semgirl0809

I saw the posts on Machon Raaya and felt I had to add my opinion, being that I was there last year.

Firstly, in terms of there being students that would be considered ‘out of the box’: yes, there definitely are some students whom those would consider being out of the box, mostly because they’re out-of-town type, or more broad minded thinkers, etc. However, there were plenty of girls that were totally standard, regular, Bais Yaakov girls, from all the mainstream schools, myself included. Part of the beauty of the seminary is that is IS a mix, with different types of girls, and that’s what makes it so amazing. There are enough girls of ‘in the box’ type for ANYONE to feel comfortable, so to say that a standard Bais Yaakov girl would not feel comfortable is just simply not true. I was extremely comfortable, and I know you’ll say that I can’t look at myself objectively, but I am being extremely honest when I say that I am a typical, standard BY girl. There is so much to learn from everyone, and you can be friends with all types of girls who are wonderful and frum, while at the same time feeling comfortable with those who are more ‘standard’.

In addition, I personally felt that as far as the learning went, we were definitely as challenged (if not more so) as BJJ and Bnos Sara. It was very textual, with amazing hashkafah as well, and there was really no busy work. We had full schedules (though we were able to learn very good time-management skills) and learned a ton! For those who are academic and want to learn, the learning is unbelievable!

In general, the girls and staff were great and warm, everything was good about the place, and i had a great year. I would go back in a flash.