After learning about the importance of having a Jewish name, many students learning at the Jewish Summer Fellowship program were inspired to be named during the Torah reading.
The Jonas and Sadie Rennert Ivy League Torah Study Program, under the auspices of NCFJE, is now in its 36th year, includes an especially designed curriculum of Jewish studies in addition to sports activities, trips to places of interest and visits to various Jewish communities, which enriches and enhances their learning experience.
6 girls in this year’s program were guided in picking a Jewish name by the caring staff of the Ivy League program, namely Rabbi Shea and Baila Hecht, Mrs. Malka Werde, Mrs. Cipi Junik and the madrichot Basya Hans, Esther Waks, Chaya Mushka Baron and Oryah Bunder.
On shabbos mevorchim Av, the women’s division of the program gathered in the Agudas Achim/Chabad of Ulster County shul, led by Rabbi Yitzchok Hecht, and were joined by the Kingston Jewish community. The event was very meaningful to all those present and was an occasion to rejoice! The newly named girls were showered with candy and were later joined in singing and dancing by the other students and women from the community. It was followed by a special kiddush in their honor.
Here’s what some of the girls had to say about their experience:
“Before getting named, I was really nervous, but when I received my name it was an incredible feeling. I felt like I was reliving my bat mitzvah when I got candy thrown at me!” said Brina Galit Voskoboynik.
“I was so happy when I got named! Once I sat down I felt like a whole new person. I couldn’t even comprehend responding to the name Sarah anymore because I really felt like Sarah Avigail,” said Sarah Avigail Milligan.
Mazal tov to Ariella Baila Geula Diamond, Brina Galit Voskoboynik, Liba Rivka Boss, Penina Rochel Pfrenger, and Sarah Avigail Milligan.
The Jewish Summer Fellowship is a learning program run by the NCFJE in appreciation of Mr and Mrs Ira Rennert. It’s geared towards Jewish college students to help them connect to their heritage. The students get to spend 6 weeks breathing the fresh air of Upstate New York while attending classes and taking part in fun activities during breaks. They also get a generous stipend at the completion of the program.
More information on the program: myjsf.org
Look at those huge smiles ! Hashem should bench each of these amazing neshamas with unlimited revealed good, an ever-deepening connection with their Source, and with the zechus to go on to have strong, healthy Jewish families that create new generations of beautiful Yidden.
We have sent both boys and girls to the Ivy League program. It was the best things we did for them! It changed their lives, today they have frum homes and the constant support of their Ivy League family!
Our future! Thank you NCFJE & Mr Rennert
Kol Hakavod!
I loved going there and I feel like it has helped me grow to levels I never thought I could attain. It also gave me the opportunity to meet like minded girls who quickly became sisters. Forever grateful for this!
SUCH AN AMAZING PROGRAM!!!
What an incredible program! This is heartwarming!
To see those smiling faces. Girls giving a summer to learn is such an example. Wishing the students much hatzlacha