The Machon L’Yahadus dorm on President Street was full on Tuesday evening. Graduating students, friends, staff members, Crown Heights families, and parents from around the country came together to honor the achievement of these young women who chose to dedicate an entire year – in some cases two years – to pure Torah study and spiritual growth.
The atmosphere in the room was warm and family-like as Rabbi Shloma Majeski, principal of Machon L’Yahadus, opened the evening with a beautiful message, “At the beginning of the year, these young women walked into a totally new environment, obviously with some apprehension: new subjects, a new language, and new people are a lot to confront. Now they are bursting with inspiration and pride over their academic accomplishments and spiritual growth, ready to become lamplighters. Watching this inspires and infuses us with the chayus to continue our work.”
Two students led the recital of the Rebbe’s chapter of Tehillim and an additional chapter for Eretz Yisrael, followed by reading the Rebbe’s most recent letter addressed to the graduating students in 5744.
Levana Simcha Khourseed from Montreal, Canada, delivered a Dvar Torah about Ahavas Yisrael through the lens of Chapter 32 of Tanya. She shared with the crowd how she internalized these ideas through her experience of dorm life, where everyone learned to give space and be more sensitive toward others.
The program continued two students’ perspectives who shared parts of their journey to Yiddishkeit and the role that Machon L’Yahadus played in that process.
Second year student Chana Rumann from League City, Texas, attended the Machon L’Yahadus Winter Program 5782 when she realized she was ready to commit to more learning and observance. This was the beginning of the soul connection she strongly felt and which grew through immersing herself in the study of Torah through the lens of Chassidus.
In her words, “In my first year I was like a seed breaking down, dissolving its outer shell, developing roots, extending and stretching deep into the earth until fully planted. I was breaking down conceptual walls and limited constructs that I had built from prior education and life experiences.
“The brilliance and clarity that the Torah offers quickly rooted, grounded, and repositioned me
into a place of expansiveness. That first year was about laying a foundation to build upon, and
Baruch Hashem, it gave me a newfound appreciation and direction for my life. This time was transformative to say the least, and it was no surprise that I wanted to extend seminary for another full year.
“Being a second-year student is very different from the first. It takes conscious effort, energy and intention to take words of Torah and Chassidus and transform them into tools of practical action to refine your character. Like a kosher animal chews its cud through a series of ruminations, I too went through cycles of contemplation and internalization of all that I had absorbed.”
Next, Ariella Melincoff from Philadelphia, PA, shared her personal resistance when she attended the Winter Program at Machon L’Yahadus. Coming from a Modern Orthodox background, she was somewhat embarrassed of her Judaism.
In a humorous way she explained: “One of the ‘crimes’ that the girls committed was on our way back from one of our activities on the subway. They had the audacity to talk about why we cover challah at the Shabbat table. You see, this was a big no-no in my book because 1. Who speaks on the subway? and 2. Who speaks about something Jewish on the subway?!”
But after attending the Winter Program, she slowly started to shift perspectives. She began to see Yiddishkeit in an entirely new light. Hence, her decision to attend Machon L’Yahadus after graduating from college. She concluded by sharing that she is staying for an additional year.
The evening included acknowledging the many hospitable families of Crown Heights who open their homes time and again to the students of Machon L’Yahadus. Lyuba Sas from Philadephia, PA, got to see first-hand how welcoming the Crown Heights community truly is, as she volunteered to set up Shabbos meals each week for her fellow students over the last several months.
“Before I even had the opportunity to reach out, numerous hostesses were messaging me weekly asking to host Machon students. In fact, more families than the amount of girls that needed meals. The Shabbos before Pesach, when most people had already converted their kitchens, families reached out offering to host students in their kitchens to ensure that every Machon girl has a place to have her shabbos meals.
“By experiencing Shabbos meals at many homes throughout the community, we have been able to see what it truly means to be a Balabuste and experience what a Chassidishe home should embody. We have been able to see how different families conduct their shabbos and Yom tov meals and gain inspiration for aspects we would like to practically incorporate in our own homes, G-d willing.”
Near the close of the Chag Hasiyum Graduation, the formal presentation of certificates were awarded to 17 students who completed either one or two years of learning.
One student afterward shared, “This graduation is the most important one I have ever had. More important to me than my college graduation.”
Four students were awarded specially for their diligence in learning, which included near perfect attendance, additional volunteering, independent study, and review of the weekly material. Of the students who did not complete two full years of study, 9 of them plan to continue on at Machon L’Yahadus next year.
The evening ended with words of inspiration from Mrs. Yehudis Cohen, the school’s assistant principal, for the students who are now moving forward to their next steps in life.
Machon L’Yahadus is under the auspices of NCFJE.
For more information about Machon L’Yahadus, visit womensyeshiva.org or email [email protected].
