The moment I stepped into the annual Tzam’ah Event for Women at Binyanei HaUmah, I was enveloped by a wave of anticipation and joy. Walking past stalls selling chasidic books and even one testing for the bone marrow registry, I was drawn by the aroma of warm soups, kugels, and cholent wafting from the reception area. The hum of hundreds of conversations created an atmosphere alive with spirit and community.
The Tzam’ah event has become a tradition, bringing together people yearning for connection, inspiration, and a deeper sense of Hashem’s presence. Although this was the 15th Tzam’ah event, it was my first time attending. When my friend invited me, I decided to go – and I’m so glad I did.
Tzam’ah, inspired by the words of T’hilim – “Tzam’ah l’cha nafshi (My soul thirsts for You)” aims to nurture a thirst for Hashem. During Chasidus Week, the halls of Binyanei HaUmah are repeatedly filled with tens of thousands coming from all over the country to participate in various programs, separate for men and women. Young, old, soldiers, yeshivah students, chareidim, dati-leumi, and secular – they all come, united in their “thirst” for soul inspiration.
In chasidic tradition, the niggun (tune) is more than a melody; it’s a channel to elevate the soul and connect deeply with Hashem. Tzam’ah strives to bring this moving, impactful music to every Israeli household by arranging high-quality concerts featuring the best Israeli artists. These events coincide with Yud Tes Kislev, the anniversary of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi’s release from prison in 1798. Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the founder of Chabad Chasidism, composed the Chabad melody for “Tzam’ah L’cha Nafshi,” reflecting a deep yearning for Hashem.
The evening that I attended, two extraordinary options were offered for women: an emotional concert featuring Ishay Ribo, Avraham Fried, and Amir Dadon, complete with a live orchestra and video art, or an intimate gathering of renowned speakers sharing wisdom and encouragement. My friend and I chose the latter, drawn by the opportunity to hear some of Israel’s most inspiring voices.
This year’s event was described as more meaningful than ever. The concert was said to be highly emotional, evoking tears of both joy and sadness. The climax came when Avraham Fried led the crowd in a powerful t’filah for the return of the hostages, followed by a moment of hope and unity when the audience sang “Hoshiah es Amecha” together.
The echoes of fervent singing from the concert occasionally reached us in the speaker’s hall, a poignant reminder that we were all part of a greater whole – different experiences, yet united in spirit.
Among our presenters were HaRabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, renowned author and inspirational speaker; HaRabbanit Racheli Bazak, granddaughter of HaRav Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l, the former Sefardi Chief Rabbi of Israel; Ditza Or, mother of Avinatan, who is being held hostage in Gaza; and Yehudit Neferstock, a psychodrama therapist. Hadas Loewenstern, widow of Elisha, who fell in battle in Gaza, was scheduled to speak but, much to my disappointment, was unable to attend.
The speakers shared messages of positivity and hope, even as the backdrop of pain and suffering caused by the war loomed over the evening. Reserved seats in the front rows for widows and bereaved mothers served as a stark, heartbreaking reminder of the war’s toll. Tragically, so many women now belong to this group.
Against this somber backdrop, the program began with heartfelt songs accompanied by music, reflecting the struggles of our times while offering hope and comfort. Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi spoke about eish (fire), spelled alef-shin, which, she explained, stands for ahavah (love) and simchah (happiness). These qualities, she said, are intrinsic to every woman, though life’s challenges may obscure them.
She referred to the Baal HaTanya, who said that our task is not to “find” (limtzo) this fire but to “yearn” (litzmo) for it. She spoke about two types of or (light): the light of the beginning, as when the world was created, and the light that emerges later, after the darkness. Young widows remember the light of their chupahs, but tragically, those lights were extinguished. But every woman has two lights. Nobody should ever give up on seeing the second light that will come eventually. She reassured us that even in the darkest tunnels – like those in Gaza – a light awaits, guiding us from bereavement and despair, just as we sing in the popular song, “Yihyeh od yoteir tov” (Things will be better).
Ditza Or spoke about emunah and bitachon. She reminded us that when reciting Sh’ma, we must cover our eyes to block out the surrounding pain and grief. Instead, we must internalize that everything is from Hashem and given with love. Focusing on this helps her cope. She urged us to imagine the hostages suffering in the tunnels – feeling their anguish and fear – and use that empathy to daven mi’maamakim (from the depths) on their behalf.
Yehudit Neferstock highlighted the inherent connection women have with Hashem, drawing inspiration from Miriam HaNeviah, who envisioned herself dancing at the G’ulah and merited to experience it. Similarly, our g’ulah begins at home, with our personal g’ulah. We can bring the g’ulah closer by imagining it and preparing for it in our homes and hearts.
HaRabbanit Racheli Bazak urged us to slow down our pace and savor the healing power of t’filah. She shared how, as a child, she would look through the m’chitzah and watch her grandfather, HaRav Mordechai Eliyahu, daven. The joy she saw inspired her to seek that same connection, and she described t’filah as a deeply personal encounter with Hashem, offering “mei’ein Olam HaBa,” a taste of the World to Come.
As the program concluded and we made way for the next group, I felt a profound sense of pride and belonging. Together with the extraordinary women of am Yisrael, I walked away humming the evening’s melodies and reflecting on the wisdom shared. Empowered and uplifted, I already look forward to next year’s event. By then, may we reap the fruits of victory and peace.
Please continue to daven for the healing of the wounded, the release of the hostages, and the success and safe return of all our chayalim and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.