"Hi! My name is Nili Raskas. I’m from New Rochelle, NY and made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) in 2018 while learning in Midreshet Migdal Oz! (a Torah learning institution for women)

 

I am currently in my second year of Sherut Leumi (national service). In the morning I work in a rehabilitative kindergarten for kids with disabilities and in the afternoon/evening I teach about Israel on Zoom to different Jewish day schools in America.

 

I served my first year of Sherut Leumi in the school for children hospitalized in Sha’arei Tzedek. I was placed in a classroom for children aged 8-18. There, we entertained the kids and learned with them. We had games, art, robotics, 3D printing and more. I visited the childrens' hospital rooms as well, and ran activities with the other two bnot sherut (girls on national service).

 

I learned how to navigate so many types of challenging situations. I was also exposed to Israeli culture by meeting people from many different backgrounds and really improved my Hebrew.

 

As I’m finishing up my two years as a Bat Sherut, I feel so thankful that I had the opportunity to give back to our country."