Midreshet Devora January 2013 Update

http://www.midreshetdevora.org/

Midreshet Devora Update December 2012- January 2013

Some Highlights from the last two months at  Midreshet Devora:

In addition to our Torah study classes, the Midreshet Devora students have been enjoying a wide range of special events:

We attended a Pre Chanukah Concert with Shlomo Katz

On Wednesday, December 19 we attended a shiur in preparation for Asara B’Tevet with Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi.

On Thursday, December 20, after our morning classes we watched the very moving Israeli film: Noodle.

In the afternoon we had a tour of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center

On Sunday, December 23, The Fast of the 10th of Tevet we had a meaningful shiur about the history of the Fast Day.

On Thursday, December 27, we attended a Full Moon Desert Walk With Shaul Judelman

The Shabbat of December 28-29 was an In Shabbat in Yerushalayim.

On Monday, December 31 we attended a Betar Yerushalayim Soccer Game at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium.

On Thursday, January 3 after our morning classes we had a Jerusalem Experience trip to Yad VaShem.

On Sunday, January 6 we had our last Middot class of the semester with Leah. We studied how to incorporate all of the good values that we learned over the course of the semester into our daily lives.

Thursday, January 10 was a snow day in Jerusalem!

On January 13 we went to see the play Esther performed by Raise Your Spirits!

On Sunday, January 20th we began our Ulpan in Conversational Hebrew. The Ulpan combines interactive class discussions with trips where students can practice their Hebrew on site.

Election Day was an official day off in Israel. The students could feel the tension in the air!

Thursday, January 24- Shabbat January 26 we celebrated Tu B’Shvat in Tsfat!

On Thursday, we went to see Sheva Chaya the glassblower in Tsfat.

We spent Shabbat at Ascent where we participated in a Tu B’Shvat Seder and some very interesting shiurim.

On Monday, January 28 we went to see the play Escalators, a comic, uplifting look at the journey of a Baalat Tshuva followed by questions and answers from the cast. The show opened with singer/songwriter Shaindel Antelis.

Every Tuesday evening, we have been participating in an art mini course with Deena Mishaan!

The students in our joint program with the Jerusalem Culinary Institute are having a great time learning to become professional chefs and bakers.

Mishloach Manot/ Matanot L’Evyonim for  Jerusalem ’s Impoverished Elderly to be Delivered by Midreshet Devora Students!

Torat Reva Yerushalayim will once again be preparing Mishloach Manot/Matanot L’Evyonim packages which will be hand delivered by the Midreshet Devora students to the neglected and homebound elderly of Jerusalem. The packages will include healthy snacks, gifts and Purim treats.

Our goal is to prepare 100 packages!

The packages that Torat Reva Yerushalayim delivered over the last few years to Jerusalem ‘s elderly were the ONLY gift packages that these individuals received!

According to the Rambam in his Mishneh Torah: “gifts for the poor deserve more attention than the seudah (festive meal) and mishloach manot (gifts for friends) because there is no greater, richer happiness than bringing joy to the hearts of needy people, orphans, widows and proselytes.”

A donation of $18 covers one package, $180 covers packages for an entire floor of a nursing home.

Please click on the following link to donate on line
http://toratreva.org/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=7
Or mail a check payable to Torat Reva Yerushalayim to: In the US Torat Reva Yerushalayim, 75 Berkeley Avenue, Yonkers NY 10705 In Israel Torat Reva Yerushalayim, 12 Israel Eldad #19, Jerusalem 93399

http://www.midreshetdevora.org/

Midreshet Devora

Midreshet Devora- Update: October-November, 2012

Midreshet Devora- Update: October-November, 2012

http://www.midreshetdevora.org/

 

The Midreshet Devora students have been very busy over the last two months.

 

 

On Wednesday, October 3, Chol HaMoed Sukot, we visited Khirbet Qeiyafa and Tel Bet Shemesh with Ezra Rosenfeld.

 

This tiyul took us to two of the most important Israeli archeological sites, where we learned about the Pelishtim, the major enemy of the Israelites from the time of Yehoshua through the time of King David.

 

On Thursday, October 4, we studied: From the Entrance into Eretz Yisrael until the United Kingdom with Menachem Leibtag on site.

We studied the topography and geography of Eretz Yisrael and thus better understood numerous events and stories in the books of Yehoshua, Shoftim and Shmuel.

We drove to the Jordan Valley, saw the Biblical and modern city of Jericho, dipped our feet in the Jordan River where Yehoshua and Am Yisraelcrossed into Eretz Yisrael, and concluded at Tel-a-ful (Biblical ‘Givah’), where, from the porch of King Hussein’s unfinished palace, we studied stories and prophecies from Shoftim, Shmuel, Melachim and Yirmiyahu.

 

When we returned from Sukkot vacation, we resumed out classes, shiurim, guest lectures, tiyulim, shabbatonim, art mini course and cooking!

 

Here are some of the highlights:

 

Wednesday, October 10- Tour of the Old City of Jerusalem including King David’s Tomb with Nava Rosenbloom.

 

Friday-Shabbat- October 12-13- We spent Shabbat in Moshv Mevo Midiim:

This was our Friday morning schedule!

8:30 Arrival to farm to milk goats

9:00 Goat herding take goats out to graze (closed shoes, hats, water bottles)

9:30 Back to farm to learn about cheese making / cheese tasting / drinks

9:45 Wheat grinding, preparing Challa dough

10:00 Olive picking and pressing to make oil

10:30 Spinning and weaving process

12:00 Walking tour to Shul and to ancient ruins

 

We spent Shabbat on the farm followed by a Musical Havdala!

 

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On Monday, October 15, we volunteered at Shekel-the factory in Talpiot run by people with Special Needs

 

 On Tuesday, October 16, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan we davened at the Kotel followed by breakfast at Holy Bagel!

 

 

On Wednesday, October 17, We spent out Jerusalem Experience in the Old City!

 

Ramparts Walk

 

 

 

On Wednesday, October 24, we went to the Valley of Hinom

 

 

Reenactment of burial during the First Temple Period. Happens to be the burial cave in which the oldest written verses of the Torah were found.

 

We had two amazing guest speakers:

Marc Rosenberg of Nefesh B’Nefesh

 

Barbara Sofer of the Jerusalem Post!

 

 

We attended the Idan Raichel Concert on October 29 at Binyanei HaUmah!

 

The first week of November, the Midreshet Devora students joined the Halickman family in celebrating Dov’s Bar Mitzvah! Our culinary students helped cater the Kiddush!

 

 

On Wednesday, November 7, we went on a tiyul to Chevron with Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum

 

On November 11, we had a special Guest Speaker- Judy Balint!

 

 

On Wednesday, November 14 we visited Machon HaMikdash, The Temple Institute.

 

 

In the evening we heard a lecture by Rebetzin Sara Yocheved Rigler.

 

Jerusalem Experience on November 25 in Nachlaot!

 

 

Wednesday night cooking!

 

 

 

Guest Speaker- Penina Taylor!

 

Art Mini Course with Deena Mishaan!

 

 

Happy Chanuka from Midreshet Devora!

 

Applications are now being accepted for Midreshet Devora and Midreshet Devora’s Joint Program with the Jerusalem Culinary Institute!

 

Apply at 
http://www.applytosem.org/
 - Click on Midreshet Devora for the name of the school! 

 

 

Midreshet Devora www.midreshetdevora.org is pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Jerusalem Culinary Institute’s (JCI) Professional Program to provide young women who are looking to pursue a career as cooks or caterers with courses in Culinary, Patisserie and Bread Making.

 

Observant women can combine serious Torah study and exposure to the Land and culture of Israel at Midreshet Devora with the Professional Programat JCI. Room and board as well as special Shabbatot and trips will be provided by Midreshet Devora. JCI is a short walk from Midreshet Devora in the Talpiot/Arnona section of Jerusalem.

 

The JCI track at Midreshet Devora is a great option for a young woman who is looking for something different from a regular Midrasha experience. Through this combined program, she can spend her year at a Midrasha in Jerusalem and go home with a diploma which can help her get a job in the industry. Unlike culinary schools abroad, JCI is Kosher Mehadrin which gives the young chefs the ability to sample what they have made as well as learn about the kosher food industry.

 

Generous Scholarships and College Credits are available for those who qualify.

 

For more information please contact Sharona Margolin Halickman, Rosh HaMidrasha, Midreshet Devora midreshetdevora@yahoo.com 718-593-4162 052-534-6260.

 

http://www.midreshetdevora.org/

 

Midreshet Devora

 

 

http://www.midreshetdevora.org

Midreshet Devora-Shana Tova Update!

Midreshet Devora- Shana Tova Update

Our fall semester began less than two weeks ago and we have already accomplished a tremendous amount!

During Orientation we took a tour of the modern Talpiot-Arnona neighborhood.

 Midreshet Devora apartment!

In the afternoon we went on our first Jerusalem Experience tour of historical Talpiot and the Tayelet with Nava Rosenbloom!

Nava

On Thursday, we started our regular classes in Halacha, Talmud and Parshat HaShavua.

On Friday we had a special class with Avigail Wiseglass where we learned about the special spiritual connection between Shabbat and the City of Yerushalayim. We then went to explore how Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat in Mea Shearim, Shuk Machane Yehuda and Ben Yehuda Street and we davened Kabalat Shabbat at the Kotel!

Avigail

On Shabbat morning we went to Mizmor L’David followed by lunch at the Halickman’s.

After Shabbat we attended the Shlomo Katz concert and inspirational Slichot!

On Sunday, September 9th we studied about Women’s Obligation in Prayer with Sharona, Midrash/Aggada with Rabbi Nataf, Chasidut with Rabbi Eli Deutsch and Middot with Leah Stein. We also learned about a Chesed Opportunity to study to become a trained Medical Clown!

Rabbi Nataf

Rabbi Deutsch

Leah

On Monday, we studied about Women in Halacha and then we went to visit the residents of the Yerushalayim Shel Zahav Nursing Home in Talpiot/Arnona.

In the afternoon we had a Social Action Workshops Chesed seminar with Leah.

On Tuesday, September 11 we had a special Memorial Shiur with Sharona followed by Philosophy- Hilchot Tshuva of the Rambam with Rabbi Yuter and a class in VeAhavta L’Reacha Kamocha with Emma Golding.

Rabbi and Mrs. Yuter

Emma

In the afternoon we began our Art Mini Course with Deena Mishaan and in the evening we had a guest lecture given by Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum.

Deena

On Wednesday, we studied Sefer Yonah with Avigail followed by a Jerusalem Experience with Nava to Ir David and Chizkiyahu’s Water Tunnel.

On Wednesday night we had our Wednesday night cooking class with Eris Avihod.

Eris

On Thursday, we studied the Halachot of the upcoming holidays as well as Hilchot Shabbat and Hilchot Kashrut with Rav Jonny Gordon followed by Talmud and Contemporary Halacha with Rabbi Simkovich.

Rav Jonny

Rabbi Simkovich

Our culinary students have been busy cooking and baking some really delicious treats which everybody like to test!

Our students have the option of staying in for the holidays or visiting friends and family.

Wishing the entire Midreshet Devora family a Shana Tova U’Metuka!

End of Year Update 2012!

Midreshet Devora Update- End of the Year!

Our Spring schedule included our regular classes as well as many meaningful special events.

We commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day with a Yom HaShoa Seder where Elana shared accounts from  her grandparents of how they survived the Holocaust.

On Rosh Chodesh Iyar we participated in a Carlebach Tefila at Mizmor L’David.

On Erev Yom HaZikaron, we attended a concert in memory of all of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for the State of Israel.

During the day on Yom Hazikaron, we visited the graves of the fallen soldiers at Har Herzl.

In the evening we went to an inspiring Erev Yom Haatzmaut Tefila with live music on Emek Refaim.

After the special Tefilla we participated in a Yom HaAtzmaut celebration and concert followed by fireworks at the Tayelet.

On Yom HaAtzmaut morning, we visited Shai Agnon’s house

In the afternoon we enjoyed a Bar-B-Q in the park!

On Wednesday, May 2, we went to Kever Rachel for Mincha.

On Thursday, May 3 we toured Teverya. We spent Friday and Shabbat in Tsfat.

After an inspiring Shabbat is Tsfat we returned to Yerushalayim and resumed our regular classes.

On Sunday, May 6, we had a special guest lectue with Rabbi Francis Nataf.

On Monday, May 7 we went on a tour of historical Tel Aviv which included the diamond district and the beach!

It was great spending time in Jerusalem at our regular shiurim and we especially enjoyed watching all of the Bonfires in the neighborhood on Lag B’Omer.

On Tuesday, May 15, after Tefilat Shacharit at the Kotel, we went on a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum.

The Kotel Katan, Jerusalem’s best kept secret!

On Wednesday, May 16 we went on a TaNaCh Tiyul with Ezra Rosenfeld to Beit Shean.

On Yom Yerushalayim, we went to Tefilat Shacharit at Rav Kook’s house and sang Hallel to the live music of Shlomo Katz!

After our morning classes, we were back downtown again for the Rikud Degalim and Yom Yerushalayim festivities in the Old City.

On Rosh Chodesh Sivan we davened Shacharit at the Kotel followed by breakfast in the Old City.

We walked back through Mamilla.

After our afternoon classes, we attended the MASA Event and had  a chance to hear many famous people speak including Prime Minister Netanyahu, Rona Rimon and Tal Brody. The highlight was getting to meet Natan Sharansky!

 

On Wednesday, May 23 we participated in an early morning Yoga class which help put us in the proper mindset for Tfilat Shacharit and our Torah study classes. In the afternoon we studied archaeology at the Temple Mt. Sifting Project were we worked on finding rare artifacts among the rubble.

 Our last “In Shabbat” followed by Shavuot was really nice. We enjoyed the Shabbat and  holiday meals as well as the all night learning and middle of the night walk to the Kotel in time for Shacharit.

On Tuesday, May 29 our guest speaker was Rabbi Dov Lipman.

In the evening we had the privilege to host a private concert with Moran Sabbah!

On Wednesday, May 30, after our morning classes we visited the Burnt House in the Old City.

On Thursday  we attended a Medical Ethics convention at Shaarei Tzedek Hospital.

On Sunday, June 3 we spent the day at Aish HaTorah’s Discovery Program.

On Monday, after our morning classes and personal Chesed projects we volunteered at Shekel, a factory run by people with special needs.

On Tuesday afternoon we participated in a Pilates class which was a lot of fun!

In the evening we had  a special shiur with Ami Hordes.

Wednesday, June 6 was our last cooking class of the year with Eris. Our student chefs Shell and Gabby who are studying  in the Jerusalem Culinary Institute will still be cooking and baking with us for a few more weeks!

As all of our classes came to an end it was difficult to say goodbye to all of the Rabbis and teachers but we really didn’t have to because we plan on keeping up the close relationships that we built in the classes and at Shabbat and holiday meals over the course of the year. We know that if we ever have a question or issue that we would like to discuss, our teachers will be there for us.

We ended the year with a guest lecture from Dr. Deena Zimmerman, a Medical doctor, the first Yoetzet Halacha and author of A Lifetime Companion of the Laws of Jewish Family Life which we have been studying in our Women in Jewish Law class. Deena patiently answered all of our questions and autographed our books!

Wishing you a wonderful summer from Yerushalayim!

www.midreshetdevora.org

Midreshet Devora

Midreshet Devora Update March 2012

Midreshet Devora Update- March 2012

February and March have been very busy months at Midreshet Devora.

This semester we are offering a variety of courses including Shir HaShirim,Tehillim, Women in Tanach, The Jewish Life Cycle, Halacha (Shabbat, Kashrut, Women’s issues), Chasidut, Bibliodrama, Polemics, Philosophy, Zionism, Topics in the Talmud, Zoomba, Cooking, Hebrew Language Ulpan and Music along with our Cultural Outings, Jerusalem Experiences,Tiyulim and Chesed Opportunities.

In addition to our regular classes, shiurim and chavruta learning we participated in many special events.

In honor of Tu B’shvat we participated in an Eco Beit Midrash with Shaul Judelman where we learned about caring for the environment from a Halachic perspective.

On Monday, February 6, we helped out at a Tu B’Shvat Carnival sponsored by the One Family Fund for children who were victims of terror.

On Tuesday, February 7 we went on a full day tiyul with Eve Harow to Nebi Samuel, burial site of Shmuel HaNavi, Beit Choron, Neot Kedumim, Israel’s Biblical Landscape Reserve, Neria (where we had a choice to plant!) and Dolev. We also saw the sunset from Mt. Harsha.

On February 8 we conducted a Tu B’Shvat seder. Using a Tu B’Shvat Hagada, we studied sources that dealt with the seven species of Israel as well as the significance of different types of fruits and nuts. We sang Hebrew songs and of course we tried at least 15 different types of fruits and nuts and we drank four cups of grape juice.

We spent an inspiring Shabbat at Penina Taylor’s home in Beit Shemesh.

On Tuesday, February 14 we went to a MASA Israel Advocacy conference.

On Wednesday, February15 we spent our afternoon at Machon HaMikdash followed by Wednesday Night Cooking with Eris.

On Thursday, February 16 we went on a culinary outing with Tehila, our Hebrew Ulpan teacher to the Grand Cafe in Baka. We ordered everything in Hebrew and the food was really delicious!

On Tuesday evening, February 21, we saw the documentary about Agunot: Women Unchained followed by a panel discussion with Rabbi Chaim Wasserman and Dr. Rachel Levmore.

We spent Wednesday afternoon, February 22 at the Gush Katif Museum. In the evening we went to a lecture from the editors of Mishpacha Magazine.

On Sunday February 26 we went on a full day tiyul with Ezra Rosenfeld to Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea!

On Tuesday, February 28 we baked Hamentashen with Sharona and her family. They came out really well!

On Wednesday afternoon, February 29 we visited the Herzl Museum.

On Sunday, March 4, during our lunch break, we packed 80 Mishloach Manot packages to be delivered to Jerusalem’s elderly population on Purim day.

On Monday, March 5, before heading out to our regular chesed assignments, we volunteered at the Shekel, a factory that is run by people with special needs.

On Tuesday, we delivered packages to the homebound elderly in Talpiot Mizrach followed by a Music Mini Course with Naomi Markovic.

We had a great time preparing our costumes and Mishloach Manot packages for Purim. In the evening we helped run a carnival for young families followed by Megilla reading.

In the morning, after Megilla reading we delivered Mishloach Manot to two full nursing homes followed by a Seudah at Barbara Sofer and Gerald Schroeder’s home.

We had an In Shabbat where the students prepared Friday Night dinner and enjoyed being hosted for lunch by members of the Talpiot community.

On Wednesday, March 14 we attended Rabbi Brovender’s Parsha class.

On Monday, March 19, we went on a trip to Cholon where we visited the Dialogue in the Dark, Invitation to Silence and the Osem Bamba Visitor’s Center.

On Tuesday we studied the structure of the Hagada with Sharona and continued our studies of the Halachot of Pesach with Rav Jonny.

Thursday was our last day of classes before our vacation!

Chag Kasher V’Sameach!

Check out our new Joint Program with Jerusalem’s Culinary Institute!

Seminary and Culinary School Joint Program in Jerusalem

Midreshet Devora www.midreshetdevora.org is pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Jerusalem Culinary Institute’s (JCI) Professional Program www.jcichef.com/professional.html to provide young women who are looking to pursue a career as cooks or caterers with courses in Culinary, Patisserie and Bread Making.

Observant women between the ages of 18-26 can combine serious Torah study and exposure to the Land and culture of Israel at Midreshet Devora with the Professional Program at JCI. Room and board as well as special Shabbatot and trips will be provided by Midreshet Devora. JCI is a short walk from Midreshet Devora in the Talpiot/Arnona section of Jerusalem .

The JCI track at Midreshet Devora is a great option for a young woman who is looking for something different from a regular Midrasha experience. Through this combined program, she can spend her year at a Midrasha in Jerusalem and go home with a diploma which can help her get a job in the industry. Unlike culinary schools abroad, JCI is Kosher Mehadrin which gives the young chefs the ability to sample what they have made as well as learn about the kosher food industry.

Generous Scholarships and College Credits are available for those who qualify.

For more information please contact Sharona Margolin Halickman, Rosh HaMidrasha, Midreshet Devora midreshetdevora@yahoo.com718-593-4162 052-534-6260.

Midreshet Devora- January 2012- Update

Midreshet Devora- January 2012- Update

 

Over the last few weeks, in addition to our regular classes, the young women participated in an art mini course with Shira Sack. We had a chance to paint the view of the Temple Mount, work on self portraits and visit the Museum of Tehilim where every psalm is depicted in a painting.

 

We spent a full day in Chevron with Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum where we first visited Kever Rachel and then continued on to the historical sights in Chevron including Maarat HaMachpela.

 

 

 

 

 

Penina Taylor joined our staff as our Mashgicha Ruchanit. Penina is the author of Coming Full Circle, the story of her spiritual journey. In the past 10 years Penina has spoken to thousands of people in the US, Israel and South Africa, sharing her story and inspiring Jews across the religious spectrum to seek a more intimate and meaningful relationship with G-d. Penina is teaching a class in Polemics.

 

We went on a very moving trip to Yad Vashem with Rav Alan.

 

We enjoyed two more delicious cooking classes with Eris.

 

The Jerusalem Experience trip to the Kotel Tunnels was eye opening for all of our participants.

 

We enjoyed hearing a lecture by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller.

 

On the first night of Chanuka we made latkes together and then we headed out to an Israeli rock concert with Harel Skaat.

 

 

 

 

On the second night of Chanuka we went to see Les Miserables at the Hebrew University.

 

 

After a relaxing Chanuka vacation, we returned to classes refreshed and the students had opportunities to make presentations in many of our classes.

 

Yigal Segal took us on a special private tour of the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem.

 

 

We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to hear a shiur by Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi.

 

Adi Green began teaching a weekly Zoomba class at Midreshet Devora on Sunday evenings.

 

After studying many midrashim on the topic of Yosef and his brothers, we watched “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Joseph King of Dreams.”

We analyzed where they were loyal to the Biblical text (and where they were not).

 

 

 

We participated in a hand on Kashrut class with Rav Jonny where we learned how to kasher pots and pans.

 

We had the honor of studying music with Lenny Solomon of Shlock Rock.

 

We had the great opportunity of visiting the Begin museum as part of our Jerusalem Experience class.

 

 

We heard Rabbi Brovender speak about the Parsha at the Ramban shul.

 

 

We participated in a TaNaCh tiyul with Shani Taragin to Arad and Susya where we attempted to answer the question: “Did Jews build a miniature Beit HaMikdash during the First Temple period?”

 

 

 

 

 

We spent our in Shabbat together in Jerusalem where we participated in Carlebach Tefilot at Mizmor L’David as well as in a Bar Mitzvah Kiddush. Our Shabbat was filled with words of Torah and song.

 

We began out Drama mini course with Devorah Starr. In this mini course,students use theater arts as a way to increase their understanding of various Biblical personalities and pesukim in the Torah.

 

 

Our big Elat tiyul was a true vacation with a chance to go to the underwater observatory, boat rides, the Imax and Wax Museum and lots of fun!

 

 

 

 

 

www.midreshetdevora.org Midreshet Devora Israel Address: 12 Israel Eldad #19 Jerusalem, Israel 93399 US Address: 75 Berkeley Avenue Yonkers, NY 10705 718-593-4162 – In the US or Canada 052-534-6260, 052-534-7460 – In Israel

Midreshet Devora November Update

Midreshet Devora- November Update

In addition to our formal Torah study classes, Chesed opportunities and Cultural Mini Courses in Art and Cooking, we have had a lot of great informal experiential learning experiences and trips over the past few weeks.

We enjoyed a Scavenger Hunt in the Old City which included the Cardo, Ramban Synagogue, Hurva, Kabalistic Yeshiva, Madabba map, Memorial to the Defenders of the Jewish Quarter, Broad Wall, Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue, Istanbuli Synagogue, the Gal-Ed, and Batei Machseh.

Our first major TaNaCh tiyul of the year was with Rabbi Menachem Leibtag where we studied the Book of Yehoshua right where it took place- right outside of Jericho and in the Jordan River!

On November 1 in the evening we watched the Movie “Noodle” as part of our Contemporary Israel class.

In a special Jerusalem Experience on November 2nd we visited the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Fogelman in the Old City (Avigail our Nach teacher’s parents) and even had a chance to go up on their roof!

On Sunday, November 6th we walked to the Kotel for Tfilat Shacharit followed by a full day at the inspiring Aish HaTorah Discovery Seminar with famous speakers such as Dr.Gerald Schroeder and Rav Gavriel Friedman (aka Rav Gav). We took in the breathtaking views of Jerusalem and found the perfect spot for Tefilat Mincha.

We spent our Jerusalem Experience with Rav Alan on November 9th at the Israel Museum

Shabbat Midrasha was spent in Mevo Modiim, The Carlebach Moshav.

On Friday, we took the goats down to field followed by:

Goat milking

Cheese making

Cheese tasting

Spinning / Weaving

Olive pressing- we learned about olives and olive oil

We went on a nature tour to see the Moshav Shul to ancient ruins and the view point over Modiin learning history of the area.

After lunch we went to the vineyard to see the 7 species.

We enjoyed the Carlebach Tefilot as well as spending Shabbat on the farm with Judy Avraham Chai and her family.

On November 13 after our regular classes we watched Operation Thunderbolt in Hebrew.

Our Jerusalem Experience on November 16 was to the Jerusalem Time Elevator.

After a busy week of learning we celebrated Leah’s birthday with brownies and balloons and we watched the first few episodes of the Israeli TV Show Srugim.

This past Tuesday and Wednesday we went on an overnight tiyul to the Golan with Ezra Rosenfeld.

We visited the historical sites of:Umm elkannatir, ,Katzrin, Oz 77, Har Bental and the Banias. We also visited the deKarina chocolate factory and the Golan Winery. We went ice skating and bowling and we even had a chance to get wet!.

On Thurday, between classes, we were able to participate in the Ethiopian holiday called Sigd which was celebrated at the Tayelet (Promenade) only a few blocks away from Midreshet Devora. Ethiopian immigrants from all over Israel came to Jerusalem to pray at the Tayelet.

In honor of Rosh Hodesh Kislev we went to the Kotel for Shachrit followed by bagels at Holy Bagel in the Jewish Quarter.

Wishing you a Chodesh Tov from Yerushalayim!

www.midreshetdevora.org

Midreshet Devora

 www.midreshetdevora.org

Midreshet Devora

Israel Address: 12 Israel Eldad #19 Jerusalem, Israel 93399

US Address: 75 Berkeley Avenue Yonkers, NY 10705

718-593-4162 – In the US or Canada 052-534-6260, 052-534-7460 – In Israel

Midreshet Devora Update, October 2011!

Torat Reva Yerushalayim- Midreshet Devora Update & Chag Sameach!

On September 6, The Midreshet
Devora students arrived at their new home on Yirael Eldad street in the Talpiot
section of Yerushalayim.

After getting settled
we walked to the Kotel for Maariv and introspection.

Then we headed for the Jewish
Quarter for Ice Cream!

On Wednesday, we had a tour of
the neighborhood including a Jerusalem Experience with Rav Alan at the Tayelet
(Promenade) and a taste of the Israeli pizza.

On Thursday, we began our
Ulpan and Topics in the Talmud classes.

On Friday, we had a special
shiur with Rav Alan about the holiness of celebrating Shabbat in Yerushalayim
followed by a Shabbat Yerushalayim trip with Marissa to Shuk Machane
Yehuda.

After an In Shabbat we were
refreshed and ready for the first full week!

On Sunday we learned about The
Biblical Importance of Israel with Sharona followed by the story of
Yonah in Nach with Avigail, Zionism with Yehuda, Q&A with Rav Jonny and a
break for Soccer.

On Monday, we studied women’s
obligations in prayer and then we participated in a Chesed Orientaion where we
learned about Hospital Clowning as well as what it is like to work with the
special needs population in a candle factory.

After Hilchot Shabbat and
Chasidut we prepared for the Full Moon Deset Walk tiyul with Shaul
Judelman.

We arrived back on Wednesday morning and then
had a chance to finally sleep!

On Thursday, we learned
Parshat HaShava with Sharona and each student had the opportunity to write their
own Dvar Torah. Emma taught about Shabbat Makeup and we studied Hilchot Tshuva
with Rabbi Simkovich at his home. We had an out Shabbat where we had the
opportunity to visit friends and family throughout Israel.

On Sunday, we were back to
regular classes. On Monday, we visited the Yerushalayim Shel Zahav Nursing
Home.

After our Tuesday morning classes we
studied photography with Yonit followed by a Shiur with Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum
and Cooking with Eris.

On Wednesday, we went to
Ir David with Rav Alan
including Hizkiyahu’s water tunnel!

 

After Thursday’s classes we
had an out Shabbat followed by a short week leading up to Rosh HaShana including a
lecture from Shira Smiles and Photography with Yonit.

After Rosh Hashana we were
back to a full schedule of regular classes, special lectures and trips. We heard
Teshuva Drashot from both Rabbi Dovid Miller and Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. We had a
lot of fun making food packages at Yad Eliezer as well as in the Photography
Mini Course!

After a meaningful Yom
Kippur and regular classes on Sunday, we went on a trip to the North on Monday
and a Scavenger Hunt in Jerusalem on
Tuesday. On Cho HaMoed Sukkot we will be going on a TaNaCh Tiyul
to the Jordan
River with Rabbi Menachem Leibtag.

Chag Sameach from
Yerushalayim!

Sharona Margolin Halickman

Midreshet Devora is a Religious Zionist Midrasha for women 18-26 who want
to live, learn and feel the love of the Land of Israel.

www.midreshetdevora.org

Israel Address:
12 Israel
Eldad #19
Jerusalem, Israel 93399

US Address:
75 Berkeley Avenue
Yonkers, NY
10705

718-593-4162 – In the US or
Canada
052-534-6260,
052-534-7460 – In Israel

Midreshet Devora

Midreshet Devora Update June 2011

Midreshet Devora Update- End of the
Year!

After a refreshing Pesach vacation we returned to our regular classes on
May 1 followed by Yom HaShoa commemorations. We watched the new Anne Frank Movie
as well as studied about the Holocaust in Halacha and Jewish Philosophy classes.
We were outside for the blasting of the siren and we participated in a Yom
HaShoa Seder.

On Tuesday, May 2 we davened Shacharit at the Kotel followed by a special
inspirational tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum.

On Wednesday, Rosh Chodesh Iyar we went with Sarit to the Himmelfarb school
where we heard Miriam Peretz speak about her two sons who were killed fighting
for Israel. We then had a tour of Yad
Sara followed by a Jerusalem Experience on Mt. Herzl and we ended off the day
cooking with Eris.

On Thursday, Rosh Hodesh we went to Mizmor L’David to daven with a
Carlebach minyan followed by our regular classes. In the evening, we went to a
Creative Writing Workshop: “The Midrash is Personal” with Alieza Salzberg.

After an Out Shabbat, we had regular classes on Sunday followed by a very
moving Yom HaZikaron program at Sultan’s Pool- “Zochrim, Sharim Umisaprim al
Nifgaei Peulot HaTeror”- “We Remember, We Sing and We Tell about Those Who Were
Victims of Terror Attacks.” Artists who presented included David Broza, Shuli
Rand and Yishai Lapidot.

In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, we hung a flag outside of our window and we went
to a Tefillah with live music on Emek Refaim followed by fireworks and a concert
at the Tayelet (a block away from our apartment!)

On Yom HaAtmaut day we enjoyed a “mangal”- bar-b-q with the Halickman
family.

On Wednesday morning we had our regular classes in Women in Halacha and Ulpan
followed by a Music Class with Lenny Solomon from Shlock Rock. We worked with
Lenny and together we wrote a song that will be recorded on his next Shlock Rock
album!

On Thursday evening, we began our Contemporary Issues class with Yehuda
HaCohen.

We spent Shabbat as well as Sunday in Tsfat! On Shabbat we ate with different
families and on Sunday we had a tour of Tsfat which included going to see Sheva
Chaya the glassblower!

On Monday we had regular classes and Chesed opportunities.

On Tuesday afternoon we went with Ezra Rosenfeld to Herodian.

On Wednesday we had regular classes followed by Photography with Yonit and
Cooking with Eris.

On Thursday morning, we studied Parshat HaShavua and Ulpan.In the afternoon
we studied Film with David Blumenfeld and Contemporary Issues with Yehuda
HaCohen.

After an out Shabbat and Lag B’Omer vacation we had a full week of classes
and a special guest speaker- Dr. Deena Zimmerman author of “A Lifetime Companion
to the Laws of Jewish Family Life”. Deena was more than happy to answer all of
our questions as well as autograph our books!

On Sunday, May 29, after our morning classes, we went with Rav Alan to the
Underground Prisoners Museum.

On Monday, we went with Judy Balint on a tour of Jerusalem’s “Green Line” and
“Security Fence”.

Yom Yerushalayim was spent at the Kotel
with the rest of Jerusalem!

On Sunday, we went for a walk on the walls around the Old City with Rav Alan.
It was hard to believe that there were places in Jerusalem that we had not yet
visited!

During the last week of class the students were given opportunities to make
presentations and teach classes to their peers.

We dedicated Midreshet Devora’s library in Memory of Rabbi Dr. Moshe
Carmilly. Click on the following link to learn more about Dr. Carmilly:
http://www.toratreva.org/Jooml
a/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=280&Itemid=280.

The students enjoyed cooking delicious dairy meals in honor of Shavuot as
well as walking to the Kotel in the middle of the night!

Our last Shabbat was an “In Shabbat” spent with the Halickman’s and Avigail
Wiseglass and her family where we had time to reflect on how much we had
accomplished over the year.

On Sunday we went with Ezra on a TaNaCh Tiyul in Search of the Plishtim-
David and Goliath!

The Midreshet Devora students are now
back home with their families. We hope to see them all back soon in
Yerushalayim!

We are looking forward to greeting the Midreshet Devora class of 2011-2012
who will be flying to Israel on Labor Day Weekend!

www.midreshetdevora.org

Midreshet Devora

Midreshet Devora Spring Semester Update!

Midreshet Devora Update   Spring Semester   Tu B’Shvat at Midreshet Devora was a lot of fun! We participated in a Tu B’shvat seder where we had the opportunity to learn Torah while eating all of the Shivat HaMinim (Seven Species of the Land of Israel), we visited the Jerusalem Botanical Garden and planted flowers as well as sang Tu B’Svat  songs and planted with English speaking senior citizens at Melabev in Talpiot.   The week of January 23rd we began our second semester. We are offering some new classes such as the Jewish Life Cycle, Ivrit B’Ivrit Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs taught in Hebrew), Taharat HaMishpacha (family purity) and two levels of Ulpan. We are also continuing the well loved classes from the first semester.   Our cultural mini courses will include Photography, Film and Archeology.   On Sunday, January 23 we enjoyed spending the afternoon with Rav Alan on a Jerusalem Experience in San Simon.         On Monday, January 24 we enjoyed a full day tiyul with Shani Taragin and Ezra Rosenfeld to Beit El.     Shifra, one of our students from last year who was in Israel for winter vacation joined us for the trip.   On Tuesday, January 25 we began to study the Laws of Marriage with Sharona, Shir HaShirim with Avigail and Modern Issues in the State of Israel and Chasidut with Rav Alan as well as Kashrut with Rav Jonny.   After our Wednesday morning classes we saw The Prince of Egypt and anlayzed how different it was from the Book of Shmot.     In the evening we had cooking with Eris where we made a gourmet dinner.               In Thursday morning’s Parshat HaShavua class, all of the students had a chance to present their own Divrei Torah. After Hebrew, Talmud and Chasidut Esther Leah taught a special interactive shiur which everyone enjoyed.   We had a really fun In Shabbat in Jerusalem and we enjoyed getting to know the new students who joined us for the second semester.   On Sunday, January 30th, the young women braved the heavy rain and went to Machon HaMikdash, the Temple Institute and had the opportunity to see what the vessels looked like in the Beit HaMikdash.   After Hilchot Shabbat and Foundations of Halacha we went on a cultural outing to the Betar Yerushalayim Soccer  Game with The Sports Rabbi Josh Halickman.   On Monday the students returned to their Chesed projects helping the elderly and special needs populations in Southern Jerusalem.   In the evening we had intense discussions during Rabbi Simkovich’s class in Jewish Philosophy.   On Tuesday evening, we went to the Old City to hear Rebetzin Rigler speak.     On Wednesday afternoon we studied the different Halachic views on being exposed to outside culture followed by another great cooking class.   On Thursday we began to study the meaning behind our weekly morning prayers focusing on Psukei D’Zimra followed by The Biblical Importance of the Land of Israel, Ulpan, Talmud and Jewish Philosophy.   Sunday afternoon February 6 was the Jerusalem Eperience with Leah to the Biblibal Zoo! We enjoyed seeing animals from the TaNaCh as well as seeing how many Hebrew animal names that we could remember.         After our Chesed opportunities on Monday, we prepared for our two day overnight led by Ezra Rosenfeld to Masada, the Bedouines, Ein Gedi, Kumran, the Dead Sea, Camel rides and the Techelet factory.                             On Thursday it was back to regular classes followed by a restful Shabbat.   Sunday, February 13th started with our morning shiurim followed by the Jerusalem Experience with Rav Alan to Rav Kooks house.     On Tuesday evening we went on a cultural outing to Tuesday Night Live in Jerusalem where we saw Shyne perform.     On Thursday we watched a film about Gush Katif followed by a visit to Rav Rimon from Job Katif.   After an Out Shabbat, we were back to our regular classes including a special Jerusalem Experience with Rav Alan to the Gush Katif Museum.   On Monday we participated in our Chesed opportunities and on Tuesday evening we made blintzes with Leah followed by a special lecture by Chaim Kramer.     Chaim is largely responsible for introducing Rebbe Nachman’s teachings to today’s generation. He is a sought-after lecturer on Rebbe Nachman’s teachings by English-speaking congregations around the world. Chaim has been the director of the Breslov Research Institute since its inception in 1979. BRI has been the main publishing-house for translations of classic and contemporary Breslov books. More than 100 titles are currently in print, in English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, French, and even Korean. Chaim himself, is the author of “Through Fire and Water”, “Crossing the Narrow Bridge”, “Anatomy of the Soul”, “This Land is My Land”, and many more titles, as well as annotating over 13 volumes of the English Translation of Likutei MoHaRan.     The Shabbat of February 25 was spent at Nechama Barash’s home in Elazar.   On Sunday, February 27, after an inspiring morning of studying Halacha with Rav Alan, we began our photography mini course with Yonit.         In the evening we heard Rabbi Berel Wein speak at The Great Synagogue about Patterns in Jewish History.       On Wednesday, we bagan our Archeology class with Aaron Greener.   In the evening we had cooking with Eris.       On Thursday we studied Parshat HaShavua, Hebrew and Talmud and had a special lecture with Ami Hordes.   On Sunday morning, March 6, we walked to the Kotel for Shacharit. When we returned, we studied about the Biblical Importance of Israel and Hebrew Language.   After lunch, we went on a Jerusalem Experience with Ezra: Jerusalem on the eve of Destruction.   In the evening we attended a Rosh Chodesh Body and Soul Spa Party which included dinner, creative movement and meditation, a lecture about Esther’s Hidden Beauty and Perfume Passion with aroma therapist Chana Schoenberg. Each student created their own scent of perfume.     On Monday, March 7, the second day of Rosh Chodesh we participated in a Carlebach Tefillah with Live music at Mizmor L’David.On Tuesday evening we baked Hamentashen with Leah.   On Wednesday we participated in another photography mini course with Yonit at the Tayelet.       After Thursday’s regular classes we packed up to get ready to spend Shabbat in Netofa. Thanks to Marti Leebhoff for hosting us again this year!       On Sunday and Monday we went on a TaNaCh Tiyul with Ezra Rosenfeld to the Golan where we visited the following places: Mitzpeh LaShalom Umm El Kannatir Gamla Katzrin Museum  Golan Winery Har BenTal Ein Zivan – De Karina chocolate factory Kibbutz Ekrom – Oz 77 movie Emek HaBacha Druse V illages Birkat Ram Banias – “Caesaria Ph il lipi” Tel Facher – Mitzpeh Golani Helicopter crash memorial – near She’ar Yashuv                     After our regular classes on Wednesday, we went on an archeological dig to Beit Guvrin.       Shabbat Zachor was an In Shabbat followed by purim preparations and celebrations including running a carnival for toddlers and delivering Mishloach Manot to two nursing homes followed by a Seudah at Barbara Sofer and Dr. Gerald Schroeder’s home!                 After Purim, we began our intensive study of the Laws of Pesach, The Book of Shmot and the Hagada.   This week, in addition to our regular classes we will have Shmirat HaLashon day, we are visiting Ammuniton Hill as well as working on the Temple Mount Sifting Project with Aaron Greener. www.midreshetdevora.org Midreshet Devora Israel Address: 12 Israel Eldad #19 Jerusalem, Israel 93399 US Address: 75 Berkeley Avenue Yonkers, NY 10705 718-593-4162 – In the US or Canada 052-534-6260, 052-534-7460 – In Israel