Mrs. Hedva Per's words about Jherin and the Emunah song
I am one of the lucky ones to have known Jherin personally. I had taught Jherin since 7th grade but became close with her in High school. She came to my office to continue conversations from class, to discuss things like friends and politics, and sometimes just to take a break from class. She cared about everyone and everyone felt that she was their best friend. I remember one class where she turned to her classmates and said “ Guys, we are not a big class and we have to be there for each other.” And she was- many mornings when she came into class looking tired, I would give her a questioning look and she would say - my friend needed me yesterday.
One class we had a discussion on Emunah. As always she got involved. But unlike many high school students who just want to get their teacher off topic to waste time, she really absorbed the messages that were imparted. The next morning she told me she thought about what we had discussed in class the day before and wrote a poem about Emunah. Would i like to hear it? After hearing it once i asked her to email it to me so I can include it in the upcoming school performance. She was so pleased. Little did we both know that the poem would become her legacy and a source of great comfort to her parents. After she passed away I immediately thought of the poem. When I read it I got chills seeing it in a new perspective. She was sending a message, that we get caught up in life and sometimes we get stuck in silly things. But there is a way out and that is connecting to Hashem. Through Him we get our strength to get through trying times.
MISSION AND HISTORY
Anyone who knew, or has even heard of Jherin Gorcey, is well aware of how she embodied the ideal of Emunah – faith and trust in Hashem. When we reflect upon her short life, it becomes exceptionally clear that Jherin was sent here to strengthen, encourage, and inspire us all with her message of faith in the Almighty. As she herself wrote in a stirring poem which she entitled, “Emunah”:
"Bitachon is what we need,
Emunah is what we gain,
The trust and love we have for him,
Must empower all our pain…"
These are words that she lived by, and a lesson she spread to so many, both here in our community and well beyond.
Steadfast in her commitment to influence and inspire, Jherin gathered countless girls together for Torah classes in her home. She invited all girls to participate, regardless of which school they attended, their background, or their level of religiosity. Jherin was on a mission to spread her message of Emunah , and no obstacle would get in her way.
Girls from local schools such as Hillel Yeshiva, Ilan High School, Bet Yaakov of the Jersey Shore, public schools, colleges, and elsewhere, all came to take part in the classes given at the Gorcey home. They all came for one reason: It was for Jherin.
Her mission and campaign to light up a dark world was progressing at full force until it was brought to an abrupt halt on 24 Nissan, 5771, when the precious soul of Jherin Esther Bat Rachel was returned to its maker. She was buried in Israel, just two hours before Shabbat.
Following her untimely passing, her many friends grew confused and depressed. They, along with so many members of the local Sephardic Community wanted guidance; they desired spirituality; they needed to carry on Jherin’s dream.
ABOUT THE BET MIDRASH
A Place to learn Emunah , Love, and Peace
Following her untimely passing, Jherin Gorcey’s many friends grew confused and depressed. They, along with so many members of the local Sephardic Community wanted guidance; they desired spirituality; they needed to carry on Jherin’s dream. This burning desire gave rise to the Jherin Esther Bet Midrasha.
The institution was founded by Jherin’s mother, Rachel, who aims to spread Jherin’s message of Emunah and peace, by providing weekly Torah lectures, distribution of books, school programs, berachot parties, as well as many more events and programs for girls and women alike. Many of the events, as well as the institution’s management operations are based out of the Gorcey Home.
When asked if she minds all the many people pouring into her home on a daily basis, Rachel says,“I don’t feel that anything is mine. After her passing, I realize -I am nothing, nothing is ours,and everything belongs to the Almighty. Everything I was blessed with is to serve Gd. If my home is meant to be a Bet Midrasha -then it will be a Bet Midrasha.”“I think the fact that it is in my home helps people feel a good energy,”she says.“
After every class, I hear women say ‘that was exactly what I needed to hear’. We have people coming from all over North and Central New Jersey to take part in our lectures, not to mention the many New Yorkers that join us in the Summer.”“ After attending our weekly classes, I watch as girls change their lives for the better. I see them develop into peaceful and kind young women and ladies.” When asked to what she attributes to the development of the attendants, Rachel says: “When you build a strong foundation of Emunah and self-awareness, you are happy. That happiness has a ripple effect, and other people catch on. I often hear,‘ Thanks to the Midrasha and its programs, I now realize what I have to do.’” The‘ ripple effect’ of the Bet Midrasha are far reaching as well.
Rabbi Malka relates a story, illustrating the point:
A woman from Freehold Township, New Jersey, was enjoying her trip to the Jersey Shore, shopping the stores of the Pier Village Mall during the Days of Hanukkah. The woman belonged to a conservative synagogue, far removed from practicing Jewish thought and law. At the time, the local Chabad had arranged a Hanukkah celebration in the mall, and the spiritual spark that lies within the Jewish soul was sparked.
Rabbi Malka’s daughter, and her friend, were present. The two girls struck up a conversation with the out-of-town lady, and she relayed how impressed she felt by the Deal Community. She mentioned her interest in learning more about the Jewish Holiday. “Well, why don't you join us for a class at the Bet Midrasha?” one of the girls asked. They then told her about Rabbi Malka’s famous Thursday Night class in the Gorcey home.
The girls and the woman exchanged phone numbers, but they lost the numbers! I know we are all equal. In the eyes of Gd, we are all equal. We
are different with our nisyonot and in our mission, but we are all Gd’s children. When we come to truly believe this -everybody is good. She used to say,‘ but everything to gain’ I believe this is because when you learn it is spiritual fulfillment.
We see people changing from our classes. All who have been attending the classes have gained tremendous knowledge. Knowledge that translates into bettering our character. Girls that were once anxious are today at ease; those who were quick to anger, are more pleasant and peaceful. The class When Avraham Avinu inspired others to the service of Hashem, he waited for them. He acted; eager to change their outlook on life. That is what the Bet Midrasha aims to do. To actively bring people to provide inspiration. This is why we don’t ask for a penny.
When we gain knowledge, we change. Knowledge transform into change, and change leads to a more fulfilling life. This is why we are here. To change our selves, to perfect ourselves, and it is not done by merely sitting around. I make sure to invite the one who wants to gain to come gain. But I also invite those who choose to just support this concept.
STAFF
Rachel Gorcey
DIRECTOR
Rabbi Moshe Malka
ROSH BET MIDRASHA
Rabbi Lazer Brodys Article On Jherins Poem
Jherin Esther Gorcey (1995-2011) was an angel of emuna disguised as a bubbly sweet teenager who loved life and everyone around her. She was the daughter of our dear friends Rachel and Dr. Steven Gorcey from Deal, New Jersey. Jherin was sent to this world to inspire people, to spread emuna and to bring people closer to Hashem. Her influence on people, especially on her peers, was prodigious. She was just as adept on skis or on a surfboard as she was in her studies. Her heart glowed with love of Hashem, so much so that the words of her poetry that she left us ooze Divine inspiration.
Jherin gathered countless girls together for Torah classes in her home. She never discriminated, inviting every young lady, no matter which school she attended, her background or her religious level - Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or totally secular. She was a magnet of emuna and holiness. Jherin's mission on earth came to an abrupt halt when she had an allergic reaction to anesthesia during routine surgery in April of 2011. She is buried here in Ashdod, Israel, may her holy, pure and blessed soul intervene in our behalf under the Heavenly Throne, amen.
I have shivers up my spine every time I read Jherin's poem emuna:
He is always there for us
no matter where we go
it is patience we need to give
for us to see that flow
It is the confusion I must overcome
the stupid things it comes from
but only one invincible might can stop that
and that will be Hashem
Bitachon is what we need
emuna is what we gain
the trust and love we have for Him
must empower all our pain
He is always there for us
no matter where we go
it is patience we need to give
for us to see that flow
and that will be Hashem!
Tal Vaknin and Gad Elbaz put Jherin's words to song in a most lovely way - may this be an inspiration for all of us and an eternal credit to Jherin, of blessed memory.
http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2016/04/this-ones-for-you-jherin.html
Jherins mother, Rachel, had been helping her husband lead a more spiritually enriched life. She did much research, trying to find a mentor that could truly connect with her husband, and feels blessed to have found Rabbi Moshe Malka.
Rabbi Moshe Malka first came to the Jersey Shore seven-years ago, where he assumed position as the Rabbi of the Ohel Yaacob Congregation, in Deal Township. Aside for heading the Synagogue, Rabbi Malka also teaches in Maor Yeshiva High School, and serves as the presiding Rabbi of the Jherin Esther Bet Midrasha. Rachel immediately saw how the Rabbi naturally connects with each person on the level they are on.
“He knows how to teach Gd’s lessons with simplicity and in a friendly, warm way.”
Rabbi Malka began learning with her husband, Dr. Steven Gorcey, every Thursday - at the time that worked best for Steve. Jherin was always sure to offer the Rabbi something to eat or drink. Within just a year, the Rabbi was attentively involved in the Gorcey Family life.
When Jherin passed away on that fateful morning, Rachel knew that the classes Jherin had begun in her home had to continue. She could not think of anybody more fitted to carry on Jherin’s dream than Rabbi Malka.
The Rabbi gladly accepted the job of delivering weekly lectures at the Gorcey Home, insisting that he had to do it for Jherin. Indeed, when Jherin passed on, something inside of the local community broke apart; yet at the same time, a fire was ignited in everyone. People gathered in t
he Gorcey home daily to pray, to reminisce, and to try and take in as much of Jherin as they could.
The classes, under Rabbi Malka’s leadership, opened on the topic of Emunah and connecting with Gd. After a short period of time, the small gathering developed into what is today the Jherin Esther Bet Midrasha.
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