Age: 26

"My special talents are smiling, laughing and striving to give good energy. I have a small clothing company called "Elohe," which sells eclectic, one of a kind clothing. I sewed myself and sold in boutiques in Seattle and on my website, but it was more secular clothing before I started embracing Judaism.

I attended Portland Jewish Academy, Seattle Central Community College, the Art Institute of Seattle and the University of Washington.

I love all plants and flowers, trees and the wilderness. These are the beauties of Hashem that we should live with and embrace.

I chose to come to B'erot to embrace Judaism and explore and learn. Honestly, it was Hashem's calling for me and I knew the first day that I got here that it was the path Hashem set for me.

I am open to receiving what this path brings. I know in the last week I have been here, the intensity of the beauty of Judaism has flourished within me and Hashem's Divine Presence really flows through the community and nature here.

I love the nature and the wilderness that flow around the mountain in Bat Ayin. The view is inspiring for the soul and spirit. I have found some beautiful energy here that exists within the community of loving people. The mountainside really embraces oneself and the presence of Hashem is strong.

Only Hashem knows what is in store for my future, but I don't plan on leaving Israel and I will continue the Torah way to spread the energy to those around me and my offspring (G-d willing)."

Age: 36

Ninka's Hebrew name, Noa-translated as "moving"-reflects that aspect of her nature. Native to Holland, Ninka is a spiritual seeker whose world-travels have taken her far-and-wide in search of her unique spiritual expression and connection to the Divine. She most relates to HaShem by listening to music, appreciating nature, and engaging in in-depth Torah studies. Spiritual and classical music, she says, provide her with inspiration and new insights about life, as well as enable her to meditate and to connect with her soul. Ninka also enjoys spending time with cats and horses, observing their great elegance and strong sense of will.

Ninka was drawn to Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin for its warm and accepting atmosphere that allows all students to tap into, explore and develop their unique spiritual needs. Additionally, she enjoyed taking advantage of B'erot's opportunities for creative expression within a Jewish context through classes such as Torah art, movement, singing, gardening and herbal healing.

Ninka believes that B'erot has provided her with a holistic educational approach that incorporated classes designed to engage the many aspects of her being: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, artistic and physical. Furthermore, Ninka feels that attending classes that explore Jewish Mysticism and Thought, and working the land of Israel created within her a sense of deep inner-harmony between her spiritual and physical needs. Finally, she acknowledges the impact on her inner-growth from learning outside the classroom, particularly from interacting and studying with other female students.

After graduating from B'erot, Ninka is looking forward to making Aliyah, and with Hashem's help, using the foundation she gained at B'erot Bat Ayin to build her own Jewish family.

Student from September 2005 until July 2006

Age: 24

Before coming to Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin, I studied for a year and a half in Machon Alte, the chabad seminary for women in Tsfat, the "city of air." While there, I worked for a silversmith, polishing jewelry, and cutting up pieces for a model of the third Beit Hamikdash.

In my native Charlotte, North Carolina, I worked with animals in dog kennels and horse farms, and since coming to Israel, cows on a kibbutz.

The recent wedding of Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin alumna Sararose Goldstein (now Zion) was amazing in its romantic outdoor decor, and gave me the opportunity to ponder on the variety of lives and types for the Jewish people.

I came to B'erot Bat Ayin to find spiritual grounding in the earth. I enjoy kinesthetic learning, and an environment that is intellectual, open, and seeking to do service in the world. The laid back atmosphere facilitates the integration of new spiritual growth by combining learning classes with a healthy program of activities that includes yoga, gardening, and visiting the (separate) beach.

Age: 19

Atara, whose name means "crown" in Hebrew, has an innocent look with long red hair that leaves no hint of the fact that she's a black belt in karate and spent three years in military school. Not only that, but she was "the only kid who actually wanted to go there!"

Atara chose to come to Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin because it offered an opportunity to merge with the land of Israel and to meet a variety of interesting people. Her favorite class is Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum's "Herbal Workshop" in that it uses religious sources such as the writings of Rambam to inspire a healthful, Torah inspired life.

Communal cooking is one of the most fun parts of living in B'erot Bat Ayin for this young woman as it gave her a chance to develop intense friendships in an emotionally honest atmosphere. Atara would like to make aliyah, as soon as the time has come for her to marry.

Age: 30

What attracted me to Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin was the broad learning program that encouraged the exploration of various avenues of cleaving to my Jewish way of life before deciding upon a personal path within orthodoxy. The warm and friendly community is supportive for learning and personal growth.

I love the class offered by Tsipi Egert that analyzes in depth the book of the prophet Samuel and the Psalms of David. Mrs. Egert infuses the ancient text with life, helping us to develop a comprehension of the prophet's passionate message and its implications in our time.

After having received my Master's degree in Communications from Royal Roads University and working in administrative fundraising for wonderful organizations like the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where attendance at classical music concerts was a definite bonus, I aspire primarily to become a good wife and mother. After I complete the program at Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin, I hope to make aliyah in proper time, and perhaps spend some time with an orthodox family to develop further homemaking skills.

Age: 40

I believe it is a crucial mitzva (good deed) for Jews to live in Israel, and that when one Jew does a good deed, thereby the whole world is elevated.

Bat Ayin strikes a good balance for me, because it is a religiously observant tolerant community that makes space for those that come from a non-observant background but are respectful of the local culture. I find this to be so true that one of my visions for the future is to settle and marry either in this community or in one with similar values.

I am fascinated by the Judaic theme of the "end of days" particularly as it is discussed through the Talmudic prophecies of redemption in Atara Gur's course (other important sources used in the class are Rambam and the Book of Prophets). There, powerful phenomena such as the division of Jerusalem, and predictions of revolutionary changes in the world are brought under fierce intellectual analysis.

The location is also one of Bat Ayin's most irresistible draws, with the fantastic sunsets setting over the majestic Judean hills. I love the lush garden, overflowing with fig, lemon, nectarine and pomegranate trees, along with the delicate scents of the mint, lavender, sage and lemongrass plants.

Age:30

I grew up internationally first in Jerusalem, then Paris and finally New York, before ultimately returning to Israel. For all the external trappings and glittering materialism of the Western world, I somehow always ended up with a sensation of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Meditative observation has been a very important part of my life for many years, helping me to connect with nature and my deepest self while developing an understanding of the ethics of culture and society. Embarking on an observant Jewish route has allowed me to relate to a community, and humble myself in a profound and healing way.

In Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin, I have found an environment where I am given the space to come to my own personal choices, all the while respecting and growing within the guidelines of Judaic tradition. I can now relate to the ideologies of my grandparents, establish a sophisticated perspective of historical events, and tap into the spiritual inspiration of Judaism.

I graduated from New York University in 2005 with a BA in art history, and am registered to attend Hebrew University for my master’s degree in Jewish civilization in the fall.

Age: 32

Who does not see God in all, does not see God at all.

Before coming to Bat Ayin, I was a professional massage therapist and natural health consultant, visual & performing artist, community & campaign organizer with various social & environmental justice groups, organic farmer, and global traveler.

Highlights: Designing Urbaculture Eco-Park in Sarasota FL, studying herbal medicine with curanderas in the Borunca Reservation of Costa Rica, co-managing squatted community center Casa del Sol in the Bronx NY, performing ritual theater with the Mystic Family Circus in Berkeley CA, studying Massage & Doula work in CA, fundraising for Ekol Bazilo in Port au Prince Haiti, sailing off the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, living in a tent on the banks of the Banyas River in the Golan.

My sister, now married with 3 kids kn'ainhara, introduced me to observant Jewish life. I learned at Neve Yerushalayim, Sharei Bina & Machon Alta before coming to Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin. It is the simple living on the land, creative & hospitable Torah community, and inspiring & brilliant Truth seekers that has kept me connected to and encouraged me to promote this holy place over the years.

Since my time as a student, I've been studying radical counseling, nonviolent communication, mediation, and process work psychology. I have also worked as a fundraiser and promoter for B’erot and Yad Ezra V'Shulamit charity organization of Jerusalem; and as a Hebrew school teacher for B'nai Tikva in Walnut Creek CA and Hillel Day School in San Francisco CA.

I find great joy in both learning and teaching myself and others to be at peace with themselves and each other through awareness, understanding, and tolerance. I aspire to facilitate True Peace within, in the Middle East and in the entire world. We should all be blessed with complete peace, happiness, and liberation.

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