A very meaningful and well attended Tu Bshevat Melava Malka Parasha Beshalach at Beit Bnei Rachel

Tu Bshevat Melava Malka Parasha Beshalach at Beit Bnei Rachel, Rachel Tomb Complex Sponsored by Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation 1995-2013 By Evelyn Haies, President and Founder RCRF and Bnei Rachel Inc. Adults and children enjoy a Tu BShevat seuda, the New Year of the trees in Beit Bnei Rachel, the House of Rachel’s Children in Beit Lechem, the town of the House of Bread, the town of the loving Mothers of Israel, Rachel Imeinu, mother of Yosef HaTzaddik and Benyamin and Ruth, ancestor of David HaMelech. Evelyn spoke of the 7rs of Rachel Imeinu more important than the 3 rs for developing the true affirmative Jew In the their holy land willed to the people, us, by Hashem. Roots recognized is what makes for a strong plant and a strong affirmative Jew acknowledging such righteous roots as Rachel and Ruth, both role models for the whole world. Remembering our roots is reaffirming us, the people rooted in the land deeded to them, named for their forefathers in their holy place. Remembering our ancestors, the role models help us rectify our neshamas and raise our level of midos. As we rectify our ways according to the respected ways of the imaot and avot, we choose righteousness. The righteous merit rights. With rights there is responsibility. Rachel Imeinu is remembered 3600 years for sacrifcing for her sister Leah. The self effacement of the righteous means it’s not about me nor we (groups) but us, all the children of Rachel, Klal Yisrael. With strong righteous roots and unity there are the ingredients for Redemption. The New Year of the Trees reflects the road from seeds, essence, fertilization, unity and renewal . We made a Shekayanu on the new fruit and blessed so many species of fruits from the land of Eretz HaChodesh, the land to which we marched on the way from Egypt with cymbals and pride. At the place where Rachel Imeinu was buried “on the way” the adults and children affirmed our way with blessings, learning and inspirational shira. We learned that there are so many individual fruits, some with hard inedible shells like walnuts and almonds, some with hard inedible pits like olives and prunes, some with no shells like strawberries and figs. Many are with tough skins like pomegranates, oranges and apples. Special fruits like the esrog were enjoyed but not a new fruit because they were just blessed on Succos. Rabbi Doctor Shmuel HaCohen emphasized how our attachment to the land, farming and raising sheep, was a validation of our exodus and freedom He appealed for aliyah and more attachment to the life of shepherding, nurturing, developing and protecting. Dov Shurin of radio fame entertained with his songs about Tu BShevat, Beshalach, songs of Rachel and our Charming Nation. As the news extends itself over recent riots denying Mother Rachel and claiming our assets, consider that the adults and children were at peace with themselves, their land and the future of Klal Yisrael. We are rooted, remember, rectify, choose righteousness and merit our rights with responsibility to redeem and be a light unto nations. Remember, we come from Rachel who sacrificed and Yosef who provided for the whole world. It is when we forget, know not Yosef and our great, that uprooting our rootsis attempted. Remember and let us know the Redemption. It is the New Year of the Trees, rebirth and regeneration. It is not about Me and WE ; it is about all of us, unique like each of the fruits we blessed, like each of the tribes, one nation of Hashem to cultivate His ways and His land for eternity. Because of popular demand, we are planning a Supperette with learning and music for February 14 and Purim. Yes, a great Jewish nation came from Beis Lechem, the burial place of Rachel Imeinu mother of Yosef , the birthplace of David HaMelech descendant of Ruth and Boaz.

January and February 2013 classes

Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation 5755-5773 718 648 2610 60 West End Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11235 Evelyn 054-224-2649 Rachel 054-207-6300 www.theracheltear.blogspot.com *************************************************************** EVENTS. MORE and YOUR BOOKINGS for your lectures and YOUR SIMCHAS **************************************************************** *****Sundays ***** 7:30-8:30 Rachel Shurin or Nurit Bank <b>*****Mondays***** 7:30 PM Ophra and Bonog Parsha HaShavua Men and Women 050 822 7496 *****Tuesdays***** Efrat Group 9:30 am. Monthly Rosh Chodesh just hosted Rabbi Moshe Tendler *****Wednesdays weekly****** 11am English Atara Gur Reeception Center front entrance 8pm Hebrew Yaela Elisheva Gabbai "A Woman to Her Sisters" small hall back entrance. 052 332 8742 *****Thursdays Weekly***** 8PM Hebrew Hafrassat Challah with Yehudit Netanieland Nurit Big Hall; 050 764 4866/0548440048 Large Hall Women Hafrassat Challah Monthly small hall with Hadassah Trobelsi 050 738 5070

January 26 2013, Tu Bhevat Melava Malkah at Beit Bnei Rachel

Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation 5755-5773 www.theracheltear.blogspot.com Shabbos, January 26 2013 7PM. ..........Buses will leave the Kings Hotel. RSVP 60nis pp., includes transportation. 70 nis on the bus. singles and couples invited. Details: Evelyn Haies 054-224-2649.......... As we celebrated our first RCRF wedding in Beit Bnei Rachel on January 2, 2013 and I am attending a wedding blessed to be and is by our AMEN ceremony on the eighth night of Chanukah, 5773 in Beit Bnei Rachel which hosted about 80 women, let this be our lucky evening. As Tu BShvat is the New Year of the Trees; let this be a "New Year for our Old Israel" reestablishing the midos of Ima Rachel , buried "on the way" to teach us her self sacrificing ways.that are promised to be rewarded. Let this year bring a better year for current families and let us plant new ones. Join us in the renewal process. Remarks by Evelyn Haies, founder and president of Rachel's Children Reclamation Foundation 1995-2013 and Bnei Rachel Corp, 2001 on "The 7 R's of Rachel Imeinu" Roots, Remembrance, Rectification, Righteousness, Rights, Responsibility, Redemption. Oh yes, and we will hear the DVD recording by Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, the Keynote Speaker and Actualist Awardee at our 18th Annual Commemoration of the Yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu October 28, 2012, 11 MarCheshvan the evening before Hurricane Sandy on another R "Relationships." Let this New Year of the Trees be a Renewal and redemption for our relationship with Hashem, Eretz HaKodesh, our family and soulmate. Come join us saying yes for all the best including the fruit of Eretz Yisrael. ................................... If you can't come, your donations will actualize our Ima Rachel dreams and the Redemtion promised. Mail donations to RCRF, 60 West End Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11235........... Drop off for RCRF Tu BShevat reservations made payable for expenses to Evelyn Haies Lev Yerushalyim 18 King George St #104. . .

Join RCRF for ongoing and special events at Beit Bnei Rachel....

Rachel's Children events though Chanukah in Beit Bnei Rachel........ Join us for the first candle this Motsei Shabbos. .......................... List of Events September Seudat Amenim with Teveria group Ahavat Yisrael girls school with Rabbanit Rappaport, lecture and activities. Chana Feld and Nachlaot Seminary, lecture on Parshat Hashavua. Bet Shemesh school with teacher Batya Markovitz, lecture and performance by students. Dr. Leah Schmidt, with Ashkalon group. In honor of her late father zatzal. Lecture on her late father's activities in the renewal of the Jewish community of the Ukraine. Included in his accomplishments are the rebuilding of a shul and creation of an educational and cultural center. His work, which his daughter Leah continues, includes archaeological restoration of Jewish holy sites in Ashkalon. Torah lecture and meditative prayer with Sigal Avial with Telstone group. Ahavat Yisrael school revisits with two more classes, with principal Rabbanit Rappaport. Lecture, activity, and birthday celebration for one of the students. Torah lecture with Sharon Malka and Jerusalem/Gush Etzion group. September - Ongoing Monday morning class in Hebrew with Hadassa Trabelsi, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teaching. Wednesday morning class in English with Atara Gur on Rachel Imenu. Wednesday evening class for women in Hebrew with music by singer Yaela Elisheva Gabbai on Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teachings Monthly Tuesday morning Efrat group - closest Tuesday to Rosh Chodesh. October Bat mitzva celebration of Ella Hanzan. Mazal Tov and thank you for your donation of eight tables to Bet Bnei Rachel. Seudat Amenim Rishon Lezion group. Hafrashat Challa with Hadassa Trebelsi Visit of students of the Hebrew Midrasha of Bat Ayin, with Rabbanit Batya Cohen, for Torah class and music. Seudat Amenim with group from Jerusalem. October - Ongoing Sunday Evenings, the group - Habanot and Ophra, Parshat Hashavua in Hebrew. Monday Evenings, Hadassah Trebelsi. This is her new scheduled time. She now combines Torah lecture and Hafrashat Challa. Wednesday mornings, Atara Gur class on Rachel Imenu. Wednesday evening,Yaela Elisheva Gabbai's class - "A Woman to her Sisters". Class combines music and Torah lecture on Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teachings. Monthly Efrat group, Tuesday morning closest to Rosh Chodesh. November Seudat Amenim, group from Bet Shemesh. Ahavat Yisrael school, two classes with their principal, Rivka Rappaport. Hafrashat Challa x 40 , a powerful number of Kedusha with Haddasa Trebelsi. Special Tefila group during operation Amud Annan (Pillar of Defense), women gathered for Tefila at Kever Rachel. A group of seventeen women joined together at B.B.R., We each gave a short davar Torah and then danced to break the bad decree and turn it to good and peace. November - Ongoing Sundays 7:30 pm, Habanot and Ophra - Parshat Hashavua Class Wednesdays 11:00 am, Atara Gur - class on Rachel Imenu Wednesdays 8:00 pm, Yaela Elisheva Gabbai - "A Woman to her Sisters," evening of Torah and music for women December - Chanukah Schedule: Motzei Shabbat, Dec. 8th. 1st candle, 7:00 pm: Hafrashat Challah x 40 - Special Chanukah Event with Yehudit Netanel....... ********************************************** Sunday, Dec. 9th, 2nd candle, 7:30 pm: Chanukah Concert and Kumzitz - bring your instruments! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 4th candle, 8:00 pm: Film and discussion with guest speakers ******************* Motzei Shabbat, Dec. 15th. 8th candle:i 9:00 pm - Group Tfila at Kever Rachel 9:30 pm - class on Breslov Chassidut and Chanukah Party at Bet Bnei Rachel List of Events September Seudat Amenim with Teveria group Ahavat Yisrael girls school with Rabbanit Rappaport, lecture and activities. Chana Feld and Nachlaot Seminary, lecture on Parshat Hashavua. Bet Shemesh school with teacher Batya Markovitz, lecture and performance by students. Dr. Leah Schmidt, with Ashkalon group. In honor of her late father zatzal. Lecture on her late father's activities in the renewal of the Jewish community of the Ukraine. Included in his accomplishments are the rebuilding of a shul and creation of an educational and cultural center. His work, which his daughter Leah continues, includes archaeological restoration of Jewish holy sites in Ashkalon. Torah lecture and meditative prayer with Sigal Avial with Telstone group. Ahavat Yisrael school revisits with two more classes, with principal Rabbanit Rappaport. Lecture, activity, and birthday celebration for one of the students. Torah lecture with Sharon Malka and Jerusalem/Gush Etzion group. September - Ongoing Monday morning class in Hebrew with Hadassa Trabelsi, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teaching. Wednesday morning class in English with Atara Gur on Rachel Imenu. Wednesday evening class for women in Hebrew with music by singer Yaela Elisheva Gabbai on Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teachings Monthly Tuesday morning Efrat group - closest Tuesday to Rosh Chodesh. October Bat mitzva celebration of Ella Hanzan. Mazal Tov and thank you for your donation of eight tables to Bet Bnei Rachel. Seudat Amenim Rishon Lezion group. Hafrashat Challa with Hadassa Trebelsi Visit of students of the Hebrew Midrasha of Bat Ayin, with Rabbanit Batya Cohen, for Torah class and music. Seudat Amenim with group from Jerusalem. October - Ongoing Sunday Evenings, the group - Habanot and Ophra, Parshat Hashavua in Hebrew. Monday Evenings, Hadassah Trebelsi. This is her new scheduled time. She now combines Torah lecture and Hafrashat Challa. Wednesday mornings, Atara Gur class on Rachel Imenu. Wednesday evening,Yaela Elisheva Gabbai's class - "A Woman to her Sisters". Class combines music and Torah lecture on Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teachings. Monthly Efrat group, Tuesday morning closest to Rosh Chodesh. November Seudat Amenim, group from Bet Shemesh. Ahavat Yisrael school, two classes with their principal, Rivka Rappaport. Hafrashat Challa x 40 , a powerful number of Kedusha with Haddasa Trebelsi. Special Tefila group during operation Amud Annan (Pillar of Defense), women gathered for Tefila at Kever Rachel. A group of seventeen women joined together at B.B.R., We each gave a short davar Torah and then danced to break the bad decree and turn it to good and peace. November - Ongoing Sundays 7:30 pm, Habanot and Ophra - Parshat Hashavua Class Wednesdays 11:00 am, Atara Gur - class on Rachel Imenu Wednesdays 8:00 pm, Yaela Elisheva Gabbai - "A Woman to her Sisters," evening of Torah and music for women December - Chanukah Schedule: Motzei Shabbat, Dec. 8th. 1st candle, 7:00 pm: Hafrashat Challah x 40 - Special Chanukah Event with Yehudit Netanel Sunday, Dec. 9th, 2nd candle, 7:30 pm: Chanukah Concert and Kumzitz - bring your instruments! Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 4th candle, 8:00 pm: Film and discussion with guest speakers Motzei Shabbat, Dec. 15th. 8th candle:i 9:00 pm - Group Tfila at Kever Rachel 9:30 pm - class on Breslov Chassidut and Chanukah Party at Bet Bnei Rachel December - Ongoing events: Mondays, 7:30 pm: New day and time for Habanot and Ofra Hebrew Parshat Hashavua Class Wednesdays, 11:00 am: Atara Gur on Rachel Imenu (English) Wednesdays, 7:30 pm: (big reception hall) Yehudit Netanel - Hafrashat Challah Wednesdays, 8:00 pm: (small reception hall) Yaela Elisheva Gabbai - "A Woman to her Sisters," evening of Torah and music for women Stay Tuned for post-Chanukah end of December events! :::::::::::::::::::::::DECEMBER ONGOING EVENTS::::::::::::::::::: Mondays, 7:30 pm: New day and time for Habanot and Ofra Hebrew Parshat Hashavua Class Wednesdays, 11:00 am: Atara Gur on Rachel Imenu (English) Wednesdays, 7:30 pm: (big reception hall) Yehudit Netanel - Hafrashat Challah Wednesdays, 8:00 pm: (small reception hall) Yaela Elisheva Gabbai - "A Woman to her Sisters," evening of Torah and music for women Stay Tuned for post-Chanukah end of December events!

Jewish Press Interview with Evelyn Haies, RCRF

Home » InDepth » Interviews » A Place To Call Home By: Sarah Pachter Published Jewish Press Magazine November 9th, 2012 Coming to Kever Rachel one cannot help but recall the traditional domed structure that once stood as a humble memorial to the greatest of women. Unfortunately a fortress like edifice of towering large concrete slabs has now replaced that familiar picture. It was here, at this holy site, that I first met Evelyn Haies, an American mother, grandmother, and globetrotter. Evelyn spends the better part of each year in Israel working to improve the site. In fact, as soon as we met she invited me to attend a shiur she had arranged in the adjacent previously-owned Arab home. But first I wanted to know more. I wanted to know what possessed an American mother of five, and grandmother, to leave her family in the U.S. to come to Israel and devote so much time to Kever Rachel. In lieu of answering, she beckoned, smiling broadly. I followed her into the adjacent structure (the only other building in the complex) where she pointed to a bullet hole in the glass of the window on the second floor. “Arab sniper fire,” she explains. “I bought this house a number of years ago, in an attempt to increase awareness of the importance of this site, to encourage people to visit, and to learn more about Rachel herself.” She points out the pictures her granddaughter had drawn to hang on the wall. In a large room on the first floor there is a learning session in progress. A group of avreichim are poring over their sefarim. In an entirely separate room a shiur for women is about to take place. “And so what’s a grandmother like you doing here?” I asked, still wondering what it was that first triggered her interest. And Evelyn, who for years has worked as literature teacher and has published a very popular songbook, took the plunge the year the Twins Towers came down. “I was part of a group of women from Brooklyn who were looking for ways to help Klal Yisrael, especially our brethren in Israel. We wanted to prove our connection to the land and to our people. We met monthly and I recall one meeting in which we decided to adopt a sister city. Ariel was on our list, as were other cities. And then I had this sudden drive to adopt Kever Rachel. I took the floor and threw my suggestion out to the ladies. “They loved it and agreed immediately. “The year was 1995 when the die was cast; thus began my personal lifelong connection with RachelImeinu. “So while I had had this brainwave I wasn’t quite sure how to actualize it. Together we decided that the first way to proceed was to raise public awareness of who Rachel actually was, and her relevance today. To do this we wanted people to research all the relevant sources in Tanach. Thus began the Rachel's Children Reclamation Foundation. “We began with the children first, going around to the Jewish girl schools in Brooklyn and advertising a writing competition on the subject of Rachel Imeinu. The best compositions would receive cash prizes. “The contest was a massive hit. My mailbox was jammed with hundreds of stories; the creativity was simple astonishing and the feedback overwhelming. Teachers and principals offered their thanks and the girls themselves appreciated their new awareness and connection to Rachel.” Later that year, Evelyn received an excited phone call from a woman who had decided that in honor of her granddaughter’s bas mitzvah the two of them were going to go to Israel and visit the holy sites, especially Kever Rachel. Evelyn thought that this was a great idea and decided that she too would do the same. “But I wanted to do more and more and I didn’t know what or how. So I bought a lottery ticket,” Evelyn laughs heartily. “And guess what? I won!” Evelyn was the lucky winner of $26,000, which she used to finance the writing of a Sefer Torah for theKever Rachel complex. The day Evelyn approached a sofer and commissioned him to write the Sefer Torah was one of the most exciting ever. And when it was finally completed her excitement knew no bounds. The Sefer Torah merited a double “send off” – one in Brooklyn and another in Israel. The U.S. one was scheduled for a rainy day during the week of Parshas Lech Lecha. Amazingly the rain held off while the dancing and singing crowds escorted the Torah to the shul; the minute it was indoors the rain fell once again. Evelyn’s eyes light up at the memory. “The singing, the dancing, the euphoria, everyone knew this sefer Torah was headed for Israel and the joy was simply contagious.” Evelyn shows me the photographs. You see the smiling crowds and the rav with the Torah and her husband next to him, each picture a memory unto itself. Since that day Evelyn arranges a special dinner each Parshas Lech Lecha in memory of the extra special day in her life. After the event one of the attendees approached Evelyn and told her that he had his own personal connection with Rachel Imeinu: “I come from a family who for seven generations has held the keys to Kever Rachel” he began, a note of pride in his voice. With that he offered to donate to the festivities. He too wanted a share in this wondrous event. [caption id="attachment_87458" align="alignright" width="250"] This image and the one below are of the two houses the Foundation purchased.[/caption] The Hachanasas Sefer Torah at Kever Rachel was no less moving, perhaps even more so. On duty soldiers, rabbanim and politicians all took part in the event. Since that day Evelyn has done all she can to improve Kever Rachel. Many recall the days when getting there was incredibly difficult. There was no organized transportation and so Evelyn petitioned Egged to arrange for regular daily buses. And when the Intifada began and people were afraid to come, it was Evelyn who organized and paid for buses to ferry people to and fro. Evelyn works hard, very hard. “When in Israel, I literally work round the clock ensuring that people continue coming on a regular basis, that they have easy access to the site and that there are regular shiurimtaking place. And even when I get back to the U.S. I don’t stop for a minute. There are funds to raise and arrangement to made, it’s non-stop.” Here Evelyn stops talking and takes a minute to remember Sarah Blaustien from Efrat. Sarah was a regular attendee of the shuirim at Kever Rachel and had become Evelyn’s dear friend. One morning after returning from Kever Rachel and heading back out to go to the Kotel she was shot at by a group of Arabs. She and another female passenger were killed. “Every year on her yahrzeit we learn and say tehillim in her memory. My plan is to, one day, dedicate a room in her memory as well.” I take note for even though I’ve only known Evelyn for a couple of hours I realize that if she sets her mind to doing something, no doubt, that something, is sure to happen. Someday, somehow, in the future there will be a Sarah Blaustein room…of that I am certain. Evelyn is somber “we’d become really close, I still miss her…” But Sarah’s murder hasn’t stopped Evelyn or even slowed her down. She’s gone out of her way to take care of the soldiers on guard, sending them treats as well as Shabbos and Yom Tov meals. In addition she’s organized and paid for numerous brisim and sheva brachos that have taken place at the site. “The real breakthrough took place eleven years ago,” and out comes the photo album, “I was approached and offered the house adjacent to Kever Rachel. It is the one and only other structure in the complex and the Arab who owned it wanted to sell out. “They knew me and they knew that I was an inseparable part of the place. But the price they were asking was $375,000 - a small fortune - and I had no idea how to raise the kind of money. Nevertheless, in my heart of hearts I knew that going ahead with the deal was the right thing to do. I knew that Hashem would take of the details.” And she was right. Evelyn was fortunate enough to witness another miracle (following her lottery windfall). In fact she regularly admits that she sees miracles all the time. “I had bought stock a number of months prior to the offer and it had jumped in value by 1000%. I sold it and divided the money. Some of the money went to my children, the rest towards buying the house. Other factions helped make up the deficit.” Evelyn received the key and went about making improvements - as she had done in all other areas. She had mezuzos affixed, air conditioner units installed and appliances such as a microwave oven and a refrigerator put in. The place soon became a hive of activity. There were shuirim for men, shiurim for women and weekend retreats for yeshiva bachurim. True joy… However, this joy has been very short lived. It is now overshadowed, by the usual…internal strife. Evelyn is saddened. “Instead of focusing my energy on all those who need my help I’m busy with lawyers and legal fees. I know this is just a test…but it hurts…” and I see her lips tremble ever so slightly. Of late there is a debate over who has control of the house. “Thankfully, I have all the documents, and copies of all the checks attesting to the fact that I am the rightful owner of this house. I also discovered that behind my back those contesting my ownership of the house tried to resell it!” They were asking for an astronomical price. Gently sidestepping the issue, the politics, and the arguments I wished her well and expressed the hope that for all our sakes the truth be established quickly and painlessly. Then I asked her about her dream for the future. “I want the house that I bought to be used as a home for all of Klal Yisrael, because after all we are all one people and all connected to Rachel. It should be a place where Jewish history is taught, and Rachel is remembered. And most importantly it should be the building blocks towards bringing thegeula.” Last, but not least, I want to know how her family feels about a wife, mother, and grandmother who had dedicated most of her life to Rachel Imeinu. “My husband, children and grandchildren have been overwhelming supportive. They understand my drive, and this is perhaps the best place to thank them, because without their support I would never have succeeded. And so we say goodbye with a prayer on our lips that G-d finally wipe away Rachel’s tears so that we can all come home…this time for good! Translated by Chavi Ehrentreu

REMEMBERING THE MATRIARCH RACHEL AT ANNUAL DINNER Posted by Fern Sidman

REMEMBERING THE MATRIARCH RACHEL AT ANNUAL DINNER Posted by Fern Sidman on October 31, 2012 at 2:41pmView Blog REMEMBERING THE MATRIARCH RACHEL AT ANNUAL DINNER BY: FERN SIDMAN Despite the onerous weather predictions that heralded the coming of "Hurricane Sandy", over 200 brave souls turned out for the annual "Rachel's Children Reclamation Foundation" dinner at the Manhattan Beach Jewish Center on Sunday evening, October 28th. "I know that traveling here tonight was a difficult challenge for many of you because Manhattan Beach is in Zone A and is slated for evacuation, but I thank you all for showing your support for the only organization that is dedicated to preserving the gravesite of our beloved Mother Rochel and fostering Torah education and Jewish sovereignty in this area," said Evelyn Haies, the founder and president of the Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation and the Bnei Rachel Corporation. Since 1995, the Rachel's Children Reclamation Foundation has held their annual dinner in conjunction with the yahrzeit of Rachel, one of the holy matriarchs of the Jewish nation, which falls on the 11th day of Cheshvan. The Torah relates that when Rachel died after giving birth to her second son, Benjamin, it was G-d who commanded her husband Jacob to bury her in this spot, 'in Efrat, on the way to Bethlehem". It was there that the voice of Rachel could be heard crying out to G-d when her people were exiled to Babylon. G-d reassured Rachel that her "children would be returned to their borders". To this very day, after 3600 years, Jews still gather daily to offer their prayers and personal supplications to G-d. This year, Rachel's yahrzeit fell out on Shabbos, but over 100,000 Jews began gathering at her roadside grave site in Israel on Thursday and Friday and returned at the conclusion of Shabbos and on Sunday. "Since introducing Rachel as the Jewish Mother par excellence, a role model for the whole world, I have become wiser and broadened my presentation," said Mrs. Haies. "From personal midos to derech eretz as a way for all of Rachel’s Children, I have chosen to spread the 7 R’s of Derech Eretz from Rachel Imeinu: Roots, Remembrance, Rectification, Righteousness, Rights, Responsibility and Redemption," she added. Honored this year at the gala buffet journal dinner were Shirley Heller, OBM, with the Rachel Imeinu Memorial Recognition Award, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko with the Rachel Imeinu Actualist Award, Hon. Ari Kagan, with the Community Leadership Award, Dov Shurin, with the Breaking the Silence Award, Chaim Deutsch with the Community Activist Award, Sgt. Richard Taylor with the Community Service Award and Dr. Leah-Yelena Shmist with the Rachel Imeinu Activist Award. In his keynote address, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko said, "As we honor our mother Rachel, we are reminded that it was she that gave us a second chance. She watched us, the Jewish people at our lowest point and still cried out to Hashem for our salvation. Her entire life was dedicated to establishing a meaningful and powerful relationship with Hashem, and that must become our mission." "Our Jewish roots are remembered from the time of Avraham Aveinu choosing The Creator and the path of chessed, to Yitzchak and Yaakov Avinu dealing with the Jewish birthright and do-right to Joseph HaTzaddik dealing with brotherly hate and transformation to self affirmation and world preservation to Moshe Rabbeinu giving the Jewish people the Torah roadmap for civilization, but it has always been Rachel Imeinu who merited establishing the return to our borders, our Torah deeded birthright, our homeland to have and to harvest," said Mrs. Haies. This year's honorees have dedicated themselves to perpetuating the memory and glorious legacy of Rachel Imeinu through acts of kindness to the Jewish people and their respective communities. As a constant supporter of many charitable institutions, Shirley Heller OBM, was honored posthumously for her unwavering commitment to the Rachel's Children Reclamation Foundation. She was memorialized by Rabbi Joseph Leiner as a true 'Baalas Chesed" (woman of kindness) and spoke of the Sefer Torah that she dedicated to her son Aaron and her mother, Esther Malka Statman in Beit Bnei Rachel in Israel. "As parshas Chaya Sarah recognizes of Sarei who would become Sarah, Shirely put Hashem in her life and embraced living Torah," he said. Sergeant Richard S. Taylor, a New York City police officer is currently assigned to the Community Affairs Bureau and supervises community programs and events for the Chief of Community Affairs throughout New York City. As an active member of the Shomrim Society, Sgt Taylor has been honored by the Manhattan Beach Jewish Center Holocaust Committee for his work at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001 with Hatzolah and was accorded honors by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush for his dedicated police services to the diverse community of South Brooklyn. "Tonight, I am her to pay tribute to the outstanding work that Evelyn Haies does in Israel and abroad in remembering our mother Rachel and for establishing a place where the words of Torah are spread far and wide," said Sgt Taylor.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT For the Yahrzeit Commemoration of Rachel Imeinu From above the walls encaging Rachel’s Tomb 11 Mar Cheshvan, 5773

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT For the Yahrzeit Commemoration of Rachel Imeinu From above the walls encaging Rachel’s Tomb 11 Mar Cheshvan, 5773 Evelyn Haies, founder and president Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation and Bnei Rachel Corp Because of obstacles, confronting challenges and showing us the way, Rachel Imeinu is remembered over 3600 years. Since beginning Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation in 1995, I have experienced success, stress and progress. Since introducing Rachel as the Jewish Mother par excellence, a role model for the whole world representing the “good ideology”, I have become wiser and broadened my presentation. From personal midos to derech eretz as a way for all Rachel’s Children, I have chosen to spread the 7 R’s for Derech Eretz from Rachel Imeinu: ROOTS, REMEMBRANCE, RECTIFICATION, RIGHTEOUSNESS, RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITY AND REDEMPTION. Our Jewish roots remembered from the time of Avraham Aveinu choosing The Creator and the path of chessed, to Yitzchak and Yaakov Avinu dealing with the Jewish birthright and do-right to Joseph HaTzaddik dealing with brotherly hate and transformation to self affirmation and world preservation to Moshe Rabbeinu giving the Jewish people the Torah roadmap for civilization, it has always been Rachel Imeinu who merited establishing the return to our borders, our Torah deeded birthright, our homeland to have and to harvest. From Creation by Hashem for creations through Mother Israel, it is by The Maker but for the benefit of humankind. It is gratitude and giving back that keeps us on the pathways of Hashem, of Torah and for rectifying the human mess ups. It is with righteousness only that there can be fix ups and rights. With rights comes responsibility with an other centered exponent. Charity begins at home in a way that a mother knows best. Charity is an enabler. A mother cares and does not act for self satisfaction but for growth and perfection of her home, family and the surroundings. A mother is responsible for those she creates in the world created for creation. With a partnership with the solid roots of our past, remembering and rectifying with righteousness, we have a birthright and responsibility to The Creator for redemptions which doesn’t work when the world is off course. Our roots are strong when developing with the midos of our most worthy as our directors. As we choose the highest ideals, we merit rights and responsibility beyond ourselves. Our giving to the world according to His roadmap will redeem. Waiting is not the answer. Rachel Imeinu was active in showing us the way using the initiative of a mother, sister, caregiver. Following is not the answer. Investigating, deciphering, believing and acting according to those who stepped away from the herd mentality for the sake of all, for goodness sake and for the blessings is the way for mothering, shepherding, controlling the directions for a positive mobility. Let us learn from our Matriarch remembered 3600 years that there is NO, we don’t, can’t, won’t and that there is YES, we must, will accept only righteousness and will make the wonderful world we inherited a much better place for all, a place of actualization of truth, justice, morality, friendship, love and creation in progress for perfection. Let the blessings be: we make it, keep it, love it, are proud of it, praise it, appreciate it and are forever thankful to Hashem and those who choose His ways. Let our actualization of Hashem's ideals redeem the Jewish people to the highest levels of goodness with the role model of the meriting actions of Rachel Imeinu who sacrificed her life for His mercy and blessings for all G-d’s children and to raise all humankind and bring the security walls down.