On Tuesday, December 2, Mesorah High School for Girls had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Chani Tessler, Dean of Sarah Hartman Women’s College of Touro University (Chicago), for an informative and inspiring visit with our juniors and seniors. The day offered students not only practical guidance about college planning but also meaningful Torah insights that framed the conversation with depth and purpose.
Dr. Tessler opened her presentation with two beautiful divrei Torah, grounding the discussion in values that are central to a Mesorah education.
She began by speaking about preparing for Shabbos (Credit Rabbi Yaakov Sussman) as an expression of hakaras hatov—recognizing and appreciating all the good Hashem gives us. Preparation itself is a statement of gratitude, an acknowledgment that what we have is precious and worthy of care.
She then turned to the words of Modim (Credit to Rabbi Shiya Wechsler, Head of the Accounting Department at Sarah Hartman Women’s College of Touro University — Chicago) in Shemoneh Esrei, explaining how we thank Hashem not just generally, but in specific ways:
- Erev – gratitude for the hidden, unseen kindnesses Hashem does for us
- Boker – appreciation for the things we know we need help with
- Tzaharayim – thanks for the obvious blessings we clearly recognize
This powerful message reminded students that gratitude is multifaceted—and that recognizing Hashem’s presence in all aspects of life is essential as they prepare for their next stage.
From there, Dr. Tessler transitioned into a comprehensive overview of college education in general, and Touro Chicago in particular. She addressed many of the practical questions on students’ minds, including:
- An overview of FAFSA and financial aid considerations
- The Israel Option Program, which allows students to incorporate time learning in Israel into their college trajectory
- The wide range of degree programs available at Touro
- The overall college experience, including dorm life, student involvement, and connection to the broader community
Students appreciated the clarity and real-world insight Dr. Tessler provided, gaining a better understanding of what to expect and how to approach the college decision process with confidence and foresight.
The day concluded with an evening information session for parents, allowing families to ask questions and learn more about Touro University Chicago in a thoughtful, open setting.
We are grateful to Dr. Tessler for sharing her wisdom, warmth, and expertise with our Mesorah community. Experiences like these help our students approach the future not only well-informed, but deeply rooted in Torah values—prepared academically, spiritually, and emotionally for the journey ahead. ■
