Winter Break in Tzfas Inspires

Machon Alte launched its first ever winter retreat program to an appreciative crowd of enrollees who came away from the experience, inspired, transformed and ready to take on the challenges of life with new vigor, insights and confidence.

The seminary launched the winter warm-up program, held between Dec. 18 and Jan. 8, at the urging of satisfied summer program students, said director, Rabbi Rosenfeld.

From the reports, it appears the 20-day dynamic excursion into the inner and outer depths of Judaism embodied the spark and educational punch characteristic of the illustrious, long-established women’s yeshiva.

One of the many students who came to Machon Alte as part of the Chabad on Campus initiative, Ruth Parker, 21, of Los Angeles found her way to the program on the recommendation of Cal State University Chabad House Rebbetzin Raizel Brook. Parker, who had planned on only the three-week experience, extended her stay until at least Passover, citing as the reason an intangible dynamic unmatched by other educational settings she had experienced.

“There is an energy here that goes beyond just the surface to touch and uplift your soul,” said Ms. Parker, visibly moved by the experience. “I learned things that I never thought I would learn, and discovered things inside of myself that I did not know existed or that I could ever have created on my own. It opened my mind to infinite possibilities.”

Ms. Parker and fellow participants were treated to a concentrated curriculum of classes and forums taught by the school’s esteemed faculty of rabbis, mashpeim and instructors, albeit on a more introductory level. The schedule included sessions on Jewish law, Chassidic philosophy and practical offerings such as classes on life in the Jewish home and educating children, accented with large doses of camaraderie, and chances to self-explore, sightsee and further socialize, Rabbi Rosenfeld said.

Veteran instructor, Mrs. Devorah Reizel, tailored her ongoing series on the contemporary Jewish woman to include thought-provoking forums on topics such as: “Feminine Leadership and Modesty: Is it a contradiction?” and “Cravings and Desire: How Do We Manage?”

Chana Natina Bassman, 21, was encouraged by campus Rebbetzin, Henya Matusof, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison to enroll in the program, an experience that included an unforgettable scrapbook life event that will live on in her memory forever. Before leaving Israel for home, she accepted a marriage proposal from a young man enrolled in a men’s yeshiva in Israel, and benefited in particular during the program from supportive sharing with other students.

“Sometimes you think when you are a Baal Teshuva that everyone else is religious and one with G-d,” she said. “But it really struck me hearing from other people while I was here that I am not going on this journey alone, involving the struggles and obstacles of trying to get closer to G-d. It helped me, especially after learning how others were using prayer, to find other ways to refine myself and refine my connection with G-d.”

Another satisfied participant, Bruna Lauria, 27, originally from Brazil and now residing in Jerusalem, sang the praises of the institution’s ability to instill the Chassidic approach to life.

“You come in, and in one day, you feel you are really OK in this place,” she said. “In the classes, you learn everything according to Chassidus. I know the Torah portions, but when you put in the Chassidus, it helps incorporate everything that you live. It’s the bridge that connects everything into one.”