May we only continue to celebrate simchas together.
Mazal Tov to Mayanot participants Nick & Jillian,
who got engaged on the top of Masada last week!
Babies: Irina and Pesach Alpert had a baby boy Kayla and Alex Bodner had twin boys Chava and Yehuda Bolotin had a baby boy and made an upshernish within a week Serena and Levi Cohen had a baby girl Ariella and Joe Craven had a baby girl Mandy and Etan Efrati had a baby girl Tanya and Amit Friedlander had a baby girl Gani and Aaron Lazer Goodman had a baby girl Nechama Dina and Rabbi Avraham Hendel had a baby boy Shmuel and Margalit Hoffman had a baby girl Elana and Elliot Kahan had a baby boy Leigh and Daniel Kohn had a baby girl Yehudis and Abraham Levitan had a baby boy Rebecca and Eric Maurer had a baby boy Miriam and Eli Meltzer had a baby boy Nechama and Levi Yitzchak Pevsner had a baby girl Yutty and Avrohom Polinger had twin boys Yehoshua and Chaya Rubin had twins, a boy and girl Naomi and Gabe Schwed had a baby boy Musya and Menachem Mendel Shemtov had a baby girl Eliana and Elya Silfen had a baby girl Natalie and Aaron Vasquez had a baby girl Shifra and Yedidya Witt had a baby boy
Mazal Tov to Chana Boaz who became a grandmother to twins, a boy and girl
Mazal Tov to Beverly and Andy Liggett on their granddaughters birth
Mazal Tov to Friedy Yanover's son and daughter in law who had a baby boy
Engagements: Mayan Heller and Chaim Allen Chana Reich and Aharon Tzvi Altman Kira Waxler and Yonatan Ben Israel Deena Schanowitz and Sholom Ber Wolberg Batya Amin and Kalman Gavriel Delmoor Marina Grumberg and Akiva Shimon Marlene Jacobi and Slav Perushev
Mazal Tov to Devori Hirshler's son, Aron Hirshler and Pnini Shedrowitzky
Marriages: Ruthy Miller and Aryeh Lev Cistia Tikvah Feiglin and Mendel Gestetner Chana Lebovic and Shalom Goodman Cheved Krasnianski and Moshe Krasnjanski Malka Gestetner and Sholom Ber Kudan Penina Romanek and Eli Taylor Batya Liba Vitkute and Yissacher Weiss
Mazal Tov to Inga and Jay Barsky on the bar mitzvah
of their twin boys, Noach and Shlomo Aryeh!
Mazal Tov to Alissa and Ben Rosenthal who just celebrated
a bar mitzvah for their son!
Mazal tov to our esteemed teacher, Chana Boaz,
who has a book available on Amazon, 'The Dynamics of Dating'. Mazal Tov to Daniel and Leigh Kohn for their new home in Jerusalem, May it be a true Beit Chabad filled with Joy and Light!
The engagement of Shalom and Chana Goodman
The L'chaim of Aharon Tzvi Altman and Chana Reich
Bolotin Upshernish in Massachusetts,
with Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, Executive Director, in attendance
Natalie and Aaron Vasquez's baby girl, 'Menucha Chaya'
Barsky Family Bar Mitzvah Boys visiting Israel,
with Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, Mayanot Dean
Please email us to share your good news!
Send your images and Mazal Tov's to: susie@mayanot.edu
Brothers Rabbi Chuni Vogel and Rabbi Nechemiah Vogel visited the Mayanot Yeshiva in Jerusalem for more than one reason.
The Delaware
Jewish community might not be the largest or as well known as communities like
New York or Los Angeles, but relative to their size the community is having a
great international impact.
Under the
direction or Rabbi Chuni Vogel, Director of Chabad of Delaware, the
community has been bolstered greatly, and the Mayanot Institute of Jewish
Studies, in Jerusalem, is experiencing the positives effects of all the
students that have come through from Delaware.
Current
students, Zach Horowitz and Isaiah Coplon of Wilmington Delaware,
are just two examples of inspired individuals, who are excited for the upcoming
year.
“After only
a week, my experience at Mayanot has been very eye opening; it is a fantastic
feeling to be in a place where I can learn, grow, and experience authentic Judaism
in an environment surrounded by passionate, G-d loving people. There is no
doubt that this year will continue to be one of immense positivity and growth
for me, and I’m so looking forward to the many more experiences to come,” says
Horowitz, CTeen champion of 2016.
(Horowitz and Coplon)
Starting the
new semester off right, Rabbi Chuni Vogel, and his brother Rabbi Nechemiah Vogel
of Chabad of Rochester, came to visit the students, in Jerusalem. They lead a
fabrengen and discussed what the students’ goals were for their upcoming year
of growth. The students were grateful for the visit, the ability to fabreng with
their shliach, and for being welcomed to Mayanot in a supremely unique way.
Rabbi Chuni
Vogel related, “The time in my youth that I spent in Yeshiva has been the
source and foundation of all the good in my life and that of my family.
Visiting Mayanot and seeing how the individuals from our community are now
having that same life altering experience, brings me inner joy that can't be
adequately put into words.”
“It is a wonderful
opportunity for new students to be greeted, at the beginning of the new
academic year, by the shluchim that helped inspire them to come. For these individuals,
the learning experience can be even more transformative”, said Rabbi Kasriel
Shemtov, Executive Director of Mayanot.
Motti and Rachel
Flekshtein also grew up in the Chabad of Delaware community and came to
learn at Mayanot in 2005. Today they themselves are shluchim in Delaware. The
Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies is proud to partner with Chabad of Delaware
to inspire our youth and help create Jewish leaders like Rabbi Motti and Rachel
Flekshtein, who are impacting hundreds of Jewish teens in their home community.
We are very pleased to announce, a group of new rabbis
have recently received their rabbinic ordination from the Mayanot Institute
of Jewish Studies.
Mayanot has offered this exclusive rabbinical training
program for the past 15 years. Our graduates have gone on to assist Jews
in all corners of the globe, initiating a variety of learning programs in their
home communities. A number of these ordained Rabbis have proceeded to found their
own Chabad Houses worldwide and help their Jewish communities in a multitude of
ways.
The Smicha program is headed by
Rabbi Yisroel Noach Wichnin, Rosh Yeshiva of the Mayanot Men's
Learning Program and Rabbi Shimon Garbose, of the Rabbinical ordination
track within the Mayanot Yeshiva. Together they have spearheaded this
remarkable program, teaching, training, and mentoring these 'Rabbis in
training' to go onto to build their home communities and inspire Jewish
involvement and engagement with the knowledge and confidence to become great
leaders. The rabbinic ordination is signed by the renowned halachic authority, Rabbi
Zalman Nechamia Goldberg, of Jerusalem and by Rabbi Shimon Garbose.
Within
the Mayanot Men's Learning Program the 'Rabbi's in training' program is a fully
integrated track within the Yeshiva. These students are able to mentor and
tutor students in other tracks, which is a unique opportunity that has resulted
in close-knit friendships over the years, meaningful life experiences and shared
inspiration.
“The students have gathered this year from all over the world, for
a very rigorous program of learning. We expect a lot from our rabbinic students
and this year’s group has risen to the challenge”, Rabbi Wichnin,
shared.
“In addition to the Yoreh Deah they have also gone through the Alter
Rebbes Hilchot Shabbat. The students, thank G-d, did very well, infusing
themselves with the study and application of Jewish law, through the special
energy and life that chassidis provides”.
The following students from the 2017 program are:
Menachem Blasberg
Nissen Eichorn
Hershy Gutnick
Menachem Loebenstein
Shmuli Michaan
Yoni Rubin
Mendel Schochat
Nachie Smetana
Mendel Toron
Dovid Tsikman
Menachem Mendel Zakon
Mazal Tov to all the new Rabbis, and their families;
may you all be blessed to go on to do great things!
Mrs. Freidy Yanover is the new Dean of Student Affairs at the Mayanot Institute in Jerusalem, boosting the Women’s Program.
The Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies is bringing in the New Year with exciting additions, introducing new faculty to the Women’s Program in Jerusalem.
Mrs. Freidy Yanover has been appointed to the role of Dean of Student Affairs. With years of experience in teaching, counseling and mentoring, she is an invaluable addition to the staff at the Mayanot Women’s Campus.
As a senior lecturer at Bais Chana International, and a licensed coach, she has brought in the fall semester with a fresh approach to morning chassidut, and a strong one on one environment for student counseling. Students can now feel more confident than ever before sharing any questions they have regarding their personal growth process.
As the Scholar in Residence at Mayanot over the summer, Mrs. Yanover brought her depth of Torah knowledge and her ability to teach the esoteric concepts of chassidut in a contemporary and relevant fashion. We, at Mayanot, know that in her new role, she will continue to impact the women positively, encouraging questions, open discussions, and a healthy learning environment.
Mrs. Rivka Marga Gestetner, Educational Director at the Mayanot Women’s Program shared, “It's been amazing having Mrs. Yanover join our team. Her love and care for each student is felt by all, including their campus and community shluchim, who she is also in contact with.”
Shoshi Glass, a 2017 summer student remarked, “The Mayanot Summer Program was my first experience in a seminary setting, and Mrs. Freidy Yanover immediately made me feel at home. Her wisdom, warmth, and support create a beautiful energy that radiates throughout Mayanot and I'm beyond thrilled she returned (like me), for the Fall Semester. Her Tanya and Chassidut classes are accessible and profound, and speaking with her one-on-one about emotional, intellectual, and spiritual issues continues to foster my growth in immeasurable ways.”
Mayanot is encouraging shluchim and anash who know students between the ages of 19-29, who would benefit from the Mayanot learning experience, to be in touch with Mrs. Yanover directly: freidyy@mayanot.edu .
the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
tracked down the whereabouts of 5 alumni,
and the results are impressive!
Written by: Anav Silverman
The Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies recently celebrated
the miraculous victory of the Six Day War and the renaissance of Jewish
education that has flourished in the Jewish people’s eternal capital ever since
its reunification, in a special Jerusalem Jubilee evening on Sunday, June 18.
Held at the Menachem Begin Center in Jerusalem, the co-founders of Mayanot, Rabbi
Shlomo Gestetner and Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov honored some special
supporters of Mayanot’s educational programs, which have impacted thousands of
young Jews around the world.
“Mayanot has brought over 50,000 students to Israel through
Birthright Israel and other programs,” said Rabbi Shemtov at the opening of the
event. “Each year, we bring around 5,000 participants. Thousands have made
aliyah to Israel following our programs.”
Mayanot offers annual semester, winter and summer as well as
post Birthright Israel study programs for women and men age 20 and over no
matter their background in Jewish studies.
David Horovitz, the founding editor of The Times
of Israel, who previously worked at the Jerusalem Post and Jerusalem
Report, delivered the keynote address at the Jerusalem Jubilee. Mr.
Horovitz discussed what it meant for him and his family to come to Israel. He illustrated what it is like being a part of
this great nation, with all its challenges and successes, “when for the first
time in 2000 years the Jewish nation got their country back, how can you not want
to be a part of it”.
(Mr. David Horovitz giving the keynote address)
Honorees of the evening included Martin and Melanie
Glatt who were the recipients of the Jerusalem Award for their work
in enhancing the Jewish experience at the Western Wall through the Kotel
Foundation and as dedicated partners in the educational work of Mayanot as
well as their leadership of the Jewish Interactive. Benjamin and Susan
Shapell were the recipients of the Aliyah Award for their support of
Jewish education and programs that improve life in Israel. Nicky Newfield,
a passionate Jewish educator and founder of the educational technology
production house, Jewish Interactive, was the recipient of the Education
Award for her pioneering work in Ed-tech.
“I don’t feel I deserve any kind of award. Twenty years ago,
I went to the Gestetners’ home for Shabbat, and they have been role models for
me ever since then. Their home truly inspired me,” said Newfield, who made
aliyah from South Africa with her family, four years ago.
David and Eda Schottenstein of Florida, were
honored for their philanthropic projects including their support of the new
Mayanot World Center and were the Recipients of the Leadership Award.
“We see the dividends of our investments in Mayanot.
Everywhere we have met Jewish people, we are told about the time they spent in
Mayanot and what a positive impact it had on the direction of their lives,”
said David Schottenstein upon receiving the award. His wife, Eda, added that
Mayanot has “an amazing domino effect that doesn’t seem to end.”
(From Left: Eda & David Schottenstein, Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov)
One particular spiritual domino effect that Rabbi Shemtov
highlighted during the evening was The World Tefillin Campaign that
began 50 years ago in response to the imminent danger facing the State of
Israel before the outbreak of the Six Day War. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem
Mendel Schneerson, initiated a campaign to encourage Jewish men and
especially IDF soldiers to put on tefillin, as a mitzvah to provide spiritual
protection. When Israel had liberated the Old City and the Western Wall, the
Rebbe immediately sent a telegram to set up a stand by the Kotel where any Jew
could put on tefillin. Fifty years following the Six Day War, the Tefillin
Campaign is still alive and strong.
Martin Glatt initiated and sponsored, in partnership with Mayanot
and Chabad at the Kotel, a new and improved Tefillin brochure to be used
by the Western Wall. This was in honor of the 50th year anniversary
of the World Tefillin Campaign and the liberation of the kotel, and every guest
was gifted a copy.
Both Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat and Deputy Minister
in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Michael Oren, acknowledged the
important work of Mayanot in letters shared in the event journals given out
during the evening.
“Mayanot has contributed to the renaissance in Jerusalem
through their Jewish Studies programs, their thriving synagogue, and their
leadership in bringing thousands of students to Israel through Birthright
Israel,” wrote Mayor Barkat.
“Through Mayanot, thousands of young Jews have developed a
deep connection to Israel and the Jewish nation,” noted Oren, who was the
former Israeli ambassador to the United States. “Tonight’s honorees are
outstanding examples of our people’s commitment for tikkun olam.”
Guests were honored by a special video presentation of
Mayanot alumni impacting society and Israel.
The presentation focused on Etan
Efrati’s work at OurCrowd an Israeli Start Up, Eugene Kontorovitch’s
work as Director of The Kohelet Policy Forum, Esther Fuerster’s work at
the Ministry of Justice, Tzvi Maller’s work as co-owner of Crave gourmet
street food in Jerusalem, and Danny Sack’s work as Director of the
Mayanot Birthright Israel division.
One audience member, Scott Spiegel, 23, of Miami, who
was visiting as part of a Birthright Israel: Mayanot
trip, said that his first visit to Israel had been amazing.
“I haven’t felt
connected to Judaism that much since my Bar Mitzvah. This trip with Birthright
Israel: Mayanot has made me appreciate my Jewish heritage so much more. I know
this experience will continue to inspire me in the future.”
To view the live stream of the keynote address, click here.
What Impact Mayanot Israel Had On Me
By: Heather Franzman, Birthright Israel: Mayanot Participant
Growing up I was raised in a household where
religion didn’t hold much importance. Both of
my parents are Jewish but felt that because they
were made to follow a religion growing up, they
didn’t want to make their children do the same. Attending public school never shaped any religious
beliefs and I was never surrounded by
many Jewish people.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve
felt as though there should be a place for religion
in my life. I knew I wanted to go to Israel and
become absorbed in Jewish culture and Birthright Israel allowed me to do so.
Mayanot Israel not only allowed me to see the
beautiful country of Israel but to learn about the
history of Judaism and immerse myself in the
culture. Through each experience during the
trip, from seeing the beauty of Tzfat, touring Masada,
riding camels in the desert, to Shabbot at
the Western Wall, Mayanot not only showed me
how Judaism isn’t just my religion, it’s my history.
Mayanot allowed me to see a place I
wouldn’t normally have gone to visit, and as a
result, has showed me that I want to be come
more involved in Jewish life. In addition to
becoming involved in the Chabad club of FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology),
I hope to learn Hebrew in the future and go
back to Israel very soon.
Not only have I
learned more about my religion, but the trip
introduced me to new people that are now
very good friends. Birthright Israel: Mayanot reintroduced
me to the religion I was meant to observe
and has given me great friends that will
last a lifetime. I strongly urge everyone interested
in Birthright Israel to go with Mayanot because
they gave us the best experience possible.
