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.