Aviva Zimmermann is from Cedarhurst, New York. She went to SKA High School and spent two years learning in Michlalah. She is now a senior in Queens College. Aviva went on Michlelet as a camper for two summers, and was so excited to be able to come back as a madricha this past summer!
The girls in Aviva’s chabura this past summer were Eliana Carasso (San Rafael, CA), Racheli Pollack (Beachwood, OH), Ariella Benovitz (Spring Valley, NY), and Sara Golombeck (Lawrence, NY). Aviva’s chabura was called “You, Me, and Hashem: Lessons from Pirkei Avos.” Every chabura focused on a different mishna from Pirkei Avos, each geared towards improving one of the three relationships we all have; Bein Adam L’makom, Bein Adam L’atzamo, and Bein Adam L’chaveiro.
Q: Reflecting back on the past 6 weeks, what was one of the most meaningful experiences you had this summer?
Eliana – One of the most powerful experiences I was lucky enough to experience, was talking to and learning with the TJJ transfers. It’s a commendable thing to know that you’re going to set aside time for yourself to grow during the summer, but it’s a greater thing to set aside your summer for growth, see the Emet contained in your growth, and then to come in the middle of a program of 100 girls in order to pursue that Emet. It was one of the most incredible, inspiring this to see.
Racheli- The most meaningful experience for me was listing to guest speaker Rabbi Doni Marcus. He spoke about Jewish pride. The reason I found this so significant to me was because I often hide the fact that I am Jewish in a public setting because I feel I will be judged or ridiculed. However, after listening to his inspirational speech, I realized that I shouldn’t care what others think and I realized I have no reason to be embarrassed. Actually, quite the opposite! Though I don’t go around parading the fact that I am a Jew, I no longer feel the pressure to hide it.
Ariella- The most meaningful experience I had this summer was when we made a carnival for some children who live in sderot. I found this especially meaningful because all I did that day was draw a picture of a clown but that same picture gave children living lives of trauma an hour of fun. That day showed me how much tiny acts of chessed can effect the lives of other people.
Sara- One of the most meaningful parts of my summer was when we made a wedding for a couple who could not afford to make their own. It was so special to help out so directly and really see your hard work pay off. I really gained an appreciation for chessed from all we did on Michlelet.