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My first Chanukah
my first memory of Chanukah is when I was 3 years old and I lit candles with my grandma. I remember how special it was to see the candles burning brightly and my grandma holding my hands so firmly. Lighting candles to this day brings back memories like this, full of warmth and simcha -
My first summer at JCC Day Camp
My first camp experience happened at the local JCC in Ewing, NJ where I grew up. I spent four consecutive summers at camp JCC and these are my earliest memories of a dynamic Jewish education. We made challah every week, had a purim parade (in July, I know, strange) played gaga, made kiddush every week, and embraced our Jewish roots. I cherish these memories of camp because it is also where I first found Jewish role-models. I looked up to my counselors and admired their connection to Judaism. -
Pesach at my Grandma's
Every year as a child we celebrated Pesach with my Grandmother. I chose an obligatory date in my childhood because this was a consecutive event through my childhood, but it is deeply embedded in my Jewish memory and identity. I cherish the memories and smell of her gefilte fish and matzo-ball soup. -
The Passing of my Grandma
It's an odd event to mark, but the passing of my Grandmother is very important to my Jewish path. She was the leading Jewish role model in my life, and in some ways still is today. She inspired me so much to keep going down my Jewish path, to travel to Israel and to live a life committed to the Jewish people. Much of what I do today is in her honor. -
Joining Youth Group! (BBYO)
When I was a freshmen in high school, I was approached by a friend to come to a BBG meeting. I had no idea what would be in store but I agreed. That night, I signed up as a member of BBYO and really never looked back. This youth group was instrumental in molding my Jewish adult life. I am so thankful for that first meeting and for that friend for recognizing my potential. -
BBYO Kallah
I attended many summer programs with BBYO, but by far the most influential was a program called Kallah. This program was dedicated to helping teens find their Jewish identity and explore all types of Judaism in a safe space. It was there that I finally knew what it meant to daven, and where I met the two most influential people in my Jewish life; Avi and Debby. They were teachers at my Kallah and helped open me up to a world of spirituality that I didn't even know existed in me. -
Coordinating BBYO CLTC
Summer after I graduated high school, I coordinated an international summer program called CLTC. It was such an empowering experience and meaningful to teach girls about BBYO and to help them find their Jewish identity. I felt a sinceere connection to Jewish education for the first time, feeling like I found my niche. -
First time in Israel
Shortly after my CLTC, I left to travel to Israel for the first time on another BBYO trip called ILSI. I traveled with all of my best friends from BBYO, that were with me as I grew strong in my Jewish roots and identity. To travel with them to Israel and grow an even stronger connection to our Judaism was truly special and unique. I will never forget this trip and the memories it holds. -
My year as Regional N'siah
My senior year of high school I was elected the N'siah of my region in BBYO. It was a true milestone in my Jewish life, leading over 400 girls from around the PA/DE/NJ area in their Judaism and becoming a role-model for how to live a spiritually nourished and empowered Jewish life. I will never forget these moments and how fun and inspiring it was for me to lead the chevre. -
Becoming a Madricha
My first summer after college, I returned to BBYO summer camp to be a madricha. I served as a madricha for several summers and loved every minute of it. While being a madricha, I also babysat for Avi and Debby, the couple I mentioned before. I grew very close with them and they really helped me to realize what I wanted to get out of living a life of Torah and truth. -
Becoming active in Hillel
Throughout my time in college, I was very active in Hillel. I served on board as several positions, including executive President. This was a very good outlet for me in college to continue to grow Jewishly and make friends with similar interests as my own. -
Studying abroad in Israel
During my junior year of college, I studied abroad in Israel at Ben-Gurion university. This was a journey that I will truly never forget. While studying here, I re-connected with Avi and Debby and spent many shabbatot with them. I also developed a very personal connection to the land outside of the context of a trip or program. I made friends and learned about Israel from a much broader perspective. I knew that there was a place for me in this land and that i had to come back. -
Staffing a trip to Israel
In 2010 and 2011 I staffed BBYO trips to Israel as a madricha. this was a whole new level in my experience as a Jewish educator. I was able to help teens develop a serious connection to Israel and guide them through their first experience with the land. I cherish these moments and hope to return to staff another trip in the near future. It is such a gift to help others connect to this beautiful holy land. -
Positive Jewish Educator Experience
Adam Rovner was a professor of mine in college and still continues to have a huge impact on my life today, though he may not know it. Adam (his preferred name by students) is a professor of Hebrew/Jewish literature. I took a total of three classes with him in college and in each one he helped me go deeper into my complex relationship with Israel, Judaism, Torah and the history of my roots. He challenged me by being both a tough grader and excellent writer, reader and teacher. -
Meeting my (future) husband
When I met Josh, it was a whole new level of faith and trust in God and Torah. We met because - well because we had to but - because of our love and passion for both Judaism and music. We also met because the timing was perfect; i was on my way to Israel via NYC which is where he lived at the time. Together, we started a life of exploring Torah and Judaism and building a relationship based on these values. -
Attending Mechon Hadar
Last year I spent the entire year in a Beit Midrash called Mechon Hadar. I explored, for the first time, ancient Jewish texts such as Gemara and Midrash. I also was committed to a minyan there and davened with a community consistently. I learned so much in this year at Hadar and am so thankful for the experiences I gained. I also was a part of their education fellowship program, and taught at a day school twice a week. I knew that Jewish education was my passion and path in life. -
Right now! (my next two years in Israel)
I would consider right now to be a milestone in my Jewish path. I am living for the first time with my fiance in Eretz Yisrael and together we are building a home full of love and appreciate for Torah and Israel. I am also learning in a dynamic beit midrash with a chevre that is so diverse and beautiful in so many ways. I feel blessed to have arrived at this part of my journey and can't wait to see how I will reflect on these two years at Pardes on my future timelines!
