The Rishonim Are Back

By Sophia Spigler ‘25
  The Rishonim program has been a tradition at Golda Och Academy for many years, connecting Israel to the GOA community. It brings unity between Judaic studies and Israel's culture, allowing students to build personal connections with Israelis and gain a better understanding of Israel as a whole.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented GOA from hosting Rishonim last year, this year, the community is welcoming Doron and Liad as Rishonim.
    The Rishonim program brings in two teenagers from Israel to spend a year in America before they enter the army. They work with the Judaic studies department and Rabbi Kallush to teach students about Israel. They serve as the connection between Israel and the GOA community, representing Israel and bringing Israeli traditions to students to further their connection with Israel and their Jewish identities. 
    Rabbi Kallush, Head of Israel Programming and Affairs, speaks highly of GOA’s Israel programs, explaining that what drew her in and what she loves most about the program is that “it has the trips to Israel, it has the classes, and it has the Rishonim.”
    “Israel is a crucial part in the identity of any Jew,” Rabbi Kallush said.
    Doron is from Irad, a town in the desert of Israel, relatively close to the Dead Sea. She is very connected to Israel, and truly wants to enhance students’ learning of Israel’s values. Doron loves Israel’s community and the variety of people there, and is bringing that focus on community with her.
    Doron visited the United States two years ago, and said that afterwards she realized, “I’m not done yet with the community and what I can do here.”
    Doron further explained that her favorite part of being a Rishona is making change and helping students to learn more.
    Liad is from Ranana, in the central part of Israel. His favorite part of Israel is also the community. 
    “You can just walk on the streets and meet a friend!” he said.
    He enjoys working at the Upper School because he has the opportunity to be with students who can understand more in-depth material, which allows for deeper conversations. Liad hopes to succeed in engaging in discussions about Israeli current events, such as issues within Israeli society and government.
    Meanwhile, Doron would like to impact students’ understanding of present-day Israel by discussing problems between the people of Israel.
    Both Rishonim are usually in the Israel office on the second floor. They are always happy to have students come in to ask any questions, discuss thoughts about Israel or ideas for the Rishonim or simply stop by for a quick hello and chat. They want to hear from students to understand the GOA community better and teach the students as best they can.
“When they want to hear more, I want to give them more [knowledge] because they are here for it and they want to learn,” Liad said.