15 Oct MTC Highlights: Shabbat Parshat V’Zot HaBerachah
Sara Dinerstain - Chessed Coordinator
Yom Kippur is the day we stand before Hashem, not only as individuals but also as a community and a nation. We acknowledge our mistakes and ask for forgiveness. We pray for growth and change.
This week, I had the privilege of making Aliyah to Netanya.
The Talmud says that teshuvah can completely erase our transgressions, much like how waves wash away footprints in the sand. Yom Kippur is when we seek to wash our sins away and start anew, as fresh as a coastline cleansed by the sea. Netanya’s beach shows that no matter how far we have strayed, we too can return, reshape ourselves, and rebuild our spiritual connection with Hashem.
The Rambam teaches that teshuvah is about regret for the past and improving in the future. Netanya, a growing city, can be a model for us in our spiritual journey.
Just as the city keeps growing and building, we are reminded that Yom Kippur is not only about atoning for the past but about building the future.
May we all be inspired by Netanya’s shores and ride the spiritual waves of teshuvah this Yom Kippur.
G’mar Chatimah Tova!
Student Reflection
Leah Miriam Borenstein - Central, NY - Flushing, NY
When I landed in Israel for the first time a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but focus on how big of a change it was. Even though I’d always wanted to come to Israel, I was afraid of how different it was from what I was used to.
Quickly, MTC made me feel at home in my new environment. All of the teachers were so welcoming and kind and acted as if they already knew us. I immediately felt like I was meant to be here.
At first, it was a challenge to bond with the children. I wanted to get to know them, but it took some time adjusting, since I felt like I was inserting myself into their routine. I’m so happy that the more time I spend with them, the more I get to know their unique personalities. Not only that, but somehow, they make me feel hugged by Israeli culture. I can’t wait to develop deeper bonds with them this year.
This feeling of belonging only grew as weeks passed. First, on Rosh Hashanah we were in our homes in Netanya and had the opportunity to get to know our neighborhood and friends. We all went to tashlich by the beach and saw the sunset which was really incredible. That plus the off time I got to spend with some family friends over Yom Kippur made this past month such a beautiful and meaningful one.
I’m so excited to make so many memories here!
