Darche Noam / Midreshet Rachel

I'M IN! :-)

Today I was officially accepted to Yeshivat Darche Noam (aka Shapells). Melissa has previously attended Midreshet Rachel, so she didn't have to be officially accepted. (I guess they liked her!) I'm extremely excited to spend six weeks immersed in a Yeshiva atmosphere for the summer zman, where I will have the opportunity to develop my learning skills. Melissa and I had hoped to go to Israel for our first year of marriage, but that unfortunately didn't work out. Luckily, we were still able to find the time between when I end my job at Rochdale and begin school.

(Not to skip around like the ADD kid that I am, but I officially accepted the offer of admission to New York University's Stern School of Business! I'm very excited about this new opportunity as well. I'm really looking forward to going back to school, but this time with serious focus. My goal is to pursue a career in money management. After the 2 year MBA program I hope to work as a buy-side equity analyst for several years. My long-term goal is to become a portfolio manager or to open my own fund/firm.)

Anyway, Melissa will be learning at Midreshet Rachel v'Chaya for at least the mornings. She would like to find a part time job in Israel if possible. Our plan, and we'll tell you more about as the time draws near, is to leave for Israel the second week of June. We will spend about a week touring Israel (as I have not been there in 10 years and Melissa has not been there in over 5). Then we will take a very belated honeymoon in Greece. We still haven't finalized Greece, but that is our most likely destination.

Then, on June 26, the Yeshiva program starts. As a married couple, we will not be attending night seder, but will have the time to spend with each other exploring Yerushalayim. How incredible does that sound!?! My day will begin with Shacharis (morning prayers) at 7:00 and end at 6:15. (click here to see a sample daily schedule).

To say I'm excited is the understatement of the year! I have been in Israel 3 times. The first was during my freshman year at the University of Maryland. I was accepted (even though I was probably too religious at the time) to Ohr Somayach's Jewish Learning Exchange. It was an incredible experience where I learned and toured for three weeks over winter break. I spent the following year at Yeshivat Ner Yaakov. I was very excited about the year and received a very large scholarship from NCSY. Unfortunately, there were large philosophical differences between me and the Rebbeim at Ner Yaakov, and I left right before Pescach without fulfilling my goal if increasing my learning skills. I was fortunate to go back to Israel in 1996 when I lead a group of the USY Poland/Israel Pilgrimage. I spent 6 weeks leading a group of 40 children ages 15 to 17 on a one week tour of Poland, followed by five weeks in Israel. This trip was absolutely amazing. The kids and other staff of "Group 8" helped to make this my most inspiring trip.

I have wanted to return to Israel for some time, specifically to make up for the year I spent in 1993 - 1994. If there is one student that the Rebbeim at Ner Yaakov (or Ner Jake as it's affectionately called) thought would return to learn, it certainly was not me! Melissa and I spoke about my dream to spend time in Israel learning on our very first date, and she spoke of how she had similar dreams. My passion to find a way to spend some time there intensified after reading an article in the 2/25/2005 issue of The Jewish Week. There was an AMAZING article titled "On The Same Page" (click here for the original link).

What made this story unique was the fact that the children in the family, who were also participating in the Siyyum Hashas, were only 17 and 19! I don’t have to tell you this means they started when they were only 10 and 12 years old! The story went on to explain how the family learned each night in their family room as they made their way through Shas. While his kids were still at home, this father was able to take time each day to learn with his kids. Imagine the impression this leaves on two children about to go off on their own to encounter the challenges of college, careers, and starting their own families.

The story brought a tear to my eye. The tear was one of happiness as well as one of sorrow. The story was inspiring, uplifting, and a true-life example of what a parent and teacher can accomplish if they set their minds to it. However, the story also reminded me of the painful reality that as things are now, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to recreate this experience with my own children. I don’t have the skills to open a Gemorrah and learn. Artscroll has made learning much easier, but I still know that even with “Rabbi Artscroll”, it is hard truly appreciate a sugya without proper learning skills. This article has become my dream. Just like I learned to do as a broker at Morgan Stanley, I cut out the article and carry a copy of it in my wallet for inspiration and to remind me to redouble my efforts when I feel that Israel might not be in the cards.

Thank G-d it looks like things are going to work out. We are hoping to book our flight this week and have been searching high and low for an apartment. If you read this, and know of anything in Beit HaKerem, Kiryat Moshe, or Har Nof, please let us know!

-Kess