ON SEPTEMBER 20TH ESHELNY HELD ITS KICKOFF EVENT AT THE AVENUE N JEWISH CENTER. OVER 40 COLLEGE AGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG MOTHERS CAME TOGETHER TO HELP CREATE A NEW COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS. ALICIA MATSAS, DIRECTOR OF ESHELNY INTRODUCED THE VISION OF ESHELNY AS A PLACE FOR YOUNG WOMEN OF THE COMMUNITY TO CONTINUE THEIR LEARNING AND GROWTH.
In keeping with the mission of Midreshet Eshel seminary in Jerusalem to combine personal and spiritual growth, the evening consisted of dinner, a presentation by alumni of Midreshet Eshel who serve as advisors to the younger generation of students, followed by a high level class given by Rabbi Richard Tobias on Yamim Noraim: Living With Uncertainty.
“The program is designed to afford college age students and young adult women the opportunity to come together to learn, to grow, to be the best version of themselves as Jews and as people,” explained Miriam Tawil, Director of Midreshet Eshel in Israel. While many of the participants had spent time studying in Israel other participants had not.
“This program is designed to give young adult women free access to a warm environment of like-minded, growth oriented girls who can learn and foster their relationship with Hashem together, even outside of Israel.” said Alicia Matsas. One role model or advisor was Gitta Matalon, alumna of Midreshet Eshel 2015, and now a young mother of three. “EshelNY brings the ruach of seminary back home. There are classes every week by amazing teachers, mentors for guidance, and best of all—alongside them, a community of learners.”
Audrey Sutton, 2020 alumna noted the following, “I believe EshelNY will help to unite former Eshel students with community members who attended other seminaries, or no seminary at all, and form a community of women who want somewhere to strengthen their Torah knowledge.” Bonnie Melamed who did not attend a seminary program in Israel observed, “something special about this program is that it provides us with access to advisors who have gone through a similar process in maintaining a relationship with Hashem after high school or their year in Israel.”
Sarah Mizrahi recalls the following, “Although I did not personally go to Midreshet Eshel for a gap year post high school in Israel, I am still a part of Eshel NY. This newly established program welcomed me with open arms despite me being an ‘outsider.’ Whether you went to a different Midrasha or did not even go to Israel at all, EshelNY can help you find—and support you on—your personal spiritual journey.”
“EshelNY is the perfect environment for young adult women in the community to continue to instill Torah learning in their everyday lives and inspire them to continue on their spiritual journeys,” explained Marlene Levy, Advisor and Midreshet Eshel alumna 2017, and recent graduate of Stern, YU. Vicky Zeitounie Eshel Alumna 2019 described how EshelNY offers a type of learning that one can’t get anywhere else. “It’s an unbelievable program that not only offers incredible classes with handpicked teachers, but also connects everyone with a mentor to build a connection that will last a lifetime.”
The Fall Semester of EshelNY is offering weekly classes on Tuesday nights at 7:15 P.M., at the Avenue N Congregation, located at 321 Avenue N. The classes are based on two themes: Growth through Parashah taught by Rabbi Richard Tobias and Character Development taught by Mrs. Rachelle Tawil and Mrs. Victoria Chabot Berman. All classes are textually based accompanied by take home insights and practical skills. A special workshop on Spirituality & Mindfulness will be given by Mrs. Robin Shaoul, L.C.S.W. to conclude the series.
Young women interested in joining EshelNY’s community of learners free of charge can reach out to Alica Matsas at igniteyoursoul3@gmail.com. Those righteous individuals who are interested in sponsoring a night of learning can also reach out to Alicia.
