By Rabbi Michael Cohen, Head of School

In the last week of December, during the winter break, I traveled to Israel to visit the Seminaries that received admission applications from our Senior class.

My trip was an opportunity to see which schools Derech Emunah feeds into and to learn what expectations we could have of the Seminaries and, in turn, what expectations the Seminaries have of us.

I visited a total of 10 different programs in Jerusalem, each unique in what they have to offer. Some of the Seminaries focus on touring Israel and completing an intense curriculum. Others concentrate on a college-type experience, while a third program highlights testing and grades.

One particular Seminary boasts that students leaving their program have a clear understanding of why they do what they do in their religious observance. They achieve these outcomes by encouraging students to ask many questions, and as a result, they receive valuable answers.

One thing that all the Seminaries had in common was that they were excited about the prospect of getting an enrollment application from a girls high school in Seattle.

Derech Emunah students are in the process of interviewing with various Seminaries, and it is comforting to know that our students are well received.

Below: Derech Emunah graduates, Shevy Alhadeff (left) and Shani Klitzner (right), enjoying a beautiful hike in Eilat, as part of their year of study at Me'ohr Bais Yaakov Seminary in Jerusalem.

For more information about Me'ohr Seminary: https://www.masaisrael.org/programs/meohr-bais-yaakov