This summer, religious female college students aged 18-24 are in for an adventure with the JLIC Summer Program at Nishmat. They are living in the heart of Jerusalem, spending their days in exciting internships, and their evenings immersed in Torah study. This program is a perfect mix of professional development, spiritual growth, and unforgettable experiences.
Nishmat’s Mission
Nishmat is all about empowering women through Torah. Their mission is to provide women with access to their Torah heritage at the highest level, blending a strong commitment to halacha with top-notch educational standards. Nishmat aims to meet the religious needs of women, broaden their roles in religious life, and create future Torah scholars, educators, and leaders. Founded in 1990 by Rabbanit Chana Henkin, Nishmat is a trailblazer in women’s scholarship, leadership, and social responsibility.
Early Program Highlights
The summer at Nishmat kicked off with an inspiring and fun-filled Shabbat, featuring divrei Torah, singing, and games that brought everyone together. The week unfolded with students diving into their internships, enjoying engaging social activities, and participating in beit midrash learning with renowned rabbeim and teachers. The learning began with a captivating shiur by Rav Kobi and Rabbanit Sara on Derech Eretz Kadma LaTorah, followed by insightful sessions from Rav Johnny Solomon, Mrs. Miriam Tannenbaum, Rav Eli Wagner, Rav Schrader, and others. The program also highlights student leadership, with Aliza Beer and Grace Herschberg who lead shiurim and organized initiatives, adding a personal and dynamic element to the student experience. After a refreshing off-Shabbat, students came back energized and ready for the week ahead.
Social Life
Students on this program also have some serious fun with the summer’s social activities. They started with an epic scavenger hunt through the vibrant shuk. With a quirky list of 46 items and just four hours, students embarked on a wild adventure filled with laughter and creativity. From proposing to strangers and sharing Divrei Torah to pulling off a spontaneous flash mob, the scavenger hunt was a whirlwind of excitement. Students tracked down chayalim, street signs, bus numbers, country flags, and even convinced someone to hold a watermelon over their head. Exhausted but exhilarated, they returned to Nishmat with hilarious photos and unforgettable memories, having formed strong connections along the way.
Internship Spotlight: Alexis Ackermann
Meet Alexis Ackermann, a student from the University of Florida, interning with the Ethiopian National Project (ENP). ENP is dedicated to helping Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Israelis integrate into Israeli society through youth programs, tutoring, and scholarships. Alexis’s internship involves creating engaging videos about ENP’s initiatives, interacting with teens, and talking to alumni about their experiences. She’s learning about the Ethiopian community and the importance of community work, and she feels incredibly lucky to contribute to such an impactful organization. Alexis’s journey with ENP is a testament to the enriching and transformative experiences that the JLIC Summer Program at Nishmat offers.
Thanks to Our Partners
The JLIC Summer Program at Nishmat is made possible through a wonderful partnership with JNF-USA. Their support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this program to life. Birthright Israel Onward’s partnership and guidance with program details and internship placements have been crucial to the summer program’s success.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about and to support JLIC and our programming.
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