Live Chesed
By Isabelle Ascher
Throughout my senior year of high school, I was constantly asked by teachers and friends, “Where do you want to go to seminary next year?” I had known for a while that the answer was Midreshet AMIT. What was unique to me was Midreshet AMIT’s motto – “Living Torah and Chesed”– that motto could not have been more correct.
I arrived at Midreshet AMIT in Jerusalem a year later, walked into Beit Hayeled and was amazed at the feeling of security and excitement that the people who lived in this building provide. Kids ran up and down the stairs with smiles on their faces and upbeat attitudes. When, after a few weeks, each of the girls in the seminary were paired with a zug (foster family), we soon recognized the great privilege and responsibility we were given in working with these kids.
Within my foster family, I was paired to work with a ten-year-old boy named Koby, who was at first hesitant about getting to know and spend time with me. I realized that if I wanted to create a connection with Koby, I would have to go to his kvutza (his foster family unit) every day, no excuses. So every afternoon at 4:30, I arrive at the kvutza to make sure that, at least for an hour-and-a-half, this boy feels happy, loved and carefree. On a daily basis, we play XBox, ride bikes, or take trips to the makolet—and we even cook dinner. We also talk about school, do homework and talk about normal everyday things, as one would do with an older sister.
Not only have I connected with the kids, but I have also been able to create a strong connection with the couple in charge of our group, as well as the bnot sherut who work with us—ensuring that the children are happy, educated and safe is our mission.
I am so grateful that I chose to come to Midreshet Amit because, not only have I been surrounded by amazing teachers and role models, but I actually get to “Live Torah and Chesed.” The Beit Hayeled volunteering that I do every day has enhanced my year in Israel and shaped the way I view Chesed—and the role it will play in my life this year and for many years to come.
Live Torah
By Sara Bernstein
I can vividly recall the first day of student orientation at Midreshet AMIT this past September. As we—AMIT’s biggest class yet—piled into our beautiful new Beit Midrash, Rabbi Goldstein directed us to find a spot where we’d like to sit for the whole year, our “personal makom”. We each chose a place where we felt we’d be comfortable—and then the work began. We went over various rules and protocols, and we were asked to take a look at the crowded bookshelves. The Rabbi gave us an overview of the many sefarim and sources at our disposal and introduced us to the wide range of topics we could choose to explore.
At first, the idea of choosing a book or a sefer seemed daunting. But as the days and weeks went by, the bookshelves grew emptier. Now, instead of having to be nudged to pick up a book and explore something new, we’re asked not to hold on to too many books at a time because other students need them. Whereas I used to spend free time surfing on my laptop or trying out the newest Jerusalem restaurants, much of my time is now spent in the “beis”.
The staff at Midreshet AMIT have encouraged me to delve deeper into the things that interest me, to take ownership of my learning and to widen the scope of my knowledge. So much of that motivation has come from the teachers and the large variety of classes. One morning I can learn Tanach and Gemara, and the next I can study Jewish philosophy and mussar. One class is in English, and the next is in Hebrew.
I feel that I have learned an enormous amount this year and grown as a Bat Torah. I take pride knowing that I can put my learning to good use on a daily basis. It plays an active role in my life, from everyday halachot to the way I interact with the people around me. When the last day arrives and all the sefarim find their way back to the shelves, that once intimidating sight will become a source of great satisfaction and excitement as the mark of a year well spent.
