Reflections on My Time at Hebrew University
By Naomi Mazer, Montreal
From a very young age, I was given the choice of going away for university or going to Israel for a year. For me, the choice was always clear. I attended the Rothberg School for Overseas Students in 1992-93 as a second-year student, and it proved the year of my life!
As a Religious Studies major with a passion for Jewish culture and community, I was in my element. I had so many opportunities at my fingertips that year, from the relevant class choices, field trips, volunteer and learning experiences and the chance to do some extensive travelling. The highlight, of course, were the close friends I made, many of whom I am still in contact with and all of whom I still share a connection having spent such an impactful year together.
My time studying at Hebrew U was a significant stepping stone in my Jewish journey and in becoming the person I am today. My experience was so meaningful, I returned two years later to serve as the Hillel Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow, engaging students on the One Year Program, helping to facilitate new meaningful connections and experience. It was this job that set me on the path for my current career working in the community with Jewish students on campus.
My time at Hebrew U popped the Jewish bubble in which I had previously existed and exposed me to new layers of diversity and richness of tradition and thought, and in turn set me on a path of which I am proud. Now, I’m just holding out to live vicariously through my kids and the similar adventures I hope they too will be able to have.
- Naomi is currently the Director of Young Adult Engagement for GenMTL-CJA Federation in Montreal
