23 Feb MTC Highlights: Parashat Terumah
Esther Farkovits - Educator
Parshat Terumah
We are told to make a dwelling place for HaShem, king of the universe, here on earth. We would expect something grand. Instead, it’s a small tent like structure in the desert known as the Mishkan. There is a deep lesson here.
We often think it’s the grand gestures in life that put us closest to HaShem. Being honored at a dinner, having a plaque with our names on it for tzedaka, building something huge. Most often, it’s the quiet and modest kindnesses that go almost unnoticed that put us closest to the source of everything.
The Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad Chassidism, once said: Avodah—true service of G‑d—does not imply, as some think, altogether erroneously, that one must pulverize mountains and shatter boulders, or turn the whole world upside down.
No!
The absolute truth is that any act is perfectly satisfactory when performed with authenticity and true intent. A blessing pronounced with concentration, a word of prayer as it should be with awareness of “before Whom you stand,” a passage in Chumash while being aware that it is the word of G‑d, a verse of Psalms, an act of kindness and compassion expressed in befriending another person with love and affection.
May we all be zoche to live a life that’s true without the need for recognition. We have a small country; we are small in number, and we pride ourselves in our modesty and yet we move worlds with it all.
Shabbat Shalom.
Student Reflection
Tali Katz - Teaneck, NJ - Frisch, NJ
First semester just ended, and we got the opportunity to pick out new (and old) classes! The staff at MTC did a fantastic job creating a new set of classes based off what they heard from us. It’s a truly special place where you can genuinely feel how much the teachers and administration care about you and your opinions.
My girls inspire me constantly. It has been so amazing getting to know them and forming real connections with them. As with anything it takes time to get to that place and I can say with confidence that it was worth all the effort. I love being able to chat with my girls, help them with homework, cook, learn Tik Toks, and so much more. I’m so grateful that I have more time with them to continue building the friendships I have gained in all of them.
Being in Netanya is great! I am able to focus on what I’m learning and becoming close with the most awesome girls that are in seminary with me. The weather has been around 70 degrees for the past two weeks which is perfect for sitting outside and reading during a bais period or just going to the beach to chill.
Choosing to come to MTC this year was the best decision I could have made. The amount I’m gaining from this year is incomparable to anything I have experienced before. In every aspect of the program, the girls, the teachers, the classes, the kids, I find myself learning something new and growing daily!
I’m so thankful that I have this opportunity to be in Israel and for choosing MTC for the year.
