The Graphic Designer Behind the Shabbat Newsletter: A Story of Dedication and Resilience

The special Shabbat newsletter by Hidabroot is crafted in a longtime studio, full of warmth and dedication for over a decade. Once materials are collected from the writers and pass through various editorial phases, they reach Shani Moyal's design desk. It's her creative touch that gives the newsletter its charming form, transforming the nearly 300,000 copies distributed weekly around the world into a delightful package. Yes, people across the globe ensure it reaches them by downloading, printing, and distributing it privately.

This work requires a high level of teamwork, often on very small details, and Shani performs this with remarkable skill, all through writing. Our conversation also happens in writing as she opens up about her journey.

Can You Hear Me? The Journey of a Deaf Orthodox Girl in a Complex World

As a child, Shani Moyal was the only Orthodox student in what she describes as a completely secular school. At that time, there were no adequate educational options in her area to accommodate her deafness, so her parents enrolled her in such a school. Her challenges were twofold: in the world she was different because she was deaf, and at school, she was different because she was Orthodox. These differences created many hardships and challenges that ultimately strengthened her, although they were painful. Today, she has key roles in the world's largest Jewish organization.

Everyone at Hidabroot works knowing they're helping Judaism reach and impact lives everywhere, which is part of a unique dedication. But for Shani, it's on another level. A devoted mother, exemplary family manager, and the graphic editor of the newsletter—she also holds various roles on the Hidabroot website, all without saying a word.

Fighter: "Upholding Faith and Modesty Despite Ridicule"

"I faced harsh statements and social rejection during childhood," she shares candidly. "Some treated me kindly, but there was much teasing and humiliations because I was the only Orthodox girl."

"Throughout 12 years of school, I fought to maintain my religious beliefs and modesty, even when ridiculed. Despite suggestions that life would be easier if I forsook my faith, I persevered. I neither troubled anyone nor understood why I was targeted. It was a complex navigation between secular and Orthodox worlds during my formative years. Today, I reflect back with disbelief at how I managed half my life in such circumstances."

Shani Moyal as a child

"I'm Grateful to Hashem for the Loving Home I Had"

Where did you find strength?

"It was never easy. I had questions that needed answers, but I was blessed with a strong faith in the Creator and the loving support of my dear parents and the principles they instilled in me. They deeply invested in my character and observance of mitzvot, which significantly impacted me. This foundation kept me from being swayed by those around me. Hashem gave me the determination to stay strong in my religious convictions, knowing it's the true path, and I refused to let anyone mislead or corrupt me."

Her affection for her parents, R' Yaakov and Bruriah, is palpable even without words.

"I'm grateful to Hashem for the warm, loving home I had. As a child, I cherished being with my wonderful family, who understood and embraced me. I seize this chance to thank my dear, beloved parents for the education I received from them, their investment in my faith. It's genuinely thanks to them that I remained true to Torah and their ways."

About Hidabroot: "As a Teen, the Hidabroot Website Opened a Vast Spiritual World for Me"

Her parents prayed with tears and gave her their hearts, like magical moments at the Shabbat table, where her father spoke passionately, and her mother "translated" for Shani in sign language. Yet, much of our learning happens through incidental hearing, something she missed growing up. This gap was stark against a background of mockery when she couldn't easily absorb information just by listening like other children.

Then, the Hidabroot website filled these voids. "Despite everything, my education in Jewish fundamentals and Torah wasn't traditional. As a teenager, simply listening to a teacher wasn't an option, leaving a massive gap. My soul yearned to be enriched, and the Hidabroot content met this need perfectly. I devoured this knowledge eagerly, which offered a significant spiritual world."

Working on the Newsletter into the Wee Hours

Four weeks after the first edition was published, divine providence led her to close the circle and become part of Hidabroot's evolution. Since then, she's been designing the newsletter week after week. For reference, you are holding the 589th issue.

"It's important to explain to readers how the complex preparation of Shabbat newsletters is done," she describes. "We always work on two consecutive issues at a time: one week on content, completed by the editorial team, and the next week on graphics, alternating throughout the month, resulting in four newsletters in two-week cycles. On a 'regular' day, starting early morning, I begin uploading content to the Hidabroot website alongside a colleague. Essentially, every article passes through us. During newsletter production weeks, I pause at 15:00 for several hours to be with my children – thank God, we have four sweet, healthy children – then return to working on the newsletters into the small hours of the night."

"It Warms My Heart to Read Comments from People Inspired by the Newsletter"

I point out that thanks to her efforts, hundreds of thousands read and share words of Torah weekly. It's impossible to fully grasp this merit. Yet, I note, she has likely never heard anyone express thanks directly...

"I've never heard, but I've certainly read them. Reading comments from those strengthened by Hidabroot and the newsletters warms my heart. Compliments flood in from various people who love the newsletter, praising its beautiful, invested design and acknowledging they can't do without it. It's worth all the effort. People share stories of blessings due to spreading the newsletter and express the merit of distributing dozens of copies weekly in synagogues, at work, or wherever they wish to do good, making me realize my significant role. I've stopped myself a few times and asked, 'Is it really me doing all of this?'"

Binding Privilege: "About One and a Half Million Jews Read the Newsletter"

"It's an obligating privilege to be behind the most popular Torah newsletters worldwide, contributing to the spiritual strengthening of the masses weekly. People read, distribute, and observe Torah words, nearly one and a half million Jews weekly. The extent of this spiritual reinforcement is unfathomable."

"Often, I stay up late into the night to finish the newsletters for printing. It involves meticulous details, numerous approvals, adjustments, and accuracy. It's my life's work; even over a year ago, when hospitalized with severe throat pain, the newsletter's printing week wasn't forgotten. They found a substitute, but I still assisted remotely, ensuring it reached readers and distributors properly. I cherish this privilege."

Between Home and Work: "Thanks to My Dear Husband, Eliyahu"

How do you manage it all?

"People wonder how I juggle home and work. I tell them it's thanks to my dear husband, Eliyahu, who always helps happily and patiently takes care of our children."

With her unique story, she wishes to share something personal: "It's important to know that through connection with Hashem, hard work, and self-belief, anyone can succeed and reach great heights. We spoke about my deafness, but it’s truly not central to my work. So what if I can't hear? You can adapt without it. With progress, I have a device that helps me hear when I want, but sometimes the silence is good."

Shani expresses gratitude and contentment with her life's unique package: "Hashem knows what's perfect for each person. Honestly, I wouldn't trade my life’s package with anyone else's."

The Moment I Realized the Newsletter's Impact

"Enduring tough times as a student, I believed it was temporary, like a journey Hashem meant for me. I knew one day I would find myself in a better place. Today, I thank Hashem for the daily blessings: my wonderful husband, children, and my mission with the Hidabroot newsletter."

Choose a special moment to wrap up with.

"A significant milestone is approaching. From a weekly circulation of about 292,900 copies, we're about to surpass 300,000. It reminds me of a distributors' conference a few years back, where I truly understood the broad reach of the newsletter and its impact, recognizing the merit of those involved."

It's worth joining the distributors' team. Be among those reaching the 300,000-copy milestone and enjoy a free first month, a subscription to the children's channel or Jewish campus, and a 50 NIS coupon for Hidabroot Shops. Plus, enter the drawing for a Shabbat getaway and more.| Don't wait, click here or call now at phone 073-222-1388