Questions to Alumna by Prospective Student

Dear Judy,
I got your email address from the directors of Midreshet Bat Ayin -- I'm thinking of attending some programs there this summer, and I wondered if I could ask you a bit about your experience there. I will keep your answers very private, so feel free to be totally honest.

Dear Jennie,
Thanks for your interest in Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin and for your questions.
Following are my answers:
The place looks very intriguing from what I've seen of the web site. What's the daily experience like? Is it very structured, or does it feel relaxed?
I last studied at B'erot fall of 2001, for just over 2 weeks just before the current situation began. I had also studied the prior year for 4 weeks. So I'll tell you as my memory serves me.
There were usually Chumash classes in the morning, I was quite a beginner, not reading Hebrew, while some others were quite well versed, so all levels were able to benefit. I remember this being taught by the school's director, Chana Bracha Siegelbaum, who is a excellent instructor, giving good examples and room for students' input. The days varied regarding teachers and topics. In addition to textual Torah study, Jewish philosophy and Chassidisim, the schedule included Creative writing, Drama workshop, and Gardening workshop, all these workshops were related to a Judaic theme.
Is there a strong learning component in the program, or is it more focused on gardening and experience-based activities?
I felt a great balance between the strong learning component working on textual skills, and the experiential learning as they were well integrated in the program. Each student according to her interest can use the program to suit her individual needs, and make her own blend of intellectual Torah learning or with more or less emphasize on the experience of basically living on the land. The school is located in the magnificent Judean Hills, so every step one takes is quite an experience.
What are the teachers like? Can you describe any of them for me?
The teachers varied. All were observant adhering to different spectrums of the religious scope, from modern Orthodox, to Yeshivish and Chassidic. Many were themselves baalei Tshuva so they could relate well to the process their students were undergoing.
If I may ask, what was your religious background before going to Bat Ayin?
My first year at Bat Ayin was my first year keeping Shabbat, I had been working toward that in my life, and was able to set it in place in Bat Ayin.
I was brought up in a Conservative family -- but with a twist, because my parents are both teachers of Transcendental Meditation, so I have a pretty mainstream American Jewish background with this added spiritual dimension. I'm curious to know where you were coming from and what drew you to Bat Ayin.
I was very interesting in studying Judaism, and being a New Yorker I was quite eager to be out the countryside, so I had the good fortune that a good friend had known about Bat Ayin and brought me there.
What about safety? I'm concerned about the West Bank factor. When were you there? Can you tell me a bit about the security in the area, and also whether you personally felt safe?
When I was last there I would travel to Jerusalem 2 -3 times a week, visiting friends and shopping, There were about five busses a day traveling back and forth from Bat Ayin to Jerusalem. It was also quite easy to get rides. I never felt any problems security wise.
I'm hoping to be back in Bat Ayin within the next few months so I will see whether the place still evokes the same sense of peaceful serenity.
What about learning Hebrew? Did you do the Ulpan track? (Or perhaps you already spoke Hebrew before you arrived.)
I had studied some basic Hebrew, and really liked to improve my skills. I did individual work with tutors to improve my Hebrew and improved as well in classes. At the time I was there, there was an Ulpan teacher who gave special lessons to me and other students who needed more help.
I also wanted to ask whether you ever saw any of the students at the boys' yeshiva or if the two programs are really kept separate. I'm wondering about this because my boyfriend plans to be studying there at the same time, andI'm wondering if and when I would see him.
I wasn't involved with the boys Yeshiva, it's just up the road from our school say 10-15 minutes. I do believe there is a request that separation be kept, this would be best to discuss this with Rebbetzin Chana Bracha.
Rebbetzin's comment: We require our students to respect the religious norms of the Bat Ayin village and not to hang out with men in public within Bat Ayin. However, there are plenty of opportunities to meet inside private homes in the community whether for shabbat meals or during the week. My personal home and porch is always open for dating couples. In addition we have a matchmaker in the community who has made several matches between the students of Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin and the Bat Ayin Yeshiva. Currently there are about five such couples living in Bat Ayin.
Overall, do you feel it was a worthwhile experience? How worthwhile?
It was the most wonderful experience of my life so far, and I've got 47 years of experience, b"H, so far! I am very eager to return, the land, the learning, the life all so appeal to me. The reason I am meanwhile staying in NY is in order to be near my aging parents and also because my boyfriend feels he wouldn't be able to work there... so I wait eagerly to return...
I think those are all my questions for now. Thanks so much for your help!
If you think of anything else that would be interesting for me to know about this place, I'd love to hear it.
All the best,
Jennie
I hope this is helpful to you. Please feel free to call with any other questions, 212-460-8509. I hope you will find your way to study there & perhaps I will join you as well.
With blessings, Judy