Mechina Pathways Program
Mechina Pathways—a track within the Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies—is a two-year program designed for women students at Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business who are new to Hebrew language and textual study. Over four semesters, students receive a comprehensive introduction to Jewish studies through stimulating and intellectually challenging classes, world class faculty, and customized extracurricular programs. Our goal is to enhance our students' level of skills, knowledge, and understanding.
We encourage students to ask questions, think for themselves and develop their own paths to Jewish knowledge and observance. Our chavruta program pairs women in the program with students taking advanced Judaic studies coursework. Learning takes place in a beautiful beit midrash [study hall], where students benefit from a true Jewish learning environment. Yemei iyun [festive days of learning] are among the many special offerings that focus on Torah, traditions and fellowship.
The program brings together students from across North America and around the globe. Women participate in inspirational Shabbat celebrations and enjoy hospitality in the homes of mentors, teachers and community leaders. Students also visit sites of Jewish and general interest in New York, one of the world's great centers of Jewish life.
Spiritual Life on Campus
Mechina Pathways students are welcomed to exclusive Shabbatonim off campus as well as individualized learning opportunities.
Every new student on campus is assigned a madricha to help them as they adjust and acclimate to college life.
At the Beren Campus, we strive to build community. Two mashgichim ruchani'im are on staff for spiritual guidance.
Shabbat on campus offers a unique opportunity to relax with your peers, participate in exciting social programming and gain insight from two rabbinic campus couples and guest speakers. Hundreds of students take part in the Shabbat programming each week!
Full Program Breakdown
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Mechina Pathways—a track within the Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies—is a two-year program designed for women students at Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business who are new to Hebrew language and textual study. Over four semesters, students receive a comprehensive introduction to Jewish studies through stimulating and intellectually challenging classes, world class faculty, and customized extracurricular programs. Our goal is to enhance our students' level of skills, knowledge, and understanding.
We encourage students to ask questions, think for themselves and develop their own paths to Jewish knowledge and observance. Our chavruta program pairs women in the program with students taking advanced Judaic studies coursework. Learning takes place in a beautiful beit midrash [study hall], where students benefit from a true Jewish learning environment. Yemei iyun [festive days of learning] are among the many special offerings that focus on Torah, traditions and fellowship.
The program brings together students from across North America and around the globe. Women participate in inspirational Shabbat celebrations and enjoy hospitality in the homes of mentors, teachers and community leaders. Students also visit sites of Jewish and general interest in New York, one of the world's great centers of Jewish life.
Mechina Pathways students are welcomed to exclusive Shabbatonim off campus as well as individualized learning opportunities.
Every new student on campus is assigned a madricha to help them as they adjust and acclimate to college life.
At the Beren Campus, we strive to build community. Two mashgichim ruchani'im are on staff for spiritual guidance.
Shabbat on campus offers a unique opportunity to relax with your peers, participate in exciting social programming and gain insight from two rabbinic campus couples and guest speakers. Hundreds of students take part in the Shabbat programming each week!
Program Director
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Program Curriculum
The curriculum for Mechina Pathways is divided into three primary components:
- Introductory Bible courses focus on textual and analytic skills combined with traditional Jewish philosophy and values. Courses include Personality Development in the Book of Genesis and Birth of a Nation: Introduction to the Book of Exodus.
- Introduction to Judaism and Jewish law courses allow students to gain an overview of basic Jewish law, customs and culture, as well as the values and philosophy they contain. Topics include Shabbat, Jewish holidays, Kashrut and lifecycles.
- Introduction to Philosophy courses allow students an entry point to philosophical inquiry informed or inspired by the texts, traditions and experience of the Jewish people.
- Introduction to Hebrew provides a primer on Hebrew language—conversational Hebrew as well as biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew—to deepen students' understanding of Jewish textual studies
After the first two years on campus, students are integrated into upper level Jewish studies courses of Stern College for Women or Sy Syms School of Business.
The curriculum for Mechina Pathways is divided into three primary components:
- Introductory Bible courses focus on textual and analytic skills combined with traditional Jewish philosophy and values. Courses include Personality Development in the Book of Genesis and Birth of a Nation: Introduction to the Book of Exodus.
- Introduction to Judaism and Jewish law courses allow students to gain an overview of basic Jewish law, customs and culture, as well as the values and philosophy they contain. Topics include Shabbat, Jewish holidays, Kashrut and lifecycles.
- Introduction to Philosophy courses allow students an entry point to philosophical inquiry informed or inspired by the texts, traditions and experience of the Jewish people.
- Introduction to Hebrew provides a primer on Hebrew language—conversational Hebrew as well as biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew—to deepen students' understanding of Jewish textual studies
After the first two years on campus, students are integrated into upper level Jewish studies courses of Stern College for Women or Sy Syms School of Business.
Faculty and Staff
Mechina Pathways is blessed to have unparalleled teachers the highest caliber, along with a tremendous chevra of talmidot. Our success in developing outstanding talmidot results from treating each talmida as family. Joining the Mechina family means you are surrounded by people who are here to guide you, encourage you, champion your successes, and support you through the challenges.
Faculty and Staff
Mechina Pathways is blessed to have unparalleled teachers the highest caliber, along with a tremendous chevra of talmidot. Our success in developing outstanding talmidot results from treating each talmida as family. Joining the Mechina family means you are surrounded by people who are here to guide you, encourage you, champion your successes, and support you through the challenges.