(Courtesy of Midreshet Lindenbaum) Midreshet Lindenbaum of Ohr Torah Stone has launched a new program called “Sherut Sheli” to support students studying in the midrasha who wish to go on to perform Israeli National Service (Sherut Leumi). The initiative is specifically designed to help students participating in the one-year overseas program by giving them the information, resources and personalized guidance that Israeli students receive more naturally to prepare them for national service.
The Maria and Joel Finkle Overseas Program at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem has been viewed as one of the premiere opportunities for young women looking to strengthen their Torah studies and overall Jewish academic potential during their “year in Israel.” As part of the Ohr Torah Stone network founded in 1983 by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and today headed by Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Midreshet Lindenbaum is guided by the educational vision of uniquely combining serious learning with warmth and caring, fostering dedication to Torah Judaism, the land and the people of Israel.
During their time at Midreshet Lindenbaum, participants in the Sherut Sheli (literally, “my service”) program will be mentored by members of the midrasha’s staff and assisted in identifying an appropriate national service placement. The program coordinators will remain in close touch with the students during the application process and throughout their service, providing continued mentorship, guidance and programming, giving them a home at Midreshet Lindenbaum even during their service experience. Midreshet Lindenbaum alumna Jodi Fishbein Jaffe will serve as the program coordinator, having spent two years of national service working in the Foreign Ministry.
“The goal is to help our students plan for their national service by giving them the various practical and support tools they will need and ensure they have a smooth transition into this next phase of their Israel experience,” said Cheryl Burnat, director of programming at Midreshet Lindenbaum.
Over 20% of last year’s overseas students chose to stay in Israel, many to national service, the school reports, explaining the need for this new program.
“Midreshet Lindenbaum has a well-established reputation for providing support to pre-IDF students through our groundbreaking Hadas program,” explained Rabbanit Nomi Berman, rosh beit midrash of the Overseas Program. “With the steady growth in interest in national service, we have seen the need to provide parallel support and guidance for our overseas Sherut Leumi-bound students.”
