This week we started our first full week of learning after our Sukkot break! It was nice to see everyone and get back to routine.

After changing our prayers from מוריד הטל to משיב הרוח ומוריד הגשם, we saw the power of our prayers when we witnessed the first rain of the season and on Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan no less!

This Monday, our weekly Shiur Klali was dedicated in memory of Vicky Berglas's Aunt Gisele (Hausman). Vicky shared with us stories of her Aunt Gisele who was truly a great neshama.  Learning Torah was extremely important to her and so, in her honor, we learned…. Bracha taught us about the deeper meaning of wells. In Tanakh Hagar runs to a well twice, and Yaakov runs to a well once. In all three instances, they have things they are running from and to, even if they don't know it. This year, our well is Midreshet Moriah and Torah, and we all analyzed ourselves to see what we are running from and running to this year, in order to make the most of our year.

In honor of Rosh Chodesh, we had a special late night Kotel kumzitz Tuesday night. After davening arvit at the Kotel, we all gathered by the menorah to start our kumzitz. We sat facing Har HaBayit, all singing as one. Despite the rain, it was very inspiring and uplifting.

Wednesday morning, we were treated to a special Rosh Chodesh breakfast after singing Hallel together. One of our madrichot even made us cookies in honor of the day!

Later that morning the joint Midreshet Darkeinu/Midreshet Moriah first learning session took place for those girls who signed up. Girls from Midreshet Darkeinu come to Midreshet Moriah to learn in chaburot together with Midreshet Moriah students.  A special bond is formed over the year between the girls – you could already feel the special atmosphere that prevailed in the Beis that morning. Thank you to Michal Porat Zibman for running this unique and meaningful program!

We are looking forward to another week of incredible classes and Torah at Midreshet Moriah.

Shabbat Shalom,

Shaina Arjang and Danielle Ashkenazie, Shana Alef