“I loved being at the Machon L’Yahadus Winter Program. It helped inspire me to grow in my Judaism. The counselors and teachers helped answer my questions and taught me so many things. I can’t wait to come back and learn more,” shared Remi Jungreis from the University of Maryland. Remi was part of a group of college-age women who participated in Machon L’Yahadus’s dynamic 12-day Winter Program this year.
Starting during the “bright” days of Chanuka and continuing on until January 1, the students spent the mornings in classes specially designed for them with an emphasis on covering important basics of Judaism, Chassidus and Hebrew skills. Afternoons were filled with workshops led by experts in their field such as sofer Rabbi Yehuda Clapman and Kashrus co-ordinator Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka. Evenings included lectures and panel discussions on topics like Jewish women in the workforce and navigating family relationships when becoming more observant.
Rivkah Luchins, the Winter Program coordinator noted, “It was an incredible 12 days. It’s amazing to watch each girl arrive on the first day and leave on the last day part of a family and with excitement to share what she learned here.”
The Winter Program students also had the opportunity to experience many unique aspects of living in a vibrant Jewish community like Crown Heights. They attended a wedding, a L’Chaim, were in Manhattan for the lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah, had a mini-tour of Crown Heights including stopping off at JLI’s stunning headquarters, Ten Yad’s showroom, and trying on wigs at Hair Lounge by Sarah. They were hosted for Shabbos meals by Crown Heights families and evening programs were at homes throughout the hospitable neighborhood.
“It’s amazing to see how in a short period of only 12 days the students absorb so much information and grow in their appreciation of Torah and Judaism,” marveled Rabbi Shloma Majeski, principal of Machon L’Yahadus.
The young women had an opportunity to interact with the 45 students who are part of Machon L’Yahadus’s full-time learning program. They ate their meals together, had “getting to know you” activities like donut decorating, and found other ways to bond as well.
Shoshana Laufer, Shlucha in Warwick, Rhode Island, shared, “The Winter Program gave Jessica an incredible connection to Yiddishkeit. She walked away inspired to implement so many things in her day-to-day life. The staff showed so much care, concern and individualized attention.”
Oshree Barak of California State University, Northridge(CSUN), who opted to stay on for an extra week and study in the regular program summed it all up: “I loved the amazing teachers that made time to answer all of my questions! The best combination of fun and learning!”
For more information about Machon L’Yahadus visit www.womensyeshiva.org
Machon L’Yahadus is under the auspices of NCFJE.
