ABOUT US
“אם ננעלו דלתי נדיבים דלתי מרום לא ננעלו”
Rabbanit Iris Odani Elyashiv was born and raised in Ramat Gan, Israel. She is the oldest of three siblings born to Eliyahu and Yona Odani. From her paternal side, four generation Israeli (originally from Yemen), she is a descendent of the Rashash: Harav Shalom Sharabi Zt”l , Zy”a. From her maternal side, she is a descendent of Rabbi Shalom Shabazy, Zt”l , Zy”a.
Rabbanit Elyashiv got her academic education at the Israel Atomic Energy commission in 1982, and at Bar Ilan University, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, where she got her B.A. in Chemistry in 1989, her M.A. in 1992, and her P.H.D. studies in Organic Chemistry 1992-1998.
Rabbanit Elyashiv taught and researched at Bar Ilan University for 7 years, 1992-1999. She was an instructor in the Chemistry Department, teaching undergraduate students General and Analytical Chemistry.
In 2002 she immigrated to the United States with her three children. The family settled in Brooklyn, along with her sister Rabbanit Sigal and her sister’s husband Rabbi Chaim Yosef Sharabi.
In 2005, Rav Chaim encouraged Rabbanit Elyashiv to stop teaching chemistry and teach Torah instead, because, as he said, ”she has it in her.” Not really understanding, but out of respect for her brother-in-law, she followed his advice and began teaching Torah to women in Brooklyn and Queens. Her lessons have made and continue to make a huge impact on the lives of many women and their families.
Rabbanit Elyashiv’s first shiurim were on Parshat HaShavua (The Torah portion of the week), Halachot (Laws), Minhagim (customs), Chagim (High Holidays), Tzadikim , and Musar (Moral conduct). Her method of teaching is known as The Pardes, an approach to Torah study with emphasis in textual analysis. Her lectures are intellectually challenging, inspiring, stimulating and exciting. Many of her students- the ones present at her lectures and the ones watching online at TorahAnytime.com- are constantly growing through her spiritual guidance and leadership ,and have found fulfillment in a Torah lifestyle.
The Rabbanit is currently teaching The Sefer (book) Tomer Dvorah, authored by The Ramak: Rabbi Moshe Cordovero , Zt”l, Zy”a. This Sefer is known to be a Segula for the prevention and cure of this generation’s dreaded disease. It is also considered the Shulchan Aruch of Tikun Hamidot, (the development and improvement of our moral character, personality, and temperament). Her goal is to teach and help everyone reach their potential in the perfection of their midot, thus, living a Torah-filled life, experience true happiness, and sincerely love and respect one another. This way we can hasten the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days, Amen!
With incredible Siata Dishmaya (Divine guidance), and Mesirat Nefesh (devotion), a major project is being undertaken by Rabbanit Elyashiv and Rabbanit Yosef. The gathering of Jewish women from all backgrounds and levels of observance, to teach them (hands on) Hafrashat Challah like they never did before. They have, without a doubt, taken this Holy Mitzva to the next level. This monumental undertaking is spreading to all communities: New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Monsey, Long Island, Lakewood, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Ventura, and Coral Springs . Women are experiencing Hafrashat Challah with intense spirituality. The Kavanot, the Achdut, the state of mind (while preparing the dough for the Challah), transports them to a place where they feel close to Hashem, thus creating an Et Ratzon (a divine moment for the acceptance of prayers in Heaven), for themselves and everyone around them.
While waiting for the dough to rise, so as to not waste a single minute, a Seudat Amenim and Dvar Torah takes place. Brachot (blessings) are recited on all types of foods. The answering of ”Amen” with profound spirituality undoubtedly bring Refuot (healing), Shiduchim ( finding of soul mates), Zera Shel Kayama (the blessing of children), Parnasa (livelihood), Shalom Bait (peace in the home), to all the people whose names are being mentioned and for their needed Yeshuot.
Hafrashat Challah pamphlets in Hebrew, English, Russian and Spanish are distributed at the Rabbanit’s gatherings for no charge, as well as CD’ of her shiurim, in Hebrew and English.
Rabbanit Elyashiv’s extensive Torah intellect, charismatic personality, and powerful presentations, make her an exceptional teacher and leader. She has the incredible ability to relate to women of diverse backgrounds and levels of Jewish observance. She does not merely lecture about Yirat Shamaim, Ahavat Israel and Tikun Amidot- she lives these concepts. She teaches by example and loves every one of her students unconditionally. Her Ahavat Hashem is beyond words, a palpable experience, an emotion that can be felt through her teachings, her love of Torah, and the incredible light that shines from within her.
May Hashem Bless Rabbanit Elyashiv with Shiata Dishmaia (Divine Guidance), Ishuv Daat (clarity), Mazal, Bracha, Vehatzlach (success). May this Website, spread her words of Torah, Ahavat Hashem (love of Hashem), and Ahavat Israel (love for our fellow Jew) through the entire world, and in that Zchut (merit) May we be gathered from the four corners of the earth, be Zoche (have the merit), to greet Moshiach, and build the Beit Hamikdash, in Yerushalaim, B’Mehera B’Yameinu, Amen!!!!
“אשתחוה אל היכל קדשיך ביראתך”
“אור חדש על ציון תאיר, ונזכה כולנו במהרה לאורו”