As a full-time Yeshiva student, I found the 10-day Torah by the Sea spring program to be very valuable and informative. During the regular course of study our days are filled with the study of Chassidus, Talmud and other sources of Jewish wisdom. We learn how the world works, what purpose the Jews have in it, and how to realize that purpose.

In contrast, the goal of the 10-day program is to give a taste of Jewish wisdom to someone who is just beginning to explore Judaism. Even more importantly, to help him figure out on a personal level what it means to be a Jew, how it relates to his life, and how to resolve many of the conflicting issues that a person may face in exploring their identity as a Jew.

In the beginning of my personal journey in Judaism, I also struggled with these issues and I appreciated the opportunity the program afforded me to go back to the basics, to reflect on the struggles I’ve had, and to intelligently reaffirm that I am on the right path.

For me the most memorable moments of the program were the lectures given by Rabbi Berel Bell, who discussed the Jewish outlook on contemporary medicals ethics; Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson, who focused on finding self-expression in Judaism; and Rabbi Yossi Vigler who presented us with some incredible insights into Talmud study and analysis.

I would strongly recommend to anyone who is interested in exploring their Jewish heritage and their Jewish identity to attend future programs for an experience of a lifetime. This program is an incredible opportunity to connect to people who care about you, to feel that you are an integral part of a family and most importantly to establish a deeper connection to G-d.

Michoel Shkolnik 6.18.04