 hile
one usually thinks of a midrasha as a place where
one engages the texts, Midreshet Rachel has added
a new dimension to its learning program - 'Practical
Chesed' (kindness.) As Midreshet Rachel celebrates
an ever increasing number of students, the administration
has made a commitment to integrate chesed projects,
beginning in Elul, as part of the Bein Adam L. Chavero
(interpersonal relationships) curriculum. . As you
grow in Torah you must also grow in chesed,. is
a goal of the Midrasha. Participation in the chesed
project will be mandatory for women in Levels 2
and 3, and optional for Basics Level and Level 1
students. The idea of a chesed program has existed
for some time, and will finally b"h become
a reality. The four hours a week of "Bein Adam
L'Chavero" are a significant part of the curriculum,
yet learning about chesed must go beyond the classroom
and be implemented in the real world.
The
concept is to involve the women in projects which
benefit people in need. It is important not only
to come to Israel and gain from all that Israel
has to offer, but also to give something back.
Currently,
Midreshet Rachel students volunteer at Hebrew
University (in the Beit Midrash program, where
they tutor American year-abroad university students)
and at the Milev Center at Shaarei Tzedek Hospital
doing crisis counseling. Although the official
chesed program has yet to start, Midreshet Rachel
has organized individual projects.
This
Chanukah, the women collected toys from homes
and stores. The day before Chanukah, the women
distributed over 15 large bags of new and used
toys to needy children. Additionally, food was
donated in conjunction with Shlach Lachmacha,
a charity organization under the auspices of Rabbi
Chaim Goldberg. The chesed program will be part
of the official curriculum and will be coordinated
by a professional. The coordinator will research
and help students choose placements. Many of the
placements will be in Har Nof amongst English
speakers. Besides being convenient, this will
eliminate a language barrier which often discourages
students from chesed involvement. The students
will have individual supervision and periodic
seminars to discuss their experiences and learn
ways to deal with challenging situations. Some
examples of placements are: helping physically,
emotionally or mentally disabled students with
their homework, helping large families with baby-sitting
or cooking, visiting the elderly and helping with
their shopping, or working as a counselor on a
crisis hotline. The purpose of the project is
to engender feelings of responsibility and Ahavath
Yisrael (love of fellow Jews.) At Midreshet Rachel
the women will not only learn about helping -
they will help. They will not only learn about
giving - they will give. The Hebrew word ðúï is
a palindrome which works in both directions. Similarly,
the hope is that the women of Midreshet Rachel
will learn the lesson that when you give, you
also receive.
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