Student Reflections

“Now I can read Gemara and Rashi – rewarding, empowering, and fun!”

It is difficult for me to describe how much my year in Israel has meant to me.

I was tired of only hearing about yeshiva from my male acquaintances – I wanted it for myself. I didn’t want a program of light Torah learning, or an “experience,” but real learning, with long hours and lots of Gemara.

As soon as I arrived at CY, I knew I had made the right choice. I saw women confidently learning and teaching, dressing at their own comfort levels and leading services. One of my male teachers even referred to G-d as “She”! Another time in chavruta, we were learning the text from the mishnah of Horaot that says for rescuing captives, you should save a kohen before a levi before a yisrael before a mamzer before a ger. My chavruta partner exclaimed right away, “A ger after a mamzer? Why not before the kohen gadol?!” The incredible chutzpah of this comment blew me away. At first I couldn’t imagine having that kind of respect for such a “loser” class of people – but as she argued her point, it solidified for me what was really crazy was that I was so used to thinking according to this hierarchy.

This was my first year in Israel. As is the case for many other people visiting for their first time, I was blown away by the diversity of people and practice, and filled with a new respect for differences (rather than feeling compelled to stamp each difference as right or wrong). At the same time the sense of peoplehood is so explicit and real here and that deeply touches me and informs my own Jewishness. But probably these are things you have heard before. What seems more unusual and what I want to emphasize is that this year has turned me into a critical thinker, a halachic feminist, and a self-respecting Jew. Moreover, my original goal in coming here (Torah literacy) was more than met… when I arrived, I could barely get through Mishnah. Now, I can read Gemara and Rashi and, with difficulty, Tosafot – and do, and it’s rewarding, and empowering, and fun.

Yonah, Toronto, Canada

“Every one of these classes have been equally captivating and inspiring”

I had never had the opportunity to seriously studied Talmud with such depth before learning at the Conservative Yeshiva this year. I really enjoyed a Talmud class I took when I was a student at JTS, so when I decided to study in Jerusalem for a year, I knew I wanted to study Talmud in an intense way. All the people I spoke with about the Conservative Yeshiva said they enjoyed the experience there and learned a great deal. After spending this past year at the Conservative Yeshiva, I couldn’t agree with them more.

The faculty and students collectively create a very warm and nurturing environment. My teachers were knowledgeable and they genuinely enjoyed teaching. Over the course of the year my Talmud skills strengthened. I was grateful to also have the opportunity to delve more deeply into other areas of study such as Bible, Medieval Philosophy, and Liturgy through the Conservative Jewish lens. Each of these classes was captivating and inspiring. My experience at the Conservative Yeshiva was positive and eye opening.

Brett, White Plains, NY
Temple Israel Center

“I’m happy I don’t have to teach my kids how to drive in Israel!”

I am writing this on my last of 24 days in Jerusalem. The Conservative Yeshiva is a modern, egalitarian center for Jewish study in the heart of Jerusalem. Each morning I spent 3 hours studying Hebrew in an intensive Ulpan. Then in the afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm, I studied the Zohar (the classic of Jewish mysticism), Chasidic thought, Abraham Joshua Heschel’s views on Zionism and the inner workings of the Halachic system. Several times a week I worked with other Jewish educators and experts, learning how to better understand the role of Israel in Jewish education.

The last time I was in Israel was 1978, so it was my first visit as an adult; and my first visit as a Jewish educator. My experience was different than that of most American Jews, as I lived more as a resident than as a tourist. I rented a small apartment right in the heart of town on Ben Yehuda Street. I walked the streets of Jerusalem every day, learning how to navigate the culture, and practicing my Hebrew.

It would be an understatement to say that this was a wonderfully transformative trip. Any Jew who has been to Israel already knows this. But allow me a few short lines to reflect on some of what I learned as I walked the streets of Jerusalem:

• Israel is a complicated and extremely diverse place. There is no such thing as “an Israeli view” or “Israeli position” on any issue, whether it is religion, politics, or any other matter. We in the Diaspora tend to see Israel as a monolithic Jewish culture and we often define the most important issues in simplistic terms. There are people from all over the world who live in Israel, both Jews and non-Jews. The religious spectrum is complicated and very different than in the US. Israelis disagree, argue, debate, but seemed to be united in the strong belief of a safe and secure Jewish state.
• While in Israel, I personally witnessed the debate over issues such as the negotiation for the release of Gilad Shalit, the debate over the acceptance of non-Orthodox conversions, the fight for the right of women to pray openly and out-loud at the Kotel, the rights of Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, the issue of settlements and of course, the Gaza embargo. It seems that there are as many opinions on these issues as there are falafel stands in Jerusalem!
• Israel, and especially Jerusalem, is the center of the Jewish universe. All Jewish paths cross in this ancient city. As a friend of mine says, when you eliminate 99.9% of the world, the world becomes a very small place. While in Jerusalem, I met people who I had not seen in over 20 years. Everywhere I went, I met people I know, or who know people I know. Everybody seems to be separated by not 7 degrees, but by 2 or 3 at the most. I felt so at home in Jerusalem, like I had been there forever.
• The food is amazing and very reasonable by American standards. There is so much variety. So, I eat very well, but I walked a lot too.
• Jewish history, and the history of human civilization, is not in a book, but in the streets and hills of the Land.
• I am happy I don’t have to teach my kids how to drive in Israel!
• I will take a dry heat over the humidity any day.
• Finally, I was fortunate to share some of this experience with my daughter Samantha, who was attending the NFYT-EIE High School in Israel program. She was able to spend two Shabbat weekends with me, and I will cherish this very special time we spent together in Israel.

Jeff, Summer Program
Religious School Principal, Miami

“I want the value, meaning, and joy that I derive from studying to always be part of my everyday life”

About a year ago I decided to come to the Conservative Yeshiva to work on my Hebrew and Jewish text study skills. Little did I know back then how much more I would actually gain, and how life-changing this year would be. My life changed in that Torah, and Torah lishma in particular, became such a significant part of my life that today I cannot imagine my future years without studying Torah. I want the value and meaning, and of course joy that I derive from studying to be part of my everyday life, no matter where I live and what my profession is.

I gained an incredible amount of “things” while studying at the CY. First of all, the information about Judaism and the text study skills. After a year of being here, I could maybe even say that I’m a fairly knowledgeable Jew. This is very important, considering what the value of Jewish wisdom and knowledge is in our tradition. It becomes even more relevant if I take into consideration that I come from Hungary, where the Jewish education is taught on quite a low level and the number of scholars/rabbis are few – and the number of Jewish women scholars number even less.

I’ve also gained something much less tangible. Experiences, conversations, encounters with people – people from today’s life, and people from the ancient texts – that helped me strengthen my Jewish identity, construct theology and feel confident and comfortable with being an observant Jew in the 21st century.

Viktoria, Budapest, Hungary

“The intensive learning at the Yeshiva created in me a deep love of Talmud and Torah, Halacha, Hassidut and Kabbalah”

I’m originally from Paris and have both French and Swiss citizenships. I got my doctorate in October 2008 from the Department of Media Sciences of the Sorbonne. I did comparative research on press agency coverage of the heirless assets from the Holocaust stored in Swiss banks affair (1995-2005). I am currently a second year student and wish to become an informal Torah teacher in the near future, in parallel pursuing a career as an academic in Media Sciences and Holocaust Studies.

After my first few months of study as a full time student at the Conservative Yeshiva, I realized I wanted to give more time to Torah Lishma study in my life, and formulated the wish to stay a second year at the Yeshiva. At the time I was a volunteer English teacher for the Israeli organization Aharaï, and was taking the evening class Introduction to Spiritual Counseling offered by the Conservative Yeshiva. The intensive learning at the Yeshiva created in me a deep love of Talmud and Torah, Halacha, Hassidut and Kabbalah. The community life at the Yeshiva inspires me and raises in me – everyday in different ways – the wish to play an active role and spread the learning I am acquiring outside the Yeshiva. Therefore, this year I plan – in parallel to my studies – to volunteer as a spiritual counselor in hospitals in Jerusalem.

Eliora, Paris, France

“The Conservative Yeshiva not only helped me develop as a learner and a teacher, but my spiritual practice deepened”

As I continue growing as a learner, my ability to be involved in my Jewish community also develops. I came to the Conservative Yeshiva with my professional goals focused on being a Day School teacher. Because being a teacher requires one to give so much of herself to her students, it becomes personally important to feed myself with the joy of learning. This year at Conservative Yeshiva, I was able to continue my own self-growth as a learner and deepen my gemara skills, all while keeping the mindset of “how would I teach this to my students.”

One of the most meaningful parts of my time at CY was Thursday afternoon sichot (discussions) with Reb Shmuel, the Rosh Yeshiva at the Conservative Yeshiva. In one sicha, he described spirituality not as a destination or a moment, but rather a way of living that requires a lot of hard work.“Spiritual growth” according to my understanding is about developing a more consistent ritual and prayer practice. Being at CY not only helped me develop as a learner and a teacher, but my spiritual practice deepened. I want to be living a more conscious life. While my spiritual growth is personal, it became more attainable to be walking along the path with other people who share a similar goal. This type of supportive community at CY helped me grow in ways I had not even imagined.

Yael, Tampa, FL

“The teachers are passionate and inspiring, seeking to live what they teach, always willing to listen to what their students have to say, helping them connect with our tradition”

When I came to the Yeshiva this year I had really two intentions. The first was to deepen my skills in preparation for attending rabbinical school next year. I hoped both to become better at Hebrew, deciphering texts, and davening/leyning skills, and I have certainly improved in all of those areas. My second reason was to spend time in Israel with a deeply committed religious, spiritual group of people. In that regard I could have hoped for nothing better. The teachers at CY are passionate and inspiring, seeking to live what they teach, always willing to listen to what their students have to say, helping them connect with our tradition. But even more important than that, the community of students has been supportive, warm and uplifting. My friends are also my role models and I hope we will stay in contact for the rest of my life.

Roni, London, England

“This opportunity has enriched my life beyond anything I could have expected”

This opportunity has enriched my life beyond anything I could have expected. I did not grow up in a Jewish community and therefore my knowledge of religion, Jewish tradition and history was very limited. The Yeshiva has given me the opportunity to not only visit Israel but to study in a remarkable facility that has taught me far more than just Talmud, Midrash, Jewish thought, Chumash, etc. I found myself surrounded by teachers of all ages and designations in both formal teachers and from a network of friends who has taught not only in class but by example.

I have made connections to people and religion like I would not have been able to do anywhere else in the world and this gift is indeed priceless. I’ve been religiously inspired with a desire to not only maintain and grow what I’ve learned within myself but also to attempt to share this amongst my Reform community here in Cape Town, South Africa. This from both a desire to inspire a love and renewed commitment to Judaism but also in honour of this priceless gift I’ve received.

Before I came, I had no idea what a Yeshiva, or even Talmud, was for that matter.

I’ve gained the teachings from Talmud (and other studies) and am trying to apply these in my life and teach to those around me. From Yeshiva as a whole I’ve gained much more than theoretical knowledge but also moral values and traditions which have enriched me greatly.

I am pleased that I’ve studied at the Conservative Yeshiva as I’ve been surrounded and influenced by people who are both educated and passionate about Judaism, people who have not only taught but inspired me. The Yeshiva provides an inclusive, protected and caring environment which made my first trip to Israel safe, comfortable and enlightening.

The Yeshiva provided me with a greater sense of belonging in Israel and has made me look forward to return to the country.

I completed my career qualification in December 2009 and took some time off from my “life” to do some religious learning as I felt like my life was on a very materialistic track and that my perspectives needed some adjustment.

This period of study has provided me with this renewed perspective. I’ve learnt religious texts and values which have given me a greater perspective and a religious lens through which to view my life and the decisions I make in an attempt to balance my religious beliefs and life in the modern-day world.

I’ve learnt to interpret religious text and apply these to history and to my life today. I’ve also learnt many interpersonal skills from my fellow students and teachers at the Yeshiva.

Miryam L, Cape Town, South Africa

“I have been able to develop new synagogue skills that I was not privy to as a woman learning in an Orthodox institution”

I have served Hashem and our people in many capacities, but most recently, I fulfilled a Fellowship in the Scholars’ Circle at Drisha Institute for Jewish Education in Manhattan. I am training as a Poseket-Rabbi, a judge and teacher of Jewish Law, who guides the Jewish people on how to observe our wonderful religion and way of life. For the past five years, I have learned and taught in Jewish communities throughout the United States, and most recently, I taught at the JCC-Manhattan.

This year of intensive yeshiva learning at the CY has enabled me to continue to develop my text skills in Rabbinics. The small class sizes and therefore, access to the teachers, makes the CY an ideal learning environment. I particularly value being a part of a smaller Beit Midrash community, who prays three times a day together. I have been able to develop new synagogue skills that I was not privy to as a woman learning in an Orthodox institution in the US. Most importantly, I have developed a strong relationship to the Land of Israel, developed my Modern Hebrew skills, and have had the privilege to experience different components of Israeli society.

Chasya-Uriel, New York, NY

“Students who come to the Yeshiva come from a real diversity of backgrounds”

I am a second year student at the Conservative Yeshiva. I considered myself very privileged to have had the opportunity to study at CY in this academic year. The Yeshiva is a place of intense learning supported by teachers who are at the top of their field in Jewish education and in touch with the needs of their students. Yeshiva teachers and Rabbis are passionate about Jewish education but also show love and dedication to the pluralistic, open educational model that the Yeshiva promotes. These passions are apparent to anyone who visits the Yeshiva.

The Conservative Yeshiva teaches true community to its students. Students who come to the Yeshiva come from a real diversity of backgrounds and what many have in common is that they search for a model of how to live a full Jewish life in a nourishing Jewish community. The Yeshiva provides this space and yeshiva students are given the opportunity to learn and grow, expanding their Jewish practice alongside their understanding of Jewish custom and ritual. The Yeshiva fosters learning inside the classroom (Beit Midrash) and outside in the wider yeshiva community.

I believe that the Conservative Yeshiva is building Jewish community; a CY student leaves the Yeshiva with a strong grounding in Jewish learning but also with a love of Judaism which will nourish further learning, this passion which the CY passes on, in the long term is building community lay leadership, teachers, and rabbis, but above all, informed, caring Jewish women and men. I do not know of any other institution which can lay claim to such outstanding achievements in this generation.

Oliver, London, England

“Torah l’shma – study for its own sake. A great way to make meaning of your life”

I’m writing this as I sit in Jerusalem – my last hour or so before I leave for the airport to return to the US. Let me share with you a bit about my trip – not about what I was doing – but about why I was here.

I spent three weeks studying at the Conservative Yeshiva located at the Fuchsberg Center in Jerusalem. The Yeshiva is sponsored by United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism – the umbrella organization for Conservative synagogues in the United States and Canada. About 16 years ago, someone in the movement came up with the idea that there needs to be a place to study that is fully egalitarian and pluralistic . . .and is “Torah L’shma” (study for its own sake). So you find here people of all ideologies, sizes, shapes, colors, sexual orientations, etc. And no one gets a degree or any kind of certification – it is purely study for its own sake. Some study here all year long, some come, like I did, for one of two summer sessions. Some study is ongoing – seems odd, but you just jump in at any point, and some classes clearly have a starting point and an ending point. I have been privileged to study with some giants in Jewish learning – and alongside some who are just beginning to learn.

Why take time to just study? This is a major part of our Jewish heritage – a part that is slowly disappearing from American Judaism.

Many people approach me asking what their children will learn in our religious school: Are there grades? What if they are absent often – will they be able to pass to the next grade? When will they “graduate?” In the past, I have stumbled on my answers. I’ve felt pressure to present the “expected” Jewish school of ambition and accomplishments – one of projects, and clear curricula and well-defined marks of achievement. But in truth – our school is about life-long learning. About engaging our children in learning about their Jewish heritage, their relationship to “organized” religion and their relationship to the divine.

My time at the Yeshiva has taught me so many lessons – let me share with you in this article, that it has taught me that we are on the right track at Beth Meyer. The Religious School experience is not solely about learning any one fact, or completing any one book – it is indeed, in many ways, study for its own sake. Our children will not have a certificate when they leave us and there is no graduation. When our children leave our school, at whatever grade they choose, our hope is that they will continue, for life, to continue to learn and grow and through this learning and growth, learn more about themselves, the world around them, and the many options for their role within our world.

Jewish study can give them all of this! Torah l’shma – study for its own sake. A great way to make meaning of your life.

Amy, Summer Program
Raleigh, NC