As part of the Mizrachi UK Weekend of Inspiration, Pinner Synagogue welcomed guest speaker Rabbanit Pescha Fischer, to launch the Shul Summer Seudah Shlishit programme. Her visit to Pinner was sponsored in memory of the late Sonya Daniels a”h.
Having received a Master’s Degree in Education from Yeshiva University prior to making aliyah, Rabbanit Fischer now teaches many different aspects of Jewish knowledge to a wide variety of groups.
Addressing a well-attended ladies-only Shiur group, the topic was ‘Kabbalat Shabbat’; its history, its deeper spiritual meaning, and the message of hope for the future, inherent in the joyful psalms and liturgy which had grown up around the idea of welcoming the Sabbath with song since the sixteenth century. Most importantly, explained Rabbanit Fisher, by bringing a fresh dimension to our experience of Kabbalat Shabbat, each one of us can “sing a new song”, thereby enhancing our enjoyment of Shabbat.
Pinner member Lindi Wigman, commenting on the ladies’ Shiur, said, “Rabbanit Fischer made the subject so interesting and engaging, especially by involving everyone and inviting us to share our thoughts.” Fellow participant Suzanne Abrahams “very much enjoyed hearing her insights”, and agreed that the presentation by Rabbanit Fischer was both well-delivered and thought-provoking.
During a communal seudah shlishit, Rabbanit Fischer spoke again, this time on the subject of the difference between two connected Brachot, “Shehecheyanu” and “Ha’tov V’hameytiv”, both of which shared a common theme of “good things that happen”, either to the individual or to the wider community.
Thanking Pinner Synagogue Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kleiman for their Shabbat hospitality, Rabbanit Fischer praised the warmth and friendliness of the Pinner Community: “May you have many opportunities in the future to share good news, and to say the bracha ha’tov v’hameytiv!”
Rebbetzen Kleiman added, “It was such a privilege to welcome Pescha Fischer to our community, and it was a truly inspirational Shabbat.”
