Testimonials

I really had a great time studying at the Beth Midrash in Susya. I also enjoyed it very much to study ”Right on the spot” at the Kever of King David, Yerushalayim, Hevron Machpela, Ancient Susya and in the wonderful area. Very interesting were the lessons with Ary’el, Rav Ishai and Rav Merzbach and fellow ‘Sussyans’. I learned a lot about Jewish life. For me it was a great experience and a wonderful time of study. I’m looking forward to the next times in Susya !!!

John, 20 years
The Netherlands

I learned a lot during my stay in Susya, studying Judaism at the historical places. I learned how to read the Thora and Tenach. It was different than I was used to read it. About my expectations of the study: Actually I didn’t know what to expect. The whole period here was a big lesson, I learned a lot during the lessons but also through what I saw in the Jewish daily life her in Susya, from the people in the synagogue, from the people I got a lift, from the lessons the fathers gave to their children during the meals, from the mothers who were walking with their children, from the people on the street. Wonderful.

Vanessa v B.
Belgium

I participated in the program because because I wanted to experience life in a Jewish community in Yesha. Soon I will hopefuly finish my giyur (conversion to Judaism); however at the moment I am not officialy Jewish yet. Being in this position I did not know what to expect of the program. After the experience I can say, if you are a Jew searching for your roots or a ger tsedek (convert) you will be surprised in a positive way. The community of Susya is warm and very welcoming. Not only will you learn a lot in terms of Torah and Judaism but you will also get a taste of Judaism how it is meant to be, in the hilltops of Judea. You will visit chupot (Jewish weddings), visit the graves of tsadikim and much more. Also you can rest assured that you will not spend one Shabbat alone. The people of Susya will invite to their homes and will want to hear more about your connection to Judaism and Israel. If you are motivated the local rabbi's will be more than happy to teach you Torah, Mishna and Gemara. In short a unique opportunity that you don't want to miss.

Chaim v S
The Netherlands

My name is Hagar C. and I come from Holland. I have the wish to become Jewish. This I knew already a long time but we were considering taking steps in this direction beginning 2009. I heard a story about a man from Holland who was a Christian before but now had become a Jew and is living in Israel. His name was Ary’el Tsion. I phoned him and told my story. Then my family and I decided to study at the Beth Midrash in Susya. We studied for a week in Susya. We stayed at their accommodation and were received very friendly and enjoyed their hospitality. We studied at different locations such as the Machpela, Jerusalem and ancient Susya. All kinds of topics we were able to look into and found a lot of answers to questions we had. Aryel was able to reveal to us many things about the messiah, Oral Tora, Prophets, and Halacha. We also met many inhabitants of the village and even had a nice interview with the main rabbi. Also I went to the synagoge and the visit to Susya was in fact a confirmation for me that I am on the right path.

Hagar C.
The Netherlands