Embracing Spirituality: The Journey of Rebbetzin Revital Rachel Zadok

At 53, Rebbetzin Revital Rachel Zadok, a resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh, is a whirlwind of activity. As an educational consultant, relationship diagnostician, and emotional therapist, she demonstrates the profound value of our time through countless mitzvot and positive deeds.

Born into a traditional Jerusalem family, Revital Rachel moved to France at age 12. Enrolled in a non-Jewish school due to the high cost of Jewish education, she hid her Jewish identity amidst rising antisemitism. At 14, feeling empty among her peers, she discovered Judaism in a new light through the local Jewish community. As an adult, she studied dance and founded a large troupe called "Earth," performing at Jewish events. At 20, she earned a degree and teaching certificate in Judaism, excelling in her studies, later becoming a teacher in a religious Jewish school.

"In the Jewish school, I was required to dress modestly," Revital recalls, "This led to me often posing as a religious woman. The more I adhered to the lifestyle, the more I appreciated and embraced it. I applied for a position as principal of a small yeshiva with 20 students, and within a year, we reached 100, *Baruch Hashem*.

Having studied Jewish law and philosophy, I engaged in teaching the mitzvah of prayer and even published a booklet endorsed by Rabbi Yosef Sitruk, the Chief Rabbi of France. I later hosted a radio show on prayer on Radio J in France. The rabbinical court often sent Gentiles seeking to convert to me to learn the foundations of Judaism. I realized through them that what I sought was indeed Judaism and keeping the mitzvot. They enlightened me on strengthening my spirituality."

At 27, she met her husband at a Jewish singles event and married. She earned a master's degree and, expecting her first child, left her position in the school to prepare students for matriculation, teaching Hebrew through song. In 1996, she and her husband decided to move to Israel. There, she taught about the essence of prayer in Hebrew and French to the French-speaking community in Jerusalem, eventually publishing two guides: "Challah Baking" and "For The Bride," with beautiful illustrations on purity. Despite challenges, she took on multiple roles as an educational counselor, lecturer, and emotional therapist. She also leads unique challah baking nights and heads a center for women returning to Judaism in Beit Shemesh, growing from 2 to 70 participants, many now married with beautiful families.

Landlord Found the Writings, Read Them, and Returned to Judaism

Revital was introduced to the Hidabroot organization during a visit to her sister in Kibbutz Nachsholim in the North. "Hidabroot is a global organization, and thanks to Rabbi Zamir Cohen's enlightening lectures, my spirituality blossomed fantastically. It all started eight years ago during Passover with my sister's family in the kibbutz. After the holiday, I rented a room intending to stay another month. Feeling spiritually thirsty during my stay, I asked my sister if there were Torah classes nearby. Although the answer was no, she informed me of a TV channel broadcasting Torah teachings".

Upon entering her room, she switched on the TV. "Rabbi Zamir Cohen's program was on. I was so captivated by the spiritual treasures I discovered, I started transcribing his lectures word-for-word, eagerly awaiting the daily broadcasts. Throughout the month, I filled pages with profound, uplifting lessons. After the lease ended, I returned home. When I couldn't find the notebook, I called my sister to ask the landlord if she had seen it. Shortly after, my sister called with astonishing news: the landlord had found the pages, read them, and returned to Judaism. My sister and her 16-year-old son were also inspired and began keeping Shabbat due to Rabbi Cohen's teachings."

What Makes Your Challah Baking Nights Unique?

"Growing up in a home overflowing with joy, faith, and openness, I'm reminded of the saying, 'Do not keep goodness to yourself, for that's why you were created', as my answer to your question. My father, Meir ben Dertha *z"l*, was a God-fearing, joyous man who loved Israel. As an officer in the French army, he'd often find wayward youth on the streets to bring them back to the right path. By blending the example I saw at home with my life's studies and work, directed in prayer to please the Creator, I bring my full energy and joy. Rabbi Moshe ben Tov *z"l* always advised me to invest in the souls I encounter with joy, as it holds the cure for many physical and emotional ailments we face today. And indeed, that's my goal."

A Rescue Story You Witnessed During Challah Baking Nights?

"About two and a half years ago, after a challah baking night at my center, a young woman approached me asking if I knew someone suitable for her. I gave her a list of potential matches, but she pointed randomly at one name saying, 'Whatever comes out, I'm happy'. I was surprised by her approach. I asked her, 'Do you know who this guy is?' She was honest, 'No, but I'm willing to try.' He was someone who had stayed in my home for three years, growing spiritually with us. It turns out, when he reached her level, she unknowingly identified him as the match, and they began dating. Although there were initial obstacles, they are now married with a child, *Baruch Hashem*."

What Message Would You Like to Share with the Women Reading This?

"After the passing of Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky *z"l*, I sought a blessing from her daughter. I waited in line with many women. Suddenly, her daughter beckoned me forward - without waiting. Inside, she asked before everyone, 'Are you the Rebbetzin who leads challah baking?' I confirmed, and she said: Mother praised these women highly and said it draws the redemption closer. It unites the Jewish people, and great salvation will come to those participating. If Rebbetzin Kanievsky *z"l* spoke such lofty words about the mitzvah of challah baking, it humbles me."