MiNYanim is a two-year program that enables Eastern and Central European alumni of Birthright Israel or Masa Israel Journey to continue their Jewish and Israel studies, increasing community activism. MiNYanim is made possible by the generous support of UJA-Federation of New York and other partners and supporters of The Jewish Agency for Israel.

You learn a lot about life, about your Judaism and the path you chose. You become more sensitive to yourself and your community.

MiNYanim sees intellectual engagement as pivotal to Jewish values. The program ignites a love of learning as participants delve into Jewish textual sources. They explore various religious streams and Jewish communities around the globe. MiNYanim teaches participants methods of fostering connections to Israel in their local communities, while empowering young Jews to be agents of change, They’re trained in skills such as management, fundraising, and methodologies in informal Jewish education.

During the course of two years, MiNYanim participants work alongside and within existing Jewish establishments, and create new communal environments in which Jews can engage and interact. During the program’s second year, participants learn more about Jewish identity, values, and community-building; they ultimately create programs and events for incoming Birthright and Masa graduates.

Bethlehem was born in a Jewish atmosphere, and attended a Jewish school in Kharkov. She enrolled in medical school and became a dentist, but has also been a tour guide and a singer. She appeared on “The Voice of Ukraine,” a reality TV singing competition.

Bethlehem started her involvement with the MiNYanim program during its “Buildings” seminar in Jerusalem.

“MiNYanim allows me to connect with people from different backgrounds,” she says. “This approach opens new channels and new ways of thinking. The brain grows, the mind becomes clearer. You learn a lot about life, about your Judaism and the path you chose. You become more sensitive to yourself and your community.”

“I am humbled that I grew up in a Jewish atmosphere religiously, but with MiNYanim I also have the ability to be sensitive,” Bethlehem says. “Most importantly, I have learned that what you give is what you get.”