Only at HaRova!

I’m Anna Sanders, originally from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I came to Israel in 5776-5777 (2016-2017) after finishing high school and came to Midreshet Harova with Torani (,a gap of Bne Akiva UK). It was amazing seeing so many different young woman wanting to learn more about Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael en  especially Torat Yisrael. I never learnt like this before, from morning until late in the evening. It was difficult in the beginning but it showed me my capabilities, that if I really want something you just have to work hard and surround yourself by people who will help you push yourself and will help you be the best person you can possibly can. I found that in Harova. After my first year I felt like I wasn’t finished with my learning yet, even though no one is ever done learning 😉 I returned to the Midrasha for Shana Bet in 5777-5778 (2017-2018), combining it with partial sherut leumi(national service). In the morning I’d go to the elementary school and from the afternoon onwards, I was Shaba Bet in Harova. I fell in love with Israel, the people, the culture and decided to finally make Aliyah in August of 2018. I felt like I hadn’t fulfilled my purpose and fullest potential quit yet and decided to draft to the IDF. I joined Garin Tzabar, an organization that helps future lone soldiers draft to the army, moved to kibbuts Sa’ad and drafted in January 2019 to become a madricha for infantry in the Golani brigade. I got released after an amazingly meaningful service in January 2021. Today I live in Jerusalem and just started Mechina in Hebrew University.

My name is Chana Swanström and I grew up in the small Jewish community of Helsinki, Finland. I attended Midreshet HaRova in 5777 (2016-2017). Coming to HaRova from such a small and peripheral Jewish community was an amazing experience as I’d never really had the chance to learn Torah in a formal setting or meet so many likeminded people. HaRova gave me a sense of belonging since being a Jew, especially a religious one, was (and still is) a challenge in Finland. HaRova allowed me to better understand myself as an individual and as a Jew by introducing me to the many different aspects of Torah. After HaRova I moved to England where I completed my BA in English Language and Linguistics. I’m currently studying for an MA in English Language and Literature in Finland while also doing teacher training. Gd willing I’ll be able to fulfil my longtime dream of making Aliyah and joining my HaRova family in Israel after graduating in the autumn of 2022.

I am Edan Green. I’m originally from Los Angeles where I attended Valley Torah Girls High School. When I began my search to find the right fit of Midrasha for me, I felt quite clueless and intimidated. When he visited LA for recruitment, Rav Susman explained the approach of HaRova - one that is multi-dimensional. He spoke of the Yom Kippur programming and I was intrigued by the unique idea of the day being filled with celebration, soulful singing and joy. He gave me perspective as to what the HaRova community was really about.

I chose HaRova because I was searching for understanding and intellect when it came to Judaism and laterally so, a sense of depth and meaning within practice. HaRova provided me not only a variety of Torah lifestyle presented among the diverse staff and student body, but through this diversity, conviction and love I was given the tools to develop personal ideals and independent strength of thought.

I am exceptionally proud to have been a student of Midreshet HaRova and continuously live in gratitude for the moments, lessons and experiences shared. I still keep in close contact with my friends and mentors I met in my year of Midrasha. Inspired by the gratitude of the land, the love of Torah truth and respect of Am Yisrael, I realize now that HaRova taught me what everything I was doing was for. This community located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem introduced me to myself, the real me and how internal everything I was searching for really is.

I greatly attribute my recent Aliyah to Midreshet HaRova. After attending the 2019-2020 year, I went back to Los Angeles in March due to Corona and returned home in July on Aliyah due to Divine miracles. My family joined me in Aliyah to Israel, where I spent a year volunteering through Sherut Leumi and now attend University at Bar Ilan. I hope to pursue a degree in Education so that I too can share the light Midreshet HaRova taught me to look for.

My name is Eliora Habshush and I grew up in New York. After attending Midreshet Shalhevet high school, I spent an incredible year at Midreshet HaRova in 5773 (2012-2013).

I chose to study at HaRova because of the many options of shiurim as well as other opportunities like volunteering and art classes. Meeting people from around the world was something I was excited about. And, of course, living in the Old City won me over.

I view my year at HaRova as a foundation, the experience that I keep growing from. During that year, I came to love Torah and Judaism on a deeper level and really made them my own. There were ups and downs, clarity and confusion, accomplishments and challenges, but through those times I was able to grow. I learned a lot about myself and have so much HaKarat HaTov to Midreshet HaRova and the staff for giving me the tools and support throughout.

Singing is something I've always loved and at HaRova we sang a lot. I came to realize that song is the language of my soul, and singing with HaRova girls is the ultimate experience.

HaRova had brought to the surface my deep love for Eretz Yisrael, and I was shocked to find out that in other Midrashot the love of the land was not emphasized as much. Upon completing my wonderful year at HaRova, I went back to New York to study math at Queens College. I knew I would make Israel my home one day, and nothing was going to stop me. During my college years, I would fly to Israel during vacation and visit the Midrasha and attend Shiurim. I never once doubted that I would make Aliyah, the only question was when would be the right time for me. It was very clear that the time had come when I was on one of my visits to Israel and a few hours before my returning flight to New York I received the phone call of an offer for the actuarial job I had interviewed for in Tel Aviv. I recall responding, "I happily accept and will be back in three months!" That's exactly what I did. I lived in Givat Shmuel for three years and recently moved to Yerushalayim, continuing to work as an actuary.

HaRova remains open to its alumni, which is not the case for other places. I still feel at home walking through the Rova and into the Midrasha building. I know that I am always welcome to visit and catch up with rabbis and teachers. Nothing can compare to Yom Kippur at HaRova. Thank you HaRova for constantly helping me on my journey through life!

My name is Lia Bedarida Manning and I am originally from Rome. I grew up in Munich - Germany, New Haven - CT, and eventually my family moved back to Italy, where I attended high school. I came to Midreshet Harova in 2015-16 because of how passionate the teachers were about Torah and the variety of students that attend the Midrasha yearly. By the end of the year I had made Aliyah and continued my journey to become truly Israeli in Sherut Leumi. I served as a medic in Magen David Adom for a year and as a Madricha for a Bnei Akiva gap-year program for my second year. All the while I kept coming back to the Midrasha for night seder and different events. I always felt welcome as a Bogeret and I gained so much from being able to continue frequenting Harova. As I yearned to be back in an environment of learning I proceeded to do Shana Bet in Migdal Oz. I am currently in the middle of Medical School at Hebrew University which I have been attending since 2019. I got married to Asher three years ago and we have a little baby called Meital. The Midrasha continues to represent a place of inspiration for me and the rabbis have been a part of my Aliyah and life journey for the past six years. I am truly grateful to Harova and all its staff for all their dedication.

My name is Malka Leviton and I went to Harova in 2016/2017. I grew up in Germany in an observant family, and attended secular German schools until I graduated from high school. Besides Sunday school at Chabad and a religious studies class that took place once a week in the community, my knowledge about Halacha, Tanach and overall Judaism came from my incredibly knowledgeable mother.  I was the only observant person my age in the community at the time, and also the only one to take a year off after high school to fully dedicate myself to learning Torah and being immersed in Jewish living around like-minded individuals. Harova turned out to be much more than that. The teachers at Harova pointed out the life in Tanach and the more I learned, the more I saw how prophecies have played out or are currently unfolding here in Israel. Traveling around Israel became an opportunity for inspiration when I opened myself up to it. Besides the learning, my year in Harova was also filled with friendship, laughter, singing, meaningful moments, and people that would end up becoming like family for me. After Harova, I made Aliyah, learned Hebrew in the Hebrew University Mechina and went on to pursue a degree in psychology and criminology at Hebrew University. I got married in the height of Covid-19 in a small wedding surrounded by my Harova family and am now working in the mental health field.

I am from Queens, New York originally, and attended Central, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls. I came to Midreshet HaRova for the 2008/9 year, and continued in Shana Bet in fall of 2009. I was blessed to work for HaRova as the Eim Bayit for 2 years.

Harova to me is emet, a family and a home of emet. I learned from people who live what they believe and what they preach people who value Torah in the way in which they live. I have been in close touch with my teachers for over 13 years now as I truly feel they are my family, my guides in life. They gave and continue to give me a foundation upon which I live my life religiously and far beyond in my interaction with my own family, friends, choices, career and more. I am eternally grateful for the family, the strong roots, the love and all the priceless impacts my HaRova family has had on me. I am grateful my bubble crossed HaRova's bubble in the stream of life.

My name is Alana Reichenberg, and I am from Boca Raton, Florida. I grew up in Florida and had the pleasure of attending Weinbaum Yeshiva High School. After high school I attended Midreshet HaRova for Shana Alef and Shana Bet from 2013-2015 (5774-5775).

HaRova gave me a new perspective on life and meaning. It was the first independence I received and the first time I had the opportunity to delve into Torah fully. HaRova is filled with diversity which led me to some of the greatest friends and people I know.

After HaRova, I attended Stern College for Women with a major in Biology and a minor in business management, which then led me to my Masters at the Katz School for Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship. Currently, I work as a housing manager and covid coordinator for Yeshiva University and use the skills I learnt throughout my education to help others achieve success.

Hi! My name is Abby Rahman (now Lorkis). I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY and went to Central for high school. I attended Midreshet HaRova 5778/ 2017-2018.

I’m simply grateful I ended up in HaRova. I ultimately chose HaRova for their array of thought-provoking classes, the once in a lifetime opportunity to live in the Old City, and for their diversity of students. It was all that and much more. I got to experience so many special events throughout the year just by living in the Old City - selichot by the kotel, Kabbalat Shabbat multiple times a month, army ceremonies and more. I got to witness all kinds of Jews and gentiles flock to the holiest place in the world on a daily basis, to connect to God and to one another. I get to forever say that the Old City is my home.

For the first time, my Jewish studies were invigorating! The Tanach and Gemara came alive through the passion and wisdom of our talented teachers. I learned Jewish thought and philosophy, being challenged to rethink what I thought in order to come closer to genuine knowledge and truth. I felt connected to my essence as a jew, through my teachers and Torah learning, and through traveling our Holy Land. HaRova took us on many trips throughout our beautiful country, showing us our inseparable history and connection to the land. The friends I made at HaRova are lifetime friendships, a sisterhood based on shared values and ideals. HaRova has inspired in me a lifetime dedication to Judaism, Torah learning, and Israel. It gave me the tools to develop a deep love and commitment to my personal relationship with Hashem, my Torah and my people.

Since my Shana Aleph, I attended Stern College for one semester and dropped out to come back to Israel. I felt that if I truly want to make aliyah a reality, it would be best for me to start planting my roots now, by immersing myself in the culture, learning Hebrew and studying in an Israeli university. After a few months of working, ulpan and figuring out my path, I decided to go to Bar Ilan and study in their Social Work program. For 2 years, I lived in Givat Shmuel with amazing roommates - HaRova friends that have become sisters. I recently got married here in Israel (woohoo!) and I’m completing my last year of my degree BH.

I am Leah Mitchell, from Sydney, Australia. Before coming to HaRova for MTA 2018 I attended Kesser Torah College and Masada College.

I chose Harova because of its fantastic reputation for quality of learning, scope of classes, multi-nationality, and incredible teachers. Additionally, I wanted to attend a Midrasha that would accommodate Southern Hemisphere timings, whilst being on the Bnei Akiva program MTA.

HaRova helped define my religious identity moving into my post-school phase of life. It showed me the scope of perspectives even within Orthodoxy and connected me with amazing teachers and role models. I also gained lifelong friends and a year of incredible memories.

HaRova reignited a love of Jewish learning in me and inspired me to appreciate the process and development of Halacha throughout the ages. It taught me to look for my own answers and led me to incredible teachers who both inspired and challenged me. HaRova also helped me to redefine life as an observant woman in the modern world. It has given me both fantastic learning skills and great knowledge base, as well as deepened my love of Israel.

Since I left Harova, 3 years ago now, I have volunteered as a madricha at Bnei Akiva Sydney, including one year on the leadership board as Vice Director. I have done marketing internships and am currently about to complete a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing.

Hi! I’m Jenna Kershenbaum, and I am from Teaneck, New Jersey. After graduating from the Frisch School, I spent the 2013-2014 (5774) year studying at Midreshet HaRova. Those ten months of my life are among the most meaningful, and they made such an impact on my life that I have chosen to live in Israel. Aside from taking advantage of the opportunity to learn “l’shma,” my year at HaRova enabled me to gain the necessary tools I needed in order to define my Judaism.

Immediately upon returning from my year in Israel, I began my studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Because of the solid foundation that was built during my year at HaRova, I was able to successfully navigate my way through both personal and religious challenges. HaRova served as a sort of guiding compass for me during my years at university, and I am so grateful for the role it has played in my life.

I graduated from Rutgers in May 2018 with majors in History and Jewish Studies, as well as a certification in Public History. I currently live in Jerusalem with my husband, and I work at Yad Vashem on their development team.

Hi! My name is Yocheved (Sadek) Stroll. I’m originally from Teaneck, NJ and now have the privilege of living in Rechavia, Jerusalem with my husband.

I’m currently studying education at Michlala Jerusalem in Bayit Vagan, and hope to pursue a career in Teaching English.

I went to HaRova for shana aleph and shana bet from 2016-2018. My experience at HaRova completely changed the course of my life! For starters, some of my best friends today are people I met at HaRova (not only students!! Staff members too!). My time at HaRova was also when I decided that I wanted to live in Israel long-term. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have attended Midreshet HaRova because it truly gave me the confidence and ability to set a direction for my life which enables me to be my best self.

My name is Justine (Brozin) Seeff and I am from Johannesburg, South Africa. I went to Yeshiva College school from grades 1-12. I attended HaRova in 2001 as well as shana bet for a few months in 2002: 5761/5762.

Post high school I went on a co-ed gap year program called MTA (Midreshet, Torah V'Avodah) run by Bnei Akiva South Africa. All the girls on this program went to Midreshet HaRova and so I was blessed, Besiyata Dishmaya, to attend HaRova.

My year after school at HaRova quite literally changed my life. I had planned to attend a less religious gap year program which was serendipitously cancelled. I grew up in a traditional South African Jewish home with a big emphasis on family togetherness. We celebrated Shabbos and Chagim in a very warm and cozy way with delicious food, great company and beautiful memories. We always kept kosher at home but it wasn't until MTA and my experiences at HaRova that I decided I wanted to keep Kosher exclusively, even when I went out to restaurants. In my year at HaRova I learnt about the importance of tznius and I made the decision to stop wearing pants. In my experience, the year after high school is the most formative and important year. It set me on a path that guided the course of my life. Notwithstanding the incredible shiurim and holy location of HaRova in the Old City of Jerusalem, for me, the greatest impact and inspiration came from being exposed to and nurtured by the Rabbi's, teachers, madrichot and my fellow students. Twenty years later, I am still in awe of them and the way in which they choose to live their lives - with purpose, with meaning, with a sincere belief and dedication to Israel and their Jewish values and ideals. To attend HaRova is a privilege that cannot be taken lightly. It is something that has to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated. It is to feel an overwhelming love for Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael and Torat Yisrael!

After leaving HaRova, I got a BA in Marketing and Communications from UJ (University of Johannesburg). I did my honours in Brand leadership at Vega. Throughout studying I was involved with kiruv as a madricha for Bnei Akiva as well as for the DIJE (Division of Informal Jewish Education). I worked in marketing for Disney South Africa and then decided to resign in order to volunteer in Israel at The One Family Fund (assisting victims of terror) and as a rakezet (coordinator) for Taglit Birthright. After coming back to South Africa I took up the role of marketing manager for the Johannesburg Chevrah Kadisha (Jewish welfare organization) where I helped rebrand the organization. I married my husband Antony and after having our first child, Sara, I stopped working full time and focused on raising our family. Today TG, Ant and I are blessed with 3 kids. I work part time as a brand consultant as well as a philanthropic advisor.

The photo shows my husband Antony and I and our children Sara Basha, Dov Moshe and Noa Leah.

My name is Adina and I was born and raised in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. My husband and I currently live in Johannesburg. In 2016 I had the privilege of learning at Midreshet HaRova as part of the MTA Bnei Akiva gap year programme. My year at HaRova allowed me the opportunity to grow in so many ways, including my love of the holy land of Israel, my love of Torah and Am Yisrael. I was so blessed to learn from the most inspiring and wonderful rabbis, teachers and madrichot, and to meet such beautiful HaRova sisters on the journey. I am forever grateful to Rav Milston, Yakira Wald and all of the special mentors I had. I completed my degree in Foundation Phase Education and I am currently working as a Kindergarten teacher at a Jewish Day School in Johannesburg. My husband and I pray to be able to live in Eretz Yisrael so soon!

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My name is Avivit Gandelman. I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. When I was one year old, I started attending the Yavne Institute Gan, there I also attended primary and secondary school. I have always been a part of Bnei Akiva. From a very young age I always felt deeply connected to Eretz Israel, particularly to the Kotel, and have a love for learning and exploring Judaism. Therefore, it was obvious that after secondary school Midrasha learning would be the next step. Midreshet HaRova's incredible staff and amazing location perfectly fit what I was looking for. I came to the Midrasha in 2021. I started in the Overseas Program and then transferred to the Israeli Program. I have never experienced something like this before. In the Midrasha I met incredible girls that became, almost instantly, a crucial part of the Midrasha experience. They also made me feel welcome and broaden my view on Am Israel and Medinat Israel. The Midrasha will always represent a place of inspiration for me. The Rabanim and Rabaniot always want to give, teach, and listen to what we have to say. I am more than grateful to HaRova and its entire staff. With the help of Hashem I will always be a part of Midreshet HaRova.  

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Hi - my name is Eliana Lazar. I grew up in Cedarhurst, New York and attended HAFTR. I came to Midreshet HaRova in 5781 and stayed for shana bet in 5782. I am currently in Stern College pursuing a degree in Social Work. A part of me always knew I was destined to come to Midreshet HaRova and here is why. I heard of the amazing class choices offered, the Old City experience, and the love the midrasha showed for Am Yisrael, Torat Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael. Once actually getting there all of my expectations were exceeded. HaRova offers more classes than ever allowing each person to really have their own unique experience. Although this seemed overwhelming at first it allowed for each person to really express their individuality. This was something I loved. HaRova is really just one big family. At night seder in the Beit Midrash along with everyone I was able to delve into deep conversations where everyone gave over the incredible torah they learned that day, inspiring each other. The uniqueness of HaRova is not just about what you learn from the teachers (who are incredible) but from the people around you. Living in the Old City allowed for me to be engrossed in the real center of Judaism both spiritually and physically. When walking from the dorms to the midrasha everyday I was taken aback by the amazing people, all extremely different, on the same mission to the one place that unites us all, the kotel. It was truly inspirational. HaRova truly taught me what it means to learn and understand texts as well as what it means to feel Judaism. HaRova showed me what it means to love the land of Israel, the Jewish homeland, to feel the torah, the Jewish guidebook, and to live it by loving and caring for our nation. I learned what it truly means to love being a Jew. The skills HaRova has given me have inspired me to work toward the person I am becoming and the life choices I have thus had. Although I am not there any longer my relationship with the teachers and friends made there are everlasting. HaRova not only gave me an inspiring year but the tools to continue on inspiring the rest of my life.