Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum  Director 

Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum, a native of Denmark, is the founder and director of Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin: Holistic Torah for Women on the Land. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Bible and Jewish Philosophy from Michlala Jerusalem College for Women and a Master’s of Art in Jewish History from Touro College. Rebbetzin Chana Bracha creates curricula emphasizing women’s spiritual empowerment through traditional Torah values. She has published the following books: Women at the Crossroads: A Woman’s Perspective on the Weekly Torah Portion; Ruth: Gleaning the Fallen Sparks; The Seven Fruits of the Land of Israel with their Mystical & Medicinal Properties; Parasha Meditations for Spiritual Renewal and Strengthening Communication with the Creator and My Memoir: The Story of a Danish Jew Who Fled the Nazis. Rebbetzin practices EmunaHealing as a gifted spiritual healer through Emunah, tefilah, and energy work. Chana Bracha has a married son and several granddaughters and lives with her husband on the land of the Judean hills, Israel.

Women’s Intimate Mitzvot
The mitzvot of Women & Intimacy are not random Jewish laws, designed to keep us from enjoying life. Rather, it is a wise system for ensuring the sanctity of relationships and knowing how to have a good time without infringing upon that sanctity. Learn about Women’s Intimate Laws from a Rebbetzin with whom you can ask the most embarrassing questions. In this class, we delve into topics such as Jewish dating and marriage, the laws of family purity, and more. The course will also address sensitive issues such as lesbianism, masturbation, and intimacy between husband and wife from a Torah perspective.

Basic Jewish Concepts
This class is for beginners and those who have focused on the inner dimensions of the Torah and want to fill the gaps in their basic Torah knowledge. In Basic Jewish Concepts, we will systematically cover the foundation of the Torah, including Torah Hebrew terminology, reviewing the Tanach, The Written Torah (Bible); the development and structure of Torah She’Ba’al Peh – (Oral Law); Emunah (Jewish Faith); major Torah personalities who contributed to biblical, medieval and modern History; summarizing the Jewish holidays and more. Whereas Basic Jewish Concepts is not exclusively for conversion students, the topics have been gleaned from the Rabbis’ questions at the final Beit Din for conversion. The class is interactive, each week students are given an assignment to present to the class.

Eishet Chayal Woman of Valor
Rav Shalom Noach Berezovsky, the Slonimer Rebbe, expresses a rare combination of gifts in his masterpiece the Netivot Shalom. Blending the warmth of the Chassidic approach with the sharp clarity of the Lithuanian yeshiva, the Slonimer Rebbe responds to relevant issues that pertain directly to dilemmas we struggle with today. His inspiring teachings foster ethical and spiritual growth for those who aspire to get closer to Hashem, as Rav Berezovsky addresses issues such as spiritual estrangement, wrestling with base desires and temptations, and serial failure. For each challenge of modern life, the Rebbe offers both prescriptions and encouragement. In this class, students will practice reading and translating the relatively easy Chassidic text, as well as discussing its concepts and how to apply them in life.

Herbal Workshop, Torah & Healing
The Herbal Workshop integrates vast information of the ancient wisdom of our Torah about plants, herbology, nutrition and health with traditional folk medicine and medical research. The course delves into textual Torah sources on herbs and healing, as well as general knowledge of the use of herbs. When the blessed rain begins to fall, the healing herbs will pop up ready to be picked for B’erot Bat Ayin Herbal Formula for Colds, Cough and Flu. A comprehensive source sheet in Hebrew/English accompanies the textual study of each of the classes integrating, Bible texts, Midrash, chassidism kabbalah, folk medicine and medical research.

Rabbi Mechael Siegelbaum, MD  Rabbi of B’erot 

Rabbi Dr. Siegelbaum holds a BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Yale University, and an MD from Rutgers Medical School, New Jersey. Rabbi Mechael received his rabbinical ordination from Toras Zekeinim, Jerusalem in 1987. In addition to teaching halacha in B’erot Bat Ayin, Rabbi Siegelbaum learns Torah, is active in the Bat Ayin central synagogue, where he serves as the Gabbay, and practices medicine part-time in Bat Ayin.

Halacha
Rav Siegelbaum will discuss the halacha pertinent to the Purim and Pesach. In addition, to learning the “how” of the mitzvot, the student will come to appreciate the process of the development and transmission of halacha from the written and oral Torah till Contemporary halachic responsas.

Rabbi Avraham Itzkovitz   Jewish Thought

Avraham spent the first 16 years of his life on American army bases in Europe and the United States while attending litvish style yeshivot, after which he made aliyah with his family to Jerusalem. After high school, he pursued his hobbies of rock keybordist/songwriter, creative writing and BMX biking while tutoring at Yeshivat Ohr Sameach and working in the optometry industry. His hobbies led him to Manhattan where he almost signed a record contract with Atlantic Records, but Hashem had other plans for him. Avraham returned to Jerusalem, worked as a landscape artist whilst studying psychology and anthropology at the Hebrew University. At the age of 27, he ‘retired’ to come study full time at the Bat Ayin Yeshiva for seven years. Avraham, his wife and 5 children live in Bat Ayin, where he teaches, practices safrut and therapy.

Parashat HaShavua
Rav Iskowitz will be teaching our Parashat HaShavua from an inner dimension viewing the weekly Torah portion as part of a bigger plan – part of the jigsaw puzzle and tapestry of life. Delve into the depth of the weekly Torah portion integrating textual and inner dimensions of the Torah. You will receive a broad perspective as to how the parsha is lived today and how it pertains to your life today.

Tsipi Egert   Neviim (The Prophets)

Tsipi Egert grew up in Israel where she attended high school. She received her B.A. in Jewish History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Tsipi has been teaching Nevi’im (The Prophets) at Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin since 1998 and has a Master’s in Education in Tanach from Herzog College. She is currently obtaining a MA at Bar Ilan University towards a PhD in Tanach. Tsipi lives with her family in Efrat, Gush Etzion.

Eichah (Lamentations)
The deep summer months bring with them also the days of mourning on the destruction of the first and second Batei Mikdash and the ruin of the Jewish homeland in Eretz Israel. In class, we will study the timeless words of the prophet Yirmiyahu as he laments this destruction. In this scroll, Megillat Eichah, read every year on the 9th of Av by Jews around the world, Yirmiyahu gives voice to the pain of the Jewish people. Through the Megillah, we will examine the causes for the destruction and listen to the lessons Yirmiyahu shares with the people on how to cope with the theological difficulties surrounding it. We will explore Yirmiyahu’s descriptive imagery and the unique poetic tools and language that he used to help his readers not only understand the tragedy but experience it as well.

Yedida Miriam Levy Creative Expression

Yedida Miriam grew up in UK and made aliyah early on. With a passion for education, and a background in theatre, she spent ten years teaching in Jerusalem, before returning to Bat Ayin in 2018. Her passion is ‘tutoring’, teaching the Holy texts, and Hebrew ~ making it accessible to students.

Conversational Hebrew Through Creativity
Improve your Hebrew speaking skills and comprehension with interactive exercises, grammar reviews, and conversation. We’ll look at everyday-situational Hebrew, learning basic vocabulary, and practicing it through role-play situations. Various speaking and written exercises will provide an overview of Hebrew Grammar and help you become equipped with basic modern Hebrew skills for communicating in Israeli society. Come ready to roll, build your confidence, and Hebrew knowledge through this interactive class.

Devorah Konikov  Tefilla

Originally from New York, Devorah made aliyah with her husband in 1996. She has a close connection with and experience as a tour guide at Machon HaMikdash (The Temple Institute). Devorah is a mother and grandmother, raising a growing family in Bat Ayin for 21 years. She is striving and thriving with life skills ingrained from learning chassidut. Devorah is a long-time student of Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh Shlita. Devorah lives in Bat Ayin with her husband. They have 10 children and one granddaughter.

The Art of Emunah
Emunah is the inner craftsmanship of our holy ancestors – a spiritual art passed down through generations. How do we relate to the trials and obstacles along our path in life? What is the secret that enables us to thrive in the face of hardship? In this course, we will explore the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh, focusing on his profound essay Emunah and Bitachon. Through this study, we will learn to harness the power of emunah as a living, creative force – one that empowers us to respond proactively to challenge and to strive toward both personal and global Geulah. With a blend of Chassidic insight and experiential learning, this journey reveals how emunah is not only belief, but the soul’s deepest expression of trust and transformation. Emunah is the craftsmanship of our holy ancestors.

Avital Gastwirth  Rav Kook

Avital Gastwirth teaches at Ulpanat Orly and is a certified kallah teacher. She studied in Nishmat’s Yoetzet Halacha course and Machon Puah’s Yoetzet Refua V’halacha (halachic medical counselor) course. In addition to her degree in Tanach, Israel studies, and education from Michlelet Herzog, Morah Avital brings a wealth of fascinating experiences to our midrasha as a previous editor of Mizrachi Magazine, coordinator of various educational programs, and as a talented artist. She lives in Alon Shvut with her husband and children.

Rav Kook on Emunah
Rav Kook reveals emunah as the soul’s natural light – an inner knowing that connects us to Hashem, to ourselves, and to the unfolding redemption of the world. In this course, we will explore selections from Rav Kook’s writings that illuminate emunah as expansive, creative, and rooted in the holiness of life itself. Through guided study and discussion, we will uncover how faith is not merely a response to struggle but a dynamic force that elevates our thinking, renews our vision, and draws us closer to our Divine purpose.

Kochava Rosenbaum  Dating & Marriage

Kochava is the current Dorm Mother of Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin and lives on campus with her husband and three children. She especially enjoys teaching and one-on-one tutoring at the midrasha, going on special tiyulim, and creating a lively and warm atmosphere on campus. Aside from her role as Dorm Mother she is a creative content writer and ceramics arts teacher.

Torah Inspired Art
This class will focus on bringing Torah to life through various forms of artistic expression. In a warm classroom setting, we’ll express our Torah through creative expressions of various arts and crafts. We will also place a special focus on celebrating and bringing out each student’s own style and unique way of seeing the world! Each class combines a segment of theory, practice, and analysis of our works in a warm, encouraging, and non-competitive atmosphere.

Chaya Mira Schwartz Movement

Chaya Mira (also known as Hollan Schwartz) brings over 30 years of experience in education and coaching, driven by a deep passion for uncovering hidden gifts in others and guiding them toward their true path. As a nationally certified personal trainer, nutritionist, coach, and injury prevention specialist, she founded and runs TrU Fitness and Nutrition – an integrative health business offering classes, seminars, and wilderness expeditions.

Mindful Movement
We develop flexibility and strength, JOY, and awareness through exercises that align us to our individual design, unifying motion and fascia, building bone and joint integrity needed to age into increased youth. We learn about the science of our bodies, as physical vessels paralleling the sefirot and metaphysical components, integrating physicality with our spirituality, and the art of becoming fully congruent, creatively called to join the ranks of women arising as spiritual warriors with strong bodies and supple hearts, receptive ears, and wise minds – to move through the platform of our life purpose with Geula impact.

Gardening
Learn to do the mitzvot of tending and harvesting from the Land of Israel and experience how you can transform yourself through the process. In this class, we will plant and maintain the beautiful garden campus we have here at B’erot, planting various seasonal crops, which we will harvest for lunches and use in our herbology class.

Moshe Rozenbaum 

Practical Halacha
Halacha Review based on the Darkei Halacha provides an in-depth exploration of Jewish law through the lens of the Darkei Halacha, a methodology that emphasizes a practical, accessible approach to halachic rulings. Students will engage with key topics in Jewish law, reviewing the foundational principles and contemporary applications, while also considering the nuanced interpretations offered by the Darkei Halacha framework. This course is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of halachic practice, with a focus on clarity, accessibility, and real-world relevance.

Additional Teachers

Rabbi Daniel Kohn 

Rav Daniel Kohn is the rabbi of Bat Ayin. He has taught hundreds of students, uniquely combining the world of Torah learning, Jewish mysticism, and deep psychological insight. A talented musician and composer, Rav Daniel’s own spiritual path took him from university studies at Columbia College to many years of yeshiva learning and to ordination by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Rav Zalman Nechmia Goldberg and the “Crown of Wisdom” by Rav Avraham Farbshtein. Deeply rooted in Talmud and halacha, Rav Daniel also draws his innovative insights from his profound knowledge of Maharal, Kabbala, Rav Kook, and Chassidut, especially the teachings of the first Lubavitcher Rebbe and his student Rav Aaron Halevi. Rav Daniel lectures and conducts meditation retreats and personal growth seminars for groups, academic staff, and communities throughout Israel. Rav Daniel has produced three music albums and recently published a learning package and book (in Hebrew) called The Siddur as a Spiritual Journey soon to be published in English.

Sara Gottlieb Chassidut

Sarah Gottlieb is a mom of 9 children B”H who recently made Aliyah with her family from California to Bat Ayin. Sarah grew up in a Chabad family and is a Bais Ya’acov graduate who also learned at Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim Seminary. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Ma’alot of Los Angeles and has taught Jewish studies at various high schools. Sarah is passionate about raising each of her children according to his or her way, while being engaged in mitzvot such as Hachanasat Orchim and outreach. Our students all feel welcome and comfortable in the home of her family.