her most intimate thoughts and feelings about faith and endurance. These sessions are guaranteed to inspire with a Torah perspective. Women are invited to join via Zoom for six nights of strength and hope.
The sessions will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights, July 25, 27, August 1, 3, 8 and 10. Registration is required. Please visit https://tinyurl.com/PhilyssEmunah to register and for the link to pay the $100 fee. Sponsorships are available, and nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. All registrants will be sent a recording of each session, which will be available for one month. For questions please contact [email protected]
