Mechina Pathways Program Hosts Annual Student Panel

The Mechina Pathways Program hosted its annual Mechina Panel in the Beren Beit Midrash on Jan. 29. The event, which drew a full audience, featured eight students from the Mechina program sharing their backgrounds and experiences with Judaism and at Yeshiva University.

The panel, which was hosted together with the Torah and Activities Council (TAC) and the Office of Torah Studies and Spiritual Life, provided a platform for students who joined YU with little to no prior formal Jewish education to share their personal journeys. Moderated by Mechina board co-presidents Izzy Adler (SCW ‘25) and Mijal Gutiérrez (SCW ‘26), the discussion covered the panelists’ religious upbringings, their decisions to attend YU and the challenges and opportunities they have encountered along the way.

The night began with remarks from Mechina Pathways director Dean Shoshana Schechter, who spoke about the importance of the Mechina program. The program, as explained on their website, allows students “who are new to Hebrew language and textual study” to “receive a comprehensive introduction to Jewish studies through stimulating and intellectually challenging classes, world-class faculty and customized extracurricular programs.” Schechter highlighted the panel as an opportunity for students to learn from their Mechina peers.

Adler, a granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, opened the student portion of the program with an account of her journey with Judaism and connection to the Mechina program. She shared that her journey and growth towards Judaism helps her feel a strong connection to her ancestors, who would be so proud to see their granddaughter connected to Judaism and attending YU, the pillar of Jewish education. 

After Adler’s opening words, Gutiérrez began the question and answer component of the panel. Each panelist introduced herself to the audience, speaking about their religious journeys from high school to today. Many described a more traditional upbringing, with limited exposure to Jewish education beyond Hebrew school, JSU programming or occasional family customs.

Next, each panelist shared how they arrived at YU, a path none had initially expected to take. Sarah Arnstein (SCW ‘28) recounted that she had not known about YU until a year ago. As she began keeping Shabbat and learning more about religious Judaism, she sought an environment that would support her growth. “I love learning. I love my classes. I love Mechina,” Arnstein told the audience. 

Throughout the discussion, several panelists emphasized the importance of appreciating one’s Jewish educational background, expressing admiration — and at times, envy — for the depth of knowledge that many Stern students enter college with. They emphasized the need to acknowledge varying levels of familiarity with Jewish studies and the importance of supporting peers from diverse backgrounds.

“There are extraordinary women walking these halls, for whom finding themselves here at Stern is nothing short of a miracle”, Tamara Yeshurun (SCW ‘26) expressed. “The mechina panel gave me the tiniest glimpse into their awe-inspiring conviction, and allowed me to appreciate just how special it is to be at a university that puts Jewish life at the center.”

“Though I try to think about the positives of the panel, which gives a voice to a minority and can inspire empathy and gratitude for a majority, I always leave the Mechina panel feeling angry that it has to exist,” Maya Goldberg (SCW ‘25) told the Commentator. “The reality of the situation is that Mechina girls often feel uncomfortable in certain places in Stern, and it's due to an intimidating environment that will not be fixed by one panel. I leave saddened that there is no quick solution to the loneliness that I felt and so many other Mechina girls felt coming in.”

Speaking on the impact individuals can have in representing a Torah lifestyle, Betty Khirman (SCW ‘26) told the audience, “You can be the Jew that makes it or breaks it for someone else.” As the event concluded, students lined up to congratulate the speakers and thank them for their honesty, courage and willingness to share their experiences.

“I really enjoyed sharing my experiences of coming to YU at the mechina panel!” Haley Goldberg (SCW ‘27) told the Commentator. “Sharing my story felt like the beginning to a better conversation with people there. I was able to share my experiences and let everyone know that I’m a student at Stern just like they are, I just didn’t start at the same place.”

Photo Caption: Stern College held its annual Mechina panel on Jan. 29. 

Photo Credit: The Commentator