Michal Mandel is studying at Sha’alvim for Women in Malha, Jerusalem. She grew up in Passaic, attended Yeshivat Beit Hillel (YBH) for elementary school, and Bruriah for high school. Her family davens at the Young Israel of Passaic.
Her next stop? Montclair State University.
Why did you choose to study at Sha’alvim for Women?
I chose Sha’alvim for its academic rigor, its range of classes, and the fact that they make Israel a prominent theme in all their classes.
What kind of goals do you have for the year?
My goals for this year are to immerse myself in Israeli culture, meet girls from all over, and to focus solely on my Judaic studies.
What have been some of the highlights of your year so far?
I really enjoyed our tiyul in Ein Maburah and Mitzpeh Yericho. We went on our second day of school (it was our first tiyul of the year), got to spend a lot of quality time together, and get to know each other, as well as learning about and hiking through different sites of Israel.
Our shabbaton in Chevron was a beautiful experience and so inspirational. Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum, a well-known representative of the community in Chevron and tour guide, hosted us for Shabbos. Rabbi Hochbaum took us around the city, through the ancient paths of our forefathers, visiting holy sites, burial sites of some of our historical figures and some of the monumental spots of the city, as we sang songs of praise to Hashem. We had the great zechut to daven at Ma’arat Hamachpela, which was amazing and uplifting. Shabbos in Chevron was very meaningful.
What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?
I would say the biggest adjustment for me this year has been the independent learning. It is not something I had ever experienced before, and it is still taking me time to be able to learn on my own, or b’chavruta, for three hours of the day. It is definitely something I am working on, and hope to gain from.
How has your year been different from your expectations?
Before I came to Sha’alvim I expected to take a lot of time adjusting to a new school, a new environment and especially a new country. I exceeded those expectations by surprisingly adjusting pretty quickly, and I’m just happy to be here making the most of it.
Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?
Thus far I have been in Beit Shemesh a lot for Shabbatot and Yom Tov by different families of friends and relatives. I am looking forward to going to more amazing places and discovering the different parts and beautiful communities of Israel.
Who is a teacher at Sha’alvim for Women you connect to especially well?
My mechanechet and madrichot have been there for me, and everyone else as well. Each one of them are amazing people, and I was able to build a close connection with them.
Which is one of your favorite classes at Sha’alvim for Women?
One of my favorite classes this year is Machloket L’sheim Shamayim (“Great Debates”). We cover many topics that contain major controversy in all areas of Judaism. It is very fascinating.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
I look forward to many new experiences to come, learning all that I can, gaining as much as possible, and hoping to come back with a newfound love for Israel and a great sense of satisfaction.
