Rabbanit Henkin lights torch at the national ceremony
TRANSLATION OF TRIBUTE TO RABBANIT HENKIN & HER RESPONSE
At Yom Haatzmaut Ceremony on Har Herzl, May 2, 2017
Tribute to Rabbanit Chana Henkin:
There are hundreds of Batei Midrash (religious study halls) in Jerusalem, each one with its own style of Torah study. Yet one stands apart from them all. NISHMAT, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women, under the direction of Rabbanit Chana Henkin, is creating a new generation of talmidot chachamim (great women scholars). The school blazed a new path when it enabled women, for the first time in the history of the State, to become Yoatzot Halacha. Today, these women scholars provide halachic responses to tens of thousands on matters of Jewish law, fertility, sexuality and women’s health. Rabbanit Chana Henkin, Dean of Nishmat, is leading a revolution while maintaining loyalty to our heritage.
Arise and light the Torch!
Rabbanit Chana Henkin’s remarks:
I, Chana Henkin
Daughter of Yaacov Eliezer and Fraida, z”l, of the Lazarus family,
Wife of Rabbi Yehuda Henkin,
Mother of Rabbi Eitam Henkin and mother-in-law of Naama Henkin,
The holy victims of terror, May Hashem avenge their blood…
I LIGHT THIS TORCH
IN HONOR of the women who study Torah, who, in their learning, create a link in the chain of our tradition and partner in building the spiritual fortitude of the State of Israel.
IN HONOR of the talmidot chachamim (women Torah scholars), the Yoatzot Halacha, who connect the world of the Bet Midrash to a world of service and compassion… Who connect the love of learning with the love of people.
IN HONOR of the words of the prophets, which are being fulfilled before our eyes:
“Ki mi Tzion tezei Torah u’dvar Hashem miYerushalayim.”
“For out of Zion will come Torah and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
IN HONOR of my second family, the family of Israel’s Bereaved:
May we be comforted in the building of Jerusalem!
AND FOR THE GLORY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.
U’ltiferet Medinat Yisrael!
