This question (from Ask Chaviva Anything!) just came in, and I thought, well, why not answer it right now before I haul myself through the "go-to-bed" routine.
Have you ever thought about studying in seminary? What is your perception of converts who decides [sic] to do that?The answer: Of course! Who hasn't dreamed of sitting around learning all day, especially this girl, right? I have an MA in Judaic Studies, but I know the kind of learning that goes on in a seminary is more on the religious end of things, but I think my extensive learning and study of rabbinic literature, the Tanakh, and historic texts, would give me a unique upper-hand in the seminary environment.
A very awesome and well-known rabbi is trying to talk me into going in the fall (this has been a consideration in process since November, mind you), and who knows. My life is an open book at this point, and after spending five weeks in Israel this summer I might just be sold on it.
As for my perception of converts who study in seminary or opt for yeshiva learning, I think it's great. It's just one more way to let a neshama grow in its natural habitat.
What about you questioner and others -- what do you think about seminary education? Yay? Nay?
6 Comments »
It took many years to convince me to go and learn in (an Israeli) seminary. Not that I didnt learn back home, but every one wanted for me to go and push my learning a step further.
ReplyDeleteI loved the experience, of just getting up and going with a bunch of girls (mostly in my age-range) to sit and learn and explore the country.
I would recommend it to anyone, and yes I am a convert, and I dont think it makes any difference whether you are a convert or a BT for most seminaries (just keep in mind that some seminaries are geared towards BTs (which includes converts) and some are geared for people with religious upbringing. (and some are very modern, and some are very right wing, for young peeps or older folks, for beginners to advanced).
You need to find out who you are and what you are looking for, (your niche) and then look for that seminary in Israel, because it surely exist.
Finally, always keep an open mind that once you are there, you might need to change, and seminaries are aware of that. sometimes on paper, one looks better than another one, for you, yet when you get there, you realize its not a good fit at all. a good seminary will help you to transfer. its not a competition between seminaries. they are there to help you grow as a person and as a jew.
PS the same applies for men/yeshivot
Seeing as I am heading off to Nishmat this summer, I obviously say YAY! However, I think it is very important to really look into the options and find the one which is the best fit - for where are now and where you want to be in a year.
ReplyDeletei very nearly ended up at nishmat for a summer. truthfully, i regret that i didn't go. nu, extrapolating from that, i would argue that if you have the opportunity, do it.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd love studying at Nishmat! I'm going to be there this fall actually.
ReplyDeleteChaviva, I must tell say that Seminary was unequivocally the best thing I've ever done for myself. I went to Shearim and LOVED it because it's run by a woman, for women and it's a place to really explore who you want to be and figure out how to become that person. I went to sem at a very important crossroads in my life and was able to have the clarity to make the right decisions and was given the gift of learning and really delving into the text and theory. It's the biggest gift you can give yourself. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteHi Chaviva,
ReplyDeleteLong time, no 'see'! Sorry I haven't commented for yonks - nothing personal, just haven't been around the blogosphere much and when I have, I haven't had much to say.
Anyway, I feel I should point out that while yeshiva/sem is right for lots of frum Jews, maybe even 90% or even 99%, there are a few who perhaps aren't going to fit in for various reasons.
I never went to yeshiva for reasons I'm not going to share in public (if you want to know, I'll email you). I regret my decision a little, but I think on the whole it was the right decision for me. After all, the halakha is that you should study Torah; it doesn't say where or how and this has changed over time, as you know.