(Courtesy of Midreshet Lindenbaum) Midreshet Lindenbaum College for Women, part of the Ohr Torah Stone network of educational institutions, announces its Matmidot initiative for students interested in further advancing their learning, chesed opportunities and leadership skills.

“Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Overseas Program provides extraordinary opportunities to all students for acquiring learning and leadership skills, spiritual growth and Israel immersion,” said its rosh midrasha, Rabbanit Sally Mayer. “We initiated the Matmidot endeavor to allow select students to take their learning and growth to the next level, to guide and support their development as scholars and leaders on their campuses and in their communities.”

Rabbi Kenneth Brander, president and rosh yeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone, said, “Midreshet Lindenbaum has always been a pioneer in the world of women’s seminary studies, both in terms of Torah scholarship and in terms of Torah leadership. The Matmidot program is taking this to the natural next level, with the goal of preparing a new generation of women who can serve as scholars, writers and leaders throughout the world Jewish community.”

Matmidot will devote extra hours to Torah learning in Midreshet Lindenbaum’s world-renowned beit midrash and participate in a number of existing enrichment programs. The programs that Matmidot will select from include “Torah Seminar,” a tour-de-force of textual analysis and extensive examination of Chumash given by Rabbi Menachem Leibtag with an eye toward religious implications; Rabbanit Sally Mayer’s Daf Yomi, a fast-paced opportunity to hone Gemara skills, gain exposure to the world of halacha and discover the rich teachings of Chazal; “Tochnit Ora,” a one-of-a-kind program that gives students a glimpse into the minds of local Torah scholars, intellectuals, leaders and visionaries through learning sessions in their homes; and “Tochnit Tamar,” featuring extraordinary learning opportunities with students in Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Israeli sister program.

Over the course of their year at Midreshet Lindenbaum, Matmidot will research and write Torah articles on topics of their choice for publication in Torah journals, under the guidance of a personal faculty advisor. They will also exemplify the ideal combination of Torah and chesed through active involvement with Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Darkaynu program for young women with special needs, and attend weekly Matmidot meetings where they will acquire skills in public speaking, writing, team building, leadership and conflict resolution.

Thanks to a generous donation earmarked toward expanding women’s advanced Torah scholarship and leadership, each Matmidot scholar will receive a tuition subsidy of up to $10,000.

Alumnae of Midreshet Lindenbaum’s overseas program acknowledge the tremendous impact it has had upon their development. “Being surrounded by people who want to become the best version of themselves pushed me to want to become the best version of myself,” said Elyana Schwartz of Silver Spring, Maryland.

Michal Mizrachi of Teaneck, related: “Judaism is all about taking day-to-day events and elevating them through Torah and mitzvot. These are the things that increased my connection to Hashem and make life so much more meaningful.”

Chaya Herszberg of Melbourne, Australia added, “I am humbled to be a part of such a strong, intelligent, sensitive and growth-oriented group of girls.”

Young women who have applied to Midreshet Lindenbaum and wish to apply for the Matmidot program and scholarship must fill out the separate Matmidot application by December 9.

Midreshet Lindenbaum is part of Ohr Torah Stone (OTS), a Modern Orthodox network of 27 institutions that are transforming Jewish living, learning and leadership worldwide. OTS is energized by new President and Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, who is building and expanding upon the unique vision of OTS founder, Chancellor Emeritus and Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin.

For more information about the Matmidot scholarships, call 972-2-671-0043, write to [email protected] or go to www.midreshet-lindenbaum.com.