Shira Pahmer is studying in Michlelet Yerushalayim (MMY) in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem. She grew up in Passaic, attended Yeshiva Beit Hillel for elementary school, and Ateres Beis Yaakov in Monsey for high school.
Her next stop? For now, Stern College, but aliyah is also an option.
Why did you choose to study at MMY?
I chose to go to MMY because I was interested in a school that placed a strong emphasis on academics and intellectual learning, while being Zionistic and caring about developing a love and appreciation of Israel.
What kind of goals do you have for the year?
One of my main goals for the year is to improve my learning skills and become comfortable opening a sefer and learning it on my own so that I can continue learning even when I’m not in a yeshiva setting. I also want to get more familiar with Israel and explore the country, and become comfortable navigating by myself.
What have been some of the highlights of your year so far?
One of the biggest highlights of the year for me so far has been getting to spend time with all of my family who live here in Israel. Getting to see them for the first time in so long has been really nice, and they’re all so friendly and welcoming that I already feel comfortable with them even though I haven’t been here for so long.
What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?
Making my schedule at the beginning of the year was really difficult for me. I remember sitting there while all of the teachers were presenting their classes and feeling so conflicted because I just wanted to take every class; obviously this wasn’t an option. Eventually, though, I was able to narrow it down, and now I have a schedule I’m very happy with. It also helped to know that I could switch classes in the first few weeks, if one of the classes I chose wasn’t working out for me. It is also hard dealing with the time difference between here and America, and figuring out times to call my family back home.
How has your year been different from your expectations?
So far I feel like I’ve been very prepared for being here in Israel. My school has made it very clear that they are always around to help us if we need anything, so thank God my transition has been a very easy one.
Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?
My favorite Shabbat experience was when I stayed in Yishuv Bnai Adam. The community is still being developed—there are no buses, and only 40 families live there—and it’s totally surrounded by open desert. It was really beautiful. Everyone lives so simply there and it was just a very relaxing and enjoyable Shabbat.
Which is one of your favorite classes at MMY?
I really enjoy Rabbi Emmett’s Hilchot Shabbat class. He always makes sure we learn the background to all the halachot; we go through all of the nuances of the discussions and debates, and then he also makes sure to tell us the practical halacha. He keeps it interesting and informative but makes sure it is given over in an understandable way.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
For the rest of the year I hope to challenge myself and grow a lot more academically. I also want to explore Israel and experience the different communities throughout the country. I’m really excited to spend more time with my family that lives here and become closer to them.
By JLNJ Staff
