Here's a report by our member Dr Pessy Krausz on the first Hanassi event of the year, the Women's League's annual new members’ tea, 5 January 2026.
The ever-popular Annual Ladies’ Tea to welcome new Hanassi members last Monday kicked off the new Gregorian year. Shirley March, the Women’s League indefatigable chairperson received well-earned accolades, together with her team. The beautifully laid-out and laden tables were a feast in more ways than one. It was a splendid relief from the daily multi-tasking roles to which women are heir!
The Hava Nashira Choir, conducted by Temeema Weil, enthralled the hall’s packed audience with its diverse repertoire of carefully selected music. A delightful interlude was also provided by guest Duo Tziona Stutz on the flute and Liat Marom Toledano, keyboard.
Introducing our new members, we were happy to learn their background. One proudly related that her grand-daughter is Israel’s triathalon champion!
You could have heard the proverbial pin drop as we listened to the insights offered by Rebbetzin Sarah Kenigsberg. She focused on our upcoming Torah portion of Shemot, in which it was Pharaoh who related to us not as tribes but, for the first time, as a people – Am Yisrael. Turning to Moses, her theme was that of caring for one’s brothers rather than the pursuit of self-interest—a theme that holds a message for us today. Even more powerful was her message of the importance of not merely individual but collective responsibility—something that has been amply demonstrated by Jewish people worldwide most recently during our traumatic Swords of Iron War.
Rebbetzin Sarah continued by pointing out that it is nothing short of miraculous how Jewish people, wherever we are, feel for one another. In particular, she recalled our collective joy at the release of hostages. In closing with her hope that we will continue collectively to be blessed with joy throughout the generations Rebbetzin Sarah received a heartfelt “Amen!”
You can find photos of this event on the Beit Knesset Hanassi Facebook page, here.
