What does a young Jewish woman do if she is interested in learning more about herself and Judaism but only has a short time available for that pursuit?
Often she attends one of Machon L’Yahadus’ short-term learning programs!
This past month, 19 college-age Jewish women immersed themselves in the Machon L’Yahadus 12-day Winter Program.
Currently, there are five young women from South America braving the Brooklyn winter during their summer break who are studying at Machon L’Yahadus.
And so far this year, over a dozen young women – primarily from the US but from as far away as Hungary – are studying for one to three weeks in the Taste of Yeshiva program.
“Many young women wish they were able to commit to a full year of learning, but the impact of a few short weeks or months cannot be underestimated,” notes Rabbi Shloma Majeski, principal of Machon L’Yahadus. “A complete immersion in Torah even for a short period yields powerful results, as we have seen, time and again.”
The young women who come, have an opportunity to interact with the dozens of students who are part of Machon L’Yahadus’s full-time learning program. They bond through shared meals, workshops and activities.
“I first attended the Winter Program at Machon L’Yahadus as a participant, where I was deeply inspired by the learning, growth, and supportive environment,” shares Ariella from Philadelphia, who is in her second year as a full-time student. “Two years later, I returned as a madricha, guiding others through the same transformative experience. It was incredibly fulfilling to be able to help create the warm and uplifting atmosphere that had once impacted me so deeply.”
The results of the time spent in this environment can be long-lasting and life changing. Mrs. Rochel Benchimol, Shlucha to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is one such example. She was one of those young women who came from Venezuela with the intention to visit for just a three week Taste of Yeshiva. But the three weeks turned into three years. The impact speaks for itself.
Mrs. Benchimol reflects, “My experience there completely changed my life. It not only taught me the meaning of being a Jew and the depth of Torah and Mitzvos, but it empowered me to be a Shlucha, to empower others, which I have been for the last 30 years. I was given all the tools I need to fulfill my mission of bringing the light of Torah and Mitzvos wherever I go.”
Rabbi Shmueli Tiechtel, who co-directs Chabad at ASU with his wife Chana, shares: “When we think of an amazing yeshiva to encourage our students at ASU to go to, we think of Machon L’Yahadus – where students can grown, learn, be welcomed and have a truly amazing Jewish experience!”
Amongst the comments from this year’s Winter Program students when asked for feedback: This combination of class + experiential learning will help me remember everything.
I came straight from a vacation in Hawaii to attend Winter Program. I would give up 10 vacations in Hawaii to attend this program again!
Rabbi Majeski is a very impactful teacher. He takes the time to explain things clearly and carefully, drawing upon the relevant text sources for us to see where he is getting his information from in the Torah.
I thought it was cool to see how you can still be a working woman and a mother and a religious Jew all at the same time.
Rabbi Majeski is a very impactful teacher. He takes the time to explain things clearly and carefully, drawing upon the relevant text sources for us to see where he is getting his information from in the Torah.
Marvels Rabbi Majeski: “It’s amazing to see how in a short period of time the students absorb so much information and grow in their appreciation of Torah and Judaism.” marveled Rabbi Shloma Majeski, principal of Machon L’Yahadus.
Machon L’Yahadus invites everyone to partner with them in raising $380,000 at https://raisethon.com/
Machon L’Yahadus is under the auspices of NCFJE
