By COLlive reporter

Chabad of the West Coast in Cape Town, South Africa, launched a new women’s Torah learning program, THE BEIS, with a gala evening.

The initiative draws inspiration from a call made by the Rebbe in 1980 to expand Torah learning opportunities for both men and women.

On Chof Av that year, the yahrzeit of his father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the Rebbe launched Kollel Tiferes Zkeinim Levi Yitzchok, encouraging older members of the Jewish community to devote time to Torah study.

That same evening, the Rebbe also introduced a parallel initiative for women, called Beis Chochmas Noshim, the House of Women’s Wisdom, drawing on the possuk in Mishlei, “Chochmas Noshim Bonsa Beisa,” the wisdom of women builds the home.

More than four decades later, that vision is taking shape in Cape Town through THE BEIS, which brings together Torah classes, community gatherings and opportunities for Jewish women of all ages to learn and connect.

The launch celebration, held Monday evening in the Blouberg suburb, brought together women from across the community for an evening of inspiration and celebration.

Guests were welcomed with a buffet of sparkling wines and cheese boards before the formal program began.

Shlucha Chanee Shlomo, who leads the women’s programs at Chabad of the West Coast alongside her husband, Rabbi Avi Shlomo, opened the evening with a message about the influence of Jewish women.

Drawing on the story of Sarah Imeinu, she explained how Hashem changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, reflecting her expanded role as a princess whose influence extended beyond her immediate surroundings.

Through Torah learning, she said, Jewish women strengthen their ability to influence their homes, communities and the wider world.

The evening also recognized the N’shei Hakollel, the wives of men participating in Chabad’s morning and evening Kollel programs.

Mrs. Jean Mausenbaum spoke about the positive impact of the morning Kollel on her home and family, while Cassandra Sarembock offered a humorous perspective on the joys and challenges of having a husband who spends his evenings studying Torah.

Stacy Melmed, director of Cape Jewish Seniors (CJSA) West Coast, which is incorporated into THE BEIS, spoke about the Rebbe’s special concern for senior women and the importance of creating opportunities for connection, learning and personal growth.

She described her work with elderly members of the community, both through programs at Chabad of the West Coast and through the personal relationships and support that extend beyond organized activities.

Mrs. Shlomo then introduced guest speaker Mazi Halperin, whose recent Connect Circle initiative has brought together scores of local women for evenings of Jewish inspiration and celebration.

Mrs. Halperin shared her personal journey, from Israeli nightlife to the rainforests of Costa Rica and numerous experiences along the way, ultimately leading her to discover the transformative power of Torah learning.

She described the significance of the first time she sat down to study Basi Legani, the foundational Chassidic maamar exploring the mission of transforming this world into a dwelling place for Hashem.

Sharing her personal struggles and experiences, Halperin spoke about how Torah learning transformed her life and continues to influence her family.

She concluded by encouraging every Jewish woman, regardless of background or level of knowledge, to find her place in Torah study and experience the blessings it can bring.

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The evening concluded with the presentation of THE BEIS learning program, published in a brochure prepared by Chaya Ora Eke, special projects manager at Chabad of the West Coast.

Rather than focusing on a single class or age group, THE BEIS brings together a wide range of Torah learning opportunities for Jewish women under one umbrella.

The weekly schedule includes Tanach, Halacha, Tanya, Bitachon, Parsha and Parenting, and Soul Talk, taught by Rebbetzins Chanee Shlomo, Eliana Duthie, Zeesy Deren, as well as Efrat Sher.

Rebbetzin Deren, a leader at Chabad West Coast/Blouberg, teaches Soul Talk and Tanya, while Sher leads a weekly class on Shaar HaBitachon.

The program also incorporates Cape Jewish Seniors, with gatherings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings featuring speakers, activities and opportunities for connection.

Additional activities include monthly Rosh Chodesh gatherings, meditation sessions on Shabbos Mevarchim, and private chavrusa learning arranged upon request. Several classes are also available on Zoom.

Two new Tuesday morning classes will begin October 27: Halacha with Rebbetzin Duthie at 9:00 AM, followed by Parsha and Parenting with Rebbetzin Shlomo at 10:00 AM.

Through THE BEIS, Chabad of the West Coast aims to bring the Rebbe’s vision of Beis Chochmas Noshim to life, creating a welcoming place for women of all ages and backgrounds to grow in Torah knowledge, strengthen their connection to Yiddishkeit and build lasting connections within the community.