Rivka Hilsia McGowan: A B'nei Menashe Success Story

Rivka with her husband and son.

(July 3, 2025) Rivka Hilsia McGowan is a 26-year-old wife and mother who is currently pursuing her Masters in Bioinformatics at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva. As she enters the final year of her program, Rivka is on the cusp of a significant academic achievement; upon her graduation, she will proudly become the fourth individual from the B'nei Menashe community to complete her Masters here in Israel. This milestone is not just a personal triumph for Rivka, but also a moment of pride for her community, which has been striving to enhance educational opportunities for its members. The journey of B'nei Menashe students in higher education has seen notable milestones in recent years. Prior to Rivka, three other distinguished scholarship recipients from Degel Menashe have successfully completed their Masters degrees. These individuals include Bat El Rently, who graduated from Hebrew University in 2020, Dina Kipgen Rachamim, who earned her degree from Holon Academic College in 2021, and Ruth Elezra, who completed her studies in Educational leadership and Administration at Jerusalem College in 2022. Each of these women has not only advanced their own education but has also contributed to the growing narrative of B'nei Menashe success in academic fields.

In a discussion with colleagues.

Rivka's academic journey has been significantly supported by Degel Menashe's scholarship program, which she has been a part of since her second year of her bachelor’s degree in 2022. This program has been instrumental in providing financial assistance and resources to students from the B'nei Menashe community, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without the burden of overwhelming debt. Over the past five years, this scholarship program has successfully distributed more than 100 scholarships, benefiting a total of 66 students. Of these, 32 have already graduated or obtained their diplomas, marking a substantial impact on the educational landscape for the community. It is also noteworthy that several students within this program have been repeat recipients of the scholarship, allowing them to receive ongoing support throughout their academic journeys. This continuity of assistance underscores the commitment of Degel Menashe to foster an environment where students can thrive and succeed in their educational pursuits. Rivka serves as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Her story is one of inspiration, not only for her peers but also for the younger generation of B'nei Menashe youths who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Degel Menashe hopes that Rivka's accomplishments will ignite a passion for education and ambition among other members of the community, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and realize their potential in various fields of study. As she prepares to graduate, Rivka embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, paving the way for future scholars from her community.

Hackathon organized by Indian Jewish youths in Israel.

Rivka shares her academic journey with us in her own words:

"I was born to a mother who prioritized education above all else. Even as a widow, she did everything possible to provide my siblings and me with the best education she could afford. I was accepted into JNV (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, a renowned chain of government schools in India) Tuinom, where I gained substantial knowledge and developed a thirst for more. In May 2014, when I was 15, we made aliyah. We moved directly from the Merkaz Klita to my high school in Meron, Ulpanat Bnei Akiva. After completing high school, I spent a year doing Sherut Leumi at a primary school in Ma'alot, assisting students, including Bnei Menashe children, who struggled to keep up in class. I then searched for a place to pursue a bachelor's degree and discovered a college in Jerusalem called Machon Tal, a division of Machon Lev for religious women. I was thrilled to study science while also attending a Midrasha, as I believe combining these two is essential in life. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics in 2023.

I got married during my second year of undergraduate studies and relocated to Beer Sheva to be nearer to my husband's military base. I chose to continue my education, and fortunately, there is a university in Beer Sheva, so I began my master's degree in Eitan Rubin's lab. 

A social media handle of the Indian Embassy.

For my master's degree, I am conducting research on analyzing microscopic images to identify cell types using AI and machine learning. The goal of my research is to examine a patient's cancer tissue slide and determine the types of cells present, which will ultimately indicate the patient's likelihood of survival. In essence, I am employing computational methods to gain insights into the biological significance of the patient. I gave birth during the first year of my master's program, making it extremely challenging, but now I am in my final semester and beginning to write my thesis, which means I can see the end on the horizon."

Recently, Rivka participated in a Hackathon organized by Jewish youths of Indian origin, endorsed by the Indian Embassy. This event is the first in a series aimed at promoting science and technology, and it signifies the start of a collaborative Indo-Israel tech community based on innovation, a shared vision, and lasting personal and national partnerships. The event, centered on the significant and influential area of restorative healthcare, was conducted with backing from several esteemed organizations, such as the alumni associations of Units 8200 and 81, the University of Haifa, heritage centers from Kochi and India, and the Embassy of India in Israel.

All photo credits: Uri Naor.

Summer Camp for B'nei Menashe Children at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur

Participants gather for the Summer Camp at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur.

(June 23, 2025) The inaugural summer camp for B'nei Menashe children, sponsored by Degel Menashe and another donor, concluded at the Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail Memorial Hebrew School at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, Lamka, as Shabbat began last week. Throughout the week, various activities and classes were organized to help children discover their potential, explore aspects of Judaism, and learn about Israel. Guides and teachers rotated in conducting classes, starting with a 5:30 am wake-up call. Shacharit (morning prayers) took place before all activities and classes, which commenced at 8 am. Participants received three hot meals daily. The camp wasn't solely focused on learning; fun and games were also integrated into the daily schedule. Approximately 70 individuals participated, with around 30 coming from nearby communities such as New Dampi, Sijang, Phailien, and Jangnomphai. The camp welcomed children aged 6 to 18, and parents who wished to join were also invited. The women of Ma'oz Tzur impressively prepared meals three times a day, while the men volunteered as handymen, ready to assist with any arising needs.

Learning in progress.

The classes were split into two age groups: 6-10 years and 11-18 years. Teachers and guides, each an expert in their respective fields, took turns sharing their knowledge on topics such as Judaism, Hebrew, and education. With the school equipped with a smart television and Wi-Fi, the organizers screened various documentaries about Israel, showing one each day that covered subjects like the Bible, history, science and technology, and life in and the land of Israel.

Children at play.

It was a unique event, a first if its kind and the eagerness to learn was evident. Here are some comments from the participants:

• Elona Haokip(16), Jangnomphai: "I am thankful to the organizers for creating a program like this. I have learnt a lot about my responsibilities as a Jewish woman and helping me understand my roots."

• Shlomo Singson (12), Sijang: I have learnt to say brachot and understand the mitzvot. I am going to share it with my friends when I go back home."

• Menashe Lhungdim (17), from New Dampi: I am grateful to our teachers for their patient instruction. I am returning home with the knowledge and confidence needed for spiritual and intellectual growth. Enhancing my Hebrew reading skills will benefit me in the future."

• Tamar Kipgen (40), a mother from Jangnomphai: "This camp is a tremendous blessing and valuable. It should be done more often and extended to older people like myself."

Degel Menashe to Sponsor Summer Camp for B'nei Menashe Children at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur , Brit Milah, another first

(June 13, 2025) Degel Menashe is happy to announce a first ever summer camp for B'nei Menashe children at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, Lamka, India. Invitations have been sent out and several parents have expressed their interests. It will be sponsored by Degel Menashe and organized by the BMC. The camp will begin on the 16th of June and will last a week till the 21st June, 2025. Shimon Thomsong, the kibbutz's religious instructor will lead classes in religious disseminations and Ohaliav Haokip, general educator-designate, to spread awareness on the importance of education. Jessica Thangjom will hold a meeting with the children on capacity building and career guidance with an eye on their eventual aliya in the near future. Eleazar Gangte will hold special Hebrew classes with a primary intent to expose students to modern Hebrew. It may be noted that several help books have been sent by Degel Menashe to school in the past few years. One of the classes is equipped with a 'smart tv' and Wi-Fi, instructions will be approached with an unorthodox means by using "YouTube". Besides these, there are fun and game programs under the initiatives of teacher, Leah Baite and her two volunteers, Rosy and Esther. During their stay, all children will be provided lodging and food. A budget has been designated and allocated by Degel Menashe. The primary goal of the program is to expose children to life in Israel, the importance of education with an eye to prepare them for the lives in Israel in the future.

A BRIT MILLAH AT KIBBUTZ MA'OZ TZUR, ANOTHER FIRST!

Shraga, which means 'light'.

In a truly historic and joyous moment and another significant first at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur, a 'Brit Millah', an age-old Jewish circumcision ceremony, was performed on Shraga Mangoulien Thomsong on the 14th of Sivan, 5785 corresponding to 10th of June 2025 on the secular, Gregorian calendar. He is the second child of our religious instructor, Shimon Thomsong and his wife, Shira. Shraga, which means 'light' in Hebrew is often associated with wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment. The proud parents, Shimon, told our newsletter that he and his wife chose that name in consultations with a rabbi in Israel.

Sandak, Enan holds the baby while the father, Shimon, looks on.

The ceremony was performed at the community synagogue at the kibbutz by Ofir Tungnung, an accomplished mohel from Beit Shalom, Vengnuom synagogue. The honor of being the sandak was given to Enan Khongsai, who is also a resident of the kibbutz. A simple meal followed the ceremony, fulfilling the sacred covenant that God had with our patriarch, Avraham, thousands of years ago. The parents have chosen a truly beautiful and an uncommon name. Hopefully, this will usher in many more happy moments and an increase in our numbers. Degel Menashe joins the many who wish this beautiful family to grow from strength to strength,

MAZAL TOV TO THE THOMSONG FAMILY!