“Hachmat Lev”
A digital archive and art collection of women’s stories from Sephardi and Eastern communities.
“Hachmat Lev” gathers dozens of life stories of wise women. Since it was passed down to the next generation as an oral tradition to their families, and never written down, the wisdom of these women who were leaders of their communities is slowly. The stories were collected through in-depth interviews with family members, children and grandchildren, students and friends, who lived near the women, experienced their values, wisdom and tradition while experiencing life and heard their words that accompanied this experience.
The “Women's Wisdom of the Heart” website opens a wide door to the world of women from many countries, especially from communities in North Africa, the Balkans, the Mediterranean Basin, Yemen, the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus Mountains, India, Italy, Spain, France, and the countries to which they migrated. The database recollects the memorial stones preserved by family members and relatives making their spiritual, moral, and cultural significance accessible to all of Israeli society, and transforming them into heritage assets that contribute to contemporary Jewish and Israeli identity.
Each woman's story is conveyed through three distinct presentations alongside a biographical overview: an experiential narrative—based on a significant life event that offers readers a personal connection to her character; an artistic portrait—created using traditional or modern techniques, depicting her face and incorporating elements of her life, values, and the landscape of her homeland; brief testimonies—gathered from interviews with family members, highlighting the lasting legacy she left behind. Together, these elements create an encounter that mirrors the traditional way women's wisdom and values were passed down—through experience, connection, and memory.
Jewish tradition and values
In their wisdom, values, and actions, these women were deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition in which they were raised and educated. Every word and action was rooted in this tradition and served to pass it on to future generations. Their Jewish identity served as the foundation for their leadership, vision, action, and unique spirit.
Eight values emerged from the dozens of life stories in the database of information and art:
- Strength of spirit - personal resilience and coping with challenges while creating change.
- Love of the Land - immigrating to the Land and settling there out of love and a consciousness of redemption.
- Education and learning - developing educational opportunities out of care for each individual.
- Studying Torah - a love of learning, dedication, and perseverance rooted in personal choice and deep connection.
- Leadership - the ability to envision and guide toward a better future.
- Healing and care - unique healing abilities to relieve physical and emotional pain.
- Charity and kindness - acts of kindness, charity, caring for the poor and needy, social responsibility, and the pursuit of justice.
- Community - active community involvement, responsibility, and care for both individuals and the collective.
Educational content on the Hachmat Lev website
The Hachmat Lev website will inspire teachers and educators, learners and researchers who are interested in passing on the tradition of these women and telling their stories. It is a source of inspiration for content creators, speakers, preachers, article writers, and media professionals. The website enables the development of diverse educational content suitable for schools and informal education, study groups, and communities focused on Jewish-Israeli identity, spirituality and society, educational excellence, social change processes, and leadership.
We thank all the women’s relatives who shared their stories with us.
Go to the Hachmat Lev website https://www.hachmatlev.org/
