TZOHAR - I Am Gila Rena Tzohara

I am Gila Rena Tzohara *

Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z"l, called me "Double Joy and Light" when he gave me the name Tzohara during Parshat Pekudei at a 1994 Shabbaton in B'nai David-Judea in Pico-Robertson. Shlomo told the congregation (the future Happy Minyan) that "Joy has a million reasons to cry, but you only see her joy."  Shlomo said to me, "you'll always be my drummer".  - Joy Krauthammer

About Tzohar

“Tzohar taaseh L’teivah” — Hashem instructs Noach to make a Tzohar for the ark.

What does Tzohar mean?

Rashi gives two explanations:

a) It was a window to let light in to the ark;

b) it was a precious stone that emitted light. The Previous Rebbe draws a distinction between these two explanations; a window allows light in from the outside, while a precious stone radiates from within.

The Rebbe explains that this is a message to each one of us to create a “Tzohar” in our lives, a way to reveal the G-dly energy within the universe. This requires a two-step process, mirroring the idea inherent in a window, and in the quality of a precious stone.

a) First, an individual strives to make a “window” in his or her life – allowing the Divine to illuminate every field of endeavor. 

b) Then each undertaking becomes a “precious stone” – as the enterprise itself starts to radiate G-dly energy to the world.

At Tzohar Seminary, Chassidus will illuminate the study of the arts, and then our students’ enthusiasm and G-d given talents will allow the beauty of Torah to radiate within their creative endeavors. Through the arts: writing, music, dance, fine arts, theatre and filmmaking; the students will create performances, projects, productions and works of art that will communicate Torah and Chassidus to a greater audience.   - Tzohar Seminary

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* Because my name is Tzohara, I am related to Noach's teva/ark.

I actively use the teva as a metaphor in my life.

When life has been extremely difficult (as when my husband, z"l, was a metastatic brain cancer patient with pain, surgeries and treatments for 18 years), in order to survive the journey, I rode the teva above the tumultuous waves. - Joy

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rev 3.2016