The Yeshiva opened up a new world of knowledge and views which have helped me choose a direction for future studies and social activism, and will ultimately determine my way of life in the future.
I plan to continue studying Jewish text and continue to search for a community of secular Jewish character to which I can belong.
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to acquire knowledge, to get closer to Judaism, and learn that there are different models, outlooks, perspectives to experience my Jewishness.
The most significant aspect of the program was my discovery of Jewish texts which have become inalienable assets to me, part of my personal repertoire.
The most significant experience for me was making Havdalla together with the group and the community – it is an important ceremony in the course of the week as well as in life in general and the fact that secular Jews perform this tradition is very special… it is the epitome of my entire experience at the Yeshiva.
It has become very important to me to have Jewish learning materials, texts and sources part of my home library.
As part of my volunteer service, I mentored a child from a very difficult family background, who was removed from the local aftercare welfare program because of social and behavioral difficulties. Due to the process which I went through with this child and the important role I played in his life, he was returned to the program and was placed in a more appropriate educational framework..
Due to my experience at the Secular Yeshiva this year, I now embrace the secular Jewish culture and plan to continue taking part in its development; to study and to make traditions like Kabbalat Shabat, Havdalla and holidays a part of my future family life. Also, no matter what I decide to do professionally in the future, I intend to go on doing social action and volunteerism.
ובתמיכת קרן פוזן.
