Ma’ayanot is celebrating a successful conclusion to its inaugural alumni madrichot program. Eight recent graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 return to Ma’ayanot each Friday, creating formal and informal educational opportunities for students. The madrichot collaborate on chaburot (interactive Torah learning experiences) that are directly applicable to students’ lives, share divrei Torah and learn one-on-one with students. One program highlight this year that showcased the madrichot’s creativity and energy was their pre-Pesach yom iyun. Instead of providing standard shiurim with sources, the madrichot created four interactive stations, each with a Pesach-related activity, such as estimating a kezayit and building a structure with the correct volume.

Tzivia Major said that “being an alumna madricha is the chance to be there for the students to turn to, as someone a little older and more experienced, yet close enough in age to be approachable.” She added, “I love teaching. It’s amazing to be able to create bonds with students. Once I’ve learned with a student in a chabura, I have a connection with her and can touch base with her every week. Does she want to review for a test? Just to shmooze? The opportunity to learn something memorable together gives us an ongoing bond.”

“Feedback from students has been very good,” said Rabbi Zev Prince, assistant principal for Co-Curricular Life, who coordinates the program together with Judaic Studies Assistant Principal Danielle Hertzberg and Torah Programming Coordinator Miriam Schwartz. Junior Batsheva Ratner explained, “Through the madrichot program, my friend and I have formed a great chavrusa with an alum. It’s given us an outlet to connect with a mentor and discuss interesting Torah topics that come up throughout the week.” Rabbi Prince concluded, “The madrichot love sharing Torah and appreciate the opportunity to give back to Ma’ayanot. It’s great for them and for us!”