Spotlight Israel columns will feature local residents studying in Israel. We are grateful to our first interviewee, Avigayil Wiener. Avigayil is studying at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY). She is from Teaneck, and attended RYNJ and Bruriah. Her shul is Congregation Rinat Yisrael.
Her next stop? YU Stern College (Sy Syms Business School).
Why did you choose MMY?
First, I really liked MMY’s hashkafa. They don’t impose anything on students, instead giving them a strong basis to choose the right hashkafa for themselves, while remaining very Zionistic. I was also very interested in MMY’s academics. They have highly intellectual, text-based learning, time set aside for learning in chavrutot, and many brilliant teachers. I also really liked the girls who go to MMY. They’re from diverse backgrounds, but all there for the same purpose—to learn and grow, while staying open-minded and nonjudgmental.
What kind of goals do you have for your year?
I hope to learn a lot, and also learn how to learn Torah. I’m looking forward to discovering my favorite style of learning, meeting and becoming friends with great girls, experience many different places in Israel, and forming a strong connection with the land.
What has been the biggest highlight of your year so far?
Hakhel at the Kotel on Chol Hamoed Sukkot. It was so amazing to see so many different types of Jews in one place at one time, gathered for one purpose.
What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?
The biggest challenge for me has been being away from home, and having to do things like making dinner every night.
How has being here been different from your expectations? Did you feel prepared for your experience or did you have culture shock, and how so?
Being here has exceeded my expectations bec everyone told me that it would take a while to get adjusted but I felt comfortable and adjusted within the first week. I felt prepared for my experience because I’ve spoken to many people who have already gone to seminary. Also, I can get many American products here so I don’t need to fully convert to Israeli lifestyle.
Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?
My favorite place so far has been Modiin. It’s beautiful and has a great view all over. Also there are many Americans there so I feel at home.
What are you most looking forward to from the rest of your year?
I most look forward to traveling all over and experiencing different places in Israel.
By Tzvi Silver/JLNJ Israel
