Sarah Berman is studying at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY) in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem. She grew up in Teaneck, attended Yeshivat Noam for elementary school and Ma’ayanot for high school. Her family davens at Rinat Yisrael. In the summers she attended Camp Dina and Camp Mesorah

Her next stop? Stern College.

Why did you choose to study at MMY?

This year I’m learning in MMY. I chose to go here because of the intensive learning and because of the focus and love for avodas Hashem. I really feel that this is a place where I can gain the most out of my year.

There are also so many different class options and teaching styles that allow us to really tailor the year to be our own. I was able to choose what I wanted to learn and how, allowing me to connect to and love what I learn.

What kind of goals do you have for the year?

I wanted to improve my skills in learning and broaden my Torah knowledge. I wanted to make the most of the amazing opportunity of living in Israel for a year, solely learning Torah.

What have been some of the highlights of your year so far?

One of the highlights of my year so far was going with a friend to a simchat beit hashoeva in Meah She’arim on Chol Hamoed Sukkot. That was definitely a new, different experience and I had a lot of fun. Another highlight was walking through Chizkiyahu’s tunnels in the Old City on a tiyul.

What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?

I think my biggest difficulty was learning how to take care of myself without my parents being here to help me. I’ve learned that doing laundry is super annoying and that it never goes away; I’m still getting used to things like that. There are several makolets right around the corner, and a supermarket nearby, so I don’t have to stress about shlepping to buy groceries, which is great.

How has your year been different from your expectations?

Being here has exceeded my expectations. MMY is better than I could have imagined. The learning and the atmosphere are amazing. I feel that I was as prepared as possible for the learning coming from Ma’ayanot. I really feel that my education and high school experience from Ma’ayanot was above and beyond, allowing for a smooth transition into learning in seminary.

Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?

I like going to family for Shabbos. I don’t usually see my relatives who live in Israel because, well, they live in Israel, so it’s been really nice to see them and spend time with them.

Who is a teacher at MMY you connect to especially well?

I take a lot of Rabbi Yedidyah Berzon’s classes, and I really enjoy and appreciate his teaching style. I feel that it’s exactly what I want and was looking for. My brain is fully stimulated throughout the entire shiur and I’m really learning a lot.

Which is one of your favorite classes at MMY?

One of my favorite classes is on the Lonely Man of Faith taught by Rabbi Berzon. We learn about the Rav and his philosophy. It’s a topic I’ve never explored before, and I find it really interesting. I’ve learned a lot of the Rav’s Torah in the past so it’s interesting to learn a more personal side of him.

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?

I’m looking forward to a year full of learning Torah and spending time in Israel with my friends!!