MRS. MIRIAM TAWIL
NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR, MIDRESHET ESHEL IS LITERALLY BURSTING AT THE SEAMS! WE BEGAN THE YEAR WITH 40 STUDENTS JOINING US FROM NY, NJ, MIAMI, LOS ANGELES, DALLAS AS WELL AS LONDON, GIBRALTAR, MEXICO, BRAZIL, VENEZUELA, AND OTHER PLACES AROUND THE WORLD. WHILE THE STUDENTS COME FROM A VARIETY OF PLACES THEY SHARE A COMMON GOAL: TO LEARN, GROW AND DEVELOP INTO THEIR BEST SELVES!
Tucked away in the picturesque alleyways of the Old City, just a few minutes walk from the Kotel, stands the impressive Midrasha building with breathtaking views overlooking Har HaBayit, Har HaZeitim and Midbar Yehuda. Through the generosity of community members Ezra Ashkenazi, Harry Adjmi, Harold Shamah and Stanley Chera A”H, the Midrasha was able to purchase the building they have called home for the last 11 years.
“So far my experience at Eshel has been full of growth, new friendships and a stronger connection with Hashem,” said Ruthy Dwek, graduate of Flatbush. “In just two months I already feel the impact Eshel has had on me.”
Students challenge themselves on a daily basis to explore, clarify, and solidify their understanding of—and commitment to—Torah and mitzvot. Subjects such as Tanakh, Tefila, Halacha and Jewish Philosophy are complemented by classes on Character Development and Healthy Communication. “All classes in the Midrasha are based on three fundamental relationships,” explained Miriam Tawil Founder and Director of the Midrasha. “The relationship the student has with G-d, with others, and with herself.”
Rita Scaba, another Flatbush graduate described her experience there, “Eshel is helping me grow so much as a person and as a Jew. I feel like I’ve already come so far in such a short time and can’t wait to continue!”
Away from the familiar comforts of home, Dr. Hila Aboody nurtures and supports students as their Em Bayit (house mother) while stimulating them intellectually with classes such as Mishlei, Living Inspired, and Marriage. “Both inside and outside the classroom it is truly wonderful seeing how these young women transform from high school students to independent young women. They have learned so much about themselves and how to positively impact their families and communities,” Dr. Aboody observed.
Alongside the rigorous learning schedule which runs Sunday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., students are given the opportunity to volunteer to do various hesed projects. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at the One Family Fund,“ stated Sarita Esses. She continued, “The kids are amazing and so excited when we come. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when we get there.”
The program at Midreshet Eshel would not be complete without the many hikes and day trips taken throughout the country. Students have enjoyed hiking in Yad Kennedy, Ein Gedi and swimming in Nachal Hakibbutzim. Community expert tour guides Adele (Chabot) Tawil and Rabbi David Zeit have led walking tours in the Jewish Quarter, The City of David, and Hebron. Monthly Shabbatonim spent with teachers in cities all over the country such as Sefat, Teveria, Mizpe Ramon and the Golan are a definite highlight of the program.
This year, a shana bet (second year) program for returning students, has been created to take our students to a whole new level. Students in the first year program benefit from the experiences of second year students, while second year students begin to actualize their leadership skills, as they learn one-on-one and in small groups. They are able to initiate and lead student activities. Alicia Matsas enthused, “My first year at Eshel was so meaningful I decided to return for shana bet. The learning and deep friendships I have formed with first year students have been so inspiring and mutually impactful.”
Alumni feel the impact of their experience long after it is over. According to Sarah Frastai, “Being in Eshel taught me that my life has a purpose. Eshel was the biggest life changing experience for me—and I will never forget it.” Mazal Zami of Ilan continues to maintain her deep connection to the Midrasha, stating, “Eshel is my home in Israel.”
Recruitment for September 2022 is well underway as applications have started amassing. One Israeli advisor already warned, “It’s time to expand again!”
It is our hope that more students from the community, as well as from Sephardic communities around the world, come and discover “the magic of Eshel.”
For more information please visit www.sephardicseminary.org.
Experienced educator, administrator, wife and mother. Mrs. Miriam Tawil is a caring and passionate educator. MS Jewish Philosophy, Revel Yeshiva University. MS Jewish Education Azrieli, Yeshiva University. Past Chair Jewish Philosophy Dept. Magen David Yeshivah H.S. and Executive Director of Barkai Yeshivah.
