Dear Afikei

BSD

TO ALL THE AFIKEI TORAH RABBEIM AND TEACHERS, PAST AND PRESENT,
This scrapbook was made in your honor. As you read through, it is clear that Afikei has touched so many students and each in a different way and has made a true impact on all of us. This compilation is a testament to what you have done for each student that has walked through the halls of Afikei Torah.

Id like to thank HaKadosh Baruch Hu for giving Afikei Torah 13 years in which they were able to touch all these lives and many more. The school will be sorely missed.

Special thanks go to Chana (Meltzer) Mintz and Brachi Himelstein for putting hours and days of hard work into expertly designing the pages which you are about to see.

And to quote many of the letters, even though Afikei Torah is closing its doors, it will always remain in our hearts. Thank you for all that you have done for us and you will be sorely missed!

Sincerely,

JESSICA WOLFF

AFIKEI DAYS!!
Dear ALL of Afikei, Rabbi Segal and staff.. .
The year and a half I spent under your care was a time full of love, devotion, fun, friendship, and growth within myself and Torah. All the effort from the staff was felt personally as though I was the only student, and at the same time each student felt that way. This was the uniqness that was Afikei Torah! Afikei will always remain my home away from home and a place where I finally found my derech and purpose in life and built friendships and mentors that will last forever.

Thank you Afikei Torah!

There is no such place as Afikei Torah and I pray that the teachers will continue to give over what Afikei gave us, to the students in Levavi Beis Yaacov. Your time and dedication to me will never be forgotten. It has shaped me into who I am today, and anything I become will be a zechus to Afikei Torah. The amazing staff who worked day and night with blood, sweat and tears shall be blessed with brocha, simcha and a massive Olam Haba for themselves and their future generations!!- AMEN

Here is the proof:

Chana Wertheimer

Dear Afikei Torah,

I am so very thankful to have you as my seminary! I loved it so much! I always felt that Afikei was for me from the moment that I heard about it. I heard about the great staff, the wonderful classes, and the most adventurous experiences! I quickly applied, and I was thrilled to be accepted into such a fine institution. It was the most incredible feeling to be saying, Yeah, I am going to Afikei Torah, which is my FIRST choice! When I started classes and saw what and how the teachers taught, I was amazed! It was so mesmerizing to witness how much the staff truly loves and devotes their lives towards Judaism and Hakodosh Baruch Hu! The staff at Afikei could never be compared to the staff at other schools! They always had a smile on their faces, had interesting things to say, and had the most amazing neshamos. I loved Shana Alef and Shana Bet! I had such wonderful, great, and amazing stories and experiences with them! It is so wonderful to know that I have a family that will always be there for me. I can ask sheilos, talk about myself, and hear incredible drashas. If I had not gone to Afikei Torah, I do not know where I would be. It is very securing to know that every step that I took in Afikei really encouraged and supported me for my future! Thank you with all of my heart! The school will always be in my heart. May we all have Bracha, Hatzlacha, and Kiddusha wherever we go! Im Yirtzah Hashem, Moshiach should come soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Aliza Weiser
2010-2011

DEAR AFIKEI TORAH,

Thank you for being such a wonderful home and family for 2 years and for continuing to be such a big part of my life. Since I left, I got married and had 2 little boys. Heres a picture of them to schepp nachas from. Afikei is still so much a part of my life that barely a week goes by when I dont think about someone from my Afikei family or something that I learned during my Afikei years (or on one of my frequent visits after that). I cannot thank all of my Afikei family enough for everything they did for me. I would not be who I am today or where I am today if not for the amazing role models I met in Afikei and the inspiring lessons they taught both in and possibly more especially out of the classroom (and those involved in my shidduch). It is with great sadness that I learned of the closure of the warm place that I knew I would always be welcome to visit, but Im sure that the future will hold great promise too and I wish the new seminary every success.

DEBORAH COREN (MORGAN) Afikei 03-04 and 04-05 DEAR AFIKEI,

I dont have enough words to describe my appreciation for all you did for me. Believe it or not, my parents forced me to go to seminary when all I wanted to do was start school so I could have a long and successful career (you know, the important things in life). Well, I went to seminary, then went back another year, and decided I wanted to marry a learning boy. Here I am married 5 years, I have 2 daughters, and my husband is still sitting and learning thank G-d. All my friends who know me from high school cant believe that me of all people not only married a learning boy, but that he is still learning with no plans of stopping any time soon. I believe it is Afikei that deserves all the credit for my hashkafos and outlook on life! Thank You!

SHANA (WEINSTEIN) WEIMER (05/06)

Dear Afikei Teachers and Staff, I dont even know where to begin! I had the wonderful opportunity of being a talmidah of Afikei Torah in the 5769/ 2008-2009 school year. Looking back I see that where I currently am in life is a direct outcome of all the goodness I received while I was a talmidah there. Afikei enabled me to grow in Torah and mitzvot at my own pace, yet in a substantial and meaningful way. I never felt forced to take on something new, rather the school provided an atmosphere of supporting teachers, madrochot, and peers that implanted within me the desire to grow. Baruch Hashem, to my surprise, seminary wasnt the peak of my Jewish learning and growth, rather the setting of a foundation to learn and grow for the rest of my life. And I owe all of that to the wonderful Afikei teachers and staff! I believe that so many of us loved the school because of Afikeis philosophy and implementation of Torah education. Afikei made it all enjoyable and sweet. I dont think I ever got the impression that growing in Torah and mitzvot was a burden, rather I was under the impression that every mitzvah was an opportunity to grow and connect to Hashem. There were times that I had to question myself, values, goals, and path in life, and it wasnt easy, but it was essential to grow as a person. And the Afikei teachers and staff readily were available to provide me with guidance. Although some of the things we learned might have been difficult to swallow at the time, they have stayed with me these past few years and only now am I seeing the truth in these lessons. For example, Rabbi Taub gave a class on the importance of living very simply, sourcing the Chofetz Chayim who stated that we are all travelers upon being asked why he has so little in his home. At the time this seemed really intense, I remember thinking to myself how drastic it was not to have a chair with a back because its too comfortable! Only now, when I am surrounded with the glamour and showiness of Hollywood and realize how distracting and meaningless it all is, do I see the beauty and sincerity in living simply. Thank you so much to all the teachers and staff for telling us as it is. Torah is Emet, and I know that over time I will appreciate these lessons more and more. Although Afikei Torah is closing its doors, I am sure it will live on through its talmidot. Throughout the years, Afikei has inspired and helped hundreds of girls who have built or are on the way to building a Bayit Neeman BeYisrael. Through this mini-empire Afikei will live on. Thank you again for everything,

Hayah Rae

Student from 5769

Dear Afikei Torah,

I guess its been five years since I first sherut-ed to our apartments on Uziel and had our first few shiurim from our Afikei teachers. You taught us that we cant be rewarded for a mitzvah in this world because theres no way to reward a spiritual act that is boundless, eternal, and holy with something physical and mundane. I sort of feel the same way here. Theres no way to give thanks for a gift that is boundless, eternal, and holy with simple words. I think the gift you gave us or the gift you gave me at least is showing me who I am, introducing me to my soul in a different way than I had ever known before. Hashem gives us all of our spiritual potential, but if we are never connected with Torah in this world, we may never even be aware that it resides in us. Hashem does good through those who are meritorious. So in some ways, I cant thank you for bringing me closer to G-d but for making your own efforts to follow His path, so that He gave you and me the merit of coming closer to Him through all of you. In the past five years, literally not a day has gone by in which my life was not somehow influenced by the spark that you exposed me to and the vision and dream for life I came to adopt as a result. I am sad that Afikei Torah is being transformed and that other young women will not get quite the opportunity or experience that I got there. However, I wish that all of Afikei Torahs staffs future endeavors be blessed and that you continue bringing Jews close to Torah and to Hashem. With inexpressible (literally) gratitude,

Emunah (Danziger) Fialkoff

Dear Afikei Torah,

Although it has been several years since I left Afikei, I still use the tools you have given me to continue growing and striving to new heights. Not only have you given me tools to work with conceptually, you also have given me the people who I can count on to answer questions or just schmooze with. Thank you very much. MayHashem help all of you to continue to do the awesome work you are doing. Thank you,

Esther Mandel Afikei 07-08

Dear Afikei,
I just wanted to express my outrage at Afikei Torah for brainwashing me for two years, and inspiring me with radical ideas about having a meaningful life through connecting to Hashem, and worse, the outrageous notion that Torah is more important than money. I could have ended up on the Upper West Side with a giant flat-screen TV and a dog, and now Im living in an Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood, surrounded by a bunch of fanatics who learn in Kollel all day instead of contributing to society.

Thank You,

Chana Mintz (Meltzer), 06 - 08

AFIKEI TORAH,
This is mamush a letter of Hakoras Hatov that is well overdue. Now that I am at home in good old Australia - I realize more and more everyday how grateful I am to have been at Afikei. I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to find answers to my questions and to reaffirm my pride in being Jewish. To all the teachers, Rabbis, Rebbetzins, people who had me over for Shabbat, Mashpias and Mechanechets & Madrichot ~ Thank you for always being there to answer my questions & giving me the incredible opportunity to do both Shana Alef and Bet in Israel. Afikei taught me so much about the beauty of Yiddishkeit and the individual path that we all follow though life. It was not just a year and a half of learning and nurtured growing, it was a nurturing that will take me through life and hopefully continue blossoming. I would say that I wish that I could thank you all by name - but you know who you are. I don't think that I have to. It really was the little things that you all did for me that really made the difference at the end of day. It was the beautiful way that you spoke about HaShem and Yiddishkeit in those last minute meetings, the way you still call me up to see how Im doing after sem and the way each of you in your own way made me feel special and important, and that my questions always deserved thoughful answers. You all truly in your own way gave me so much! Unquestionably, my most inspiring moments were the moments that I spent in Poland in Adar 5771, that were so beautifully harmonized with the lessons of Judaism I learnt from you in Israel. The deep connection to our heritage and the Emet of Yiddishkeit it gave me is something that I will always truly treasure.

Thank you so much again to Rabbi Segal and your amazing team. Much Hatzlacha for all your new endevours, Your talmida always,

Shoshi Lazarus
Dear Afikei Torah,

Simply, thank you. I am not so sure these two words can encapsulate what my time with you means to me and the profound impact you have had on my life. But even so - thank you. Coming to Israel for the first time not knowing anyone, you welcomed me with open arms and supported and guided me through what seemed to be an impossible journey. You have helped me to build a passionate love for Jewish Life and an everlasting personal relationship with Hashem. Afikei, you have introduced me to some of the most special girls that I know and provided the space to build friendships that will last a lifetime. My time with you has taught me what it really means to be a Jewish woman, something I can be proud of, something that has intrinsic value and is of the utmost importance and is essential to who I am. Whilst I am sad that you will no longer be the Afikei that all of us knew you to be, I can only look back at my time with you as one of the most important, special and enjoyable times in my young adult life. An experience that I will never forget. Behatzlacha & Todah Rabah, ~ Racheli Segall (2006-2007)

TO

I'm not really sure where to begin this letter. There are so many things that Afikei did for me, that I'm grasping at straws for where to begin. And so, as the cliche goes, I will start at the beginning. WHEN I HAD FINALLY DECIDED to go to Israel, I really didn't want to put in the research time. So I went down a list our Dean had given us, crossed off anything that said "Bais Yaakov" or otherwise had any "suffs" in the name, and began going to websites. By that time, my list was about 12 schools. In the next forty minutes or so, that list had gotten pared down to about 7, and within the next few days, it was down to 5. My methods were simple: look into some classes to see if they were interesting, check out their "mission statement", and ask other people who were actually doing research. THIS WHOLE SITUATION in which I had found myself was a bit irritating for me. You see, everyone said pretty much the same thing, in almost the same way. It seemed to me that all seminaries were either for the "super frum/ Bais Yaakov girl" or the "tour around Israel, not very religious girl". Honestly, I almost gave up hope that there were any schools that were for "plain religious girls". AS I WAS BROWSING around in my initial search, one of my 12-or-so tabs open was that of Afikei Torah. When I finally viewed it, just within the first few seconds, literally, I was struck with a feeling of "This is the place for me". Now, me being me of course, I rejected this ridiculous notion and was determined to remain as impartial toward Afikei Torah as I possibly could, which became more and more difficult for me. EVENTUALLY, my list became just two schools: Afikei Torah and Midreshet Tehilla. I applied to both. After my nervous meeting with Rav Segal, and my subsequent discussion with my sister as she tried to reassure me that if the menahel said I'd be right in the school then I was probably going to get in, I waited nervously for my acceptance letter. Which, let me tell you, I was easily way more excited about than my college acceptance letter, much to my mother's dismay. And so, I began making plans for my arrival and sojourning in Israel. THUS, IT IS EASY FOR YOU TO IMAGINE, that upon arrival in Israel, I had the next few years of my life planned out pretty nicely. I would come to Israel, have an awesome experience, magically become a nicer and more spiritual person, and then go off to secular college, because, seriously, I'll still be me after Israel. Nothing's really going to change, right? Ha Ha Ha. I laugh at myself. How wrong I was. IF YOU WOULD CAST your mind back to the very beginning of the year, when I first met all of you, I think you may be surprised at what you may recall. To spare no words, I was socially very uncomfortable, stayed to myself, didn't associate myself with anyone, and walked around pretty sullenly. In some ways, I was just waiting for a lightning flash moment when something that someone taught me would make a huge impact on me and begin my road to greatness, as it were. It took me a while to realize that that wasn't going to happen. BUT ONCE that happened, I began to apply myself more. I began to invest myself into forming relationships with some of my peers--the first time in my life that I had actually done that (socially, my childhood was pretty tumultuous). Having gone 18 years of my life without knowing how to make friends made life a bit difficult, but I think that the environment in Afikei helped faciliate that.

BE , T S E N O H

I COULD EASILY go on and on recounting tale after tale of fine changes that were wrought within me by the unique environment that could only have been Afikei Torah. I've reread my notes from my classes, and I'm annoyed to discover that there are so many lessons that I failed to write. Because they weren't even in the class themselves. They were in the conduct of the teachers (Rav Lauffer standing up for Rav Segal), the comments the teachers threw out casually ("Afikei has a special place in my heart"--Rav Taub), the personal stories they related ("Get out of my country!"--Rav Cohen), the craziness of the girls, the conversations in the living room, the Shabbatot spent out in the land, the casual interactions with Israelis, the overheard conversations on the bus, the nahagim, the patterns of the clouds, the light of the sun, and the shadows of the mountain upon which we lived. They were in the last leg of the hike; the first time that I saw the ocean; my connection to the Golan; the moment I fell in love with Israel; and my last long trip at the Kotel, the memory of which brings tears to my eyes even now as I begged G-d not to let me go. Each of those were a lesson that I learned from Afikei, which I could not have learned anywhere else, and I had tried. WHEN I GOT BACK, I received a response that apparently some other girls got from their parents (or just mothers) as well: "That year was a waste of time. You're exactly the same! I was looking forward to you becoming X, Y, Z!" And I, like other girls, spent fruitless hours trying to explain that the changes that were wrought upon us were not tattooed on our arms or our faces, they were indelibly burned into our souls. Our explanations were met with apathy and distrust, and then, as Rav Segal said (and Thank G-d he said it) that our real test began. AT THE POINT at which I write this, Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5773, I've been out of Afikei Torah less than twelve months. They're been the longest eleven months of my life (except my very difficult two years during highschool, during which I almost lost three family members, all of whom made it through and are, Baruch Hashem, thriving). During these past twelve months, I decided to attend a Jewish school, met a cousin I never thought I'd have (when I found out his mother was expecting, I cried with fear and worry), spent a summer with family, watched my sister and her family move over 2,000 miles away to Seattle, tried to manage myself surrounded by girls I never thought I'd be in close association with, watched my grandfather try to recover from a stroke, and most recently, trying to deal with the five-day-old diagnosis that my father has stomach cancer (though we're still hopeful!). I can honestly say that if not for Afikei Torah, I would have burned out long LONG ago. SO TO EVERYONE and everything that made Afikei Torah the special and unique place that it was, Thank You from my whole heart. Not just the bottom of it, and not just the top, but my heart in its entirety. THIS PALTRY NOTE really doesnt seem like it fully expresses my Hakarat HaTov or love for Afikei Torah, but I simply cannot find the words. Those of you who know me may remember that I'm a wee bit sarcastic and much of the meaning behind my words comes from intonation and inflection which, sadly, cannot be transmitted through paper. SO EVEN THOUGH Afikei has last thirteen beautiful, successful years before crumbling away, I hope you recognize that Afikei Torah will forever live on in each of our hearts, and within you, who made it all happen for us.

THANK YOU.
AFIKEI TORAH CLASS OF 2012

MIRYAM DT ELKAIM ,

Dear Afikei Torah,

Words cant express the Hakaros Hatov I have towards Afikei Torah. Coming from Australia all alone and in the middle of the semester, I was made part of the family very quickly from both fellow students and the faculty. Coming to Afikei really strengthened me as a person. Not only in learning and self growth but also in leadership, team work, and in general bringing out talents I had. Afikei really helped people bring out their strengths. Having also been given the opportunity to attend Shana Bet, I was also privileged to be able to experience being Madricha and going on the big trip to Poland. It was really an amazing experience and would never be the same without the wisdom and knowledge of our teachers and Rabbis. I truly feel blessed to have been able to be a part of the experience. We dont know what we have until its gone truly will apply to Afikei as it has whilst being so far away in Australia. Both teachers and Rabbis have really made an effort to be available when I needed them over the years. I appreciate that Afikei had such an amazing faculty, it really makes a difference. The friendships I made in Afikei are still strong no matter the distance. I really discovered the true meaning of friends. When you move on into the real world and face real life situations you really know those who are there for you. You still feel youre a part of Afikei long after you leave. I really enjoyed doing the Alumni parsha sheets each week for a while. I enjoyed hearing from our Rabbis and teachers each week too. Coming back to Israel and visiting those I have a connection with makes me feel like I never left. I really thank Rabbi Segal for always being able to see through his students and help them grow and strengthen in the best way for them. The teachers, mechanchot, madrichot, Eim Bayit all were amazing in my experience and definitely will always be a part of me. Wishing all the staff and family of Afikei Torah much hatzlocha with whatever may come their way!

Rebecca Jacobs Afikei Torah 04-05

DEAR AFIKEI TORAH,

Words can't describe my hakaras hatov, but I will try my best. My experience at Afikei Torah was not only one of fun and special memories but it was an experience that has shaped who I am today and who I am constantly striving to become. Growing up exposed to many different types of Jews was very confusing for me. Afikei Torah really helped me solidify my beliefs and strengthen my self confidence. Afikei Torah has prepared me for so many different types of situations and I know that when things come up that I can't do myself, I have many role models who are willing to help me out. The staff at Afikei Torah was something I had never imagined before. I remember when some girls were going through tough times in the dorm and our teachers were very concerned. They stopped teaching so that we could deal with the issues because they did not just care about how much Torah we learned, but they cared equally about making sure that we were having a positive experience, and they were always there for us no matter what we needed. Spending Shabbos meals at my teachers homes left such a lasting impression on me. When I build my own home, im yirtzeh Hashem, I plan to keep those memories in mind and try to emulate them. The relationships I made with other girls in Afikei Torah are like none other. We grew spiritually together. Whether it was spontaneous trips to the Kotel, amazing Shabbatons, life changing classes, or even crying through Poland together, we formed a special bond through these experiences that will last forever. I constantly thank Hashem for sending me to Afikei Torah and giving me such an amazing opportunity to better my life. When people ask me what seminary I went to, I smile thinking back to the best year of my life. It was the perfect way to start my adult life. I don't know where I would be in life had I not gone to Afikei Torah. Thank you Afikei Torah, for giving me the tools I need to succeed in life and grow in my avodas Hashem.

Molly Strulowitz

DEAR AFIKEI TORAH,

I would like to express my Hakaras HaTov to the most amazing seminary out there. I was in public school and wasnt at all religious up until high school. In 9th grade I decided to switch to a modern yeshiva and became religious, with my family following behind me at a slower pace. I had a rough high school experience, with friends ditching me as I took on more mitzvos. Finally it was time for seminary, and I was excited and nervous for the year ahead. I cant really put into words what Afikei did for me. I made such amazing friends that are my best friends until today. The Rabbeim and teachers in Afikei are truly one of a kind. They always had time to meet with me, and showed that they really cared about me. I never felt judged or pressured to take on anything that I wasnt ready for. In particular, I would like to thank Rabbi Taub for meeting with me and helping me understand why I shouldnt have NBA basketball players on my wall, Rabbi Lauffer for always showing he cared (even after seminary), Rabbi Shuster for adding great humor, Mrs. Sklar for being the best mechanechet and a true role model, Rabbi Adam for the interesting conversations on our trips, and Rabbi Margolin for bringing such simcha into my life each week. Most importantly I would like to thank Rabbi Segal and his family. The Segal family has such a special and real sensitivity for each girl. I miss them tremendously. I was so nervous to leave Afikei, and wondered how I would get through the days without my friends and inspirational classes. But instead of falling, I realized what amazing tools Afikei gave me and how much I had grown from seminary. I came back with such confidence, and learned how to be a frum Jew, an example for others, and keep my cool personality :) The friends that I made at Afikei, danced with me at my chupah, and continue to be my closest friends. Every week when I light Shabbos candles, I am overwhelmed by the happiness that I feel for who I became. 10 years ago I wasnt even keeping Shabbos, and now BH I am living in Lakewood with my husband who is learning and with my beautiful baby girl Yehudis. My home is full of Torah and simcha, and we often have guests for Shabbos (religious and non-religious). I cant say that my husband and I have never gone to a basketball game (sorry Rabbi Taub!), but I can say that we will G-d willing raise a family with Torah values and joy of doing mitzvos. This confidence of who I am and who I am able to become, stems from my year in Afikei. Thank you for providing me with a year of fun, inspiration, and deeply rooted values that will stick with me for forever. I know that even if Afikei may not be operating as a school, I will always be in the Afikei family.

Best regards,

SARAH (ZELKA) LIPMAN

2007-2008

Dearest Afikei Torah,

Being a part of the Afikei Family really changed my life for the better. From the connections I made with students and teachers I have learned and gained an understanding of life long skills and Torah knowledge to assist me in attaining that goal of becoming a true Bat Yisroel and to build a Bayit Neman BYisroel. From the classes to the fun tiyulim each part was exciting and encouraged us to have a love for Eretz Yisroel, our fellow Jew, and for our own self. Now having a family of my own BH I appreciate even more how the teachers took time from their families and personal lives to truly be there and listen to the girls when they were teetering between different life altering decisions. I write this note of thanks to show Hakarat Hatov and in order for all of you to understand the magnificent ripples of Torah you have created that better Klal Yisroel for now and many years to come IYH. May you all be blessed with Simchat Hachaim, Health, Happiness, Parnassa, Nachas, and Shalom Bayit.

Kol Tuv,
Atarah (Fettman) Block 02-04

Thank You Afikei Torah for

helping me understand what it means to be Jewish!

THANK YOU
Beahava,

LEAH ELIAS 12

you Torah ping me

and means ewish! KYOU va,

ias 12

Dear Afikei Torah, I don't know how to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me. Before going to seminary, I thought that I was for sure going to be the worst one in Chumash. I didn't have as many years in Jewish school like most of the other girls and I thought I was going to do horribly. But you did the exact opposite for me. You helped me build my self confidence so that I could learn Chumash without English, and taught me the skills of how to learn properly. Today, I confidently learn Chumash by myself or with others, and I don't feel intimidated anymore. Not only did you help build my self confidence, but all the teachers I had were amazing. Every class had something new and interesting to teach me. I learned so much from each class that I had never thought I would have. I built a different connection with each teacher, and still speak and learn with them until today. Not only did you give me confidence and great teachers, but you brought so many great girls together who are my closest friends. Because we were a small group, I got to know each girl so well and have continued keeping my relationships with each of them. I cannot imagine what my life would be without these friends, and they are all in my life because of Afikei! Thank you so much Afikei Torah!! I would not be the same person without you all! Ilana Drubach Afikei Torah Class of 2011-2012

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hamayev Esther S

Dear Afikei Torah,

When it comes time to thank someone for saving your life, no thanks could ever be enough It says , The amount of worlds that this school has been able to save is unbelievable. For me, I cannot imagine where I would be today if I wouldnt have gone to Afikei. Thank you for giving me my life and the lives of my generations to come, we would not exist without you.

Cheryl

r e b a H ) r e (Warshau

T hanks for teaching Torah to us! H appiness and simcha were always on the teachers faces which made an impact on us A ll the lessons learned and fun we shared will always be remembered in our hearts N ot allowed to go to Ben Yehuda at night was a good school rule

nowing and learning, having a solid Torah foundation was the ikar in the school

Y ou-the teachers-are the ones who care about us whether by having us for
Shabbos or giving us advice whenever we asked (sometimes even if we didnt ask)

Oh my goodness, Afikei Torah will be missed yoU have taught every single student AT LEAST one thing that
each of us will carry with us throughout our lives

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT AFIKEI TORAH HAS GIVEN ME!!

Mindy Myrowitz 07'08

Dear Afikei Torah,

Wow, I do not know how to properly express my Hakaras HaTov to you. Afikei Torah made me who I am today. Afikei has changed my life in so many ways from the way I act to the type of friends that I have. Every action I do is in someway guided by something I learned at Afikei Torah. I love being part of the Afikei family and I know I always will be. Afikei will always be in my heart. Thank you so much Afikei for everything you have done.

Love your talmida forever,

ELIANA SEIDMAN

DEAR AFIKEI TORAH,

I cannot begin to thank you all for what you have done for me. You have seen me through every phase of my life since high school through to engagement, marriage and beyond. From wearing ridiculous striped socks with a matching ridiculous bright t-shirt to wearing a shaitel From wanting to just have fun to wanting a real frum life From confusion to, well, more confusion, to understanding From naivety to maturity From being yelled at for bringing a cat into the dorm to being the one yelling at others to get their various pets out of the dorm From being an NCSYer to being a Kollel wife- I would not be where I am today if not for you. I cannot thank you enough for the hashkafos you instilled in me; your hadracha kept me focused and ever moving closer to Hashem. Thank you for letting me cry to you and laugh with you and for giving me the constant support that made me feel connected and loved. Thank you for believing in me every step of the journey, especially when I found it difficult to believe in myself. Thank you for being real life and real time examples of what it means to be a dedicated frum Jew- you provide me with role models and a vision of who I continue to develop myself to be. And last but not least, thank you for enveloping me into the Afikei staff and making me a part of this truly amazing family. Even though there wont be a physical building called Afikei Torah next year, I know that Afikei lives on in every staff member and talmida that has ever stepped into this school. May Hashem give you all the ability and opportunities to continue to inspire girls with your passion and love, as youve done for all of us, no matter where you may be.

Sincerely,

JESSICA (ATTIA) WOLFF

- 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13 : )

LCHVOD RABBI & MRS. SEGAL,

When I went to Afikei, I absorbed something so special from the incredible staff, programs and avirah. In retrospect I see that all throughout my seminary year, seeds were planted in me that have been sprouting since I (sort of) left. Throughout my experiences and challenges to grow, seek and strive to do ratzon Hashem I refer to what I learnt from my experience in Afikei. I know that what pulls me closer to Hashem and drives me to work on myself and my yiddishkeit are the lessons I learnt in your seminary. Something about Afikei inspired me to retain what I learnt and keep me growing year after year. Not only did I have the privilege of attending your seminary, you have also given me the opportunity to work as a Madricha and see all the endless amount of effort you put into running Afikei Torah. After every staff meeting I was left dumbfounded at how much everyone cares to help girls be the best Jewish women they could become. Every moment of our meetings were chinuch lessons and learning not only how to see the potential in others but how to reveal to them their potential as well. I would like to also take the opportunity to thank you for not teaching me for 10 months and forgetting who I am - rather you have cared for my wellbeing and growth in avodas Hashem until now and been there for me when the road is not so clear and helped steer me in the right direction. I am very grateful to have been an Afikei Torah talmidah and I will always consider myself to be one - I pray to keep everything I learnt from Afikei in my heart to fuel my passion and motivation to do ratzon Hashem. There are not enough words to thank you for everything. Sincerely,

Binah Gruz

DEAR AFIKEI,
Hi, its Tamar Maxwell (Swerdlik). Its sad to hear you are closing. I have such wonderful memories from afikei Torah from fabulous tiyulim, to long lasting friendships and wonderful classes with warm teachers. You will always be in the hearts of the students :) Baruch Hashem I am currently married, living in Queens and I have a beautiful son, Dovi. Thank you for all the amazing experiences that Afikei Torah has given me,

TAMAR MAXWELL (SWERDLIK)

I joined the Afikei Torah family a little over five years ago and haven't left since. Well, I might have left in the physical sense, but family is family, no matter the miles or the time zone. My religious upbringing definitely taught me all the 'hows' of Judaism, but Afikei showed me the 'whys'. My non-Jewish co-workers often present to me their curious questions and preconceived notions, but I never feel intimidated. I know what my religion is about and why I am so proud to be a part of it. More than one non-Jew has commented that it's amazing that at such a young age, it's possible for one to know what's really important in life... When dating, Afikei's lessons have guided me from date one. My husband is in kollel, something that I would never had considered before going to seminary. Seminary shaped me and gave me tools to navigate through the rest of my life. I really appreciate how Afikei looked out for us not just while we were in seminary, but even after we had all flown home to move on to the next stage of our lives. Thank you, Afikei Torah, for so much and more.

-Adina (Palmer) Silverstein

DearAfikeiTorah, Anyone who knew me throughout grade school knew that my goal was to graduate high school andgostraighttocollege.Seminarywasnoteven ablipontheradarforme.FromwhatIhadseen, seminarywasforfrummiegirlswhoalwayscame back the next year as substitute teachers for girls barely two years younger than they were, got married right away and started having kids, withwhatseemedlikenoothergoalthantoteach at the school from which they graduated. And thatjustwasntme. So what changed? That was the question I heardfromthosewhoknewthatIhadnointerest in seminary. What changed was that my caring principalthoughtitwouldbeanexcellentideafor metotakeayeartoworkonmyruchnius.What changed was that Rabbi Segal came and spoke at my school about the goals of Afikei Torah. I mean, who would have thought that there was a seminaryfornormalgirls?AplacewhereIcould goandreevaluatemylifewithouttheconstrictions and rule enforcement of a Bais Yaakov atmosphere. Somewhere I would feel safe and lovedandappreciatedforwhoIam.Aplacethat could encourage and assist me in becoming the amazingpersontheyknewIcouldbe.Aplacethat feltlikehome. How do you properly thank someone for changing your life? For saving your life? Every single member of the Afikei staff has done just that.Whetheritwasaphysicalsafeharborora spiritualone,IknowmanygirlswhoconsiderAfikei to be the place, the people, who changed their livesforthebetter. Havingbeengrantedtheopportunitytohelpput this scrapbook together, Ive had a rare look behindthecurtain.Asanindividualandanalumnus of Afikei Torah, I can see how far Ive come as a person, but after reading so many of these stories,myeyeshavebeenopenedtotheextent oftheimpactthisschoolhashadsinceitopened thewordswithinthisbookaremerelyafraction ofthat. Thankyou. Theysayitsthepeopleyousurroundyourself with that truly affect and shape who we are. Thankyouforbeingthosepeople. ThankyoutoRabbiKurlandforopeningAfikeiin thefirstplaceandchoosingRabbiSegalasour menahel.ThankyoutoRabbiSegalforleadingus, guiding us and providing us with the amazing teachers, classes, tiyulim, shabbatonim, and yomei iyunthathelpedshapedus;andforthechochma and emunah that it took for roommate and apartment placement. Thank you to Brochie WeinbergandRivkyWerblowskyforbeingamazing EimBayitsforalwaysbeingreadytoassist,no matterwhattheproblemortheirbusyschedules. Thank you to Mrs. Preil and Rivka Lichtman for being the most wonderful mechanchot a person could ask for; for always being there with a listeningearandanopenheart.ThankyoutoMrs. Verbovfororchestratingmyscheduleandmaking exceptions when I wanted to take more classes than there was time in the day. Thank you to RachelFactor,Mrs.Freedman,Mrs.Greenfield,Mrs. Gutman,Mrs.Lurie,Mrs.Rabinowitz,Mrs.Rosenberg, Mrs.Schweitzer,Mrs.Segal,Mrs.Silver,Mrs.Sklar,

Mrs.Stauber,andMrs.Thalerforalloftheirtime andMrs.Thalerforalloftheirtimeandpatience in teaching and preparing the most incredible classes and for opening their hearts and their homes to us whenever we needed. Thank you to Rabbi Cohen, Rabbi Druyan, Rabbi Kahn, Rabbi Lauffer, Rabi Levin, Rabbi Manning, Rabbi Margolin, Rabbi Nissel, Mr. Olesker, Rabbi Orlowek, Rabbi Schuster, Rabbi Taub, Rabbi Teller, and Rabbi Wainsteinforgoingaboveandbeyondtobringus amazing Torah insights and broadening our knowledgeofthingswethoughtwealreadyknew. A special thank you to the Rabbis and teachers whotookthetimetoanswermypersonalsheelos andconcernsaboutthefutureandaboutlife:you have all made a bigger difference than you can imagine.ThankyoutoRabbiAdamforkeepingus safe on Tiyulim, for being an excellent conversationalist for those of us who lagged in the back of the group (sometimes on purpose, just to schmooze), and for providing us with an unscheduled shana bet class on balancing when one of our own realized that while you can protectusthroughthemountains,yourTorahcan movethem.ThankyoutoDanielZeligforyourtime andyourpassionforEretzYisroelandthehistory that lies within its borders. Thank you to Elisheva Ben Chaim and Yelena Langer for always making sure that our meals were hot and ready. Thank youtoouramazingmadrichot,Elana(Guttman)Arlin, Perel Hande, Nechama Gorfinkel, and Miriam (Goldstein) Kolchin, for being ready to handle whateverbizarreproblemwethrewyourway,for supporting us and encouraging us to do and be the best we can. Thank you to both Michelle Handwerger and Nechama for keeping the office organizedandintip-topshape.Andtothemany teachersandRabbisthatIdidnthavetheprivilege oflearningfrom:justbeingwithinthesamefour walls as you and learning from my friends who attendedyourclasses,Ivegainedsomuch. Last but most certainly never least: to all the girlsIhadthepleasureofmeeting,livingwith,and learningfromyouareallsuchincrediblepeople andIfeelblessedeverysingledaytohavemet andtoknowyouall.Imadesomelifelongfriends andhaveonlythebestmemoriesfromourtimes together.Ihonestlywouldnotchangeathing. Thankyouallsomuchfortakingwhatcouldhave been just another life experience and turning it intoalifealteringexperience. Iwisheveryoneallthebrachaandhatzlachain theworldwiththeirpersonalendeavors.Weshould all be zoche to see each other once again and use all weve learned from Afikei Torah and from each other to help bring Moshiach and build the BaisHamikdash,soonandspeedilyinourdays. Withallmylove,respectandhakarashatov, --BrachiHimelstein (06-08)

ikei Torah family, To my dearest Af ld the way that I do you. I view the wor of e us ca be am I e. You instilled in me I am who at you instilled in m th s lue va h ra To e love that is because of th em and Growth- a sh Ha d an h ra To r with others and I an intense love fo sition to share that po a in be to ed pact has insatiable. I am bless e overflow. Your im th om fr fit ne be y n not only me and m daven that they ca plications; touching im g vah hin itz ac M t re r Ba e fa incredibly as well as th ily m fa ed nd te ex t my h as well as their immediate family bu hool kids who I teac sc c bli pu ish w Je d girls, Gairim an community. families and wider g my invaluable s that I wrote durin te no e th h ug ro th a part of I recently looked ts and ideals were ep nc co e th at th d ssesfoun came from our cla time at Afikei and sis ba kly ee w a on came I use use as the words me, and quotes that ca be t bu s te no e o my studied th penetrated deep int ey and not because I th s, th ou m rs and teache that is amazing. out of my Rabbis part of me. I think a e m ca be d an d Neshama, resonate who connects with precious individual a h, ra To nose around be a d I marrie g inspires all of th nin ve da se ho w el, al lev klal Yisrael with H-Shem on a person to each member of ts ec nn this in co ho w l ects me. I attribute sp him, an individua re d an e m s lue d who va mamish helped to genuine concern an and Teachers who im an bb Ra y m u ges who a great way to yo ooth the rough ed sm d an t dir e th f of Neshama has, mould me, to dust pabilities that each ca d an th ng re st dless is. I can showed me the en be grateful for th r ve re fo ill w I . th y wor ot to instil this in who showed me m y and use my koch tr to ing inu nt co thank you by others and Yehoshua. ecious sons; Akiva pr o tw ith w us ed turning H-Shem has bless Sivan and he will be of d 2n t, ba ab Sh this ecious Akivas birthday is 15 months. Both pr is ua sh ho Ye n. er opsh ld I feel the three and having an to offer the wor h uc m so davening ve ha ho guide them and my neshamot w lp he to ility sib on of resp tremendous weight then it is now. been more intense r ve ne s ha em sh Hto ar and a half place to spend a ye t ec rf pe e th to rever. H-Shem guided me ants. Thank you. Fo Gi om fr rn lea uld n unda where I co me to the land dow co u yo n he w it vis Come Please be in touch! re then. etz HaKodesh befo Er to e m co e w s les :) Un :) (LAYAKS) s And Keep Smiling lve se ur Yo r te Af Look and respect, Warmest regards

Devorah Tockar
) (nee Kinstlinger/Syd m devobbie@gmail.co

My Dearest Afikei Torah, s not enough to say that and awe into words? It e ud tit gra my t pu bly what that How can I possi dont think you can grasp I se au bec e, lif my ged u) chan youve (the collective yo because of Afikei. pect of my life is changed as ery Ev ve. ha you t Bu . means, really have gone lize how blessed I was to rea me kes ma r yea ul erf nd me the proper Looking back on that wo d teachers. Youve given an eim bb Re G IN AZ AM ch finitely see the there and learn from su and yiras shamayim. I de h ra To of l ful e lif e ibl t me and foundation for an incred and things youve taugh sb hu my h wit e ar sh en rriage. I oft -Torah effects of Afikei in my ma e of Afikei, I married a ben us ca Be H! IY , ren ild ch with my nstantly strive cant wait to share them os. My husband and I co tzv mi d an h ra To on ely based we dobut and my home is complet share in all the mitzvos ge hu a ve ha you d an , hkeit ss. You should know to grow together in yiddis s hatov to you all is endle ra ka ha My u! Yo k an Th ls who went to Afikei, seriously! All I can say is t it. all (most) of the gir ou ab ink Th . ged an ch how many lives youve a share in all of their children. Wow! You have nd gra eir th , ren ild ch eir their husbands, th hus! mitzvos! Such a huge zc what anyo-ne done for me is more than Afikei Torah, what youve y be closing, you so so much. Afikei ma k an Th . ter let y an in could write it wont last forever. but that doesnt mean Sincerely,

Joelle Czech (Schiro)

Dear Afikei, I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me during my year in Israel and all that you continue to do for me, even if you don't know it. Ever since my sister went to Afikei I knew it was the place for me, no other seminary called to me the way Afikei did. In fact, If it weren't for Afikei I never would have gone to seminary, and I don't know where I would be now without it. So thank you, Afikei, for all you have done for me, taught me, given me, everything. I will never forget the amazing experiences I had and growth I achieved both from the teachers and friends I made during my year. I wish everyone with Hatzlacha as they move on in life. As this amazing chapter comes to a close, I only hope the next one is at least as good as the previous one was. Love,
(AT 11-12)

Tzila Himelstein

Dear Afikei Torah, I cannot describe in words how much you did for me. Your Torah teaching, dedication, and warmth that you showed me day in and day out is what made me into who I am today. You have changed my life for the better and I always remember and think about my Afikei days... wishing that I can go back. The friends I made, the experiences that I had, and the incredible growth and learning that I gained could not have happened any other way. I have great memories from seminary that will stay with me wherever I go. Thank you to all of the teachers for everything you have done and continue to do! Love,,

Rebecca Magid (Shechter)

To all the wonderful afikei staff, words can' t ever express all the hakaras hatov my family and I have to you. You have shaped me into the bas yisrael that I am I and my family are the people we are because of you. ( ) Shoshana Greenstein and Yitzchok Roodman Thank you,

today. You have taught me how to rise above challenge and triumph over struggles.

Dear Afikei Torah, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the most amazing Rabbis and teachers for the 2 most wonderful years that I was in Afikei for a lifetime filled with growth, chizuk, advice, guidance, and everlasting hours spent investing time in me, which continues to this very day. Everyone was and is always there with a smile on their face to help in everyway possible, even so many years after I left seminary. The connection was and IY"H will always be there. Thank you everyone for making me into who I am today and for giving me the tools to be a wife and a mother. There's not enough times I can say this and no way to express my hakaras hatov that I have towards all of the most incredible faculty of Afikei Torah. Thank you! Thank You! Thank You all sooooooooooooooooooo much!

Tzirel (Kaplan) Miller

Dear Afikei Torah, Thank you for the amazing year and a half and the rest of my life! Afikei Torah made me into the person that I am today and it is because of what I learned in Afikei and the influence of the rabbiem, teachers and faculty that I had the strength to handle the different challenges I have faced since seminary. I felt like I was always able to remind myself of things I learned in seminary and even call my teachers and get chizuk and advice. Today I am, Baruch Hashem, married to an amazing man and we just had a beautiful son a few months ago that we named after my father. The way we live our lives and iyh the way we raise our son is all thanks to the influence of my time in Afikei Torah. So when you taught me and every girl that came through Afikei - you really taught our families as well. When I was in Afikei my father a"h was always blown away by how much we learned and he was so happy with how well I was doing. He sent Rabbi Segal a beautiful letter expressing his hakaros hatov to Afikei Torah. It was such a good feeling to have made my father so proud and it was all thanks to Afikei! It is a true loss to all other girls who could have come to Afikei but I know that all the staff of Afikei will continue spreading Torah and changing many more people's lives, even if it isn't through Afikei. Thank you for all you have each done for me and my family! I will always appreciate it!

Gila (Aronstein) Zidele

Thanks so much for everything!

--Becky Beyer (06-08)

I just received this email last week One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach.. but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse.

Dear Afikei Torah,

When I heard the news that Afikei Torah would be closing, I was shocked and didnt know how to feel not because I didnt think that Lev BY wouldnt be an awesome school too, but because Afikei gave me so much that I wanted it to continue giving the same to others for years and years to come. This being Afikeis last year, this book stands as a culmination of the nachas each and every staff member should feel. I feel immense, never-ending gratitude to Afikei Torah. It was my physical home for a year and a half and will be a spiritual home in my heart forever. I was not planning to go to Afikei in the beginning of my seminary search process. I did not know much about the seminary and had my mind set on another, but through Hashems Hashgacha Pratis, I was pulled to Afikei Torah instead and I have full confidence that it was the perfect place for me. How can I put into words the immeasurable gratitude I have for this school? I want to be able to express at least some of it as a Hakarat Hatov, so I will try my best. Afikei gave me eternity. Now I know that is a pretty hefty thing to say but it is true and Ill try to explain. Afikei taught me that each mitzvah I have been given is a way to connect me, in the temporary physical world, to Hashem in the eternal spiritual world. Since the lessons I was taught in Afikei influence every single mitzvah I do, it is because of Afikei that I am connected to Hashem the way I am now. That year and a half has molded me into a person who is constantly working to develop a relationship with Hashem thus giving my life meaning and imbuing me with a dedication to Torah. What more could I have asked for from a seminary? If the goal of Afikei was to give its girls a love and dedication for Torah that would last for the rest of their lives,then I believe that Afikei has accomplished that goal with me and, from what I have seen and heard, hundreds of other girls all around the world. I will always look back at my pictures fondly, hold onto my memories tight, and try to give over to others the same inspiration Afikei gave me. Kol Hakavod to each and every teacher and staff member for using their knowledge to inspire and teach, because it is as a result of your dedication that I try to wake up every morning thinking, I am a Bas Melech, a soldier of Hashem, and I must act accordingly.

a h t n a m a S l e i t u Yek

Your student always,

Rabbi Segal,
Akei is so much more than a seminary. Every girl who walks through the doors of Akei has the potential to assume the most esteemed of roles: a Jewish mother. Because of your guidance, I was able to embody that role and maximize my purpose in life. Thank you for helping to bring me to the place I am in now, physically, emotially and spiritually. You most certainly have a chelek in our home, and the homes of all of our future generations as well, Im Yirtza Hashem. Because of you and the amazing sta at Akei, there is another (happy) home in Klal Yisroel. This should be not the end, but the beginning of many more changed lives.

Dina Marer
(and Yoav, Shoshie & Batsheva)

Dear Rabbi Segal and my Beloved Teachers, Words cannot express all that I have gained because of Afikei Torah. The Torah I amassed, the life lessons I learned and the friendships I continue to keep, will last forever. There was no better place in the world for me and Afikei was like my home. I am so sad to see you go but I will never ever forget my experiences in Afikei. Hatzlacha in the next stages. All my love, Lisa Lamm Pasternak

Afikei Torah 05-06-07

DEAR AFIKEI TORAH,

I was pretty surprised to learn that Afikei Torah is shifting directions at the close of this school year. In the midst of talking to other alumni about our feelings regarding the change, I realized that Afikei Torah will never truly vanish. It will live on for each and every alumnus that journeyed through its rooms. The seminary year is a pivotal point in a girls life. Its the year she chooses a starting mark from which to set sail on the seas of life. For all the girls that have passed through Afikei, Afikei will never cease to exist. It will live on in our minds and in our hearts. Id like to take a moment to thank you on behalf of all the girls that have passed through your halls. The environment you created was one in which girls flourished in every area. Personally, Id like to thank you for the support you showed me. I appreciate that you helped me when I needed assistance, yet gave me space to figure things out independently. I loved how the staff encouraged creative expression. I loved how the teachers were so different from one another and approached Judaism from a different perspective; it taught me that theres many ways to serve Hashem. I loved the fantastic tiyulim we enjoyed all over the country. What I loved most of all is the personal connection the staff developed with the students. That bond between the student body and staff is a unique Afikei characteristic, and that Im sure will never change, regardless of what the school is called. Thank you again,

CHAYA SPILMAN :)

DEAR AFIKEI TORAH,

My one year in seminary changed my life and it was no doubt because of the seminary I chose and the opportunities it presented for me. I was given the opportunity to experience going to different types of families for Shabbos and in turn deciding if their hashkafos, how they dealt with their children etc. was what I wanted to implement in my own home or not. Afikei Torah gave us a safe environment to experiment with different things as well, trying out different halachos we were learning or taking on and seeing how we felt when we did them all while being encouraged and guided by loving madrichot and friends. In Afikei we were able to create the person we were going to be for the rest of our life in a sheltered environment. Afikei also gave us the chance to bring up controversial issues that we have to deal with often and gave us a strong foundation and confidence that the Torah opinion was right and truth. By far the experience that had the biggest impact was Poland. I am forever grateful that I somehow realized before choosing a seminary how important going to Poland was. Poland drove into my head and heart Jewish pride on a level I didnt know possible. It wasnt about Jewish pride rather it was, These people are never ever going down and I was chosen to be a part of them. The connection to Hashem was so easy there you didnt even have to reach for it because His people were shown in their best, mightiest times there. Overall Afikei has given me the foundation of Torah to build not only myself on but my house and my family and I am eternally grateful for the clarity, direction, and encouragement that I received there. I have no doubt that no matter the name of the school, the teachers and their love and care and commitment will continue to help girls in the most important year of their life. Thank you for all you did Afikei Torah! Love,

HANNAH BLACK (HALL)

Looking out the window. Staring into space. Memories of seminary come flooding back to me. I am taken across the ocean to a country that is amazing. I envision myself at the Kosel. In class. At the dorm. On Shabbatons. Seeing all of the amazing sights of our holy land together with Daniel. Rabbi Segal. Michla. Walking to the kosel leil shavuos. Birkas Kohanim. Who could forget the amazing uplifting inspiring trip to Poland. Everything that happens in our life happens for a reason. Everything we learn, see, hear is for us to keep in our records. We never know when the roller coaster called life will call for it. Afikei Torah has taught us how to connect with our inner self and set goals for ourselves that we can achieve. Become the people we want to be. Learn to appreciate the world we live in. Live every day to its fullest potential for no one knows what day will be his last.
By: Sarah Kayla Anton- Afikei Torah Class 2011-2012