Midreshet Eshel Class of 2024
Shaping the Future of Sephardic Women with Torah, Growth, and Leadership
Now in it’s sixteenth year, Midreshet Eshel continues to grow and thrive, educating today’s young women into tomorrow’s communal leaders. As the only post high school seminary dedicated to Sephardic students, Midreshet Eshel serves the Syrian community as well as a variety of Sephardic communities worldwide. The current cohort of 51 students hail from Flatbush, Magen David, Hillel and Ilan as well as Long Island, Florida, Boston, LA, Seattle, Montreal, London, Gibraltar, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina & Panama.
Located just a 5 minute walk from the Kotel, Midreshet Eshel offers students a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a solid foundation for life as they examine, expand and develop their commitment to Judaism, Sephardic Halacha, relationship to others and to themselves. Beginning the year as freshly graduated seniors, somewhat unsure of themselves, they emerge from the year with a strong sense of identity, connection, purpose and motivation to become the best Jews and people they can be.”Eshel is a place where learning and growth are prioritized” says Debra Mizrahi who graduated Flatbush. “The environment is very supportive and made for the students to thrive. Eshel is truly a family which fosters personal development and new relationships.” Another Flatbush graduate Joyce Zeitouni whose sister Florence also attended comments: “My experience at Eshel is going unbelievable. I thought I knew how important this year would be before, but being here I can’t imagine what my life would be like without this precious year.” Norma Kattan from Brazil adds: Eshel challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, to see the world through new perspectives and to embrace growth in every sense.”
Though not always easy to leave family and friends, the experience is a unique privilege with short and long term benefits. As Marsha Kairy from Flatbush explains: “I love being here at Eshel because even though I go through challenging days I know I’m coming out a stronger person and learning more about myself to help prepare me to live a religious life in a modern world and have healthy relationships with others.” Esther Mizrahi, graduate of SKA adds: “Being at Eshel is everything I ever dreamed of and more. I thank Hasem every day for helping me make the decision to be in the holiest place on earth in the best seminary.”
Under the expert care of its highly professional and handpicked staff, students combine intense learning with volunteering and touring, with monthly Shabbatonim a highlight. Dr. Hilla Aboody serves as both Em Bayit and teacher of Sephardic Halacha among other topics. Dr. Aboody’s class on marriage is a particular favorite as it affords students the opportunity to delve deeply into this ever important topic to help ensure students build healthy, peaceful and productive homes. Reflecting on the current year Dr. Aboody observes: “Such a beautiful variety of students have come together to learn more about their heritage and history and to be part of the Jewish people’s rebuilding from tragedy lending extra depth and meaning to the students.” Alicia Dweck, once a student and now a teacher and Coordinator of Student Life at Eshel comments: Eshel is the place that helped me develop into the person I am today personally, religiously and professionally. The impact of this place can’t be overstated.”
On a practical level, the year helps students become more responsible and independent as they navigate life away from home. “Eshel has been an incredible experience, helping me learn to be more independent with skills like cooking and laundry, while also providing the support and meaningful experiences I need to grow both personally and spiritually” observes Gabrielle Greenstein, graduate of Magen David.
Learning Torah on a daily basis from the masterful teachers at Eshel helps students internalize and see the Torah as their guide for life. According to Miriam Tawil Founder & Director of the Midrasha: “The learning coupled with the unparalleled individualized attention students receive from the teachers allows for a highly personal and customized experience at the Midrasha.” Tawil continues: “Within the nurturing supportive environment of the Midrasha, each student is seen and related to as the unique individual she is, thereby promoting a deep sense of connection and actualization of personal goals.”
Summing up her experience to date , Danielle Kraeim graduate of Flatbush states:
“My experience at Eshel has been better than I could have ever imagined. Eshel provides the perfect environment that allows for inner growth, connection with teachers and students and overall a lot of fun! I will never forget my experience at Eshel.”
Recruitment is currently underway. Visit us at www.sephardicseminary.org
