On the Yahrzeit of Sarah Schenirer A”H

It’s the perfect day to stop and think about who we are as Jewish women–and the task that we have before us.

By JUDITH GRUNFELD-ROSENBAUM

Editor’s Note: Almost 30 years ago, when I was in elementary school, the 1995 Asifa on the 60th Yahrzeit of Sarah Schenirer a”h took place at the The Brooklyn Armory. I attended and received this pamphlet–and it’s been in my possession ever since. Below Judith Grunfeld A”H (at the time she was 92) quotes the last words of Sarah Schenirer to her students–and it’s ever so relevant today.

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I have tried in this sketch to describe the personality of Sara Schenirer and the movement created by her. But as her personality is a mystery and eludes description, I shall conclude by letting Sara Schenirer speak for herself, by reproducing in English translation the words of her last will, written on her death bed, to her thousands of pupils all over the country:

“What shall we say, what shall we speak, how shall we justify ourselves? There are many thoughts in the heart of man, but only the counsel of the Lord prevaileth. Whatever the Merciful doeth,

He doeth for our good. May His great Name be blessed for his manifold kindnesses.

All my life I complained about my inability to cry at the time of prayer. But now it is hard for me to keep back my tears. Only now do I feel how strong is the inner bond that ties me to my children. But spiritual ties are very strong. They last forever.

Just as I cry as I am writing to you now, so will your tears flow as you read these my words. May it be the will of our Father in heaven that your tears and mine reach the throne of glory to pray for Israel’s complete redemption.

I am turning to you, my dear daughters, going out into the great world to guide and train the daughters of Israel and to establish homes in Israel.

I am convinced that you understand well your great task. We have a good God in heaven and he aids every person to walk in the way that he desires. Throughout the years of my work, men were sent to me who were genuine helpers.

I should like to single out two grave dangers which threaten you, my daughters.

Beware of the feeling of pride, arrogance or cocksureness, that persuades one to think that he is great in achievements and deserving of honor. Secondly, keep away from the other extreme, the feeling of inferiority which whispers to man: ‘you are nothing, without any value.’ This exaggerated humility causes sadness to abide in man, and introduces doubt into his heart as to whether his work will succeed.

If the feeling of sadness should overcome you, if doubt should arise in your heart whether you are worthy of the mission entrusted to you, whether you are fulfilling your tasks properly-then examine yourself whether you have done your duty or not. If your answer is positive, then remember what I told you every day after prayer, quoting the passage in Deuteronomy. ‘And now, oh, Israel, what does the Lord thy God ask of you, except to revere the Lord, thy God, to walk in all His ways, to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and soul!

And now my dear daughters, you are standing before the severest test, that of life itself. For some time life is hard, but in your hands, by the blessing of the Lord, are strong weapons of defense. They are fear of God, reverence, love and service.

Your sainted teacher, Yehudah Leib Orlean, once said, at the time of a formal examination: ‘The tests have shown that you know how to learn and to teach. The problem which troubles us is whether you will also understand how to train Jewish souls.

Before the High Priest entered on the service in the Holy of Holies, he would be asked ‘Is there any whisper of evil intention in your heart, have you forgotten or perhaps not even learned?

One can remedy ignorance or forgetfulness, but if your intention has become impure you would desecrate the Holy of Holies.’ My dear girls, you are going out into the great world. Your task is to plant the holy seed in the souls of pure children. In a sense, the destiny of Israel of old is in your hands.

Be strong and of good courage. Don’t tire. Don’t slacken your efforts. You have heard of a Hassid who came to his rabbi and said joyfully, ‘Rabbi, I have finished the whole Talmud.’ What has the Talmud taught you?’ asked the rabbi. ‘Your learning is fine, but your practical task is the main thing.’

Let me complete these words with the verses you all know so well.

Serve the Lord with joy.

I keep the Lord before me continuously.

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.

Teach us to number our days.

The Lord’s Torah is perfect, it restoreth the soul.

May the Lord guard your going out and your coming in from now and forever more.

May He listen to our prayers and send us the true redeemer and true redemption.

Yours forever,

Sarah Schenirer

My beloved daughters, may God grant you long life.”

Cracow, 1935.

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