Reflecting on a Journey of Impact and Expansion While Building the Next Generation of Sephardic Women
Amy Betesh, mother of current student Joyce Betesh, recently spent three days at Midreshet Eshel in Jerusalem, learning alongside her daughter. “Spending three days with my daughter at Eshel in Jerusalem was incredibly meaningful. Seeing her become independent, deepen her Torah learning and grow as a young woman and sitting in on her thoughtful classes gave me a real appreciation for her experience. If I ever had a doubt about sending her, these three days showed me what a gift Eshel is.”
Norma and Charles Chehebar came to visit their daughter Barbara at the Midrasha as well. Norma observes, “It was wonderful to see all the girls learning together, fully engaged, with the beautiful view of Har HaBayit in the background. The warm, family-like environment allows them to build relationships with the wonderful teachers and form friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Since 2009, Midreshet Eshel has been nurturing and educating young Sephardic women from the community and around the world. This past September, the Midrasha began its 18th year with 67 students from across the globe, including New York, New Jersey, Florida, California, Montreal, Brazil, London, Holland, Israel and Turkey.
“Turning 18 is significant for us on many levels,” observes Dr. Miriam Tawil, founder and director of Midreshet Eshel. “Just like our 18-year-old students, we are embarking on a new journey.”
Upon arriving, students were more than eager to settle into their new home away from home, just steps from the Kotel. Following the holidays and an initial period of adjustment, students dove into the learning and embraced all the program has to offer. According to current student Barbara Chehebar of Flatbush, “Eshel feels like home.” Barbara continues, “I got here and immediately connected to my teachers and to all the girls. I love it here and the location is amazing.” Emmie Nidam says, “I’ve been loving my classes at Eshel and getting to know all my teachers and peers and I’m looking forward to our upcoming Shabbaton in Sefat to bond with everyone.”
Classes at the Midrasha cover a wide range of topics, including Tanach, Jewish Philosophy, Sephardic Halacha, Israel, as well as Healthy Living, Building Character and Positive speech and communication. Lauren Beyda comments, “Eshel classes have motivated me to introspect and reflect on my relationship with Judaism. I’m excited to continue growing and learning throughout the year.”
Irene Cohen from Hillel adds, “I love learning in a way that pushes me past my comfort zone.”
Throughout the years, the handpicked staff has played a key role in the Midrasha’s success. Dr. Hilla Aboody has been a teacher and Em Bayit for several years. This year she became Head of Guidance as well. “The warmth of Eshel is really one of a kind… it is not only a place of learning. It’s a place of connection, internal growth and building community.” Alicia Matsas Dweck states, “Having experienced Eshel first as a student and now as a teacher, I’ve seen how Eshel brings out the best in everyone who walks through its doors. The Midrasha helps each student grow, deepen her relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and become her strongest self.” The impact of the Midrasha is felt years later as Victoria Chabot Berman explains, “I believe the Eshel experience ignites a spark in our students, inspiring them to continue learning, growing and exploring long after their time in Israel has come to an end.”
As the only seminary/post-high-school program catering to Sephardic students, Midreshet Eshel continues to play an outsized role. The support of community leaders has been a key to its success. For many years, Ezra Ashkenazi has been a supporter of the Midrasha. In 2019 Mr. Ashkenazi helped purchase the unique school building overlooking Har HaBayit and Har HaZeitim. Mr. Ashkenazi recalls, “During my first meeting with Mrs. Alouf and Miriam, I was intrigued by the global attendance of the students at the Midrasha.” Commenting on the overall experience, Mr. Ashkenazi states, “I believe being away for nine months is very good for their independence and maturity. The experience takes them further in life, whether in college or vocational school.”
After his mother passed away last spring, Mr. Ashkenazi named the seminary program in his mother’s memory. This year, the Sally F. Ashkenazi Sephardic Women’s Seminary has continued to expand significantly, having added two new dorm spaces as well as a classroom and lounge area. “Space is a commodity in the Old City,” states Dr. Tawil. “However, proximity to the Kotel while enjoying the privilege of living in the center of the world certainly outweighs it.”
Since his daughter and stepdaughter attended, Mr. Harold Shamah has been a steadfast builder of the Midrasha. “This program prepares students for their future roles as wives and mothers, who nurture their children’s spiritual development,” states Mr. Shamah. “They need a solid foundation of Emunah based on knowledge to ensure that they can withstand and grow from life’s challenges.” Mr. Shamah continues, “Students get to live in Israel, the heart of Judaism, and explore their connection to Judaism in a completely different way. The imprint they leave with is transformational.”
Now in the midst of recruitment season, with the number of students applying continuing to rise, Dr. Tawil concludes, “We are deeply grateful to our supporters who have helped bring us to this point and continue to focus our efforts on attaining the infrastructure necessary to accommodate our growth. We aspire to provide the opportunity for more students to experience this profound, once-in-alifetime year.”
