15 May MTC Highlights: Parshat Emor
Nati Lopukhin - Eim Bayit
Parshat Emor starts with “אֱמֹר אֶל הַכֹּהֲנִים… וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵיהֶם” – Speak to the Kohanim… and say to them.
Why does the Torah say the same thing twice, speak and say? Rashi says that this teaches us something important. The older generation has a responsibility to teach the younger one. The Kohanim had to be careful to teach their children how to live in a holy way. This isn’t only for Kohanim, it’s for all of us.
But there’s another layer to this, the Torah could have said “דַּבֵּר”, which also means “speak,” but instead it uses the word “אֱמֹר”, which means to speak gently. This shows us how we should speak when we’re talking to others, with patience, calmness, and kindness.
Think about it, when someone speaks to us in a harsh or angry voice, we often shut down or feel upset. But when someone speaks gently, even if they’re correcting us, we’re more likely to listen, feel respected, and actually grow from it. Hashem is showing us a powerful message right at the beginning of the parsha. What we say is important, yes, but how we say it is just as important.
This fits beautifully with the Kohanim, whose job was to bring people closer to Hashem. To do that, they had to act with love and care, and that starts with how they speak.
Student Reflection
Leeya Starck - Chicago, IL - Ida Crown, IL
Spending my year at Midreshet Torat Chessed has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my life. MTC has given me the chance to grow not only in my Jewish learning but also in my character, my relationships, and my understanding of the world.
Each morning I’m able to dive into Torah learning with inspiring teachers who challenge me to think deeper and push myself spiritually and intellectually. My classes have helped shape my values, strengthen my connection to Judaism, and give me a solid foundation I know I’ll carry with me for years to come. I’ve made beautiful connections and relationships with some of my teachers, and now I have amazing mentors for the years to come.
In the afternoons, I work with incredible kids aged 9 to 12—both boys and girls—who have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Through laughter, challenges, and everyday moments, they’ve shown me resilience, joy, and what it truly means to care for others. Their strength and spirit have been some of my greatest teachers. They have taught me what is most precious in life, not the materialistic, rather spending quality time with the people I most love. I have learned not to take a moment for granted and each day is a new opportunity for growth and happiness.
Throughout this year, I’ve had the best opportunities—from inspiring shiurim, meaningful Shabbat experiences, and tiyulim that brought Israel’s beauty and history to life. Being based in Netanya has only added to my love for Eretz Yisrael. Whether it’s a quick trip to the beach after a long day or watching the sunset with friends, I’ve fallen in love with my life here.
This year has changed me. I’ve grown in ways I never expected and discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed. I’m incredibly grateful for every moment, and I know the lessons and memories I’ve made at Midreshet Torat Chessed will stay with me forever.
Student Reflection
Kayla Stadtmauer - New Rochelle, NY - SAR, NY
Now that we are approaching the end of seminary, I’ve started looking back at my year and the many ways I’ve grown.
This year, my appreciation and knowledge of Torah have flourished. I have learned so much about what it means to be a good person and am encouraged each day by amazing educators to put these lessons into action in order to be the best version of myself. Additionally, I’ve come to understand that Hashem is the ultimate answer to any question I may face in life. As MTC’s director Shira always says, we were put on this earth with an instruction manual called the Torah, all we need to do is take the time to study it. I know that any answer I’ve ever looked for has and will always be right in front of me, and I find myself implementing Torah into the way that I conduct myself more and more.
Here at MTC, not only have I learned to love Torah, but I’ve learned to apply that Torah into action through the work we do daily with our kids. I work in the Pnimiyat Yom with boys and girls ages 9-11. Knowing that I am making a difference in their lives just by showing up every day is amazing, but the truth is I gain more from them than I could ever dream of giving. My kids are full of a light unlike any other—a light that shines in spite of any difficulties they may be facing in their personal lives. Their love, perseverance, and constant silliness reminds me that, even during the hard times, there is always room for smiles and laughter. I am learning to implement this into my own life, choosing to walk through life with a smile on my face and to always look at the bright side.
Finally, over these past few months my love for the land of Israel has deepened. MTC has taken us on many incredible tiyulim which showcase this beautiful country’s rich history. However, they have not only strengthened my connection with our past, but also with the heroes that live among Am Yisrael today. Whether it’s our chayalim who fight for us every day, Banot Sherut who ensure this country is up and running, Rabbis who keep Jewish teachings alive, or MTC girls who become big sisters to those who need it the most, this entire country is filled with heroes and MTC has opened my eyes to see that.
This year I have grown tremendously in my love of Torah, chessed, and Israel, and I am so grateful to have spent my year here surrounded by the amazing friends I’ve made along the way.
