The Mechina has greatly influenced my plans for the future…it has opened up an entire new world for me, made clear to me what is important to achieve in life and given me tools to begin to achieve my aspirations.
Without learning one can not act to help others who are important to you so I would like to study education, special needs…
Before the Mechina, social action for me was “a nice idea…something to consider…”. Now I know for sure that social action will be a part of my life, no matter what I choose to do.”
I found in ‘study for the sake of study’ a pursuit, a future, and maybe even a way of life. The studies gave me a great deal of material and inspiration for writing stories, strengthening my dream to be a writer.
I can’t imagine myself not taking part in public life in Israel in the future…I will seek meaningful content in my life community and society.
My experience at BINA – study, community and volunteer work – has had an impact on my way of thinking and my sensitivity to social issues…from here I plan on doing something with my life that will bring about social change in Israeli society.
This year made me consider seriously serving in the army in education and to aspire to attain position of officer. As for the more distant future, it is still pretty clear to me that I would like to work in the field of education/treatment but now I believe that I will aim to do so within the public system and not private practice.
This year offered me an opportunity to see a wide range of choices and ways of life that I had never dreamed about…it is a gift I am sure will have a lasting impact on my life. Most significant for me were the members of my group - what I learned from them I will take with me into the future…
I learned a lot about group-living, friendship and I made some real friends (perhaps for life!). I got to know the very special neighborhood of Shchunat Shapira, where we live and volunteer, and became very attached to it. I think I might return to continue to live and be active here.
I believe our studies and marking of the Jewish holidays at the Yeshiva will have an impact on the way I celebrate holidays in the future and their significance will be deeper.
I don’t believe this past year at the Secular Yeshiva changed my plans for the future (they were already in the ‘spirit’ of BINA before I came) but it did significantly change my approach to issues and my ability to achieve those goals.
The Mechina has had a huge impact on my plans for the future. Before I arrived I had no idea what I wanted to do and how I wanted to volunteer. This year has given me direction, a sense of self worth, that I am capable of leading a significant life. It’s a little sad to say but this is the first year of my life that I have been truly happy. My whole frame of reference has changed, my ability to believe in myself and in others, to develop, to contribute and have a sense of capability.
If before the Mechina I thought it would be nice to have volunteer work a part of my adult life, now I feel that it is essential to try and have as great an influence as possible whether in the army or afterwards. I see that my future will hold social action and social involvement as an integral part of my way of life.
I felt for the first time in my life that I am being developed, others are investing in me… and therefore perhaps I am worthy of this investment. This year has been an outstanding experience of empowerment that the staff, teachers, members of my group and other groups at the Yeshiva are all partners in. This journey combining social action, text study, independent learning and group living was amazing and challenging.
ובתמיכת קרן פוזן.
