The excitement was palpable as 56 new students found their new home away from home at Midreshet Eshel last month. Living just a five-minute walk from the Kotel, students quickly began to adjust and make new friends from New York, New Jersey, Florida, Los Angeles, Seattle, Montreal, Brazil, and Belgium. Though they come from different Sephardic communities across the world, these young Sephardic students eagerly came together for a similar purpose, to learn, grow, and develop themselves spiritually and personally.
“Eshel was definitely the right choice,” explains Caroline Palacci, graduate of Flatbush and current student at the Midrasha. “I’ve met so many great friends, and I’m able to really dive into my spirituality surrounded by a supportive Sephardic community.”
“My experience at Eshel has been incredible,” enthuses Emma Kamagi, graduate of Flatbush High School. “I’m growing and learning more than I ever imagined. It’s empowering me to become more independent and confident in everything I do.”
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Students are immersed in a warm learning environment that promotes their intellectual and emotional growth. Classes on both advanced and regular levels challenge students to expand their thinking and deepen their understanding of G-D, Torah and Misvot (commandments), their relationships with others, as well as their relationship with themselves. As Sofia Choueke of Brazil explains, “I feel the classes provided at Eshel are changing me as a person.”
Sarah Tawil, graduate of Flatbush, agrees. “Being at Eshel has been such an inspiring experience. I feel like I’m constantly growing through everything I’m learning.” Sarah continues, “The classes motivate me to think independently and push me in new ways every day.”
Outside the classroom, students continue learning and connecting to the people and the land of Israel. Frequent walking tours, hikes, activities, and guest speakers keep students engaged and inspired. “It’s been an amazing experience so far,” says Janet Sasson from Magen David. “I love how much I’m learning inside and outside of the classroom.” Lydia Mohadeb from Flatbush concurs: “My experience at Eshel so far has been eye-opening. I’ve learned so much about myself through the lens of Torah. I’m excited to continue growing and learning even more.”
Monthly Shabbatonim (group Shabbat retreats) with different teachers are a highlight as students have just returned from a water hike at Nachal Hakibbutsim and a spiritually uplifting Shabbat in the holy city of Sefat. Norma Shamah of Hillel reflects, “It was such a spiritual place, and learning about its deep holiness made the experience even more special.”
Underlying the success of the Midrasha is the modest, talented, and highly committed teaching staff comprised of rabbis and female teachers who have been with the Midrasha for many years. “We don’t hire teachers easily,” explains Miriam Tawil, Founder and Director. “While each one has been chosen specifically for the unique role they play at the Midrasha, taken together the synergy between them is incredible.”
One of the newest additions to the staff is Victoria Chabot Berman, who teaches Halacha (Jewish law) and Rambam (Maimonides) and serves as a Rakezet or Supervisor to the students. “Not only do the students get to live in the Old City and learn Torah in the Old City every single day, the students are set up for a year of growth that will serve as a basis for their future growth for many years to come.”
With G-D’s help, the combination of its unparalleled location, international student body, and professional and highly dedicated staff produces an experience like no other. As Stacey Gelber of Flatbush summarizes, “Eshel is truly the best seminary. I’ve never felt more alive, happy, and connected than I do in this incredible place.”
Recruitment for September 2026 is underway. For more information please visit us at www.sephardicseminary.org
