I’m not really sure what going into Yamim Noraim without a phone call from Rabbi Wallerstein means

R

abbi Zechariah Wallerstein ztz”l was the founder of Ohr Naava Women's Center, the Ranch at Beth El, Bnot Chaya Academy, and Ateres naava and Bnos Binah seminaries for girls. A compelling speaker and dynamic personality, Rabbi Wallerstein impacted the lives of thousands of students from across the religious spectrum with his trademark passion, clarity, and love for Hashem and His people.

The hallmark moment of my time working at Ohr Naava was always at the annual Brooklyn Avinu Malkeinu event. At some point in the night I would find a quiet corner in the packed auditorium and whisper my own personal tefillah, in the zechus of being in a room with 5,000-plus women all gathered with one common goal — to be inspired.