A Young Girl's Journey to Shabbat Observance: A Conversation with Rebbetzin Hagit Shira Swisa

Hagit Shira Swisa, 38, is a lecturer on Judaism and the manager of Charedi culture in Tzfat. Her spiritual journey began at the tender age of three. Despite growing up in a secular household, her father chose a Charedi kindergarten for her simply because it was nearby. She recalls, "Even as a child, I loved the world of Judaism that was unfolded before me in kindergarten. The values of modesty, love for Israel, and joy instilled in me back then still resonate today."

Growing up, young Hagit Shira often questioned her family's secular lifestyle, wondering why it differed from what her kindergarten teacher taught. Although her questions sometimes caused tension, she soon learned that "some things aren't discussed at home." When she started first grade, her mother, a fashion designer, was relieved to enroll her in a secular school.

Was it that significant?

"Absolutely," she recalls. Her mother's dream was to design dresses that were quite different from the modest clothes Hagit wore in kindergarten. Over the years, she forgot what she had learned there, but everything resurfaced when, at the age of nine, local events about Shabbat organized by a Chabad instructor rekindled her interest in modesty, blessings, and Shabbat candles. Without foreseeing the impact on her family, and guided by this counselor, she slowly returned to the path she loved as a child.

"Gradually, my spiritual strength grew steadily. Shabbat after Shabbat, I found myself home alone while my family went out for their weekly fun days. My mom couldn’t understand my religious determination. Looking back at nine-year-olds now, I marvel at the strength I had to stand my ground for Shabbat and modesty. Even today, my father credits my Shabbat observance for saving my grandmother’s life. It happened when I refused to travel on Shabbat and went to visit my nearby grandma instead. It was a cold winter day, and I found her asleep as her kerosene heater, which was on, began to fill the house with thick smoke. I shudder to think of what might have happened if I hadn't been there to wake her."

'My Father Promised to Keep Shabbat with Me'

Until that incident, Hagit Shira’s parents were staunchly against religion. But when she turned 11, things began to change. "Following a usual quarrel about driving on Shabbat morning, I got tired of fighting and thought maybe I was wrong since nothing happened when others drove on Shabbat. When I came out declaring I was no longer religious and ready to join the family trip, my mom was thrilled. We got into the car, but as my father saw me in the mirror, he suddenly said, 'Get out of the car. You're not going anywhere. I won't break you; you won’t desecrate Shabbat because of us.' I ran back to my room, crying. Dad followed and asked why I was upset. I told him I was tired of arguing about traveling every Shabbat."

And how did he react?

Hagit Shira wipes a small tear that escapes. "In that moment, daddy told me: 'Don't worry. From next week, I'll keep Shabbat with you.' And that’s exactly what happened. The following Shabbat, he went to the synagogue and observed it in full. He contacted the local rabbi the same week and koshered our kitchen. And if that wasn't enough, *Baruch Hashem*, my mom followed his lead and eventually closed down her fashion store for immodest clothes. She now designs and manages a headcovering shop and wears one herself."

After that, Hagit Shira left the secular school and enrolled in a religious one. At 14, feeling spiritually thirsty and yearning to strengthen her faith, she registered at a Charedi seminary in Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem. At 17, she married and is now the mother of ten children.

How is it to be a mother of ten?

"It's not easy, but I wouldn’t trade any of them, *Baruch Hashem*. Each child comes with their own blessings and unique spirit. It depends on what you focus on in life, and when you raise children with values of giving and helping, the difference between two and ten isn't that significant."

After her marriage, she raised her children and supported her husband, a full-time Torah scholar. Once the children grew older, she studied daycare management and ran two daycares in Tzfat. "During that time, a rabbi advised me to start giving Torah classes. He said I have a gift for speaking, and if I have this talent, I must use it. Despite my initial fears, I enjoyed this work when I saw firsthand how the saying, 'Words spoken from the heart, reach the heart,' came to life."

From Daycare Management to Captivating Performances

Three years ago, Hagit began performing at women's camps with a unique show she developed. "The production includes songs I wrote and recorded in a studio. I sing them accompanied by a troupe of dancers in colorful costumes designed by my mother. Throughout the performance, I share my personal journey back to faith and engage in current, intriguing topics."

Her collaboration with Hidabroot began after Aviva David from their home group department watched one of Hagit’s performances and was impressed. "Aviva was a wonderful emissary for me. She approached me after the show and offered me a role in their challah-baking events, and since then, *Baruch Hashem*, I've been part of Hidabroot."

In her own words, Hagit Shira explains the significance of separating challah. "The Ben Ish Chai writes: 'Separate challah from your dough to bring blessing to your home.' The goal is to seek blessings in our handiwork and lives. The challah-baking event has the power to unlock spiritual 'blockages' and bring great salvation into our lives, both physically and personally. The word challah relates to 'chol' (mundane) with the letter 'hei,' showing how separating challah raises the mundane from its lowly state, instilling holy and successful energies."

Curious about what a challah-baking event with you is like.

"It's an incredibly moving evening that awakens every woman's inner truth, filled with music and empowering prayers. Each woman shares her unique power of speech, and when combined with collective prayers for personal needs and for all of Israel, it creates a special bond among the women, offering them relief from life's burdens. We begin by sifting the flour, turning off the lights, lighting candles for righteous individuals, and explaining the spiritual meaning behind each act while making personal requests by name. The Hebrew for water is an acronym for 'Fill our hands with Your blessings and enrich our gifts,' and during the water-adding stage, I discuss the laws of handwashing and the spiritual potency of the upper vs. lower waters. As we knead—related to 'lashon' (speech)—we express gratitude, and when the dough rises, we remind ourselves that Hashem is responsible for 'raising' our salvations. This calls for personal introspection and demonstrates belief in His deliverance. After the dough rises, we separate challah with a blessing and recite *Psalms* with soft background music. It's a time of great spiritual favor where many women fortify their faith."

What message do you have for women who haven't experienced this?

"This evening, in its essence, is like a key that opens the gates of heaven and releases all blockages. A woman hosting this event gains more merit than I do. It’s a tremendous opportunity for bringing merit to many. After such an evening, life profoundly changes. Something in your personal feeling and the strength you receive becomes different. It’s beneficial for anything desired: removing the 'evil eye', before childbirth, for a new house, a match, livelihood, and healing. People see open miracles through this, but there's no need to wait for any delays or issues to arise."

Hidabroot Home Group and Challah Separation – to order a home group and challah event: Phone 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il