Hadassah Neurim Youth Aliyah Village hosted an event marking 25 years of Hadassah’s Joy of Judaism program, bringing together Hadassah members and friends in celebration. A highlight of the event was a moving panel featuring past participants of the program.
Two mother-daughter pairs shared how the annual Shabbaton deepened their bonds — to each other and to Judaism. Simion, a student from Meir Shfeyah Youth Aliyah Village who made aliyah on his own from Ukraine, spoke about how the program’s classes and trips have helped him better integrate into Israeli society. One student described visiting the Chagall windows at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem as a powerful highlight of the Eshet Chayil (Women of Valor) program’s graduation journey.
Distinguished guests included Youth Aliyah Chair Michele Rubin, former Youth Aliyah Chair and Past National President Marcie Natan, Executive Director of Hadassah Offices in Israel Suzanne Patt Benvenisti, Meir Shfeyah Board Chair Eli Wagner and Hadassah Neurim Board Chair Einat Reich.
In a touching tribute, Dr. Esther Serok — who has led the program since its inception — was honored for her decades of dedication and vision by Rubin and Natan.
The program teaches youth about Jewish thought, tradition and practice through hands-on, nondenominational experiences. For many of our students, this is their first exposure to the richness of their Jewish heritage.
