Reflections on My Time at Hebrew University
By Leo Palay, Winnipeg.
I studied at Hebrew University in the Winter Term of 2012. My only regret is not attending all year. I learned about Hebrew University through my involvement in Camp Massad of Manitoba, an overnight Hebrew-language immersion summer camp in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba. Many of its senior staff attend HU to have a greater understanding of Hebrew and the kibbutznik culture from which our “home-away-from- home” summer camp derived many of its values.
Hebrew University impacted my life significantly in many ways. I had the ability to learn in classes from professors who were leaders in their respective fields and taught with the passion that comes with that. It was an experience you do not often get in most universities in Canada.
While living at the Kfar Hastudentim (Student Village), I was able to ease my way into living on my own and all of the fun and hard work that entails. Through the ulpan program, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the Hebrew language and culture that I had learned so much about.
Last, and definitely not least, I made connections with people which I still maintain nearly a decade later. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to return to Hebrew University through the Law School exchange program, Mishpatim. In this program, leading professors taught my colleagues and I about complex issues of international law and learned about the start-up culture first-hand from real entrepreneurs and incubators.
Leo Palay is a tax lawyer at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP in Winnipeg, Manitoba, working with both established private businesses and startup businesses
