Malka Iskowitz is studying at Midreshet Moriah in Jerusalem. She grew up in Wesley Hills, New York, but moved several years ago to New Milford. She attended ASHAR for elementary school, and Frisch for high school. Her family davens at Keter Torah.
Her next stop? Binghamton University.
Why did you choose to study at Midreshet Moriah?
When deciding which seminary to attend, I made a list of everything I wanted in the school. Midmo satisfied everything on my list. Midreshet Moriah has the widest range of classes and teachers, and so many choices. For every class slot, four choices are offered. The rebbeim, teachers and faculty are all warm, love teaching what they’re teaching, and want to form relationships with the students. In Midreshet Moriah, I know I have a support system and can go to anyone for anything.
What kind of goals do you have for the year?
Going into the year, I wanted to become more independent, expand my learning skills, explore the country and take advantage of every opportunity presented to me. Although it’s only been a few months, I feel as though I am accomplishing many, if not all, of my goals.
What have been some of the highlights of your year so far?
This Yom Kippur, I davened the tefilot at Yeshivat Orayta, and for kol nidre and neila we davened on the roof overlooking Har Habayit. It was really inspirational and uplifting.
During the week of Parshat Lech Lecha, we went on a week-long tiyul where we hiked, went banana boating in Eilat, slept in tents and cooked our own dinners. It was so much fun and a great way to bond with the other girls.
Another highlight for me is that every Wednesday afternoon I volunteer at Shalva, in a kindergarten with the cutest kids.
Another highlight for me was the Yachad Tel Aviv color run. It was a great time to see friends from other seminaries and yeshivot, and run for a great cause.
What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?
My biggest difficulty of going away for the year has been being away from my family. My parents and siblings are my best friends. I tell them everything and we are super close. The time difference makes it extremely difficult to call but we do speak as often as we can. I miss them so much!
How has your year been different from your expectations?
I didn’t realize how hard it would be at the beginning—being away from home, having to travel alone, learning more than 10 hours every day, dorm life and living with someone else. I came in thinking it’s going to be the best year of my life and everything was going to fall right into place but it was most definitely an adjustment. Thank God, I am really happy now, and everything is falling into place, but it definitely took time.
Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?
I have a lot of family scattered all over Israel! Most I haven’t met in the past, so it’s been nice getting to know them and their children.
Who is a teacher at Midreshet Moriah whom you connect with especially well?
I have great relationships with many of my teachers. I am closest to my teacher Michal, who also happens to be my rakezet—meaning that I have to meet with her once a week and we either talk about serious things, or I vent or we learn.
Which is one of your favorite classes at Midreshet Moriah?
Since we can choose our classes in Midreshet Moriah, I like every single one that I take. My favorite classes are Orchot Tzaddikim, which is a sefer about improving one’s midot, as well as Hyperlinks in Tanach, where we compare and connect two stories in Tanach. I also love Tefilah GPS, which is a class where we go through davening in depth to get a greater understanding of each prayer.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
I am looking forward to continue learning, going to teachers’ houses for Shabbat, and exploring new parts of the country.
