12 Dec MTC Highlights: Parshat Vayishlach
Rav Effie Kleinberg - Educator
Shouting our message to the world.
In our parasha, Ya’akov is transformed from an individual into a father of the nation of Israel. We are the Nation of Israel, and it is in this parasha where we get our name and our essence. And it’s the essence that’s represented by the unity of Am Yisrael.
The battles that we fight in this week’s parasha, the battle that Ya’akov fights against the angel of Eisav, and that the sons of Ya’akov fight on behalf of Dina and the honor of their family in the city of Shechem. These battles are not just for gaining a military victory, rather they occur to exclaim the message of the Jewish people to the world.
We have holiness, sanctity, values, and morals. We have an approach to how the world is meant to function, and we have the keys and tools to be able to elevate the world.
There is a fascinating comment of Rav Shor who explained that the story of Chanuka is based on the story of what happened in Shechem, as both events took place inside of Eretz Yisrael. It was a story where the people of Shechem were saying to us, “we’re going to be like you, and you’re going to be like us”. They said, “we’re going to go through with a circumcision for every male, we’re going to become like you. We’ll all look the same. We’ll all just be together!”
That is exactly what the Syrian-Greeks wanted to do in the story of Chanuka. They wanted the Jews to see, “hey, look we’re all the same! We’re all part of one humanity”. And it’s true, on a certain level, we are one world and one humanity.
However, Am Yisrael was brought into this world and canvas of history to share a message. This message is the message of the Torah which Hashem gave us and put us in this world to shout that message to the whole world.
The victory of Chanuka and the victory of the story of Shechem share the same idea; that the Jewish people are here with a special message. As we enter this time of the year, we remind ourselves what it is that we value and what matters to us, and then we shine that light out into the world!
Shabbat Shalom!
Student Reflection
Maya Epstein - New York, NY - Frisch, NJ
It’s hard to believe that three months have already passed since I entered the MTC. Time is flying by faster than I ever expected, and it has been such an incredible journey so far. Every day brings something new to learn, and I have been able to grow so much in such a short period of time.
The adjustment was overwhelming at times, but now that we are this far into the year it seems normal. Seeing the progress in both me and those around me has proven to be extremely rewarding. It is incredible how each day quickly passes by, while still providing numerous rich moments filled with purpose and potential.
This past week we went to Eilat. We left early Sunday morning and our first destination, other than bathroom stops of course, was the Yorkeam hike. This hike had two parts, at the end of the first part was a water pit where some girls performed a natural geographic skit. The next part led to the top of a mountain which overlooked the valley. We learned about Shimshon since there was a nuclear power plant named after him nearby. Then we went to the hotel and had an activity with our madrichot. The following day we learned how Eilat was taken over by the Israelis which officially ended the War of Independence. We hiked to the peak of Har Tzfachot where we saw an outstanding view of four different countries. We went to water sports with banana boating and tubing, with the view of Jordan. On the final day we hiked and climbed in the Red Canyon. Whenever the group stopped, girls took the chance to climb on top of boulders. Eventually we made it out of the canyon and got to walk along its rim. (This was my favorite hike). Afterwards we went jeeping in Maktesh Rimon.
I have Bet Elazraki Children’s Home’s boys ages 9-12. They are the highlight of all my days!
Although it was hard in the beginning, I feel the bonds growing. They slowly are getting more comfortable with us and vice versa. Most days we are just hanging out and playing soccer. But most weeks we plan activities with them and have the best time. I feel like I’m getting more prepared and more excited for what’s to come.
Learning what it means to be a good person and actually living it has been deeply impactful. It is not just about knowing the right principles but applying them daily. As I focus on kindness, patience, and integrity, I see how much of a difference it makes in my life and the lives of others. It is a continual process of growth, and each step brings more purpose and connection.
