Featured Student Montreal's Amanda Sculnick

Journey of Self Discovery

Featured Student - AmandsI would describe my time in Israel as a journey of self inner discovery. I have discovered so much about myself being here in the holy land .. I encounter all kinds of people with varying backgrounds on a daily basis who all feel strongly connected to this land. I feel  so much divine passion being here and seeing how people travel from all over to share the same experience as myself. I was never really able to grasp how Israelis settle thesemselves here or how people choose to make aliyah knowing and anticipating that any time there can be a call of danger. After living here for four months and speaking with many locals as well as individuals who are making this move and feeling as a citizen myself here I have finally come to understand. Throughout my time here I have already been present for two terrorist attacks and have observed the reactions from the people living here as well as my own. I personally believe that when you have faith and are a true believer and there is optimism involved, then you are able to continue moving along and be in the place in which the Jewish people belong. Ironically I feel safe living here in Israel and even during the attack I felt secure knowing I have a strong army  defending and fighting for their lives for this country. Israelis have this ability to forget about yesterday and move on to tomorrow with more purpose. I feel completely uplifted being here and at such utter peace knowing I am constantly surrounded by spiritual leaders that are here for me to guide me along my journey and help me reach deeper into myself.

I never believed that I would wake up every morning and look forward to going to school. As you walk through The Rothberg School you feel this sense of pride and appreciation for all the support that has been given to this institution. It is absolutely beautiful and such a pleasant place to be while studying. I am majoring in Judaic Studies where there is not a better place to study abroad. There is such a great variety of courses to choose from in my program.  I found it challenging to pick which ones I would take throughout my visit here. I am enrolled in great classes and my professors are absolutely incredible and are solely there for you .They want you to have the greatest experience while you are here and. they are extremely accommodating and want you to feel at home here while studying .They  offer everything in their power to help you achieve your goals. I feel that although I am in a school setting there is something different about studying in Israel. Where else are you  able to look out your window and have a beautiful view of Jerusalem .You also have the advantage of being able to visit the synagogue Hect located in the university while on break.

My experience thus far at Rothberg has been really special and I have had the great honor of meeting wonderful people who are here for the same purpose as myself ,to be able to experience Israel in a whole different dynamic than travelling and to be able to have a great time and gain a great education from one of the greatest schools in the world.I am even considering staying on an extra year and finishing my education here if I am able to afford doing so.

I truly feel blessed for being able to be here in Israel and have this opportunity of a lifetime. I will forever thank the Canadian Friends of Hebrew U for helping me make my dream come true.


Amanda Dawn Sculnick (Sarah Riva)