Tamar Kranzler is from Teaneck, NJ. After attending Manhattan High School for Girls, she spent her year in Israel at Michlalah. She is now currently in Touro college, majoring in Judaic Studies. Tamar feels privileged to be able to spend her summer on Michlelet!
The amazing girls in Tamar’s chaburah are: Yaira Lightman (Lawrence, NY), Ella Kurtz (Lawrence, NY), Goldie Goldberger (Flatbush, NY), and Becky Masar (Flatbush, NY).
The chabura is entitled:
Achieving Greatness:
“The Ball is in Your Court. Take the Shot.”
Throughout our lives, we avoid confronting challenges and embracing new opportunities. Although we instinctively want to do what is right, we are nonetheless scared of the unknown or insecure about failing. Hashem, however, is the ultimate coach that knows our strengths and weaknesses and pushes us out of our comfort zone in order for us to reach our potential. If we would only trust that Hashem purposely placed us in this difficult position because He knows that we can succeed- we would quickly rise to the challenge and SHOOT!
The greatness of the people in Tanach was their ability to trust Hashem and set aside personal interest or doubts. By delving into the text and appreciating the drama and challenges faced by characters such as Esther, Yosef, Ruth, Moshe etc., we can inspire ourselves to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
What was your favorite trip on Michlelet and why?
Yaira Lightman: Aqua Kef and Kfar Kedem- That day I got to connect with the roots of my ancestors. I went out of my comfort zone and rode a donkey, milked goats, and made pita exactly how they did it thousands of years ago. It gave me an extra appreciation for what they went through in those days and how easy household chores are for us nowadays.
Ella Kurtz: One of my favorite trips of the summer was visiting Tzfat. Everywhere we went you could feel the intense spiritual atmosphere and Kabbalistic approach towards Judaism. I loved seeing beautiful handmade art and walking the streets of our ancestors especially the Ari Hakadosh. The Ruach on Michlelet added so much to my experience and I how to visit again soon:)
Goldie Goldberger: My favorite trip this summer was when we went to siach sod and played with the children who had down syndrome. It made me so happy to put a smile on their faces and watch them have a good time. It was such an inspiring trip and truly loved every minute of it.
Becky Masar: Kever Rochel- I was never the type of person that connected to kvarim and holy sites and I never thought I could be that person. Then by this trip I assumed it would be the same but someone encouraged me to go anyways so I did and I davened mincha and still nothing I thought I could probably even connect more in beit medrash because at least there it wouldn’t be hot and I could concentrate but then I just went to feel the kever and all of a sudden I felt this connection there that I never felt before