Her Words are Her Memorial
Sarah Schenirer z”l
A person’s life testifies to him. The life of our Mother Sarah, Ms. Sarah Schenirer z”l, testifies to the strength of her spirit, to her pure intentions, to the “vision of dry bones” that once haunted her.
Her life’s work – the Bais Yaakov movement – was and still is the fulfillment of the destiny of Jewish girls.
A little of the legendary spirit emerges in her words and writings, and is presented in this article in her pure memory. (A collection of quotes from the book “She’oni Belevavechen” by her student, Mrs. Pearl Benisch).
If only I could go out to them and open their eyes to a true love of Zion, with love for the Master of the World and adherence to the Jewish tradition. But I am too shy. Oh, if only I had the courage to go out into the street of a city and cry out: “There is a leader for the capital…!”
(From her diary as a young girl)
I will put aside the sewing work and begin to plan and act to fulfill my vision and finally bring it to fruition.
(From her diary as a young woman)
I must overcome my shyness no matter what. I must muster up courage and strength, come out of my shell and break out – to bring the word of G-d to Jewish girls.
(From her diary, after community leaders rejected her vision)
Kinderlach, I brought a gift for each and every one of you. I hope you will like it. (Starched white collars to close the neck opening) This is the “new Bais Yaakov” outfit. They are proud of it.
(Her words to her first class)
May the Jewish girls remain proud, whose glory and splendour reside within them. “House of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of G-d!”
(Her words to the first class of teachers)
If we too were to worship God in this way (as His creations) and fulfill the purpose for which we were created, and this out of free will – we would reach the highest level of all – the level of servants of G-d.
(Her words to her students on a trip)
And then I would offer a silent prayer to the One who sits on high, and from the bottom of my heart I would send my girls a blessing, that they would succeed and be able to fulfill their pure aspirations…
(From her diary after summer camp)
The teacher’s name is “Bais Yaakov Journal,” and she will teach your daughters everything I just mentioned.
(From her lecture to mothers)
Once, in a foreign city, I found myself
With only one dress on me
I wore it all week
From the other side – the back
So, inside out, I wore her
The crowd will mock and be amazed
Because I kept it for the honour of Shabbat
To turn it to the beautiful side
(From her literary writings)
I was very happy to learn about the immense dedication with which you relate and work to the realization of our idea… May the flame of love and fear of God rise and shine in the hearts of your students…
(From her letter to teachers)
I would be happy to join you, my dear girls… Know that my spirit and soul are with you…
(From her letter to students)
The entire universe is the house of G-d. Wherever we turn, and whatever framework we fill – we can transform it into a place of inspiration for the Shechina (G-d’s presence).
(From a lesson to her students)
Oh, Miss Time. I have so much to do, and you’re holding me back.
(A saying of hers)
As teachers, you must know how to be humble… A child’s soul is like a precious pearl entrusted to your hands, so that you can polish it and reveal its brilliance and light..
(From her words to teachers)
King David urges us to go to the house of G-d “with emotion” in any weather.
(From her words on the importance of prayers in synagogue)
At any and all times, when a person feels that he is about to fall, he should know that G-d will be his help and support.
(From her words to her students)
The foundation of this movement was outlined years ago on Mount Sinai.
(From her explanation of the founding charter of the Bais Yaakov movement at the conference in Lodz)
…After visiting the various “Bnos” branches, seeing the holy work prosper, my joy knew no bounds…
(From her writings)
Late at night, at the end of a long and tiring day at work, I could finally start working on myself. I looked through my favorite books, and worked to improve myself.
(From her diary)
Do not say, “I am unable to do anything.” Each one has been given the unique skills that are necessary for her to fulfill the role that the Creator has assigned to her in His world. Each one must give her contribution, give of what belongs to her alone – her part in the Divine plan of creation.
(From her words to her students)
How can we always compare G-d to us? …When the Creator fills all, there is no wonder that He is found in all. We must only observe.
(From her words to her students)
Never believe in yourself too much.
Jealousy is an ugly trait.
Anger destroys every good thing.
We must be extremely careful about the way our tongues speak.
Our love for people must be sincere and true.
(Sayings that she told her students)
The “Bnos” girls in our Holy Land awakened in me a strong love and longing for Zion.
(From a letter to girls from a hachshara [agricultural training program] who immigrated to Israel)
Shabbat Shalom greetings to each and every one of you. Once again I am forced to do so using this cold sheet of paper. If this is how the Creator decreed it, then this too is for the best.
(A letter to her girls from the hospital in her last year of life)
Man’s thoughts are futile; only God knows what is good for us.
Let us bless the Name of G-d for all the grace that He has bestowed upon us in His great mercy.
My dear girls, as part of the seminar, you were all tested in writing and orally, and with Divine help you also passed the tests successfully; however, now you are faced with the most difficult and important test of all – the test of life.
(A letter to her girls in her last year of life)
“Serve G-d with joy”
“I have placed G-d before me constantly”
“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of G-d”
“So teach the number of our days”
“The law of G-d is perfect, restoring the soul”
(Common sayings she said, from a letter to her girls at the end of her days)
Today, I would like to light Shabbat candles earlier than normal
(In her last moments)
An article on Sarah Schenirer’s passing in Krakow
From the Bais Yaakov Journal, volume 125, edited by Rabbi Moshe Prager, Israel
Bnos Agudath Israel Conference
Excerpt from the Bais Yaakov Journal, volume 47, 5690 (1930)
First World Conference of Charedi (ultra-Orthodox) Women
The representative of the “Bnos” Centre in Poland, Miss Tcheransky, gives a comprehensive report on the activities of Bnos Agudath Israel in Poland. The distinguished lecturer tells of the existence of over a hundred “Bnos” groups, which amount to close to 15 thousand [participants]. The activities of the “Bnos” organizations are conducted in the fields of education, society, and volunteering. Hundreds of needy, suffering, sick, weak, and orphans – may G-d help us – are supported by the “Bnos” group. The organization provides appropriate clothing and footwear for underprivileged Bais Yaakov students, organizes evening classes and Shabbat classes for members and holds lectures and performances on current topics.
The “Bnos” department particularly celebrates the fifteenth of Av, which brings spiritual satisfaction to the members. They also recently founded a girls’ association called “Batya,” and publish their own periodical: “Bais Yaakov Journal,” as well as a special children’s magazine: “Kindergarten.”
Last summer, the first instructor course was held in Rabka, which was crowned with great success. The prospects for the continuation of the Bnos Organization in Poland are very high. We have at our disposal an excellent workforce, especially outstanding Bais Yaakov teachers, who volunteer their hearts and souls for the “Bnos” vision. It was enough to read the review of the Bnos Conference in Lodz and the moving and informative lectures of our members to be impressed and convinced of the high level to which the organization has already reached.
Of course – the lecturer concludes her brilliant speech – that when a world association of Agudah women is established, our work will also receive more benefit. Joint work from east and west will bring great success to the “Bnos” movement in Poland.
