Machon L’Yahadus Women’s Yeshiva is a unique school in Crown Heights where young Jewish women learn, live and love Judaism.
At all points on their Jewish journey and arriving from around the world, the students come to study for up to two years or as little as a week.
Allison came to study at Machon L’Yahadus from California after having had a great experience with her local CTeen chapter.
Zeesy arrived from Houston after getting her bachelors in political science at McGill University in Montreal and spending a year studying at Mayanot in Jerusalem.
Shira, from Tel Aviv, celebrated Tishrei in Crown Heights last year and stayed on after October 7th, trying to find herself and her place; she found a home at Machon L’Yahadus.
Another current student, Ariella, attended Machon L’Yahadus’ 12 day Winter Program two years ago. From a modern orthodox background, after completing a degree in biomedical engineering from Drexel University, she returned to Machon L’Yahadus as a full-time student. And this year she was a counselor for the Winter Program!
What unites these students from diverse backgrounds, levels of observance and Jewish knowledge? A genuine desire to learn and grow as Jewish women.
Machon L’Yahadus students immerse themselves in a rigorous curriculum that ranges from the basics of learning to read Hebrew to delving into the deepest concepts in Chassidus.
And they are guided in their journey by a dedicated, devoted, non-judgmental staff headed by Rabbi Shloma Majeski.
Rabbi Majeski shares, “For many students, their involvement and pursuit of Yiddishkeit in general is already raising eyebrows and challenging to their relationships with family and friends. When they decide to study in a yeshiva the challenge is even greater.
“It is inspiring for us to see how their desire to deepen their knowledge and connection is so sincere that they are ready to make sacrifices and overcome these challenges to pursue Torah study. With the help of their learning and life-choices illuminated by the Rebbe’s teachings, the hope is that one day their friends and family will understand and appreciate this change,” concludes Rabbi Majeski.
What possibilities are in the future for Machon L’Yahadus students?
Dvora from Brazil, whose first year of studies at Machon L’Yahadus was on Zoom during Covid and her second year was in-person, is now on Shlichus with her husband in Panama City. Among her many accomplishments during her time at Machon L’Yahadus was translating GPS for the Soul into Portuguese.
Chana Baila from Ukraine also completed two years of studies at Machon L’Yahadus. She then got a degree in digital multimedia design at Touro Lander College for Women and is now working as a graphic designer.
Sarah, together with her husband and baby, has moved back to her home state of Arizona. Sarah is active in the Jewish community and continues to be involved in teaching music and performing.
Explains assistant principal Mrs. Yehudis Cohen, “When prospective students are concerned about how they will be able to afford tuition costs, we tell them, ‘Our mission statement is to enable young Jewish women to study Torah. We are committed to working things out; finances will not get in the way.’
“We give out scholarships even when there is no money to back it in the bank and no pledges to cover the scholarships on the horizon. We rely on people who realize what a precious opportunity it is to partner with us in educating and empowering these young, remarkable Jewish women.”
Machon L’Yahadus invites everyone to partner with them in raising $380,000 at https://raisethon.com/machonly
Machon L’Yahadus is under the auspices of NCFJE
