Paul's Year of Study in Israel
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*****Not everything that is written below is in the video - take a look!*****
The Cost of this Journey
My goal is to raise $19,000
Please keep in mind GoFundMe takes out 7% and in order for me to be a certified charity so that all donations are tax deductible FirstGiving takes an additional 3%.
This leaves $17,100 after all of the fees are taken out, all of which will go towards a down payment for school and modest living and traveling expenses for a year:
*Mayanot Yeshiva Tuition down payment: $4,500
*Flight Roundtrip (CVG - JFK - TLV): $2,000
*Poland/Europe - Judaic Studies Senior Capstone Project during Yeshiva break: $3,000
*Living Expenses For a Year (Shipping clothes, Health Insurance, IsraelPhone, Food, Toiletries, Etc): $6,500
*Books: $1000
Eretz Yisrael
Over the past five years I've been blessed to travel and explore my Jewish roots. The first time I visited Israel on Birthright, just like most, I had a life changing experience. The culture, the people, the energy, the climate, the food! Overall, it was just something I've never experienced before.
After returning from my trip I decided to seek out more about Judaism. I changed my major from Communications to Judaic Studies, hoping to develope a better understanding about Judaism. During my time at the University of Cincinnati I really connected and developed a strong relationship with the Creeger family at the Chabad on Campus. I became very active in the community and shortly after becoming the President I took lead on the Israel recruitment chair. I found out through Mayanot I could become a trip leader for Birthright if I recruited 10 people. I jumped at the opportunity and was blessed to lead two Birthright trips.
Upon returning I knew right away that I was missing something. My experience as a trip leader was the most fulfilled I've ever felt in my entire life. The sense of meaning and seeing the love and unity that families showed for one another was truly inspiring. The only thing I could think about was to one day host a Shabbos meal of my own, with dozens of guest and family.
Growth
Growing up I didn't have much of a Jewish identity. I always knew I was Jewish but at the time I really didn't know what it meant. I was determined to learn more. I worked with Rabbi and finally worked up the courage to read from the Torah. I even chose my Hebrew name and celebrated my Bar-Mitzvah since I never had the opportunity to with my family growing up. I had weekly chaverusa (one on one learning) and attended Shabbat meals regularly. However, at the time I was working in the nightlife industry, which made it very difficult to observe the laws of Shabbat on Friday nights.
Everything changed for me once I went on IsraeLinks in the Winter of 2013. For those of you who have never heard of IsraeLinks - it's a program similar to Birthright but offers classes in the mornings and gives you a more deep and meaningful exploration of our Jewish heritage. It really opened my eyes to the beauty of Judaism.
I made a plan that when I get back to the states I would do my best to keep Shabbos. It wasn't easy at first, it took me a month to finally kick it in gear but when I finally took that leap of faith and just said I was going to do it, I've never felt so alive. The idea of turning off all distractions and reflecting on the past week, and looking forward to the next, while just enjoying the company around me was very rejuvenating.
Before I started observing the laws of Shabbat I would often feel burnt out. I was always on the go, never taking time for myself. Shabbos gave me that peace I needed, that one night a week where I could recharge my soul and really connect. There's a time to grind and then there's a time to unwind and since then my life has forever been sweeter.
With the help of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati & the Bernice Friedman Foundation, I decided instead of taking a summer vacation elsewhere I would try out Yeshiva in Israel. I stayed majority of the time at Mayanot in Jerusalem, I also checked out Aish HaTorah, and a few others in Tzvat & Har Nof. They were all amazing - but the one that stuck out to me the most was Mayanot. Mayanot had Jewish topics that really spoke to me and the staff was on fire, the classes left me wanting more. Located in the heart of Jerusalem only 15 min walking distance from the Old city and the Kotel everyday I woke up infused with good energy. It felt like home.
Yeshiva
Many people have asked me why I have chose a Chabad Yeshiva - or Yeshiva in general? My buddies joke with me about becoming a Rabbi. Just so it's clear, not everyone who goes to Yeshiva becomes a Rabbi. Some of the biggest movers and shakers in the world have taken a year off like this to work on themselves. Imagine the benefits one could accumulate in a year of full time in the Holy Land. We have all had moments when we have looked back on a day, a week, or even a year of our lives and felt unhappy about the lack of accomplishments. Everyday waking up I know that I will be learning fundamental tools that will last a lifetime.
Why Chabad? My passion for networking and the spiritualism (or spiritual realm) within chassidus were interconnected. Chabad's outreach is undeniable! Through them, hundreds of thousands of Jews have come to discover and appreciate their Jewishness, no matter what lifestyle they may have chose down the road. The wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe is exciting and Bal Shem Tov stories always stretched my imagination to a higher level of consciences. One of my favorite Ha Yom-Yom (Thought of the day) just happens to be today (Friday, 19 Iyar, 5775 - May 8, 2015) explains "Chassidus is Divine intelligence, an understanding which shows man how small he is, and how great he can become." Psshhhhh.....
Impact
My goal during my year of study at Mayanot is to become the best version of myself and to reach my true potential. I truly believe there is a greater good to come from my time in Israel. I’ve put my career on hold for a year because I know that I will accomplish something monumental each and every day. I want to use the knowledge base skills I attain over the next year to help other people find meaning in their lives and to serve the community with light and inspiration.
Last January, I created a non-profit called the Neesa Ratzenberg Foundation in honor of my mother who passed away in 2008. In just a short time we’ve already made huge strides in the community while spreading the joy of Jewish living. My goal was to create events that were fun and exciting. I’m determined to lead by example by igniting the passion and unleashing the power in people from all ages, to create a positive change for themselves and others. I can’t wait for the day that I have the financial means to support passionate kids like myself in whatever education they may want to pursue.
I’m reaching out to friends, family, the Jewish community, any and everyone who believe in me and this mission. I’ve managed to save enough to get to Israel – in order for me to continue my studies along with modest living and traveling expenses for a year, I must raise $19,000!
Giving Back to the Community
Every dollar raised after I reach my goal will go towards helping The Chabad House on campus at the University of Cincinnati – a place that I hold dear to my heart that is in desperate need of a new building – and they are only funded by what they raise themselves. They should have all of the resources in the world to help others, just like they did for me! No institution or person who dedicates their lives to helping others like this should ever be held back by financial constraints. One of the things I’ve learned, that makes me most proud to be a Jew, is the culture of generosity. That we care for, and are responsible for, one another.
I recently legally changed my last name to Ratzenberg, my mother’s maiden name – in my efforts to ensure the family name multiplies for generations to come. It says in Judaism, when you change your name you change your destiny! Help me turn my dream into reality.
Other Ways You Can Help
I know that not everyone can afford to give financially but another great way to help is spread the work: share it on Facebook, twitter and any other social media site you use and encourage your connections to do the same, don’t forget email and word of mouth, the more views and shares we get the better chance I have to accomplish the goal. Last but certainly not least keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Peace & many many blessings! :)
Paul
