By Betty Khirman
Titles are a defining part of our world. Whether for good or for bad, they shape how we see ourselves and others. People often define their identities with a title – whether it be based on who they were, who they aspire to become or who they are now.
The title of a “Mechina student” is not about diminishing a person or elevating another. Although many of us did not grow up with a traditional yeshiva background, we have grown beyond the identities we carried when we first walked through our university’s doors. At its core, the title of “Mechina student” represents a journey of growth and dedication. Regardless of if we as Mechina students started in a different place than other students, we as a student body are united in our shared commitment to Torah.
Once a year, students on the Beren campus gather in the beit midrash for a Mechina panel, to hear about the journeys of their peers. Peers who share a deep love for Judaism, yet have traveled different paths to get to here today. While the panel represents a few voices, every student, including those in the audience, has their own story. These differences, rather than being barriers, are a reflection of our Yeshiva University community.
Without a doubt, it’s meaningful and inspiring to hear how others have reached where they are today, but true unity goes beyond a single panel discussion. As a community, we should strive for a future where such panels are not necessary. We should foster an environment where we naturally acknowledge and embrace the fact that people come from different backgrounds. Our friendships and connections should not end with those that attended the same high school, camps or seminaries as us. While the panel serves as a reminder of achdus (unity), and is often called a “night of achdus,” the ultimate goal is to make the lessons learned from it a lasting mindset, ones that last beyond the walls and doors of the beit midrash. Achdus should be felt in the halls, classrooms and even elevators, shaping our community.
As messages and fliers for the panel spread, one particular stood out to me – a message from a well known seminary teacher, Mrs. Dina Blank, sent to her seminary alumni currently in YU. She wrote, “In my opinion, this is a mandatory event for anyone who realizes that the world is a little bigger than their own personal 4 Amot. Please spread the word. The young women in mechina are people you should all be friends with.”
And as it says in Pirkei Avot, “Who is wise? He who learns from every man.”
Our diverse and unique student body gives each of us the opportunity to learn for one another. You might think that you know everything, but a true wise person is able to learn from everyone. Even if someone grew up differently from you, there is something you can learn from them. Even if someone’s life and journey looks different from your own, there is always something to gain from them.
Let’s strive towards a community which naturally fosters acceptance and unity, without needing to spotlight our journeys and differences to bring achdus.
Photo Caption: Students at the Mechina panel
Photo Credit: Rabbi Fine