Women Learn at Yeshivacation

Machon Chana’s Yeshivacation program ended in Crown Heights recently, with many participants from around the world excited about what they learned.

“I didn’t even know what I was looking for, but I found it in Crown Heights!” said one participant.

“I was looking for a worldview, a philosophy for life, and I actually found it here in Brooklyn,” exlaimed another.

Yeshivacation is a unique opportunity in which women of all ages are welcomed to a 10-day hands-on yeshiva learning program. Yeshivacation runs during the months of December, March, May, and over the summer break.

Each day a different topic was developed, from the basic Halachic ramifications to the deeper Chassidic aspects. The classes throughout the day created a structure of knowledge, one lesson building on the previous one and leading to the next lesson, thus creating a strong edifice of wisdom. One student described her experience: “I loved that each topic was developed throughout the day, creating a comprehensive whole, connecting all parts of the day!”

The women “kvelled” over how they were exposed to not only the “body” of Torah and Mitzvos, but to the depth, significance and essence — the “soul” of the Torah and Mitzvos! For many, the Chassidic approach to Torah learning was completely new, yet it was invigorating for all.

The classes were varied in learning style; they were textual and direct, yet hands-on and fun! The students were invited to tour a kosher kitchen and Mikvah; they took part in an interactive Challah baking class, watched a Sofer at work; danced at a Chassidish Crown Heights wedding, and so much more. As Devora Leah Exline, a nurse from S. Deigo, put it, “It was authentic Judaism- 24/10!”

Although the students came from a variety of backgrounds and had been exposed to different kinds of Jewish experiences, each one found her niche, as she experienced the wide variety of classes.

Charna, a Crown Heights resident with a rich background of Torah experience, proudly stated: “Although a lot was not new for me, everything was worthwhile!” Muntcha Leah, a Special Ed Major, said: “Some students asked really challenging questions and others asked a range of queries, from basic to in-depth. Yet, no one felt lost in classes, even though they were never overwhelmingly easy.”

Yael Abayev, a Touro College Graduate Medical student, enthusiastically said: “I loved having access to the Machon Chana full time students. It was so inspiring to see girls with similar struggles and backgrounds. It made me realize I’m not alone and it gave me a continued push to keep growing.”

Coming from places as far as Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle and Israel, to as close as Buffalo, Westchester and Baltimore, the students felt well taken care of, safe and totally at home. “They showed us where it’s safe to walk around in Crown Heights. They showed us where we could eat out and where to buy different things here, like Seforim, to further our learning.”

As usual, the Crown Heights community’s hospitality was beyond the call of duty. Not only did some students stay at homes, but families offered delicious Shabbos meals, farbrengens, and shiurim opportunities in their homes. The Crown Heights families stood as a true testimony of the living Torah lessons that Yeshivacation taught.

The entire staff, from inspiring teachers, dedicated madrichot to around-the-clock administrators, attributed to the success of the Yeshivacation program. Even after classes ended, teachers were available to the students, if they felt a need to discuss or clarify various issues.

Noted speaker, Molly Resnick, spoke about “Modesty and Majesty” to the students. Afterwards, she emphatically said: “It is always uplifting for a speaker to talk to people who are thirsty for every word. The girls were sitting with their eyes wide open, thirsty for knowledge of Yiddishkiet. It’s always a pleasure to talk to people who are so receptive. It is always a thrill to teach at Machon Chana, because everyone is so willing and so excited to take it all in!”

When asked what the students are leaving with, the answers were astounding. One married woman, Inna, a professional photographer, bought a sheitel! Another student decided to stop wearing pants. Harriet, affectionately called “the Bubby of the Program,” will now be known by her Jewish name, Hinda, as well as work on keeping Shabbos, saying brachos and davening! Other Hachlatos included saying Chitas, getting a Mashpia and enrolling in local Chabad House classes.

Shaina, a Nurse Practitioner Major, began Machon Chana classes right after Yeshivacation ended! Many of the students are planning to enroll as full time students of Machon Chana in the near future. It is here that they feel they would be able to internalize their love of Torah learning by making a long term commitment.

Yael proudly stated: “What I’ve taken away is a commitment to be a leader and to give of my time and attention to help other Jews in my community; I will continue to learn Chassidic philosophy and grow in Torah and Mitzvos. Thereby, I hope to reveal the light of Torah in the world, for this is my mission as a Jew.”

Although spiritually inspired, the Machon Chana approach is to help students remain with “two feet on the ground,” while their neshamos soar. The entire Yeshivacation program met with much success this winter, as the girls seriously and realistically imbued their lives with the warmth and light of Torah and Chassidus. It is here that Shluchim can confidently send their “mekuravos” to become empowered and enlivened with authentic Torah values, based on the Rebbe’s teachings.

Once again, Machon Chana has met the spiritual thirst and needs of today’s Jewish Women.