黑料社

Mechina Pathways Program Provides a Unique Israel Experience for College Students This summer marked the ninth year of 黑料社 All鈥檚 July in Jerusalem (JIJ) program, a month-long Israel experience for college students with limited backgrounds in Jewish studies that combines Torah learning, volunteering and group touring. Designed for students who were unable to spend a gap year studying in Israel but are eager to deepen their relationship with Judaism and its homeland, the program also gives participants the chance to meet fellow students from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse academic and professional interests, all committed to Jewish observance and practice. While many program participants are YU undergraduates, up to 20 percent come from a wide range of colleges and universities across North America. 鈥淭orah learning is the core element of the JIJ experience,鈥� said Shoshana Schechter, the program鈥檚 director. 鈥淥ne of the main goals is to give students the opportunity for intensive Torah study, to improve their knowledge and give them a similar experience to peers who spent a gap year learning in Israel. We want our students to develop a real love for learning, strengthen their Jewish identity and continue to develop a profound love for am yisrael, Torat yisrael and eretz yisrael [the nation of Israel, the Torah of Israel and the land of Israel].鈥� The program is under the auspices of YU鈥檚 Mechinah/Basic Jewish Studies division and offers classes in an intriguing array of Jewish subjects鈥攔anging from Talmud study to Jewish philosophy to the roots of Hassidut and mysticism鈥攚ithout the pressure of tests or homework. In the afternoons, students volunteer at hospitals, orphanages, soup kitchens, food distribution centers, environmental causes and various terror relief projects, in addition to touring Israel鈥檚 most famous sites. They also meet Israeli peers and learn how to advocate for Israel in an often unfriendly world. Students experience many exhilarating only-in-Israel moments, from kayaking down the Jordan River to exploring ancient caves and enjoying spiritually uplifting shabbat programming in the Old City of Jerusalem. And while the classes may only last a summer, the conversation continues long after they鈥檝e flown back to America; the program鈥檚 faculty encourages students to see them as resources for life. Sponsored by Gerald and Mary Swartz, JIJ is especially attractive to students from campuses across North America because of its affordability: a fee of $1,500 covers tuition, room and board, and airfare. For Birthright participants the cost is even less. 鈥淔or myself, the greatest thing about July in Jerusalem was getting to see my peers not only bond as a group but also flourish as individuals,鈥� said Rachel Card. 鈥淥ver the course of four weeks, I was privileged to witness people experience Judaism and Israel in a very raw, very real way, which in turn sparked my own spiritual and emotional journeys and discoveries. I believe the crux of being part of B鈥檔ai Yisroel is drawing strength and inspiration from people and places you might not necessarily expect. JIJ seamlessly integrates the inspiration and aspirations that every single person participating naturally has within themselves, which demonstrates what a powerhouse the program truly is.鈥� 鈥淭he program provided me with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the most outstanding jewish educators of our community,鈥� said Marjorie Rasinovsky. 鈥淭his unique leaning experience played an incredibly important role in my life, giving me the chance to understand my spiritual needs and aim for personal goals with a more clear perspective.鈥�