Impressions
student impressions | student impressions |
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What students are saying about Snorkeling & Study 08... My favorite part was that the discussions in the classrooms continued outside the classrooms and I found other people who were similarly seeking like me. I had no idea this program was of international proportions! I definitely asked my portion of questions, however I grew the most from hearing others ask for two reasons: 1. If they ask a question I want to know before me, it's nice to know that other are thinking about the same things and 2. If it's a question I did have, I get to see something from a new perspective or if is something I disagree with, I can clearly see where I stand - which is something I might not have noticed I felt, because I wasn't on that train of thought. It was an opportunity to talk with some inspirational, spiritual people - both lecturers and fellow participants - and begin ongoing dialogues about topics we all care about. Through each other's experiences, to which we can all relate, we've created a community. I want to continue to do programs like this - to continue to grow. Sara, James Madison Univ, VA ................................................................................................ The Chabad "counselors" were really wonderful, approachable and fun - great girls! Lily, Brandeis Univ, MA ................................................................................................ The most important things I've learned are firstly that climbing the ladder is crucial - not being the perfect Jew; secondly, that G-d needs our mitzvot; and thirdly, that we have a Jewish soul. I learned so much about Jewish thought, spirituality, prayer, and more specific things about mitzvot and halacha. Also, how observant women come in all shapes and varieties just like secular women, and that they struggle with the same things that I struggle with. Jennifer, UNC Chapel Hill, NC ................................................................................................ The Mikvah - what a beautiful tradition! When I marry, it’s a tradition I'd like to uphold. Helen, Brooklyn College, NY ................................................................................................ I think that this program will enable me to answer difficult questions from my non-Jewish friends. It was intense, fun, enlightening and replenishing. Orian, Univ of Toronto, Ontario ................................................................................................ It was invigorating. Being here makes me feel more alive than any other place I've ever been to in my life. Yana, Univ of GA ................................................................................................ I made tons of friends and learned tons of information. I learned to embrace being Jewish. I did not expect to get aggravated by some of what I heard, but I think that was necessary. One of the most important things I learned is not to be so “on guard” every time I hear something I don't like. My favorite parts were the classes - specifically Rivky's and Miriam's classes - and the late-night farbrengens (parties) were amazing. Meghan, Queens College, NY ................................................................................................ Since I have so many new friends, I can't wait to meet up with them and spend Shabbat together. Before this trip I did not know so many "Shabbat interested" Jews and I look forward to spending Shabbat with these girls. To fully realize what I want to bring home, I think it will take so long before it all sinks in. I am so looking forward to challenging myself in a Jewish sense - to keep growing a little bit, bit by bit, this and to help share what I have learned are my wishes. Danielle, UNC Chapel Hill, NC ................................................................................................ I didn’t think I would meet such friendly people who each have a different story about they are connected to Judaism. The environment was so positive. I learned the importance of Jewish education, to pass on the benefit of leading a Jewish home, to never stop learning, and that nothing is ever too late. Amy, Binghamton Univ, NY ................................................................................................ It allowed me to think in a more abstract way. Some of the most important things I learned are the aspects of a Jewish soul, and that we have a true purpose!! G-d needs us. Jen, Univ of TX, Austin ................................................................................................ I learned so many new things and gained so much knowledge. I think that the hardest part of the program was absorbing so much information without having a lot time to really think about everything and understand it completely. I learned the importance of Jewish education, the importance of family and friends, and how important it is to never stop learning and to able to pass on your views to future generations. We keep Judaism alive!!! This program has taught me a lot about who I am and what more I would like to become. I have grown and learned so much about Judaism. My outlook on life and the world has changed dramatically for the better. I can't thank Bais Chana enough for this unbelievable experience of a lifetime! Jaimie, Binghamton Univ, NY ................................................................................................ I came to explore, to learn more about Judaism and how I would be able to connect more. My favorite part of the program was the lectures. The most important things I learned are that a Jew is a Jew is a Jew; and that G-d is One - REALLY. Caitlin, FAU, FL ................................................................................................ The program met my expectations plus 300%! I can't even comprehend how much I have learned yet. There's so much whirling around with little time to reflect on all of it yet. It was so much more than I ever could have imagined. As far as meeting people, these girls are too amazing!! The amount of learning and connection to the people in such a short span of time was unexpected. I kept an open mind - which was greatly filled! - while also... it just made sense! Somewhere, deep within, it was there and it clicked in such a raw way - because of my Jewish Soul. You should see my notes! I plan on extreme reflection when I leave. Missy, Tulane Univ, LA ................................................................................................ The ruach this week reminded my time at Gan Israel, which was a very strong force in my Jewish development. I loved meeting other observant, spiritually growing Jewish girls. At college I am one of only a few Chabad regulars. Now I feel part of a large network of women who care deeply about Torah and Judaism. I leaned that it is the special mission of Jews to spread G-dliness in the world. I also learned about the role of Leah in Jewish history, the Jewish belief of free will vs. choice, and the importance of Mikvah. I gained by connecting to other Jewish souls, whether through a teacher-student connection or friend to friend. I was inspired tremendously by everyone's courageous stories during the farbrengens. I am also ready and inspired to continue my spiritual growth through mitzvos and learning. Rebecca, College of NJ ................................................................................................ I want to start helping. I have tremendous respect for this organization, and would like to help in any way that I can. Vered, Concordia, Montreal ................................................................................................ My favorites were the classes plus the comedy improve – but I wish the whole program was longer. I plan on teaching and discussing the stuff I've learned with friends and putting it more into practice. Yafit, York Univ, Toronto ................................................................................................ It was incredible, amazing... a gift. Jen, Univ of Texas, Austin ................................................................................................ It's great here, amazing, I learned so much about life and how to look at life from a Jewish perspective. It was so nice that it was an only-girls experience. I loved to be here! I found it so nice how Chabad invests in every Jewish soul, to bring us back to Judaism, and to bring our present nearer - our Torah. Thank you very, very, very much. You’ve given me so much! Caroline, Univ St Gallen, Zurich ................................................................................................ I have a much stronger foundation as a Jewish person, and I feel like I have a much better understanding of why G-d created this world and what my responsibilities are - as a Jewish person - to Him. I hope to continue my spiritual growth, stay in tune with Hashem, and not be afraid to inspire others and be inspired. It's just something that every Jewish person should do: learn our truth. Thank you so much! Andrea, Univ of Hartford, CT ................................................................................................ I learned how important Judaism is to us, how the Torah really can guide anyone no matter where in world you are or how religious you are, and that you can’t put a title on how Jewish you are. Because I learned more, I was able to understand Judaism on more of a life-level as opposed to a religion-level. Danielle, UCSB, CA ................................................................................................ My favorite parts were the people I met and just being with a big group of Jews from every type of background. The stuff I learned and the last outing were fab! Miriam, City & Islington College, London ................................................................................................ I've learned more in this week than I have learned all year. This experience has changed my life. I wasn’t expecting a transformation in myself, and that’s exactly what I have gotten here...every part of this program has been absolutely amazing. I learned that G-d needs us, we are a family, and that I am not complete without G-d (I knew this already, it was just reinforced). I gained a new perspective about how to view myself in Judaism. I’ve found where I belong. Liebnitz, Union County College, NJ ................................................................................................ Snorkeling & Study 2007 I made incredible friendships and a bigger place in my heart to embrace my religion. The program exceeded all my expectations. I learned more in one week, not only about Judaism, but about life, than I’ve ever learned in a day, month, year, or lifetime. Probably the most important thing I learned is that happiness is achieved when you realize and accept that you don’t deserve ANYTHING. The level of friendship and connection that was achieved in a matter of a few days was completely unexpected. I’ve made the most incredible friendships, not just for a week, but, thank G-d, for a lifetime, and I’ve never met more amazing people than I have here. I only hope that everyone I meet from now on has the qualities that I’ve found in the people at Bais Chana. Brittany, Binghamton, NY ................................................................................................ It was fantastic, deep and very different. Carmen, Mexico ................................................................................................ It’s an amazing and intense learning experience that all women with a curious and open mind should have. Marissa, Santa Barbara ................................................................................................ The accommodations were beyond anything I imagined. I had a great time. The classes were insightful, and I met many wonderful women here. I feel really proud to be a Jew. This week will stay with me forever. I’ve developed a better sense of myself and who I want to be. I’ve made life-changing decisions here and hope to be able to stick with them while I’m home. Sara, New York ................................................................................................. Overall, the week was enriching and memorable. I learned about dating, relationships, about the larger picture of life, and about how Eve created the idea of repentance/returning to G-d. I appreciate more fully how central a woman’s responsibilities are in Judaism, and how intricate they are. I learned the importance of being receptive and vulnerable to a husband, or in any relationship, something I have to work on personally. Michal, New York ................................................................................................ I am a very big spiritual seeker and have gleaned lots of wisdom from all over. Rabbi Friedman confirmed that my understanding of spirituality is compatible with Judaism – and that’s very reassuring. Libby, Kansas ................................................................................................. |
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