(Courtesy of Midreshet Lindenbaum) Over 30 recent graduates of the Maria and Joel Finkle Overseas Program at Midreshet Lindenbaum chose to come “home” to Midreshet Lindenbaum this winter break in spite of — or even because of — the ongoing war.
In addition to recharging their spiritual batteries in their beloved beit midrash in the heart of Jerusalem, the annual “Alumnae Recharge Week” includes special shiurim, individual meetings and catch-up sessions, and a Shabbaton and reunion dinner. But this year, the visiting alumnae also contributed to relief efforts with the same fortitude and compassion that define Midreshet Lindenbaum; alongside the current overseas students they volunteered with mobilized soldiers’ families, struggling farmers and displaced Israelis from the country’s embattled southern and northern regions.
“It was really fulfilling and meaningful to see that seemingly small acts of chesed, of just playing with kids, makes such a big difference. I’m so happy that we were able to brighten the day of people who are going through very difficult times right now, and it made me proud to be a part of Am Yisrael,” said Shoshana Stadlan from Boca Raton, Florida currently studying at Washington University in St. Louis.
“These beautiful souls perfectly illustrate ‘am echad lev echad,’ one nation with one heart,” enthused Mazal Levy, one of the evacuees from the northern town of Shlomi who the alumnae group visited in their temporary shelter. “It is because of young women like these, who spend their vacation time in Israel seeing what they can do to help, that we will ultimately prevail,” she declared.
“It was so meaningful to be able to run activities for the children and see how excited they were,” said Chavi Major of Teaneck, a freshman at Stern College. “The children and the adults were all so positive, welcoming and appreciative despite their difficult situation. I’m so grateful that I was able to help Am Yisrael in such a meaningful way and have so much fun doing it.”
The Ohr Torah Stone network’s famed women’s seminary prides itself on training future leaders, women who can navigate Jewish texts and are proud Jews who will become involved members, role models and leaders in their Jewish communities.
“Our students know that we will always be their home away from home and they are invited to return to learn with us for the rest of their lives,” said Rabbanit Sally Mayer, rosh of Midreshet Lindenbaum. “We are so proud that for them, the truest break from routine is one spent meaningfully and filled with purpose.”
