Mayanot Alumni Plan First Orthodox Wedding In Their Family

Growing up in a small town in Maine, my Jewish identity was defined by cultural Jewish experiences like visiting my grandparents in Long Island where I enjoyed bagel, lox, and cream cheese, knishes and other culturally Jewish delicacies; it was a small taste of what living a Jewish life could mean. It was not until I participated in a Mayanot Birthright trip during my sophomore year in college that I experienced and became intrigued by Judaism and was eager to learn more. As a curious teenager, I had a lot of questions about life and I was unable to find satisfying answers. So, I embarked on a journey of Jewish learning that included studying at the Mayanot Women’s Program in Jerusalem, which was an unforgettable experience . Mayanot provided me with a strong foundation that enabled me to grow in my Jewish observance at my own speed. I never felt pressured, only support and guidance that provided me the knowledge to strengthen my Jewish identity and practice. After studyi