Returned to Faith at Nine: Rebbetzin Hagit Shira's Journey of Inspiring Many

It was about a decade ago when Rebbetzin Hagit Shira Suissa was invited to speak at a retreat organized by the Hidabroot organization. At that time, she was dedicated to inspiring others in various ways, but this was her first involvement with Hidabroot.

"I came to deliver the lecture," she recalls, "and after the performance, the manager of the home groups approached me and said: 'I was so moved, I want you to join the home groups and organize gatherings with Torah lessons and *hafrashat challah*.'"

*Hafrashat challah*? It seemed distant to the Rebbetzin. "Until then, I had never led *hafrashat challah* and didn’t know what such events entailed," she reveals, "but I agreed, out of curiosity and a sense of great privilege. The same week, I was contacted to arrange two events where I would participate".

Remembering that occasion brings a smile to her face. "I took my kids' small tape player to play music during the event and constructed a plan for *hafrashat challah*. Thus, I arrived at the first gathering, in Tirat Carmel. Many women attended, and I tried to enlighten them about this great mitzvah. Then, we separated the challah, and I suddenly saw the women were crying, and I felt hearts were opening. I wasn't sure what exactly was said, but I realized what a significant thing I was privileged to do, and the immense power of *hafrashat challah* events."

Since then, history has been made. For the last ten years, the Rebbetzin hasn’t stopped appearing at events and conventions, bringing people closer and inspiring women. She has appeared in various parts of Israel and around the world, including places like Australia, Canada, Los Angeles, San Diego, and more remote locations. "Every time, I'm moved anew by the women before me, some of whom had never heard of the mitzvah, simply connecting and becoming a part of it."

At many of the events, hundreds of women attend, but the Rebbetzin finds it particularly touching to be at smaller gatherings where she is a "surprise." "Some girls know their mothers love to hear me, so they invite me as a birthday surprise for their mom, or husbands organize an event for their wives who don’t know I'm coming. In such instances, I stand outside while everything is ready, they announce 'three, four, and...' the door opens. It's always nice to be the surprise."

Years of Bringing Hearts Together

It's hard to find someone who visits the Hidabroot website, reads the leaflet, or watches the channel and doesn't know Rebbetzin Hagit Shira, who over the years has become one of the most recognizable figures associated with Hidabroot and one of the most sought-after rebbetzins in home circles.

A resident of Safed, a mother of ten, and a grandmother to many, she gladly dedicates her life to bringing the Jewish people closer. "For me, it's coming full circle," she notes, "since I was a child, engaging in outreach, and today, I continue more formally."

"It may sound unbelievable," she adds, "but by the age of nine, I discovered Hashem and returned to faith independently. Since that day, the matter of inspiring others burned within me, and I spoke about Hashem, Shabbat, and the mitzvot to anyone willing to listen. Ultimately, my entire family returned to faith following my lead, and today, my parents, brothers, and sisters are observant. This is why I'm so excited when I see young girls at the events I attend, connecting during the *hafrashat challah* blessings, sometimes even bursting into tears. It's amazing how this mitzvah connects everyone and is precious to each."

What happened during the coronavirus with so many events?

"The events continued, but there were weeks with fewer due to the country's situation and lockdowns. On the other hand, many wonderful things happened for me during that year because of the coronavirus. Among other things, many lessons opened on Zoom, and I began posting videos on Facebook for women only. These are strengthening videos on various topics, lasting less than two minutes. Each time, I'm amazed at the number of views and comments. Some videos reached 100,000 views, with reactions like, 'I want to keep Shabbat,' or 'How do you wear a skirt?' and many more surprising comments that show the power a short video can have to inspire.

"This year, I also had the privilege to release the 'Shirat Chayai' prayer book for Jewish women. It's a special book with heart-moving articles between the prayers intended to open women's hearts and provide a sweet connection to prayer. By Hashem's grace, the book has been embraced with great love, and a third edition is coming soon. Some women shared that after purchasing the prayer book, they started praying three times a day, eagerly awaiting the moment of prayer, and that brings me great joy. I also released a book on the Rashbi, titled 'Kum Rabbi Shimon,' including many stories about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, with segulot and special prayers for the holy site. Following the tragic event on Lag BaOmer, I decided to expand the book and release an extended edition next year, with additions."

Reaching Far

The biggest surprise for the Rebbetzin in the year 5781 was the popular Hidabroot program 'Reaching Far.' This show epitomizes its name as she travels across Israel to meet inspiring women with fascinating life stories.

"Truthfully, when initially approached about the program, I was very skeptical," she admits. "I always saw myself as a lecturer, not someone who could host shows. That's why, at first, we agreed to produce 12 initial episodes and reassess afterward. However, those 12 episodes were immensely successful, leading to more. We are continuing with greater momentum, and after the holidays, expect episodes with more fascinating interviews. Personally, I feel enriched by the women I meet; with each woman, there are new insights and interesting conclusions. It requires a lot of preparation and hours of work, but it's fascinating."

One remarkable woman Rebbetzin Hagit Shira encountered during the program was Rebbetzin Kook, wife of Rabbi Dov Kook from Tiberias. "I had met her in the past, but we hadn't spoken in years," she comments, "and when we finally chatted, Rebbetzin Kook told me something particularly touching: 'I regularly read your column in the Hidabroot pamphlet, and it strengthens me greatly.' I was so happy that she finds strength in my column. In general, I must say I engage in many areas under Hidabroot's large umbrella, but the column in the pamphlet is most precious to me. I know 250,000 women read it, and I feel it's a tremendous mission to write for them.

"Each time I sit down to write, I have no idea what will be penned, but Hashem grants wonderful assistance, and words simply flow onto the paper. Sometimes I meet women who rummage in their bags and pull out a clipped column from a past pamphlet, sharing: 'We connected so much with the words that we decided to keep it and carry it with us regularly.' I strive to write about child education, marriage, and faith, hoping what comes from my heart enters the readers' hearts and strengthens them because that's the goal."

You can't help but wonder - how do you manage to handle such immense pressure and operate on so many fronts simultaneously?

"It's truly not easy, especially since it's not only the meetings and events but also the prior preparations required. Before each show, I need to prepare, as well as before each program or *hafrashat challah*. It's not about fixed content but rather material tailored to the weekly portion, time, and season. Comprehensive work is needed around each project. But I try not to look at it like a mountain of tasks, instead focusing on what awaits at that moment, without thinking about what's next. If I'm on my way to a seminar, I think only about what I'll talk about in that lecture, and once I'm done, I start thinking about what I'll deliver at the evening's show. I don't mix the tasks, making it easier and more comfortable for me to juggle."

And how do you find time for household and family duties?

"Indeed, I have been blessed with children, some of my daughters are married, and the grandchildren love to visit. Just this week, I welcomed a new grandchild, and the brit will be at my home. Of course, the mother will stay to recuperate throughout the holiday period. There are also weddings and other joyful events, but my children appreciate what I do. Each time before I leave for an event, I tell the younger kids: 'Do you know where mom is going?' and they reply: 'To strengthen the people of Israel,' and I add: 'So, know that you also have a part in this.' They indeed feel an inseparable part of the mission.

"There is also the endless help from my husband who stands behind me. Undoubtedly, I couldn't do what I do without him, and above all, there is the Creator who organizes my time in the best way. There's no organizer better than Him."

Did you ever think about leaving Safed? It would probably make things much easier for you.

"It's an option that has come up several times, but I can't, I'm unable. No city provides the tranquility and peace like Safed - things that recharge me with so much strength. Every morning, I open the window and see the mountains and the tomb of the Rashbi, it's an incomparable atmosphere, especially on Shabbats when the streets of Safed are draped in special sanctity. Here I've grown up since childhood, and I feel I can't leave."

Responsibility Compels

May I assume that amidst all your activities, you encounter difficulties too? Can you share them with us?

The Rebbetzin pauses for a moment, then honestly replies: "Recently, Hidabroot launched a new project for visiting the graves of tzaddikim. As part of this, I go out with large groups of hundreds of women, we arrive at the site and suddenly I find everyone surrounding me, wanting me to bless or pray for them, and it's hard. After all, I'm really small, and the mission is heavy. Maybe I am not worthy at all? Even when I arrive at an event and the audience stands up, I feel uneasy and always signal the women to sit. There's a lot of responsibility in my role, and I need to work hard on myself to be worthy of it."

And finally, can you tell us your plans for the upcoming year, 5782?

"I always say that the end of the year is when everything we've done turns into tools that will help us in the coming year. Meaning every year we just grow and progress.

"Personally, I don't plan anything, but Hashem alone plans them for me. I certainly have a strong desire to finish writing words of encouragement on the Book of Psalms and release an edition similar to the prayer book for Jewish women. It's a project I started but stopped due to the pandemic. There's also something new on the horizon, but it's best not to detail at this point to allow blessing to reside in the unseen. This is also my opportunity to thank all the women for their support and feedback. I enjoy meeting them each evening anew, and of course, I am immensely grateful to the Hidabroot Organization, through whom I live and breathe inspiring others 24 hours a day. It's the organization that allows me to bring all the plans to fruition, becoming a vessel for inspiring many."