“I arrived at the Winter Program following my rabbi’s recommendation without really knowing what I was going to find,” begins Luciana from Argentina, “What I discovered was an incredible opportunity, with teachers who helped me grow, and girls from different parts of the world who became friends. Together, we pushed each other to make the most of every moment.
“I decided to extend my stay and remain for two more weeks to experience the regular program.
“My rabbi had told me I would be living the best vacation of my life. At the time, I thought: how could the best vacation of my life be spent studying??? Now, as I’m about to finish my last week, I can say he was right and I don’t want to leave,” she concludes.”
This past month, 19 college-age Jewish women immersed themselves in the Machon L’Yahadus 12-day Winter Program.
Shira, a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, shares, “I was connected to my Judaism but I wanted to further my Jewish journey. The Winter Program gave me the opportunity to take more Judaic classes and learn more about myself. After my 12 days at Machon L’Yahadus, I am incredibly inspired to further my Judaism in everyday life. I have since started practicing Hebrew more, and working on incorporating more prayer throughout my day.”
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 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.”
During the 12 days of the Winter Program, the students spend the mornings in classes specially designed for them with an emphasis on covering important basics of Judaism, Chassidus and Hebrew skills. Afternoons are filled with workshops led by experts in their field such as sofer Rabbi Yehuda Clapman and Kashrus co-ordinator Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka. Evenings include lectures and panel discussions on topics like Jewish women in the workforce and navigating family relationships when becoming more observant.
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 grow, learn, be welcomed and have a truly amazing Jewish experience!”
Machon L’Yahadus invites everyone to be part of these young women’s stories by partnering with them in raising $500,000 at https://www.charidy.com/mly
Machon L’Yahadus is under the auspices of NCFJE
