Masa Journey. Find it here.

North American Headquarters: Jared Hakimi Masa Israel Journey North America 633 Third Avenue, Fl. 21 New York, NY 10017 Tel. (212) 339-6986 [email protected] Gap Year Catalog www.MasaIsrael.org www.Facebook.com/MasaIsrael 2011-2012

Midwest: Southwest: Aimee Weiss Maor Shaffin JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles 30 S. Wells Street, #5126 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 527 Chicago, IL 60606 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Tel. (312) 357-4965 Tel. (323) 658-9075 [email protected] [email protected]

Northwest: Canada: Danna Rubin Daniel Fine

Jewish Community Federation of Masa Israel Journey Canada Gap Year Program Catalog 2011-2012 San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin 4600 Bathurst Street, Suite 220 and Sonoma Counties Toronto, ON M2R 3V3 121 Steuart St. Tel. (416) 398-6931 Ext. 5721 San Francisco, CA 94105 [email protected] Tel. (415) 512-6274 [email protected]

Masa Israel Journey is a project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel and is made possible by the generous contributions of the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod-UIA.

GY-15K-11/10 Notes Introduction 4 Kibbutz Program Center iTrack 25 Academic Gap and Freshman Kibbutz Ulpan 26 Year Programs Kibbutz Ulpan Dati 27 Ariel University Center of Samaria KIVUNIM Experiential Learning ATZil: Engineering and Exact Science 8 KIVUNIM: New Directions 28 Bar Ilan University Menachem Begin Heritage Center Israel Experience 9 GaP: Government and Politics in Israel 29 Ben Gurion University of the Negev Tzofim Israel Scouts Freshman Year Abroad 10 Shnat Sherut 30 The Hebrew University of Union for Reform Freshman/Academic Gap Year Program 11 The Netzer Year 31 Rothberg Academic Partnership Program 12 United of Technion International School Conservative Judaism of Engineering Nativ Classic 32 Freshman Year of Engineering 13 Nativ Gesher 33 Tel Aviv University World Betar Movement Fairleigh Dickinson Freshman Year Israel Balev 34 in Israel 14 Israel Sheli 35 Freshman Year Program 15 Israel Sheli Security Program 36 Young Judaea Year Course: Classic Track 37 Traditional Gap Year Programs Year Course: Athletic Track 38 Year Course: Business Track 39 Aardvark Israel Immersion Programs Year Course: Culinary Arts Track 40 Semester Program 17 Year Course: Digital Media Track 41 Year Program 18 Year Course: Medical Track 42 B’nei Akiva Year Course: Olami Lost Tafnit North America: Academic Track 19 Jewish Communities 43 Tafnit North America: Leadership Track 20 Year Course: Performing Arts Track 44 Habonim Dror Year Course: Shalem 45 Maslul Ishi (Personal Path) 21 Year Course: Shevet 46 Workshop HDNA 22 Year Course: Social Action Rwanda 47 Hashomer Hatzair Year Course: Visual Arts Track 48 Shnat Hachshara Gap Year 23 Kibbutz Movement Israel Challenge 24

1 Special Interest Programs Yeshivat Ma’a lot Budokan Israel Overseas Program 69 Budokan Martial Arts and Fitness Program 50 Yeshivat Hesder of Petach Tikvah 70 Hava and Adam Eco-Educational Farm Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh Eco-Israel 51 Overseas Program 71 The Israel Experience Lev HaGolan Bezalel Art Experience 52 Leadership Academy 72 Magen David Adom Ambulance 73 Volunteer Program 53 Meorot Rimon Music Experience 54 Yeshiva College of Jewish Studies 74 Jerusalem Culinary Institute Culinary Arts and Wine Program 55 Darkaynu for Men 75 Patisserie Program 56 Yeshivat Nativ Aryeh Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company One Year Program 76 Dance Journey 57 One Year Honors Program 77 Lotan Center for Creative Ecology One Year Sephardic Program 78 The Green Apprenticeship Gap Year 58 Ohr Somayach Peace, Justice and the Environment 59 Derech Institute for Torah Studies 79 Nitzana Educational Community Desert Sports Challenge 60 Religious Studies Programs for Women Religious Studies Programs Ba’er Miriam 81 for Men Beis Chana Safed Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim 62 Beis Chana Safed Chul 82 Yeshivat Binyan Av Beit Hayeled Shorashenu 63 Midreshet Amit 83 Bnot Torah Overseas Program 64 Sharfman’s Seminary 84 Yeshivat 65 Darchei Binah Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi 66 Women’s School for Advanced Torah 85 Yeshivat Hakotel Emunah v’Omanut Wohl Torah Center 67 Overseas Program 86 Jerusalem College of Technology Overseas Program 68 Machon Lustig 87

2 Machon Alte 88 Yeshivat Sha’alvim Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim 89 Sha’alvim for Women 112 She’arim Sharei Bina College of Jewish Studies for Women 90 Women’s Center of Jewish Studies 113 Meor HaTorah Shearim College of Judaic Studies for Women 91 College of Jewish Studies for Women 114 Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim Tiferet Center for Advanced Torah Academic Program for Women 92 Studies for Women 115 Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin Tomer Devorah Seminary Garden of Emuna Program 93 Institute of Advanced Studies Year/Semester Program 94 for Women 116 Midreshet Devora 95 Yeshivat Etzion Midreshet Habanot-Ein Hanatziv : Beit Midrash for Women 117 Yuval Overseas Program 96 Midreshet Eshel Mechina (Preparatory) Programs Sephardic Women’s Seminary 97 for Israeli Universities Midreshet HaRova Ariel University Center of Samaria Overseas Program 98 ATZil Preparatory Program 119 Midreshet Lindenbaum Bar Ilan University Darkaynu for Women 99 Mechina Program 120 Maria and Joel Finkle Overseas Program 100 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Midreshet Moriah 101 Mechina Program 121 Midreshet Yeud The Israel Experience Boneh Yerushalayim 102 Nachshon - The Israeli Mechina 122 Overseas Program 103 Tel Aviv University Mechina Program 123 Bnos Chava Seminary 104 Tzofim Israel Scouts Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary 105 Garin Tzabar 124 Michlelet Esther 106 Midreshet Tehillah 107 Neve School of General Jewish Studies 108 Shalhevet 109 Shana Ba’aretz 110 Pnimiyut Seminary Pnimiyut Chul 111

3 Introduction Masa Israel Makes it Easy Taking a Year “On”: The Benefits of Masa Israel Journey, a project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, makes it Gap Year in Israel easy for you to connect to exciting, life-changing By spending a year abroad, you will gain a taste gap year opportunities in Israel, some for college of independent living for perhaps the first time credit. We provide you with simple access to a in your life and enter college with more maturity wide range of immersive experiences that are and self-confidence, greater wisdom; and as varied as Israel itself and help navigate the experience to handle the challenges ahead. In entire process at every step along the way. You fact, many leading universities in North America can choose from study, volunteer, internship, encourage admitted students to defer entrance international travel, and customizable programs. for a semester or a year to explore their interests No one makes it easier for you to spend a year before deciding what to study in college. Harvard “on” in Israel. University’s Dean and Director of Admissions William Fitzsimmons recommends taking time to In addition, Masa Israel offers a built-in engage in career-related, academic or personal community for program participants. We host pursuits that encourage students to “gain social events, excursions, overnight trips, and perspective on personal values and goals, or to activities that give you the chance to meet gain needed life experience in a setting separate participants of other Masa Israel programs. We from and independent of one’s accustomed also provide a support system and help make sure pressures and expectations.” all your needs are met during your time Israel. The Masa Israel Community helps you (re)connect Israel is a country of great diversity within with your fellow participants both in Israel and a very small area, offering many historical, once you return so you can stay connected to religious and cultural opportunities. Thousands your experience beyond your gap year. Find out of years of history, a variety of ethnic communities more about the Masa Israel Community at living side by side, and an unending flow of www.MasaCommunity.org. international input via satellite and cable have contributed to the development of an Israeli Finding the Right Program culture that marries ancient with modern, local At Masa Israel, our mission is to assist you with global, and East and West to form a unique in planning and creating a successful Israel identity all its own. You will immerse yourself in experience. Our participants range from 18 to 30 a culture as varied as the people themselves, with years of age, and each one has a different reason literature, theater, concerts, radio and television for going to Israel-whether it is to enhance their programming, entertainment, museums and resume, have an adventure, gain a new perspective, galleries for every interest and taste. or simply experience a different culture. However all of our participants have one goal in common: Israel is also a global leader in innovation in to immerse themselves in a foreign culture and many of today’s most relevant fields. Spend have a successful international experience that your gap year in Israel, and immerse yourself will positively impact their professional and in a new culture, broaden your perspective, and personal lives. have life-changing experiences that will last a lifetime. You’ll also meet peers from around the world with similar interests.

4 Masa Israel offers undergraduate students the To explore funding options and view the complete following types of programs: list of gap year opportunities available in Israel, • Freshman year/academic gap year visit www.MasaIsrael.org, or contact a Masa • Traditional gap year Israel staff member directly. We will be happy to • Special interest gap year help you navigate the entire process of finding • Jewish studies programs for Men and choosing the program that’s right for you. • Jewish studies programs for Women • Coed Jewish studies programs A note about program costs: the prices listed • Preparatory (Mechina) programs for in this catalog are for the academic year 2010 new immigrants - 2011 and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the program organizer. Contact the For personalized assistance in finding the program organizer of your program of choice directly for that’s right for you, visit the most current pricing. www.Facebook.com/MasaIsrael.

How to Apply for a Masa Israel Grant Masa Israel grants and scholarships are available Contact Us to those who have not participated in a long- For more information and to find the term Israel program since 2004 and who will participate in a Masa Israel-affiliated program. program that’s right for you, visit us at: For full eligibility requirements, please see the application form at www.MasaIsrael.org Jared Hakimi | Gap Year Recruitment Coordinator To apply for a Masa Israel grant, you must: Masa Israel Journey 1. Apply directly to your program of choice. 2. Complete and sign the online application. 633 Third Ave, Fl 21 3. Print, sign and date the last page (the New York, NY 10017 signature page) and submit it to your program t (212) 339-6952 organizer. [email protected] 4. If you are also applying for needs-based funding, make sure you enclose the appropriate financial documentation. On the Web: www.MasaIsrael.org On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MasaIsrael Funding Your Journey On Twitter: @masaisrael Masa Israel Journey offers every eligible participant between the ages of 18 and 20 a grant of $1,000 toward the cost of participation in a gap year program in Israel. Masa Israel also offers additional scholarships of up to $3,000 based on financial need and can connect you with other funding sources that help lower the cost of your gap year.

5

Academic Gap and Freshman Year Programs

Note: The prices listed in this catalog are for the academic year 2010-2011 and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the program organizer. Contact the organizer of your program of choice directly for theFreshman most current Year Programs pricing. 7 Ariel University Center of Samaria ATZil: Engineering and Exact Science

OVERVIEW Location: Ariel Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $8,000 (semester); $15,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Courses in engineering and sciences, Spring: February – May 2011 internship programs in hi-tech companies, Fall: October 2011 – February 2012 and mentorship Internship placement Year: October 2011 – May 2012 Intensive study Open To: Recent high school graduates Connection to an Israeli host family Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of Dr. Nitza Davidovich the program Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)3 906-6103 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.ariel.ac.il Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: The Ariel University Center’s ATZil (Academics, Torah, Flights to and from Israel and Zionism) engineering and exact science program Transportation in Israel is a special high-tech program offering you the chance to earn academic credits in the field of technology Personal expenses while also taking part in a dynamic Judaic Studies Masa Israel visa curriculum. Selected courses from the departments of Engineering and Science at Ariel University are taught in English and provide you with a first-year platform towards engineering and computer science degrees. The program also includes an internship that will expose you to leading Israeli high-tech Other Ariel University of Samaria companies, mentoring and a head-start towards programs for high school a career in high-tech. Hebrew-speaking students graduates: can select courses from a wider range of programs ATZil Preparatory Program (see p. 119) offered at the university. Program graduates may elect to continue to full-time programs and earn a degree at the University, or transfer credits toward degree-programs in Israel or to universities abroad. Engineer8 Freshman Year Programs Bar Ilan University Israel Experience

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Gan, outside of Tel Aviv Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $11,500 (semester); $19,800 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study October 2011 – June 2012 Internship and volunteer opportunities Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Leadership and Israel advocacy training Dormitory accommodations in Ramat Ef’al for Contact Info: the duration of the program Tehila Gross Supplementary educational programming (310) 621-7725 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars [email protected] and lectures www.ISRAELXP.com On-site health club Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel The Israel Experience at Bar Ilan University offers Transportation in Israel high school graduates a variety of courses taught Books and course materials in English that reflect a typical freshman course Meals and personal expenses load found at North American universities. Masa Israel visa Students are encouraged to supplement their academic courses with internship and volunteer placements at a variety of major American or Israeli companies. In addition, educational and exciting trips and Shabbatonim are offered every other week. Bar-Ilan University is chartered and Other Bar Ilan University accredited by the Ministry of Education in Israel, programs for recent high school and the overwhelming majority of colleges and graduates: universities in the United States and Canada Mechina Program (see p. 120) recognize its courses. In most cases, Israel Experience students will be able to receive credit for their studies. EngineerExperienceFreshman Year Programs 9 Ben Gurion University of the Negev Freshman Year Abroad

OVERVIEW Location: Be’er Sheva Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $9,490 (semester); $14,465 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Spring: January – June 2011 Four courses per semester Fall: July – December 2011 Intensive Hebrew language study (four credits) Year: July 2011 – June 2012 Dormitory accommodations for the duration of Open To: Freshman year students the program Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Contact Info: and lectures Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Medical insurance Student Program (800) 962-2248 x182 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel www.BGUStudyAbroad.org Transportation in Israel Meals and personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa The semester and year-long programs at Ben Gurion University (BGU) are designed for college students seeking a formative academic period of study in Israel. At BGU, you will study Hebrew language and choose from a variety of English-language courses in Jewish studies, political science, sociology, anthropology, archeology of the Middle East, ecology, the arts, and environmental studies. You may also enroll in courses in a number of academic disciplines that are offered in English by other departments. You may supplement your coursework with, independent study and volunteer opportunities. Available concentrations: Anthropology and Sociology of the Middle East, Global Health Studies, Jewish and Israel Studies, Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice. The10 Freshman Year Programs Negev The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Freshman/Academic Gap Year Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $9,305 (semester); $13,705 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available for an additional What’s included in the cost of the program: $6,000 per year 8-10 hours of Modern Hebrew language study Upcoming Program Dates: (six credits) Spring: January 19 – May 26, 2011 Freshman seminar (one credit) Fall: August 2, 2011 – January 5, 2012 Three Freshman level courses (three credits each) Year: August 2, 2011 – June 7, 2012 Internship placement (optional) Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Supplementary educational programming Contact Info: including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Dr. Janet Alperstein and lectures (800) 404-8622 or (212) 607-8520 Medical insurance [email protected] www.HebrewU.com What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Description Books and other course materials The Freshman Year Program at the Hebrew University Meals and personal expenses of Jerusalem offers high school graduates a solid Masa Israel visa initiation into academic study, and the credits you will earn are transferable to many colleges and universities in North and, upon successful completion of the year- long program, you may be admitted to your home university with advanced standing. The program offers accredited courses in the areas of Israel and Middle Eastern studies, Religion, Brain and Behavioral Other Hebrew University of Sciences, and Environmental Studies. All Freshmen Jerusalem programs for high students participate in the Freshman Seminar, which school graduates: provides first-year college students with a strong Rothberg Academic Partnership Program foundation to assist in the transition from high school (see p. 12) to college. It provides academic and social support Mechina Program (see p. 121) while strengthening the students’ skills in academic research and writing. The seminar also affords students the opportunity to interact and form a community with fellow students and the administration. JerusalemFreshman Year Programs 11 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Rothberg Academic Partnership Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $400 per semester Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Not Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study Freshmen level coursework Spring: January 19 – May 26, 2011 Fall: August 2, 2011 – January 5, 2012 What’s not included in the cost of the program: Year: August 2, 2011 – June 7, 2012 Flights to and from Israel Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Medical insurance Dr. Janet Alperstein Meals and personal expenses (212) 607-8520 Masa Israel visa [email protected] www.HebrewU.com

Description The Rothberg Academic Partnership Program (RAPP) is designed for students who wish to take recognized courses at the Hebrew University’s Rothberg Other Hebrew University of International School while participating in the gap Jerusalem programs for high year program of their choice. RAPP offers qualified school graduates: students several options: Intensive Hebrew language Freshman/Academic Gap Year Program study during the months of August and September, (see p. 11) as well as during intersession from late January to Mechina Program (see p. 121) mid-February and standard Hebrew language studies during the autumn and spring semesters, or Freshman level courses during the autumn and spring semesters. Students can choose the courses that best suit their interests and timetable, and transfer the credits earned to most universities in North America. Partnership12 Freshman Year Programs Technion International School of Engineering Freshman Year of Engineering

OVERVIEW Location: Haifa Duration: Academic year Cost: $15,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: General science and engineering courses July 2011 – July 2012 Four month preparation period Open To: Recent high school graduates Orientation upon arrival Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Dormitory accommodations for the duration of Carrie Voit, Marketing Coordinator the program +972 (0)4 829-3325 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars www.ise.technion.ac.il and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Want to spend a semester or year in Israel Transportation in Israel exploring Engineering and Science? Spend your Books and educational materials freshman or gap year at Technion, and explore Meals and personal expenses a rich variety of introductory level science and Masa Israel visa engineering courses: Algebra, Introduction to Engineering Mechanics, Differential and Integral Calculus I and II, Technical English, Physics I and II, Strength of Materials and Differential Equations. At Technion, you will gain the solid foundation you need for specialization in different types of engineering in your future academic career while exploring additional subjects like Hebrew, Middle Eastern History, and Jewish Studies. Technion credit is likely to be recognized by all higher education authorities in North America, as well as by partner universities like Brown, Carnegie Mellon and Virginia Tech. EngineeringFreshman Year Programs 13 Tel Aviv University Fairleigh Dickinson Freshman Year in Israel

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $8,450 (semester); $12,450 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Spring: February – June 2011 Eighteen credits per semester Year: July 2011 – June 2012 Individual guidance and support Fall: July – December 2011 Intensive Hebrew language study Supplementary educational programming Open To: Recent high school graduates including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Contact Info: and lectures Alison Rubin Medical insurance (212) 742-9030 (800) 665-9828 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel www.TelAvivUniv.org Personal transportation in Israel Dormitory accommodations available for an additional fee Meals and personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa As an incoming freshman, you are invited to apply to and enroll at Fairleigh Dickinson University prior to traveling to Israel for a one- or two-semester academic program for visiting freshmen. The program includes opportunities to travel in Israel, meet and socialize with Israeli students, and enjoy a vast array of cultural Other Tel Aviv University enrichment opportunities. Transcripts from Tel Aviv programs for high school University are sent to Fairleigh Dickinson University at graduates: the completion of your program in Israel and credits Freshman Year Program (see p. 15) automatically become FDU credits. No college deferral Mechina Program (see p. 123) is necessary as with many gap year programs. Students enrolled in this program are eligible for state, federal and institutional aid to help defray the costs of their studies in Israel. Freshman14 Freshman Year Programs Tel Aviv University Freshman Year Program

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $8,450 (semester); $12,450 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Year: July 2011 – June 2012 Up to 30 credits per year Individual guidance and support Spring: February – June 2011 Intensive Hebrew language study Fall: July – December 2011 Supplementary educational programming Open To: Recent high school graduates including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Contact Info: and lectures Medical insurance Alison Rubin (212) 742-9030 What’s not included in the cost of the program: (800) 665-9828 Flights to and from Israel [email protected] Personal transportation in Israel www.TelAvivUniv.org Dormitory accommodations available for an additional fee Description Meals and personal expenses Situated in the heart of Israel’s coastal region, Masa Israel visa Tel Aviv University is the country‘s largest academic institution, boasting a diverse and dynamic student body. Its faculty is comprised of nationally and internationally renowned scholars and scientists, many of whom are leaders in Other Tel Aviv University their fields. The overseas student program at Tel programs for high school Aviv University offers accomplished high school graduates: graduates the opportunity to learn Hebrew and Fairleigh Dickinson Freshman Year take college-level courses in English for full in Israel (see p. 14) academic credit while immersing themselves in Mechina Program (see p. 123) Israeli culture. The program offers a rich variety of exciting courses in the fields of International Relations, Social Sciences, Arts, Environmental Studies, History, Religion, Business and more. Tel AvivFreshman Year Programs 15 Traditional Gap Year Programs

Note: The prices listed in this catalog are for the academic year 2010-2011 and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the program organizer. Contact the organizer of your program of choice directly for the most current pricing. Aardvark Israel Immersion Programs Semester Program

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv or Jerusalem Duration: Semester Cost: $9,990 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival Spring: January– June 2011 Up to 15 credits per semester of college credit Fall: August 2011 – January 2012 Internship or community service placement Open To: Ages 17-22 Apartment accommodations in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for the duration of the program Contact Info: Local bus pass USA: (877) 634-0162 Books and course materials Canada: (888) 824-6145 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues and lectures www.AardvarkIsrael.com Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Aardvark Israel’s Semester Program is a fully Meals and personal expenses accredited study-abroad program that combines World travel and special interest immersion into Israeli society, community service “add-on” features and internships, and learning about Israel and Masa Israel visa Judaism through both formal academic and informal educational experiences. Earn college credit for your coursework through the American Jewish University while spending one semester in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Aardvark Israel also offers you the option of choosing your own “add-ons,” Other Aardvark Israel programs for high school graduates: special interest programming and world travel Year Program (see p. 18) that range from skiing in Bulgaria, a Safari in Kenya, hiking the Israel National Trail, sampling the Israeli military, studying digital art and media, and more! SemesterTraditional Gap Year Programs 17 Aardvark Israel Immersion Programs Year Program

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $14,990 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival September 2011 – May 2012 Up to 15 credits per semester of college credit Open To: Ages 17-22 Internship or community service placement Apartment accommodations in Jerusalem and Contact Info: Tel Aviv for the duration of the program USA: (877) 634-0162 Local bus pass Canada: (888) 824-6145 Books and course materials [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.AardvarkIsrael.com including trips, seminars, dialogues and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Meals and personal expenses Aardvark Israel Year Program is a fully accredited World travel and special interest “add-on” features university program that combines immersion into Masa Israel visa Israeli society, community service and internships, and learning about Israel and Judaism through both formal academic and informal educational experiences. Earn college credit for your coursework through the American Jewish University while spending one semester in Jerusalem and the other in Tel Aviv. Aardvark Israel also Other Aardvark Israel programs offers you the option of choosing your own “add-ons,” for high school graduates: special interest programming and world travel that Semester Program (see p. 17) range from skiing in Bulgaria, a Safari in Kenya, hiking the Israel National Trail, sampling the Israeli military, studying digital art and media, and more! Year18 Traditional Gap Year Programs Program B’nei Akiva Tafnit North America: Academic Track

OVERVIEW Location: Various Duration: Academic year Cost: 76,000 NIS (Approximately $19,656) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Two months of Jewish studies at a Yeshiva September 2011 – June 2012 or Open To: Ages 17-19 Two months of army training experience or Twenty-four credits from the Ariel Contact Info: University Center Rabbi Yishai Breslauer Intensive Hebrew language study Community service and volunteering in a (516) 986-1500 development town [email protected] Meals and accommodations for the duration of www.BneiAkiva.net/Tafnit/ the program Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Description Medical insurance Tafnit North America is designed for students who want to combine a Jewish learning program with What’s not included in the cost of the program: the ultimate Israel experience. You will learn in a Flights to and from Israel Yeshiva/Seminary and study at the Ariel University Personal transportation in Israel Center. Furthermore, you will volunteer at a Personal expenses kibbutz and for the Magen David Adom of Israel Masa Israel visa or experience what Israeli soldiers do at our Marva program. During the middle of the year, you will have a special opportunity to travel to Poland and explore the rich Jewish heritage that once existed Other B’nei Akiva programs for there, and to learn about the tragic events of high school graduates: the Holocaust that destroyed it. Finally, you will Tafnit North America: Leadership Track be involved in doing tremendous acts of Chessed at (see p. 20) one of Israel’s development towns. AcademicTraditional Gap YearTrack Programs 19 B’nei Akiva Tafnit North America: Leadership Track

OVERVIEW Location: Various Duration: Academic year Cost: 76,000 NIS (Approximately $19,656) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Two months of Jewish studies at a Yeshiva September 2011 – June 2012 or Midrasha Open To: Ages 17-19 Two months of army training experience or volunteering with Magen David Adom Contact Info: Leadership Training Institute Rabbi Yishai Breslauer Intensive Hebrew language study (516) 986-1500 Community service and volunteering in a [email protected] development town Meals and accommodations for the duration of www.BneiAkiva.net/Tafnit/ the program Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Description Medical insurance Tafnit North America is designed for students who want to combine a Jewish learning program with the What’s not included in the cost of the program: ultimate Israel experience. On the Leadership Track, Flights to and from Israel you will learn in a Yeshiva/Seminary, strengthen your Transportation in Israel Jewish identity in the program’s Leadership Institute. Personal expenses Furthermore, you will volunteer at a kibbutz and for the Masa Israel visa Magen David Adom of Israel or experience what Israeli soldiers do at our Marva program. During the middle of the year, you will have a special opportunity to travel to Poland and explore the rich Jewish heritage that once Other B’nei Akiva programs for existed there, and to learn about the tragic events of high school graduates: the Holocaust that destroyed them. Finally, you will Tafnit North America: Academic Track be involved in doing tremendous acts of Chessed at (see p. 19) one of Israel’s development towns. Leadership20 Traditional Gap Year Programs Habonim Dror Maslul Ishi (Personal Path)

OVERVIEW Location: Varied Duration: 5, 7 or 10 months Cost: Varied based on customized options Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (up to age 20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Available Orientation upon arrival Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study Rolling – based on personal choice Supplementary educational programming Open To: Ages 18-29 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars and lectures Contact Info: Medical insurance +972 (0)3 540-1444 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Accommodations for the duration of the program Description Maslul Ishi is a customizable program designed by the Habonim Dror youth movement that allows you to choose your own personal experience in Israel. Whether you wish to study at an academic institution, intern at an Israeli company or volunteer at an international NGO, Maslul Ishi Other Habonim Dror programs staff will work with you to create your own for high school graduates: personal “path” in Israel. The program includes Workshop HDNA (see p. 22) mandatory Hebrew language study and ongoing support and guidance from a professional and knowledgeable staff. Depending on your interests, the staff will help you to create your own personal tailor-made program. PersonalTraditional Gap Year Programs 21 Habonim Dror Workshop HDNA

OVERVIEW Location: Various Duration: 9 Months Cost: Approx. $16,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Flight to and from Israel September 2011 – May 2012 Learning and volunteering Open To: Ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew study Meals and apartment accommodations for the Contact Info: duration of the program Shani Bob Transportation in Israel (212) 255-1796 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, and lectures. www.HabonimDror.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Personal expenses Israel’s longest running gap year, Habonim Dror’s Masa Israel visa Workshop focuses on collective education and dialogue meant to develop your Jewish leadership. As a participant in Workshop, you will actively contribute to the building of peace and social justice in Israel through community volunteerism. You will live collectively in kvutzot (small groups) and travel the country while learning about the diverse history of Israel, the Israeli people, and the Hebrew Other Habonim Dror programs language. During the first half of the year, you will for high school graduates: focus on learning important life skills; you will spend Maslul Ishi (see p. 21) the second half using them in a variety of volunteer placements with Israeli youth. In addition, Workshop offers you the opportunity to visit important historical sites in Poland, witnessing the Holocaust and learning about the role of youth movements in its history. Workshop22 Traditional Gap Year Programs Hashomer Hatzair Shnat Hachshara Gap Year

OVERVIEW Location: Kibbutz Holit, Kibbutz Ramat Hashofet, and Naharia Duration: Academic year Cost: $14,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included A group-focused experience Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study September 2011 – July 2012 Transportation in Israel Dormitory accommodations for the duration of Open To: Ages 17-19 the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Monica Alter, Administration including trips, seminars, and lectures. +972 (0)3 695-6575 Medical insurance +972 (0)50 767-7950 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Hashomer Hatzair’s Shnat Hachshara allows members of the Hashomer Hatzair movement to live and work on a kibbutz; volunteering with vulnerable communities in Israel, learning Hebrew and building a community with their kvutzah (group). You will spend the first three months of the program at The Pedagogic Centre in Kibbutz Holit, learning and experiencing Hebrew, Israeli society and humanistic Judaism, and building alternative society. You will then spend four months at the Ulpan Kibbutz Ramat Hashofet while teaching English at Barta Arab Village. During the final two months of the program, you will experience communal life in the city of Naharia. WorkshopHachsharaTraditional Gap Year Programs 23 Kibbutz Movement Israel Challenge

OVERVIEW Location: Various Duration: 5, 7, or 10 months Cost: $7,200 (5 months) $9,100 (7 months) $12,800(10 months) What’s included in the cost of the program: Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Six weeks on a kibbutz Accommodations: Included Eight weeks volunteering with Magen David Upcoming Program Dates: Adom, Marva, Maccabi Haifa Soccer Academy, 5 months: August 2011 – January 2012 or in other community service areas 7 months: August 2011 – March 2012 Four weeks of professional courses in Eilat choosing from scuba diving, Mediterranean 10 months: August 2011 – June 2012 cuisine, community security, or photography Open To: Ages 18-22 Meals and accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program Esther Mercado Monthly stipend during community service portion of program (954) 600-6747 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.IsraelMasa.co.il/en/ and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Get to know the social, geographic, and historical Personal transportation in Israel aspects of Israel and Israeli society. Build relationships Personal expenses with Israelis, American, and international peers and Masa Israel visa strengthen your Jewish identity. Israel Challenge offers you a significant long-term experience in Israel during which you can positively contribute to Israeli society and get to know the country within the framework of service and education. Volunteer on a kibbutz, get a taste of army basic training, volunteer with Magen David Adom, learn scuba diving and more. Challenge24 Traditional Gap Year Programs Kibbutz Program Center iTrack

OVERVIEW Location: Varied Duration: 5 months Cost: $4,600 - $8,350 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival Staggered throughout the year based on Intensive Hebrew language study kibbutz schedule Meals and accommodations on home kibbutz Open To: Ages 17-30 for the duration of the program Contact Info: Educational materials Supplementary educational programming Kibbutz Program Center including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars (212) 462-2764 [email protected] and lectures www.KibbutzProgramCenter.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Design your own kibbutz experience in Israel! Personal transportation in Israel Kibbutz Program Center’s iTrack is one of the Personal expenses most affordable long-term programs in Israel Masa Israel visa and offers programs at different kibbutzim throughout the year. It allows you to learn Hebrew while adding an additional, customized element to your experience. Choose from internships and volunteer placements available in the hotel and hospitality sector, healthcare, Other Kibbutz Program Center non-profit organizations, working with children, programs for high school and much, much more. Volunteering on a kibbutz graduates: is a time-honored tradition that visitors from all Kibbutz Ulpan (see p. 26) over the world have experienced for more than Kibbutz Ulpan Dati (see p. 27) six decades. Today, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking to spend some time away from home to become part of a type of community that only exists in Israel. iTrackTraditional Gap Year Programs 25 Kibbutz Program Center Kibbutz Ulpan

OVERVIEW Location: Varied Duration: 5 months Cost: $7,200 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Orientation upon arrival Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study Staggered throughout the year based on Meals and dormitory accommodations on home kibbutz schedule kibbutz for the duration of the program Open To: Ages 18-28 Educational materials Supplementary educational programming Contact Info: including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Kibbutz Program Center and lectures (212) 462-2764 Medical insurance [email protected] www.KibbutzProgramCenter.org What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Want to learn Hebrew while living and working on a kibbutz and taking part in its rich and unique culture? Kibbutz Ulpan is one of the most affordable long-term programs in Israel and offers programs at different kibbutzim throughout the year. Participating Other Kibbutz Program Center in a Kibbutz Ulpan is a time-honored tradition that programs for high school visitors from all over the world have experienced for graduates: more than six decades. Today, it is an ideal choice for iTrack (see p. 25) anyone looking to spend some time away from home Kibbutz Ulpan Dati (see p. 27) to become part of a type of community that only exists in Israel. KibbutzUl26 Traditional Gap Year Programs Kibbutz Program Center Kibbutz Ulpan Dati

OVERVIEW Location: Various Duration: Semester Cost: $4,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Intensive Hebrew language study Upcoming Program Dates: Community service and volunteering Spring: January – June 2011 Meals and accommodations for the duration of Summer: July - December 2011 the program Fall: September 2011 – January 2012 Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, Open To: Ages 18-28 and lectures Contact Info: Medical insurance Kibbutz Program Center +972 (0)3 530-1444 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel www.UlpanKibbutzDati.org Personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Description Based on three religious kibbutzim throughout Israel (Kibbutz Beerot Yitzchak, Kvutzat Yavneh, and Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu), Kibbutz Ulpan Dati Other Kibbutz Program Center offers religious young adults the opportunity to programs for high school study Hebrew while immersing themselves in the graduates: iTrack (see p. 25) unique religious kibbutz lifestyle and sharing the Kibbutz Ulpan (see p. 26) experience with their peers from around the world. KibbutzHaTraditional Gap Year Programs 27 KIVUNIM Experiential Learning KIVUNIM: New Directions

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem and 10 counties across the world Duration: Academic Year Cost: $40,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Flights to and from Israel Program Dates: September 2011 - May 2012 Up to 30 credits from the Oxford Centre for Open To: Ages 17-18 Hebrew and Jewish Studies at Oxford University Trips to Bulgaria, Greece, the Czech Republic, Contact Info: , Germany, Hungary, India, Morocco, Peter Geffen, Founder and Executive Director Slovakia, Spain and Turkey (917) 930-3092 Meals and accommodations for the duration of [email protected] the program www.KIVUNIM.org Intensive Hebrew and Arabic study Supplementary educational programming Description including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students of all faiths and backgrounds KIVUNIM: New Directions provides an intensive and lectures academic and experiential encounter with Middle Transportation, room and board on Eastern, North African, Asian and European cultures. international trips Based in Jerusalem, Kivunim is an Israel-centered, Medical insurance but not Israel-exclusive, program. Its curriculum is built around international field trips of 12 - 14 What’s not included in the cost of the program: days every five to six weeks to Greece, Bulgaria, Personal expenses Morocco, Spain and Turkey, Germany, the Czech Masa Israel visa Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and India. With a focus on understanding the history and contemporary life of international Jewish communities, Kivunim builds “world-consciousness,” an appreciation and understanding of the broader multi-cultural world in which we live. Kivunim is accredited by Siegal College and includes volunteer service projects to serve the vulnerable communities in Jerusalem. Additionally, Kivunim also includes travel within Israel including hikes, exploring cultural institutions, and meeting key Israeli personalities. New28 Traditional Gap Year Programs Directions Menachem Begin Heritage Center GaP: Government and Politics in Israel

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival September 2011 – June 2012 Twenty-two credits at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Open To: High school graduates ages 18–19 Public diplomacy seminar with diplomats from Contact Info: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs GaP in Israel Volunteer or internship placement in Jerusalem +972 (0)2 565-2029 Intensive Hebrew language study Four weeks of traveling around Israel [email protected] Roundtable discussions with public figures in www.GapIsrael.org.il Israeli society Dormitory accommodations for the duration of the program Description Local bus pass GaP (Government and Politics) in Israel is a Medical insurance Menachem Begin Heritage Center initiative What’s not included in the cost of the program: offering outstanding and highly motivated Flights to and from Israel Jewish high school graduates, ages 18-19, an Meals and personal expenses opportunity to study government, politics and Masa Israel visa society, with an emphasis on the Israeli context. The first semester is a specially tailored program at the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem that provides participants with twenty-two university credits. The second semester combines a special public diplomacy seminar run with StandWithUs and featuring workshops and lectures by diplomats from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with trips around Israel and volunteering projects. New DirectionsGovernmentTraditional Gap Year Programs 29 Tzofim Israel Scouts Shnat Sherut: A Social Action Gap Year

OVERVIEW Location: All over Israel Duration: Academic year Cost: $1,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Volunteering in development towns, boarding July 2011 – August 2012 schools, and community centers in Israel Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 alongside Israeli peers Apartment accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program Dana Elkis Transportation within Israel (323) 951-1248 ext.16. Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli www.IsraelScouts.org students, and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Meals and personal expenses Want to spend a year working with teens and children Masa Israel visa in development towns, boarding schools, or community centers in Israel before enrolling in college? On Tzofim Shnat Sherut, you will lead an authentic Israeli life, speak Hebrew, serve the community, and live with Israelis your age. As a participant, you will live as a group in communes with the rest of the Tzofim Shnat Sherut participants from Israel. Participants must be Other Tzofim programs for recent fluent in Hebrew, have prior experience working with high school graduates: children and youth, and have visited or lived in Israel Garin Tzabar (see p. 124) for an extended period of time. Participants from North America interested in joining the program will need to attend pre-preparation seminars in the United States. ActionSh30 Traditional Gap Year Programs Union for Reform Judaism The Nezter Year

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: 8 Months Cost: $19,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: October 2011 – June 2012 What’s included in the cost of the program: Semester of Jerusalem experience Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 A month of group experience on a kibbutz Contact Info: Living and volunteering in an Israeli city or Jesse Warsawski hiking the Israel National Trail (212) 650- 4115 Intensive Hebrew study [email protected] Meals and accommodations for the duration of www.NetzerYear.org the program Transportation in Israel Supplementary educational programming Description including trips, seminars, and lectures. The Netzer Year is a unique leadership training Medical insurance program in Israel for recent Reform Jewish high school graduates. You will develop the skills and What’s not included in the cost of the program: knowledge necessary to become a leader in the Airfare to and from Israel Reform Movement, your community or on your Books and learning materials college campus. The program facilitates personal Personal expenses development, study of Jewish and Zionist ideals, Masa Israel visa as well as the Reform Movement’s principles and ideology, both in and out of the classroom. During the first month of the program you will live on kibbutz with the rest of your group. After this, you will choose between three options: volunteering in a community in northern Israel, hiking along the Israel National Trail, or volunteering in an existing Reform kibbutz in the Arava region. During the second semester, you will live, learn and grow in Jerusalem, choosing either to live and volunteer in one of its communities or learning about Israel, leadership and Zionism in a diverse community of young leaders. NezterYearTraditional Gap Year Programs 31 United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism Nativ Classic

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem and Kibbutz Ein-Zurim or Yerucham Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,900 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Hebrew University, Conservative Yeshiva or Upcoming Program Dates: Ulpan and community service option Kibbutz or community service option September 2011 – May 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Round-trip airfare between New York and Contact Info: Tel Aviv Yossi Garr Meals and dormitory accommodations for the (212) 533-7800 ext. 1119. duration of the program [email protected] Transportation within Israel www.Nativ.org Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Description Medical insurance Nativ is a challenging academic year program dedicated to creating and inspiring tomorrow’s Conservative What’s not included in the cost of the program: Jewish leaders. Nativ, which means “path” in Hebrew, Personal expenses offers two distinct components: studying in Jerusalem Books and course materials and volunteering in other areas of Israel. You will have Masa Israel visa the option to study in one of three different Jerusalem settings during the fall semester: Hebrew University, intensive Hebrew language study, or the Conservative Yeshiva. The spring semester revolves around volunteer work; you can choose between kibbutz living or community service in a town or city. This unforgettable Other USCJ programs for high experience is an intricate balance between academics school graduates: and volunteer work, learning and teaching, personal Nativ Gesher (see p. 33) challenge and community living. You will return from your year in Israel with a stronger attachment to the land of Israel and a deeper passion for Judaism. NativClassic32 Traditional Gap Year Programs United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Nativ Gesher

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem and Europe Duration: Academic year Cost: $33,900 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Hebrew University, Conservative Yeshiva or September 2011 – May 2012 Ulpan and community service option Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Two trips to various European Contact Info: Jewish communities Intensive Hebrew language study Yossi Garr Round-trip airfare between New York and (212) 533-7800 ext. 1119 Tel Aviv [email protected] Meals and dormitory accommodations for the www.Nativ.org duration of the program Transportation within Israel Supplementary educational programming Description including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli Nativ is a challenging academic year program students, and lectures dedicated to creating and inspiring tomorrow’s Medical insurance Conservative Jewish leaders. Nativ Gesher focuses on the centrality of Israel for one’s What’s not included in the cost of the program: Jewish identity while creating a relationship with Personal expenses Masorti communities in Europe. The program Masa Israel visa matches an academic semester with a second semester of travel and volunteering in Masorti (traditional) communities throughout Europe. For the first semester, you will live in Jerusalem and have the option to study in one of three different settings: Hebrew University, intensive Other USCJ programs for high Hebrew language study, or the Conservative school graduates: Yeshiva. Your second semester will center around Nativ Classic (see p. 32) two stays in different European cities (including Budapest, Berlin and London), each four to five weeks. In each location, you will volunteer in the local Jewish community. NativGesherTraditional Gap Year Programs 33 World Betar Movement Israel Balev

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Semester Cost: $6,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival July - December 2011 Intensive Hebrew study Open To: Ages 17-20 Jewish and Zionist studies Marva IDF training Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of +972 (0)2 679-2788 the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming http://Betar.org.il/Masa/Short.htm including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Want to make a difference in Israeli society? Israel Balev is the Betar youth movement’s semester program in Israel. On Israel Balev, you will spend 2.5 months on Marva, training on a real Israeli army base and learning how to be a soldier with field and survival training. You will spend the last half of the program in Jerusalem Other World Betar Movement or on a kibbutz volunteering with members of Israel’s programs for high school vulnerable communities. Throughout the year, you will graduates: also have the opportunity to participate in JNF seminars Israel Sheli (see p. 35) and World Betar Shabbatonim! Israel Sheli Security Program (see p. 36)

IsraelBalev34 Traditional Gap Year Programs World Betar Movement Israel Sheli

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: Varies depending on customized options Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival Rolling, based on your request Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Ages 18-28 Dormitory or shared apartment Contact Info: Food and travel allowance Supplementary educational programming Ruth Wolfsthal, Logistics Coordinator including field trips, hikes, seminars and lectures +972 (0)2 679-2954 Medical insurance [email protected] Responsible counselor http://MyIsrael.Betar.org.il What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa The Israel Sheli Program is a customizable program that allows you to create the Israel experience that matches your interests. The Israel Sheli staff will work with you to make sure that you are fully immersed in Israeli society and come to know what it means to live as an Israeli in Israel – all in the way you want to do it. Though the program Other World Betar Movement is fully customizable, it offers four tracks to programs for high school help guide your experience: academic (Hebrew graduates: language study, university study, art, Yeshiva, Israel Balev (see p. 34) and more); volunteer or internship; hotel and Israel Sheli Security Program (see p. 36) hospitality; and army training through Marva, a two month basic training program for tourists that offers a first-hand soldiering experience. IsraelSheliTraditional Gap Year Programs 35 World Betar Movement Israel Sheli Security Program

OVERVIEW Location: Moshav Nordiya Resort Village Duration: Semester Cost: $7,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Jewish and Zionist studies Security, weapons, and physical training September 2011 – January 2010 Krav Maga and martial arts lessons Open To: Ages 18-28 Lectures and workshops by Contact Info: security professionals Yaron Olami Basic CPR training Intensive Hebrew language study +972 (0)52 387-0786 Meals and accommodations for the duration of [email protected] the program www.MyIsrael.Betar.org.il Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars and lectures Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: World Betar Movement’s Israel Sheli Security program Flights to and from Israel is designed for those who wish to gain exposure to Personal transportation in Israel the theory and practice of Israel’s different security Personal expenses disciplines. The core curriculum includes an introduction Masa Israel visa to the central issues of security facing Israel today, and ongoing interaction with Israeli professionals who work in the field every day. You will gain both practical and theoretical knowledge of security through training Other World Betar Movement delivered by an experienced staff (including IDF soldiers programs for high school and officers), shooting practices in a range of situations graduates: and conditions, and exposure to a variety of weapons Israel Balev (see p. 34) and ammunitions. Israel Sheli (see p. 35) IsraelSheli36 Traditional Gap Year Programs Young Judaea Year Course: Classic Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,200 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: August 2011 – May 2012 What’s included in the cost of the program: Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Flights to and from Israel Accredited college-level courses Contact Info: Intensive Hebrew study Adam Jenshil Apartment accommodations for the duration (800) 725-0612 of the program [email protected] Transportation within Israel www.YearCourse.org Monthly food stipend Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli Description students, and lectures Young Judaea Year Course offers you the Connection to an Israeli host family opportunity to immerse yourself in all aspects Medical insurance of Israeli life and culture: learning Hebrew, interacting with your Israeli peers, developing What’s not included in the cost of the program: an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and Personal expenses exploring Israel through a variety of different Masa Israel visa volunteer placements. You will spend one-third of your program in each of three locations in Other Young Judaea programs for Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Negev. In high school graduates: Bat Yam, you will live in a lower socioeconomic Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) neighborhood and have the opportunity to Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) contribute mightily to the community through Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) volunteer work. In Jerusalem, you will have access Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) to the history and majesty of the as well Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) as the vibrancy and culture of Emek Refaim as Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) you study. During your time in the Negev, you Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) will choose from four options: Marva/Sar-El Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) (the IDF army experience); Kibbutz Ketura/Shvil Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) Yisrael; outdoor desert experience; and social Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) action experience. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) Y earCourseTraditional Gap Year Programs 37 Young Judaea Year Course: Athletic Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Specialty track fee: $3,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Flights to and from Israel Upcoming Program Dates: Accredited college-level courses August 2011 – May 2012 Intensive Hebrew study Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Apartment accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Transportation within Israel Jessica Turnof Monthly food stipend (800) 725-0612 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli www.YearCourse.org students, and lectures. Connection to an Israeli host family Description Medical insurance Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity What’s not included in the cost of the program: to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and Personal expenses culture learning Hebrew, interacting with your Israeli Masa Israel visa peers, developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a variety of different volunteer placements. As with Year Course Other Young Judaea programs for high Classic, you will spend one-third of your program in school graduates: each of three locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) and the Negev. You will train with and learn from some Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) of Israel’s best coaches and athletes, compete in team Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) and individual sports, and take a turn on the sidelines Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) as coach, trainer, or referee. Participants must be in Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) good condition for this physically intense program. You Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) will be able to focus on fitness with weight training, Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) cardio and more, participate in sports competitions, Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) learn Israel’s Krav Maga self-defense technique and Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) attend Israeli sporting events. Athletic38 Traditional Gap Year Programs Young Judaea Year Course: Business Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: 9 Months Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Specialty Track Fee: $3,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: August 2011 – May 2012 What’s included in the cost of the program: Open To: High school graduate ages 17-19 Flights to and from Israel Accredited college-level courses Contact Info: Intensive Hebrew study Jessica Turnof Apartment accommodations for the duration of (800) 725-0612 the program [email protected] Transportation within Israel www.YearCourse.org Monthly food stipend Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli Description students, and lectures. Young Judaea Year Course offers you the Connection to an Israeli host family opportunity to immerse yourself in all aspects Medical insurance of Israeli life and culture: learning Hebrew, interacting with your Israeli peers, developing What’s not included in the cost of the program: an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and Personal expenses exploring Israel through a variety of different Masa Israel visa volunteer placements. You will spend one-third of your program in each of three locations Other Young Judaea programs for high in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Negev. school graduates: The Business track offers a unique opportunity Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) for a hands-on experience in one of the most Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) competitive, innovative and exciting business Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) arenas in the world. Israel has the most start- Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) up companies in the world and is the perfect Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) background for your exploration of the business Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) world. You will have the opportunity to meet Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) leading professionals, intern in international Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) companies, attend business conventions and Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) exhibits and take business courses. No previous Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) experience is necessary. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) BusinessTraditional Gap Year Programs 39 Young Judaea Year Course: Culinary Arts Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: 9 Months Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Specialty track fee: $3,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Upcoming Program Dates: Accredited college-level courses August 2011 – May 2012 Intensive Hebrew study Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Apartment accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program Jessica Turnof Transportation within Israel (800) 725-0612 Monthly food stipend [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.YearCourse.org including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance Description Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity to What’s not included in the cost of the program: immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and culture Personal expenses learning Hebrew, interacting with your Israeli peers, Masa Israel visa developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a variety of different volunteer placements. You will spend one-third of your program Other Young Judaea programs for in each of three locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, high school graduates: and the Negev. The culinary arts track is designed for Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) passionate food lovers, experimental chefs, and those Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) who want to fuse the art and joy of cooking. On this Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) track, you will be introduced to the world of culinary Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) arts through specialty classes, workshops, and seminars. Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) You will learn basic cooking skills, including knife skills Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) and techniques of bread making as well as volunteering Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) in soup kitchens and food pantries. You will also take Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) courses including Cooking in the Bible and meet with Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) famous Israeli chefs and visit their restaurants. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) CulinaryA40 Traditional Gap Year Programs Young Judaea Year Course: Digital Media Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Specialty Track Fee: $3,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included on the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Flights to and from Israel August 2011 – May 2012 Accredited college-level courses Open To: High school graduate ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew study Contact Info: Apartment accommodations for the duration of Jessica Turnof the program (800) 725-0612 Transportation within Israel [email protected] Monthly food stipend www.YearCourse.org Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Description Connection to an Israeli host family Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity Medical insurance to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and culture – learning Hebrew, interacting with your What’s not included in the cost of the program: Israeli peers, developing an appreciation for your Personal expenses Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a Masa Israel visa variety of different volunteer placements. You will spend one-third of your program in each of three locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Other Young Judaea programs for high the Negev. The digital media track focuses on school graduates: photography and filmmaking. You will be introduced Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) to an inspiring combination of professional classes Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) and field trips that will take your art into a new Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) dimension. Students have special themed projects Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) to work on throughout the year with opportunities Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) to show their work in professional galleries and Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) film screenings. Previous experience with digital Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) art is required. You will meet with famous Israeli Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) photographers and journalists, attend film festivals Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) and visit TV studios, learn computer editing, graphic Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) design and photo manipulation. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) DigitalMediaTraditional Gap Year Programs 41 Young Judaea Year Course: Medical Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Specialty track fee: $3,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Flights to and from Israel August 2011 – May 2012 Accredited college-level courses Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew study Contact Info: Apartment accommodations for the duration of the program Jessica Turnof Transportation within Israel (800) 725-0612 Monthly food stipend [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.YearCourse.org including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Description Medical insurance Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and culture What’s not included in the cost of the program: learning Hebrew, interacting with your Israeli peers, Personal expenses developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and Masa Israel visa exploring Israel through a variety of different volunteer placements. You will spend one-third of your program in each of three locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, Other Young Judaea programs for high and the Negev. On the medical track, you will develop school graduates: the special skills needed for the medical profession. You Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) will receive Magen David Adom life-saving certification, Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) including a medics course, and work as a volunteer with Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) the organization. You will learn medical Hebrew, tour Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) hospitals around Israel and see the behind-the-scenes, Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) and learn about Israel’s bustling medical technology Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) industry. In order to participate in the medical track, Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) you must have a basic level of conversational Hebrew. Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) In order to volunteer with MADA on the ambulance, you Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) must be 18 years old. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) MedicalTrack42 Traditional Gap Year Programs Young Judaea Year Course: Olami Lost Jewish Communities

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Olami fee: $12,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Flights to and from Israel August 2011 – May 2010 Flights to and from countries on the Olami track Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Accredited college-level courses Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Apartment accommodations for the duration of Jessica Turnof the program (800) 725-0612 Transportation within Israel [email protected] Monthly food stipend www.YearCourse.org Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Description Connection to an Israeli host family Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity Medical insurance to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and culture learning Hebrew, interacting with your What’s not included in the cost of the program: Israeli peers, developing an appreciation for your Visas and immunizations for travel outside of Israel Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a Personal expenses variety of different volunteer placements. You will Masa Israel visa spend one-third of your program in each of three locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Other Young Judaea programs for Negev. On the Olami track, you will explore the high school graduates: physical, cultural and spiritual survival of a variety Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) of small Jewish communities who lived for many Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) centuries in isolation. These groups not only live Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) according to some Jewish rituals and beliefs, but Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) also spark questions for us about Jewish identity Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) and ritual. You will travel to Portugal, Uganda, Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) India, and during your time on Year Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) Course. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) CommunitiesTraditional Gap Year Programs 43 Young Judaea Year Course: Performing Arts Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Specialty track fee: $3,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Flights to and from Israel Upcoming Program Dates: Accredited college-level courses August 2011 – May 2012 Intensive Hebrew study Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Apartment accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Transportation within Israel Jessica Turnof Monthly food stipend (800) 725-0612 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli www.YearCourse.org students, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance Description Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity What’s not included in the cost of the program: to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and Personal expenses culture – learning Hebrew, interacting with your Masa Israel visa Israeli peers, developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a Other Young Judaea programs for high variety of different volunteer placements. You will school graduates: spend one-third of your program in each of three Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) Negev. On the performing arts track, you will find Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) your own artistic expression, meet Israel’s leading Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) artists, and develop your skills and gain experience Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) in all aspects of the performing arts including voice, Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) music, and theater. You will teach drama and private Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) music lessons, learn the skills of improvisation, Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) rhythm, and movement and visit performing arts Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) venues throughout Israel. Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) Performing44 Traditional Gap Year Programs Young Judaea Year Course: Shalem

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,200 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel August 2011 – May 2010 Accredited college-level courses Open To: Orthodox high school graduates Intensive Hebrew study ages 17-19 Apartment accommodations for the duration Contact Info: of the program Transportation within Israel Jessica Turnof Monthly food stipend (800) 725-0612 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli www.YearCourse.org students, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Young Judaea Year Course: Shalem offers you the Personal expenses opportunity to immerse yourself in all aspects of Masa Israel visa Israeli life and culture and focused on living the principles of limmud and ma’aseh and gaining Other Young Judaea programs for knowledge of Torat Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, Medinat high school graduates: Yisrael, and Am Yisrael. On Shalem, you will Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) learn Hebrew, interact with your Israeli peers, Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) develop an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) and explore Israel through a variety of different Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) volunteer placements. Part of the Shalem goal is Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) to take students off the standard tourist path and Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) into unique living situations that they would not Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) otherwise experience, such as living on a kibbutz Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) and participating in the army experience program. Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) ShalemTraditional Gap Year Programs 45 Young Judaea Year Course: Shevet

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition $22,200 Specialty track fee: $2,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Flights to and from Israel Upcoming Program Dates: Accredited college-level courses August 2011 – May 2012 Intensive Hebrew study Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Apartment accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Transportation within Israel Jessica Turnof Monthly food stipend (800) 725-0612 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli www.YearCourse.org students, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance Description Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity What’s not included in the cost of the program: to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and Personal expenses culture learning Hebrew, interacting with your Israeli Masa Israel visa peers, developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a variety of different volunteer placements. You will spend one- Other Young Judaea programs for high third of your program in each of three locations in school graduates: Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Negev. Shevet is Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) the Jewish enrichment track of Year Course, giving Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) you a comfortable atmosphere to explore your Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) Jewish beliefs and practices in an open modern Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) Orthodox framework. You will participant in special Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) and holiday programs, spending time with Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) unique Jewish communities in Israel. You will also Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) participate in weekly lunch and learn, weekly field Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) trips focused on Jewish rituals and learning in the Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) Beit Midrash. Shevet46 Traditional Gap Year Programs Young Judaea Year Course: Social Action Rwanda

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition: $22,200 Social Action track fee: $5000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Accredited college-level courses Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew study Apartment accommodations for the duration of August 2011 – May 2012 the program Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Transportation within Israel Contact Info: Monthly food stipend Jessica Turnof Supplementary educational programming (800) 725-0612 including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli [email protected] students, and lectures www.YearCourse.org Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance Flights to and from Israel Flights to and from Rwanda Description Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity What’s not included in the cost of the program: Visas and vaccinations for travel outside Israel to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and Personal expenses culture learning Hebrew, interacting with your Masa Israel visa Israeli peers, developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a Other Young Judaea programs for variety of different volunteer placements. You will high school graduates: spend one-third of your program in each of three Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) Negev. On the Social Action Rwanda track, you will Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) combine the study of Rwanda with a one-month Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) service trip to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) in Rwanda. Before you go, you will work with your Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) fellow participants on a fundraising project to Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) collect donations for the village. Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) Year Course: Visual Arts Track (see p. 48) Acti onRwandaTraditional Gap Year Programs 47 Young Judaea Year Course: Visual Arts Track

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Arad Duration: Academic year Cost: Base tuition $22,200 Specialty track fee: $2,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Accredited college-level courses August 2011 – May 2012 Intensive Hebrew study Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Apartment accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Transportation within Israel Jessica Turnof Monthly food stipend (800) 725-0612 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli www.YearCourse.org students, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance Description Flights to and from Israel Young Judaea Year Course offers you the opportunity What’s not included in the cost of the program: to immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and Personal expenses culture – learning Hebrew, interacting with your Masa Israel visa Israeli peers, developing an appreciation for your Jewish heritage, and exploring Israel through a variety of different volunteer placements. You will Other Young Judaea programs for high school graduates: spend one-third of your program in each of three Year Course: Classic Track (see p. 37) locations in Israel: Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and the Year Course: Athletic Track (see p. 38) Negev. On the visual arts track, you will further your Year Course: Business Track (see p. 39) talent and skill in artistic genres such as painting, Year Course: Culinary Arts Track (see p. 40) drawing, sculpture and sketching with the help Year Course: Digital Media Track (see p. 41) of professional teachers and artists. You will also Year Course: Medical Track (see p. 42) take classes in Israeli art history, visit art classes Year Course: Olami (see p. 43) Year Course: Performing Arts Track (see p. 44) and galleries in Israel and meet with Israeli artists. Year Course: Shalem (see p. 45) Prior experience with visual arts is necessary to Year Course: Shevet (see p. 46) participate in this track. Year Course: Social Action Rwanda (see p. 47) YearCourse48 Traditional Gap Year Programs Special Interest Programs

Note: The prices listed in this catalog are for the academic year 2010-2011 and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the program organizer. Contact the organizer of your program of choice directly for the most current pricing. 49 Budokan Israel Budokan Martial Arts and Fitness Program

OVERVIEW Location: Hod HaSharon and Netanya Duration: Semester Cost: $9,450 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Orientation upon arrival Upcoming Program Dates: Daily martial arts and fitness instruction (focus on karate, judo and Krav Maga) Spring: February - July 2011 Intensive Hebrew language study Fall: September 2011 – February 2012 History course on Jewish and Israeli Heroes Open To: Ages 18-25 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the Contact Info: duration of the program Supplementary educational programming Katie Winsberg including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars (917) 267-7575 and lectures [email protected] Medical insurance www.BudokanIsrael.com What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Budokan is a challenging program that combines Personal expenses world-class martial arts and fitness instruction with Masa Israel visa innovative educational courses in Hebrew language and Jewish heroes, exciting field trips, inspiring volunteer projects and great people! This “mind, body and spirit” experience lets you improve your fitness, develop personal skills and self-confidence while learning about Israel’s land, history and people. Whether you are looking for an adventure abroad, trying to get into better shape, interested in a achieving a higher karate or judo belt, or in learning self-defense techniques, Budokan offers you an unforgettable experience. You will gain a priceless sense of independence, personal empowerment and self-confidence through Budokan’s unique martial arts and fitness focused program. Budokan50 Special Interest Programs Hava and Adam Eco-Educational Farm Eco-Israel

OVERVIEW Location: Modi’in, central Israel Duration: Semester Cost: $5,300 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival Spring: February – July 2011 Intensive Hebrew language study Fall: September 2011 – February 2012 Vegetarian meals and accommodations in Open To: Ages 18-30 geodesic domes for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Gili Chupak including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars (718) 360-4558 and lectures [email protected] www.Eco-Israel.org What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Eco-Israel offers Jewish young adults the Personal expenses opportunity to embrace permaculture and Medical insurance sustainable living through intensive hands- on experience and coursework on an organic farm. Upon completion of the program, you will receive an internationally recognized certificate in Permaculture Design. Based at the Hava and Adam Eco-Educational farm in Modi’in (located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv), Eco- Israel allows you to explore how Ecology, Judaism and Israel blend together in a working model of a self-sustaining ecological community. The Hava and Adam Eco-Educational Farm is completely dependent upon the energy, creative resources and time of its residents. All members of the farm, including a group of young Israelis on a year of service, share responsibility in running the site and making it their home. As a large family, you will cook with your fellow residents, eat together, and work alongside them. Eco-IsraelSpecial Interest Programs 51 Israel Experience and Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Bezalel Art Experience

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $11,000 (semester); $18,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Orientation upon arrival Intensive Hebrew language study Upcoming Program Dates: Dormitory accommodations for the duration of Year: September 2011 – July 2012 the program Fall: September 2011 – February 2012 Supplementary educational programming Spring: February – July 2012 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Open To: Ages 18 - 28 and lectures Medical insurance Contact Info: Shoshana Klieman What’s not included in the cost of the program: +972 (0)2 621-6907 Flights to and from Israel [email protected] Personal transportation in Israel http://www.IsraelExperience.org.il/Bezalel/ Meals and personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Description Are you a young artist yearning to pursue your passion abroad? The Bezalel Art Experience offers you an opportunity to discover the world of art and design in a setting that emphasizes both academic and cultural Other Israel Experience programs growth in Israel’s holy city of Jerusalem. As a student for high school graduates: in the Bezalel Art Experience program, you will enjoy Magen David Adom Ambulance a personal program under the auspices of the Fine Volunteer Program (see p. 53) Rimon Music Experience (see p. 54) Art Department that includes a private tutorial, a Nachshon: The Israeli Mechina course on the history of Jerusalem and a mandatory (see p. 122) drawing or sculpture course (in English), along with your choice of a minimum of three courses in the following disciplines: sculpture, drawing, painting, screen printing, performance and illustration. Experience52 Special Interest Programs The Israel Experience Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer Program

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv Duration: 5 months Cost: $7,300 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: What’s included in the cost of the program: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Volunteer placement with Magen David Adom Accommodations: Included (Israel’s ambulance service) Upcoming Program Dates: Certification as a first-responder and first September 2011 – January 2012 aid instructor Open To: Ages 18-25 Hebrew language study Meals and accommodations during Contact Info: training course +972 (0)2 621-6561 Accommodations during volunteer period [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.MDAVolunteers.com including trips, seminars, and lectures. Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Description Meals and personal expenses When did you last save a life? The Yochai Porat Masa Israel visa Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer Program gives young adults ages 18-25 from all over the world the opportunity to become certified first responders and to work on ambulances all over Israel as part of MDA’s life-saving efforts. Other Israel Experience programs There are also options to continue to higher for high school graduates: levels of first-aid training and to become first- Bezalel Art Experience (see p. 52) aid instructors. This experience and training can Rimon Music Experience (see p. 54) be invaluable in applications to graduate schools Nachshon: The Israeli Mechina in medical professions. (see p. 122) AmbulanceSpecial Interest Programs 53 Israel Experience and the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music Rimon Music Experience

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Hasharon (near Tel Aviv) Central Israel Duration: Academic year Cost: $18,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: What’s included in the cost of the program: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Orientation upon arrival Accommodations: Included Hebrew language study Upcoming Program Dates: Music studies at the Rimon School September 2011 – July 2012 Volunteer placement Dormitory accommodations for the duration of Open To: Ages 18-30 the program Prerequisite: Prior music experience, Supplementary educational programming audition, Hebrew including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Contact Info: and lectures Medical insurance [email protected] www.IsraelExperience.org.il//Rimon http://eng.RimonSchool.co.il/ What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Books and educational materials Expose yourself to music and musical ideas that only Meals and personal expenses can be found only in Israel. Open your mind and expand your musical horizon through a new culture. The Rimon Masa Israel visa Music Experience offers you the opportunity to combine music studies with a long-term Israel experience. The Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, with 600 students and 90 faculty, is Israel’s largest independent professional contemporary music school. Other Israel Experience programs Located in Ramat Hasharon (a suburb of Tel Aviv), for high school graduates: Rimon offers seven majors: Composition and Arranging, Bezalel Art Experience (see p. 52) Film scoring, Song Writing, Jazz Performance, General Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer Performance, Music Production and Engineering and a combined program of Composition, Performance and Program (see p. 53) Music Production. A special articulation agreement Nachshon: The Israeli Mechina with Berklee Collage of Music in Boston enables Rimon (see p. 122) students to continue learning and complete their degree at Berklee within two years. Deserving students receive generous scholarships towards their studies. Experience54 Special Interest Programs Jerusalem Culinary Institute Culinary Arts and Wine Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: 7 months Cost: 35,000 NIS (Approximately $8,290) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: What’s included in the cost of the program: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Orientation upon arrival Accommodations: Not included A variety of cooking classes Upcoming Program Dates: Hebrew language study February 2011 – January 2012 Supplementary educational programming Open To: Ages 18-30 including field trips, seminars and lectures Contact Info: What’s not included in the cost of the program: Greta Ostrovitz Flights to and from Israel +972 (0)2 992-3128 Personal transportation in Israel [email protected] Accommodations for the duration of www.JCIChef.com the program Course materials Description Meals and personal expenses The Culinary and Wine program at the Jerusalem Medical insurance Culinary Institute — the first and only Mehadrin Masa Israel visa culinary institute of its kind — teaches theory, basic nutrition, hotel and catering management, stock flows, hygiene, food and beverage management, catering theory and the rules of commercial kitchens. You will learn to prepare full course meals combining both traditional and Other Jerusalem Culinary gourmet dishes, according to Jewish dietary law. Institute programs for high Cooking sessions start with the proper use of school graduates: knives and equipment, stocks and sauces, fish, Patisserie Program (see p. 56) meat and poultry preparation, international cuisines, vegetarian dishes, salads and cold sauces, buffet presentation, basic pastry and bread, diary cuisine, and cooking for Shabbat and holidays. and Hebrew language classes are included in the program. CulinaryArtsSpecial Interest Programs 55 Jerusalem Culinary Institute Patisserie Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: 7 months Cost: 35,000 NIS (Approximately $8,290) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Not included Orientation upon arrival Upcoming Program Dates: A variety of cooking classes February 2011 – July 2011 Hebrew language study Open To: Ages 18-30 Supplementary educational programming including field trips, seminars and lectures Contact Info: Greta Ostrovitz What’s not included in the cost of the program: +972 (0)2 992-3128 Flights to and from Israel [email protected] Personal transportation in Israel www.JCIChef.com Accommodations for the duration of the program Books and other course materials Meals and personal expenses Medical insurance Description Masa Israel visa The Patisserie Program at the Jerusalem Culinary Institute — the first and only Mehadrin culinary institute of its kind — teaches baking theory, pastry and confectionary skills, chocolate and cake decorating, breads, dough, gateaux, tarts, fillings and sauces, icing and decorative techniques. Kashrut and Hebrew Other Jerusalem Culinary language classes are included in the program. Guest Institute programs for high chefs, tours and trips around Israel are also included school graduates: in the seven month course. Classes are held in the Culinary Arts and Wine Program kitchen Sunday through Wednesday. Thursday classes (see p. 55) include theory, Hebrew language, Kashrut, class trips and special projects. Patisserie56 Special Interest Programs Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company Dance Journey

OVERVIEW Location: Kibbutz Ga’aton, northern Israel Duration: 5 or 9 months Cost: $7,800 (5 months); $10,500 (9 months) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Spring: February – June 2011 Orientation upon arrival Fall: September 2011 – January 2012 A variety of dance classes Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Ages 18–26 Dormitory accommodations at Kibbutz Ga’aton Prerequisite: Five years of ballet for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Yehuda Maor including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars +972 (0)52 637-6130 and lectures [email protected] Medical insurance [email protected] http://www.kcdc.co.il/DanceCenterEng.aspx What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Meals and personal expenses Discover yourself as an artist while experiencing Masa Israel visa the unique dance culture of Israel. Dance Journey is a vibrant dance program for dancers with at least five years of ballet training. Housed in the Galilee Dance Village in northern Israel, and part of the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company’s Dance Center, the program offers a comprehensive general education in dance, including classical ballet, contemporary dance, yoga/pilates, repertory, repertoire, improvisation, and dance composition. A specialized course in Israeli dance history and music supplements the curriculum. With its direct relationship to one of Israel’s most esteemed choreographers, Rami Be’er, this dance program stands alone in offering students access to a choreographer as he develops a new ballet. Dance JourneySpecial Interest Programs 57 Lotan Center for Creative Ecology Green Apprenticeship Gap Year

OVERVIEW Location: Kibbutz Lotan, southern Israel Duration: Spring semester Cost: $6,750 Estimated Masa Israel Grant:

$1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Orientation upon arrival Upcoming Program Dates: Three hours per week of Hebrew language study February - July 2011 Meals and accommodations in geodesic domes Open To: Ages 18-30 on Kibbutz Lotan for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Leah Zigmond including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars +972 (0)8 635-6811 and lectures [email protected] Medical insurance www.KibbutzLotan.com/CreativeEcology What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses The Green Apprenticeship (GA) is designed for those Masa Israel visa wishing to understand and create alternative solutions for the issues facing the modern world. The program will expose you to the practical and theoretical aspects of local food production, permaculture, ecological design techniques, natural and alternative building, sustainable technologies, community design, and environmental ethics. During your stay at the Lotan Other Lotan Center for Creative Center for Creative Ecology, you will become part of Ecology programs for high school graduates: the EcoCampus, a model for sustainable living that Peace, Justice, and the Environment focuses on making a low carbon footprint and utilizing (see p. 59) environmentally sound technologies. You will work with other community members to maintain an organic garden, construct buildings from recycled materials, and much, much more. Apprenticeship58 Special Interest Programs Lotan Center for Creative Ecology and Living Routes Study Abroad Peace, Justice and the Environment Semester

OVERVIEW Location: Kibbutz Lotan, southern Israel Duration: Semester Cost: $15,200 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: What’s included in the cost of the program: Orientation upon arrival $1,000 (ages 18-20) Sixteen credits transferable through the Accommodations: Included University of Massachusetts Amherst Upcoming Program Dates: Four courses: Peace and Social Justice, August – December 2011 Sustainable Technologies and Greenbuilding, Open To: Ages 18-28 Group Dynamics, Permaculture Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations in geodesic domes Gregg Orifici on Kibbutz Lotan for the duration of (413) 259-0025 the program [email protected] Educational support materials http://www.LivingRoutes.org Supplementary educational programming www.KibbutzLotan.com/CreativeEcology including alternative Jerusalem, field trips, overnight hikes, seminars and lectures Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Explore the connections between new forms of Flights to and from Israel ecological identity and stewardship, social justice Personal transportation in Israel and community in Israel. Work alongside Palestinian- Personal expenses Arab, Bedouin and Jewish Israelis and practical Masa Israel visa experience in ecological design, green building and sustainable agriculture. Put permaculture into action in authentic cross-cultural situations as you broaden and deepen your understanding of sustainability and ecology. Accredited by UMass Amherst, Peace, Justice Other Lotan Center for Creative and Environment will provide you with a hands-on Ecology programs for high school experience in habitat restoration, local organic food graduates: production, teaching in village schools, working with Green Apprenticeship (see p. 58) village action groups and more. EnvironmentneySpecial Interest Programs 59 Nitzana Educational Community Desert Sports Challenge

OVERVIEW Location: Nitzana Duration: 5 months Cost: $8,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Instruction by highly trained professionals in a Upcoming Program Dates: wide range of outdoor recreational activities September 2011 – February 2012 240 hours of intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Ages 18-26 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Karen Kellerman including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars +972 (0)8 656-1317 and lectures [email protected] Medical insurance www.Nitzana.org.il What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Looking for an experience that combines of sports activities in the desert, studying Hebrew, touring Israel and getting to know more about Israeli culture? Desert Sports Challenge, based in southern Israel’s Negev desert, offers you daily theoretical and hands-on instructions in activities such as rappelling, off-roading, diving, navigation, mountain biking, swimming and running. In addition, you will spend three mornings a week studying Hebrew and your evenings exploring Israeli culture, dance and pottery and meeting with IDF soldiers and other local Israelis. Challenge60 Special Interest Programs Religious Studies Programs for Men

Note: The prices listed in this catalog are for the academic year 2010-2011 and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the program organizer. Contact the organizer of your program of choice directly for the most current pricing. 61 Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim

OVERVIEW Location: Ramot, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $18,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Full days of intensive Jewish study Upcoming Program Dates: Shabbatonim in the yeshiva and in different August 2011 – June 2012 neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Open To: Orthodox men ages 17–20 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Mrs. Libby Goldberg including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, +972 (02) 587-9537 and lectures [email protected] www.Ateret.org What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim offers a unique opportunity for young Orthodox men interested in developing mastery of and self-sufficiency in learning , Halacha, Chumash, Machshava and more. Experienced and dedicated teachers who bring Torah teaching and application to life provide each student with individual attention. In addition, there is the opportunity to participate as an active contributing member of the yeshiva community. Special activities, Shabbatot, tiyulim and sports make building a tangible connection to Eretz Yisrael an integral part of the curriculum. Yerushalayim62 Religious Studies Programs for Men Yeshivat Binyan Av Shorashenu

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Shlomo, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $12,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily study of Jewish texts and thought Fall entrance: August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Spring entrance: December 2011 - October 2012 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the Open To: Men ages 18-29 duration of the program Laundry service Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Rabbi Itzchak Fayassi including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, (212) 561-5134 and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Description Personal expenses The Shorashenu program of Yeshivat Binyan Av Masa Israel visa emphasizes the study of Judaism based on the , integrated with trips all over the country of Israel. Studies cover a vast gamut of Jewish subject matter including practical law, Jewish legal sources, study of the Chumash (parashat hashavua) and more. Participants also acquire a first-hand knowledge of the Land of Israel and lectures on the history that surrounds the Jewish people and the country. Shorashenu features cultural activities, jeep trips to a number of interesting places and geological sites, as well as hikes in which they discover what they cannot see by car. ShorashenuReligious Studies Programs for Men 63 Yeshivat Birkat Moshe Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Ma’ale Adumim Duration: Academic year Cost: $20,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Orientation on arrival Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Talmudic study August 2011 – July 2012 Meals and accommodations for the duration of Open To: Men ages 17-20 the program Volunteer placement Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Rabbi Gilad Gross including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.YBM.org.il Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Transportation in Israel Personal expenses The overseas program at Birkat Moshe allows Masa Israel visa young Orthodox men from abroad to take full advantage of the yeshiva’s unique educational program in intensive Talmudic study. Students integrate fully into the regular Israeli program, with international and Israeli students interacting as a single student body. Overseas students study in Israeli shiurim and usually participate in at least three daily chevrutot. Students contribute to the community of Ma’ale Adumim, giving shiurim, tutoring, doing guard duty and planting trees. While fluency in Hebrew is not required, incoming students should have a working knowledge of the language. Birkat64 Religious Studies Programs for Men Moshe Yeshivat Derech Etz Chaim

OVERVIEW Location: , Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Gemara study and additional courses Open To: High school graduates ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and dormitory accommodations for the duration of the program Rabbi Aharon Katz Fitness facilities (347) 402- 0855 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.ondec.net and lectures. Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa Yeshivat Derech Etz Chaim is an ambitious and exciting learning program that gives you the ability and confidence to carry on learning Torah independently. The program offers close guidance on a continual course of growth that incorporates Torah as a means for individual development. Through close kesher (connection) with your Rebbes, coupled with a dynamic learning environment and small classes, you will lay the foundation upon which your future learning will firmly stand.

Derech EtzReligious Studies Programs for Men 65 Ch Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: One year Cost: $22,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Orientation on arrival Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Jewish learning and Contact yeshiva directly leadership development Open To: Men ages 17-20 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of (201) 669-4053 the program Volunteer placement [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.YEHatzvi.org including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi is dedicated to instilling Medical insurance Personal expenses students with a commitment to Avodat HaShem Masa Israel visa and a love for Torah learning, empowering them to become Jewish leaders by developing their skills in Jewish learning and their love of Am Yisrael, Torat Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael, preparing them for success in college and in their future. The curriculum places a major emphasis on teaching the skills that will enable you to pursue independent study. In addition to Gemara, Limud Tanach, Halacha, Machshava, and leadership development figure prominently. Eretz66 Religious Studies Programs for Men Hatzvi Yeshivat HaKotel The Wohl Torah Center

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: One year Cost: Contact program organizer directly Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival Contact program organizer directly Intensive Jewish learning in the topics of Open To: Men ages 17-20 Gemara, Tanach, Machshava, Halacha Contact Info: and Mussar Intensive Hebrew language study +972 (0)2 628-8175 ext. 122 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the [email protected] duration of the program www.Hakotel.org.il Volunteer placement Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Medical insurance Description Yeshivat HaKotel aims to cultivate yirat shamayim What’s not included in the cost of the program: as part of a life of Avodat Hashem by developing Flights to and from Israel students’ appreciation of Talmud Torah and its Personal transportation in Israel connection to Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael. You will Personal expenses become familiar with the basics of Tanakh, Torah Masa Israel visa Sheb’al Peh, Halacha, and belief, and Mussar while developing the ability for independent study in all of these fields. The yeshiva offers a large number of shiurim in subjects other than Gemara and helps students build a schedule most appropriate to them. Although the average boy will generally spend around 80 percent of his time on Talmud, there are many who devote up to half their time to other subjects. TorahCenterReligious Studies Programs for Men 67 Yeshivat Har Etzion Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Gush Etzion Duration: Academic year Cost: Contact program organizer directly Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive daily study of Jewish texts August 2011 – June 2012 and thought Open To: Men ages 17-20 Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of Shirley Schuster, Executive Director the program (212) 732-4874 Volunteer placement Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.HarEtzion.org and lectures Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Yeshivat Har Etzion is one of the largest Hesder Flights to and from Israel Yeshivot in Israel, where students combine their Personal transportation in Israel army service with advanced Yeshiva study in Personal expenses Masa Israel visa a five-year program. In addition to the Israeli students, more than 120 students from overseas come for a year or two after high school to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Yeshiva, thriving on the warm camaraderie and open, challenging approach to learning. They come from North America, England, France, South Africa, , and other countries. Many return to the Yeshiva after university for further study, preparing to become community leaders, rabbis and Jewish educators through the Yeshiva’s and its affiliated Herzog College. Har68 Religious Studies Programs for Men Etzion Yeshivat Hesder Ma’alot Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Ma’alot Duration: Academic year Cost: $15,900 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive daily study of Jewish texts August 2011 – June 2012 and thought Open To: Men ages 17-22 Hebrew language study Meals and accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program Rav Ariel Friedman Volunteer placement +972 (0)4 997-9708 Ext. 9 Laundry service [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.YesMalot.co.il including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Description Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance The unique spirit of Yeshivat Hesder Ma’alot springs from the blend of army service and Torah learning in What’s not included in the cost of the program: the Galilee development town of Ma’alot, where Chazal Flights to and from Israel brought the Torah Sheba’al Peh to life. You will work to Personal transportation in Israel uncover the depth that lies beneath the questions and Personal expenses answers of the Gemara, the arguments of the Tanaim Masa Israel visa and Amoraim, and the commentaries and halachot of the Rishonim. The Overseas Program at Yeshivat Ma’alot offers a unique opportunity to be fully integrated in the Yeshiva’s Israeli track while still receiving the personal attention and warmth that overseas students deserve. The devoted staff is at the students’ side throughout the day, both during shiurim and chevrutot, to help you maximize the learning experience. The overseas students form lifelong friendships with the Israeli students. In addition to a full learning schedule, the students both enjoy a variety of tiyulim and they take part in different community outreach and chesed programs. Hesdaer Ma’alotReligious Studies Programs for Men 69 Yeshivat Hesder of Petach Tikvah

OVERVIEW Location: Petach Tikvah Duration: Academic year Cost: Contact program organizer directly Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive Jewish study August 2011 – May 2012 Meals and accommodations for the duration of Open To: Modern Orthodox men ages 17-20 the program Contact Info: Volunteer placement Rav David Silverstein Supplementary educational programming ֿ,including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars 850-8017 52(0) +972 and lectures [email protected] Medical insurance www.ypt.co.il What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Yeshivat Hesder bases its Modern Orthodox educational philosophy on the study of all aspects of the Torah, on the importance of interaction with members of all communities in Israel, and the emphasis of critical and relevant issues of faith in modern times. Students of the Yeshiva learn Tanach, Emunah, Aggadah, Chassidut, Halacha and Midrash. Both younger and older yeshiva students are encouraged to engage in societal and communal service as an integral part of their .

Petach70 Religious Studies Programs for MenTikvah Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Doar Na Evtach Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive Beit Midrash study August 2011 – July 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Orthodox men ages 17-20 Meals and accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program Rabbi Ari Katz Laundry service Supplementary educational programming (08) 856-2007 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.KBY.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Kerem B’Yavneh is an elite center for high-level Torah Personal expenses learning with a rich tradition of devoted, intensive Masa Israel visa learning in a vibrant Beit Midrash. It is an Israeli-style Yeshivat Hesder with a Zionistic outlook that strives to develop the student’s ability to learn Gemara and Rishonim independently on an in-depth, sophisticated level. The Beit Midrash is the center of the wider yeshiva community, uniting the bachurim, the kollel families, and the families of the ramim and staff. While the spirit of learning spills over into all the corners of the green campus, with casual discussion of the Gemara and Jewish thought and weekly informal learning; Shabbat meals; Friday night tishes; and melave malkas in the homes of rebbeim and sganei mashgichim, the Beit Midrash remains the unquestionable nucleus of yeshiva life. Kerem Religious StudiesB’Yavneh Programs for Men 71 Lev HaGolan Leadership Yeshiva Academy

OVERVIEW Location: Moshav Avnei Eitan Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Orientation upon arrival August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Gemara and Tanakh study, army Open To: Men ages 17-24 training exercises, group dynamics, survival Contact Info: courses, treks, martial arts, and courses in Alon Moreshet, Director of Admissions political and social issues of the Middle East +972 (0)4 676-3088 Intensive Hebrew language study University preparatory study [email protected] Meals and dormitory accommodations for the www.LYA.org.il duration of the program Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Description Medical insurance Leadership Yeshiva Academy recognizes that both learning and action (mechina) are integral What’s not included in the cost of the program: to creating a new generation of Jewish leaders, Flights to and from Israel strong in their identity and firmly rooted in their Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses heritage. Geared toward young men of Orthodox Masa Israel visa backgrounds, LYA balances a thorough yeshiva education with a comprehensive learning program that enables you to build an unbreakable bond to Torat Israel, Am Israel and Eretz Israel. In addition to studying in the Beit Midrash, you will also take several courses at Kinneret College (for which you will receive credits from Bar Ilan University), and participate in a range of challenging physical training and self-defense activities. Leadership72 Religious Studies Programs for Men Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Bet Shemesh Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Daily study of Jewish topics including Talmud, August 2011 – July 2012 Tanach, Jewish philosophy, Halacha, religious Open To: Orthodox men ages 17-20 Zionism, and prayer from a variety of Contact Info: different perspectives Rabbi Marc Volk Intensive Hebrew language study (718) 506 - 9911 Dormitory accommodations for the duration of the program [email protected] Volunteer placement www.LevHaTorah.org Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Meals and personal expenses Yeshivat Lev HaTorah aims to nurture inspired, Medical insurance (available for an confident, well-rounded bnei Torah with the skills to additional fee) learn independently, while simultaneously developing a Masa Israel visa deep devotion to Eretz Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael, and the entire Jewish community. Within its diverse curriculum, you can ‘specialize’ in the topics and styles of learning most suited to you. Study includes topics such as Talmud, Tanach, Jewish philosophy, Halacha, , and prayer presented from a wide range of perspectives. With the guidance of staff, you can also plan and implement community service projects that benefit the population surrounding the Yeshiva community. Lev HatorahReligious Studies Programs for Men 73 Meorot Chabad Yeshiva College of Jewish Studies

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $16,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive daily study of Jewish texts, including August 2011 – June 2012 Chassidut, Gemara, Chumash and more Open To: Orthodox men ages 17-20 Intensive Hebrew language study Meals and accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program Rabbi Malkin Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)54 841-6732 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.MeorotChabad.org Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Meorot Chabad’s Yeshiva College of Jewish Flights to and from Israel Studies offers young Orthodox men a unique Personal transportation in Israel opportunity to focus on Jewish studies while Personal expenses enjoying the priceless experience of living in Masa Israel visa Jerusalem. Meorot Yeshiva College practices a holistic and highly individualized approach to learning, stressing academic learning and study skills, athletics, travel and exploration, community service, and serious exposure to Israeli life in all its aspects. During your gap year, you will study Chassidut, Gemara, Chumash and more. Meorot Yeshiva College is part of the global Chabad movement, characterized by an unconditional love of each and every Jew, and the Meorot faculty is comprised of rabbis whose knowledge and dedication to teaching is matched by the love they have for each student as an individual. Meorot provides academic college credits that can be applied toward undergraduate studies. Yeshiva74 Religious Studies Programs for Men College Midreshet Lindenbaum Darkaynu for Men

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: One year Cost: $26,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Daily intensive Jewish learning in the topics of Upcoming Program Dates: Chumash, Hilchot kashrut, Shabbat and September 2010 – June 2011 Moadim; vocational skills training Open To: Men with special needs ages 18-30 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program (212) 935-8672 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.Midreshet-Lindenbaum.org.il and lectures Volunteer placement Connection to an Israeli host family Description Medical insurance Midreshet Lindenbaum offers a combination of a rigorous, challenging learning program and a supportive What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel religious environment that encourages students to Transportation in Israel develop and to delve, to discuss and to debate, and Personal expenses ultimately to decide on a more mature and profound Masa Israel visa commitment to Torah and Mitzvot. Yeshivat Darkaynu is a new and innovative program developed for religious young men with special needs who are looking for the perfect way to spend a year in Israel. The program is designed for students who want to continue their Other Midreshet Lindenbaum learning, develop vocational skills, build independence, programs for high school improve self-esteem and expand their love of Israel and graduates: the Jewish people. Yeshivat Darkaynu is an intimate, Darkaynu for Women (see p. 99) “sidestreaming” program that is professionally staffed, Overseas Program for Women (see p. 100) highly structured and aims to meet the individual, special needs of its students. DarkaynuReligious Studies Programs for Men 75 One Year Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive daily study of Jewish texts and August 2011 – June 2012 thought, including Gemara, Talmud, Halacha, Open To: Orthodox men ages 17-20 and more Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of Ilana Scheiner, Executive Director the program +972 (0)2 626-6333 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.YNA.edu and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh’s One Year Program strikes the delicate balance between a challenging academic curriculum and the ultimate Israel experience. The curriculum uses both a content- based and skills based approach. Daily study Other Netiv Aryeh programs for includes chevruta-style classes in Halacha, high school graduates: Talmud, Gemara and more. One Year Honors Program (see p. 77) One Year Sephardic Program (see p. 78)

Netiv76 Religious Studies Programs for Men Aryeh Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh One Year Honors Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive daily study of Jewish texts and August 2011 – June 2012 thought, emphasizing Gemara Open To: Orthodox men ages 17-20 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of Ilana Scheiner, Executive Director the program Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)2 626-6333 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.YNA.edu Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Transportation in Israel Personal expenses Netiv Aryeh’s One Year Honors Program strikes the Masa Israel visa delicate balance between a challenging academic curriculum and the ultimate Israel experience. The curriculum uses both a content-based and skills- based approach and, while the yeshiva emphasizes the development of a love and proficiency for learning Gemara, it offers a wide range of additional opportunities for students to find and develop Other Netiv Aryeh programs for themselves. Netiv Aryeh’s Honors Program offers a high school graduates: unique, exciting and challenging program combining One Year Program (see p. 76) intensive beiyun and comprehensive bekius learning. One Year Sephardic Program (see p. 78) You will feel a sense of accomplishment after having covered many facets of Torah shebichtav and Torah shebe-al peh. HonorsReligious Studies ProgramsProgram for Men 77 Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh One Year Sephardic Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: August 2011 – June 2012 What’s included in the cost of the program: Open To: Orthodox men ages 17-20 Intensive daily study of Sephardic Jewish texts Contact Info: and thought, emphasizing Gemara Ilana Scheiner, Executive Director Intensive Hebrew language study +972 (0)2 626-6333 Meals and accommodations for the duration of [email protected] the program www.YNA.edu Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Description Medical insurance Netiv Aryeh’s One Year Sephardic Program strikes the delicate balance between a challenging What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel academic curriculum and the ultimate Israel Personal transportation in Israel experience. The curriculum uses both a content- Personal expenses based and skills-based approach and, while the Masa Israel visa yeshiva emphasizes the development of a love and proficiency for learning Gemara, it offers students a wide range of additional opportunities for students to find and develop themselves. The Sephardic program begins with a separate daily Shacharit minyan, adhering strictly to Nusach Edot HaMizrach and making use of a Sephardic Other Netiv Aryeh programs for Sefer Torah procured by the yeshiva for that high school graduates: purpose. The program also includes special One Year Program (see p. 76) shiurim focusing on Halacha and Minhagim One Year Honors Program (see p. 77) based on the writings of Sephardi poskim, visits to Sephardi gedolim such as HaRav HaGaon Ovadiah Yoseph Shlit”a, and get-togethers in the homes of some of the program’s Rebbeim. Sephardic78 Religious Studies Programs for Men Pro- Ohr Somayach Derech Institute for Torah Studies

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: One year Cost: $9,800 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Intensive Jewish study of Talmud, Mishnah, Upcoming Program Dates: Gemara, Chumash, Jewish philosophy and September 2011 – June 2012 ethics, and Halacha Open To: Men ages 17-19 Community service and volunteering Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of Rabbi Brickman the program +972 (0)2 581-0315 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.Ohr.edu/Study/Derech and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel The Derech Institute for Torah Studies at Ohr Somayach Personal transportation in Israel is designed for motivated post-high school students Personal expenses who may not have had a strong formal Jewish Masa Israel visa education but who have the intellectual capabilities and motivation to independently study classical Jewish texts. Daily, in-depth shiurim in Talmud, Mishnah and Gemara will teach you vocabulary, reading skills and textual analysis and provide you with background information and an introduction to the fascinating world of classical Talmudic commentaries of all periods. Chesed (giving to others) activities such as packing food parcels for poor families, helping the elderly, and mentoring underprivileged youth are also an integral part of the curriculum. TorahStudiesReligious Studies Programs for Men 79 Religious Studies Programs for Women

Note: The prices listed in this catalog are for the academic year 2010-2011 and are subject to change at the sole 80 discretion of the program organizer. Contact the organizer of your program of choice directly for the most current pricing. Ba’er Miriam

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: One year Cost: $22,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Daily intensive Jewish learning and intensive August 2011-June 2012 Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 17-19 Three meals a day and Apartment Contact Info: accommodations for the duration of Rabbi Levi Orbach the program Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)2 652-9390 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.BaerMiriam.com and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Ba’er Miriam prides itself on providing an educational Personal expenses environment and curriculum designed for girls who Books and educational materials crave an intellectual and highly inspiring atmosphere Masa Israel visa where each student can grow at her own pace. You will devote your year at Ba’er Miriam to honing textual skills in serious Torah study while infusing Torah values into your personal character growth. Classes are small and intimate, enabling every student to achieve her highest learning potential. Ba’er Miriam’s strong emphasis on tiyulim (guided tours) throughout the country helps the Tanach come alive as our students’ appreciation for the Land of Israel grows. Baer Miriam’s overnight trips – one to the north and one to the south of the country – are big hits year after year. Experienced guides lead all excursions, illuminating the historical and geographical significance of each site. Ba’er MiriamReligious Studies Programs for Women 81 Beis Chana Safed Beis Chana Safed Chul

OVERVIEW Location: Tzfat Duration: Academic year Cost: $12,700 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available for an additional What’s included in the cost of the program: fee of $3,000 Daily intensive Jewish learning Upcoming Program Dates: Meals for the duration of the program September 2011 – June 2012 Supplementary educational programming Open To: Women ages 17-19 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Contact Info: Medical insurance Chana Mor Yosef + 972 (0)73 255-0370 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel www.BeitChana.org Accommodations available for an additional fee Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Beit Chana offers a special Chassidishe Torah- orientated learning and teaching program for students from abroad. The teaching training program at Beis Chana Sefad Chul expects admitted students to excel in Chasidishkiet, Tzniyut, Yirat Shamaim, Tefilla, Hiskashrus and more. Those who complete all the obligations of the program receive a “Morot Lagolah” certificate from the government. The seminary was established primarily for Israeli-Hebrew speaking high school graduates, so most classes are in Hebrew and applicants must have full command of the Hebrew language. Year ChanaSafed82 Religious Studies Programs for Women Beit Hayeled Midreshet Amit

OVERVIEW Location: Gilo, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily intensive Jewish learning through September 2011 – June 2012 chevruta, shiurim and chugim Volunteer placement Open To: Women ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of (212)-203-4683 the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.Amit.org.il/MidreshetAmit including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Midreshet AMIT’s core curriculum features Personal transportation in Israel a synthesis of Tanach, Halacha and Gemara, Personal expenses whereby a student first examines the text with Masa Israel visa her chavruta and then proceeds to an enlightening . Dialogue between students and teachers creates a hum of learning as a community of learners emerges steeped in Torah, creative in thought and traditional in acquiring the eternal values of the mesorah. You will begin your day with tefila and breakfast, and will spend your mornings in the Beit Midrash, learning with your chevruta and then participating in a shiur. The afternoon learning options reflect your personal choice of class and topic, and the evening bekiut is individualized as is the offering of chugim. Midreshet ReligiousAmit Studies Programs for Women 83 Bnot Torah Sharfman’s Seminary

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $19,975 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Courses in Jewish topics including Halacha, Contact program organizer directly Mussar, Sephardic Heritage, Art and Judaism, Open To: Orthodox Jewish women ages 17-20 Tanach and Megillah, prayer, and more Contact Info: Volunteer placement(s) Bnot Torah Institute North American Office Intensive Hebrew language study (718) 253-4579 Two meals a day and dormitory accommodations for the duration of [email protected] the program www.BnotTorah.com Weekly workouts Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Are you searching for a place to work on assignments Flights to and from Israel in preparation for class and improve your textual skills Personal transportation in Israel while also delving into texts dealing with subjects that Personal expenses are of personal interest to you? Bnot Torah Sharfman’s Masa Israel visa courses are interactive, providing real examples of how Torah wisdom connects the disjointed elements of a complex world. The curriculum includes classes in Halacha, Mussar, Sephardic Heritage, Art and Judaism, Tanach and Megillah, prayer, and more. You will leave Sharfman’s better able navigate the issues most often encountered in modern life. Sharfman’s84 Religious Studies Programs for Women Darchei Binah Women’s School for Advanced Torah Studies

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $19,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily intensive Jewish learning in the fields of September 2011 - June 2012 Bible, Jewish Law, Jewish Philosophy, Open To: Recent high school graduates, Psychology, Oral Tradition, Jewish Liturgy, women ages 17-19 Geography, and Jewish History Contact Info: Volunteer placement Intensive Hebrew language study Rabbi Yisroel Roll Meals and dormitory accommodations for the (410) 585-0497 duration of the program www.darcheibinah.org Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Description Medical insurance Are you searching for a richly variegated program that exposes you to the foremost educators that What’s not included in the cost of the program: Jerusalem can provide? Darchei Binah offers Flights to and from Israel young women the opportunity to blossom as Personal expenses they begin the path toward becoming our future Masa Israel visa Nashim V’Emahos BeYisrael. Prominent Torah scholars transmit the mesora in a way which is both timeless and appropriate for the needs of the student body. Faculty members meet with students on an individual basis to provide caring guidance and insight into confronting the challenges of life. You will spend an intensive week exploring the glorious history of Torah in Poland, and its tragic end. Discover the roots of Halacha by visiting Batei Midrash and Kevarim of leading figures such as Rama, Bach, Tosefos Yomtov, Maharshal, Rav Chaim Brisker and Netziv. Advanced Religious StudiesTorah Programs for Women 85 Emunah v’Omanut Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Kiryat Hayovel, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Orientation on arrival August 2011 - June 2012 Intensive Jewish learning with a focus on the Open To: Orthodox women ages 17-20 integration of art and Torah Contact Info: Meals and dormitory accommodations at the Rabbi David Debow, Director Midreshet Yeud campus for the duration of the program United States: (866) 253-1025 Supplementary educational programming Canada: (877) 606-8335 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.EmunahTorahArt.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Personal expenses Are Torah and art both significant parts of who you are? Masa Israel visa Emunah v’Omanut dedicates itself to integrating Torah and art into a single religious pursuit by encouraging you to concentrate your Torah study on the traditional elements of textual study and utilize your deeper religious understanding for inspiration in your artistic creations. The seminary’s staff, both Torah educators and art instructors, is sensitive to Torah values, the creative process, and aesthetic experience of the arts. Formal classes such as Art and Halacha and Symbolism and Midrash address the interaction between art and Judaism directly. Omanut86 Religious Studies Programs for Women Jerusalem College of Technology Machon Lustig

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Gan Duration: Academic year Cost: Contact program organizer directly Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Contact program Academic curriculum in technology and organizer directly intensive Jewish learning Open To: Young women ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Meals and accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program +972 (0)3 630-7111 Supplementary educational programming www.JCT.ac.il including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Medical insurance Personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa Machon Lustig was established in 1999 as an academic institution in Ramat Gan for graduates, and offers academic degrees on par with those of the other schools of JCT. Machon Lustig has three goals: to educate its students for a traditional life, in accordance with the legacy of the Torah and Mitzvot, in order to establish Torah homes; to train students in academic professions with a wealth of knowledge and technology; and to be concerned with the integration of the graduate, as much as possible, within an appropriate work environment.

Machon LustigReligious Studies Programs for Women 87 Machon Alte

OVERVIEW Location: Tzfat Duration: Academic year Cost: $16,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive Jewish learning in the fields of Jewish September 2011 - June 2012 Law, Torah and Prophets, Jewish Meditation Open To: Women ages 17-19 and Prayer, Jewish Philosophy (Chassidut) and Contact Info: intensive Hebrew language study +972 (0)4 697-4306 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.MachonAlte.com including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Medical insurance Located in the historic city of Tzfat (Safed), Machon Alte Personal expenses is the only Chabad-Lubavitch School in Israel offering Masa Israel visa a challenging full-time academic program for young Jewish women seeking to discover and nourish their Jewish roots. Machon Alte’s unique curriculum offers deep insights into the mystical teachings of Torah: its comprehensive program of Jewish studies focuses on Jewish Law, Torah and Prophets, Jewish Meditation and Prayer, Jewish Philosophy (Chassidut), and Hebrew Ulpan. There are classes for beginning and advanced students conducted in English, Hebrew, and Russian. Classes in additional languages are available upon request. MachonA88 Religious Studies Programs for Women Alte Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $15,900 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Daily intensive Jewish learning and one September 2011 - June 2012 afternoon a week of community service Open To: Women ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and dormitory accommodations for the + 972 (0)2 587-1711 duration of the program Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.ShoshanatYerushalayim.org.il and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Medical insurance Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim is designed for Personal expenses the personal growth of Lubavitch girls through Masa Israel visa the teaching of yiddishe-chassidishe values. Its educational approach offers a program of solid learning that develops vital study skills and broadens one’s personal horizons in a very warm, chassidishe setting. Its Limudei Kodesh program, which includes both Nigle and Chassidus, will enable you to learn texts with familiarity and ease. You will participate in a wide variety of discussions, on topics ranging from personal change and relationships to Shidduchim and Hashkafos on Taharas Hamishpacha. You will also spend one afternoon a week volunteering. ShoshanatMachonA YerushalayimAlte Religious Studies Programs for Women 89 She`arim College of Jewish Studies for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Har Nof, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $17,800 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: Daily study of Jewish texts and thought, September 2011 - June 2012 including classes in Torah, Prophets, Halacha, Open To: Women ages 17-20 Jewish Philosophy and Jewish history Contact Info: Intensive Hebrew language study Janis Fine One meal a day and dormitory accommodations (610) 617-0913 for the duration of the program Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.Shearim.com and lectures Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: She’arim College of Jewish Studies for Women Flights to and from Israel offers an exceptional approach to education that Personal transportation in Israel combines personalized teaching, textual study skills Personal expenses and an integrative approach to personal growth. Masa Israel visa She’arim relates to each student as a unique person, individualizing schedules and classes as necessary. The hallmark of She’arim is the fostering of a close student-teacher relationship, the skills and incentive to continue learning, and the ability to connect with the spiritual side of Judaism. As a school run by women for women, She’arim has a special flavor to it. An atmosphere of mutual cooperation, concern, encouragement and growth prevails at She’arim. A full range of Jewish studies including Torah, prophets, halacha, Jewish philosophy, hebrew ulpan and Jewish history in both lecture and chevruta format. Teacher’s90 Religious Studies Programs for Women Seminary Meor Hatorah College of Judaic Studies for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: Contact program organizer directly Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Contact program Daily intensive Jewish learning and one organizer directly afternoon a week of community service Open To: Women the ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and dormitory accommodations for the (212) 444-1664 duration of the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.MeorHatorah.com including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: At Meor HaTorah, you will confront contemporary Flights to and from Israel issues, addressing them within the context Personal transportation in Israel of 3,000 years of Jewish history. The College Medical insurance of Judaic Studies for Women is committed to Personal expenses creating an environment that encourages growth Masa Israel visa at your own individual pace in an accepting and nurturing atmosphere. Apart from exciting night activities, its academic curriculum includes courses that confront some of the most complex issues in Judaism, including topics such as “An all merciful King” and a Holocaust: “How can they both be true?” and “How do we know that Oral Law is authentic?” These sessions, together with core classes in Tanach, halacha, chumash, Jewish thought, and character development will provide you with a well-rounded Torah experience that will leave an indelible impression you will remember fondly throughout your life. JudaicTeacher’s Meohr Seminary HatoReligious Studies Programs for Women 91 - Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim Academic Program for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,505 (83,600 NIS) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily intensive Jewish learning August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study One meal a day and accommodations for the Open To: Women, ages 17-19 duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming (212) 444-1657 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.Mevaseret.org/mmy Medical insurance What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Other meals Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description MMY students are a small, select and diverse group of Bnot Torah who come together for the same goals: learning, thinking, growing and connecting with Israel. You will quickly become part of a very close-knit group that resembles a family as much as a school. Following the classical style of Yeshivot, MMY’s learning revolves around chavruta study in the Bet Midrash. Most of the classes are taught in 2-hour blocks, with about half of this time devoted to chavruta preparation.

Mevaseret92 Religious Studies Programs for Women Midreshet B`erot Bat Ayin Garden of Emuna Program

OVERVIEW Location: Bat Ayin Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $5,000 (semester); $10,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily intensive Jewish learning August 2011 – June 2012 Volunteer placement Open To: Women ages 18-30 Intensive Hebrew language study Five meals per week and accommodations for Contact Info: the duration of the program Elana Benarroch Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)2 993-4945 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.BerotBatAyin.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Activities fee Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin is the ideal place for the Personal expenses Jewish woman who wishes to delve deeply into her Masa Israel visa spiritual self through intensive textual study and creative spiritual expression, to connect with the Land of Israel and to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether your interest in Judaism has recently been ignited, or you are seeking a wider, more holistic perspective, B’erot Bat Ayin offers the opportunity to improve your learning skills while discovering your spiritual essence and strengthening your commitment to Judaism within the parameters of halacha. Its Garden of Emuna program teaches you the Torah of the land and includes nature hikes, meditative movement, working the land, organic landscape projects, herbal workshops, and more. MevaseretEmuna ProgramReligious Studies Programs for Women 93 Midreshet B`erot Bat Ayin Year/Semester Program

OVERVIEW Location: Bat Ayin Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $5,000 (semester); $10,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily intensive Jewish learning September 2011 – June 2012 Volunteer placement Open To: Women ages 18-30 Intensive Hebrew language study Five meals per week and accommodations for Contact Info: the duration of the program Elana Benarroch Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)2 993-4945 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.BerotBatayin.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Activities fee Personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin is the ideal place for the Jewish woman who wishes to delve deeply into her spiritual self through intensive textual study and creative spiritual expression, to connect with the Land of Israel and to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether your interest in Judaism has recently been ignited, or you are seeking a wider, more holistic perspective, B’erot Bat Ayin offers the opportunity to improve your learning skills while discovering your spiritual essence and strengthening your commitment to Judaism within the parameters of halacha. Bat94 Religious Studies Programs for Women Ayin Midreshet Devora

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $6,625 (semester); $11,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily intensive Jewish learning August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 17-20 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Sharona Margolin Halickman, Director including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, (718) 593-4162 and lectures [email protected] Cultural and culinary outings www.MidreshetDevora.org What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Medical insurance Description Masa Israel visa Midreshet Devora is a Modern Orthodox Zionist post high school program for women who want to live, learn and feel the love of the Land of Israel. This small, close knit program offers you unparalleled individual attention and provides a warm and unique atmosphere. The curriculum includes Tanach, prayer, contemporary issues, Talmud, , Zionism, Jewish thought, Halacha, Hashkafa/Mussar, spiritual activism, Eretz Yisrael and inspirational Shabbat. Cultural mini- courses including archaeological digs, museum studies, theatre and the arts, Israeli cuisine and weekly guest lecturers make the Tanach and Israeli culture come alive. Bat AyinMidreshetReligious Studies Programs for Women 95 Midreshet Habanot — Ein Hanatziv Yuval Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv, Beit Shean Valley Duration: Academic year Cost: $15,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: What’s included in the cost of the program: $1,000 (ages 18-20) Daily intensive Jewish learning Accommodations: Included Intensive Hebrew language study Upcoming Program Dates: Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program September 2011 – June 2012 Supplementary educational programming Open To: Women ages 18-30 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, Contact Info: and lectures +972 (0)4-606-2900 Medical insurance [email protected] What’s not included in the cost of the program: www.Midrasha.co.il/eng/default.asp Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa Description Midreshet Ein Hanatziv teaches in-depth Jewish studies combined with social awareness, cultivating a cadre of learned women with a deep commitment to Judaism to take active roles contributing to the advancement of Jewish society and to the state of Israel. You will study a wide array of Jewish subjects in Hebrew at the Beit Midrash, as well as participate in community-based social action. The high level of study assures that, by the end of the year, you feel comfortable with the Hebrew language and can study independently from a wide variety of Judaic sources. Ein96 Religious Studies Programs forHanatziv Women Midreshet Eshel Sephardic Women’s Seminary

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $19,600 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Comprehensive Jewish study program based in September 2010 – June 2011 Sephardic tradition Open To: Women ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Two meals a day and dormitory accommodation Contact Info: for the duration of the program (718) 376-0717 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.EshelIsrael.org and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Midreshet Eshel is a post-high school seminary Personal expenses that provides young women with a comprehensive Masa Israel visa educational program emphasizing excellence in Jewish studies, Jewish values, and experiential learning. As the first Sephardic seminary in Israel, Eshel also emphasizes Sephardic halacha, customs, and history. The one-year study program combines textual learning with stimulating discussion of topics that are relevant to your life and enhance your personal and religious growth. Courses include: Tanakh, Jewish thought, halacha, Torah, psychology, The Jewish woman, group dynamics, modern Israeli history, hebrew language and Character Development (Middot), Jewish History, Yoga, Dance, and Sephardic Cooking. Ein HanatzivSephardicReligious Studies Programs for Women 97 Midreshet HaRova Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: 10 Months Cost: $20,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: What’s included in the cost of the program: August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Jewish study of Talmud, Torah, Open To: Women ages 17-19 Halacha, Machshava, Nach, Chassidut, Tefilla, Contact Info: Midot and Jewish History David Milston Intensive Hebrew language study +972 (0)2 626-5970 Meals and apartment accommodations in [email protected] Jerusalem for the duration of the program www.Harova.org/Overseas Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli students, and lectures Description Medical insurance Midreshet Harova offers an ideal setting for mature and motivated women from Israel and What’s not included in the cost of the program: around the world who wish to achieve spiritual Flights to and from Israel and intellectual growth in a religious Zionist Personal transportation in Israel framework that combines intimate settings with Personal expenses the resources of a large educational institution. Masa Israel visa Its open intellectual environment, combined with a wide variety of faculty, is particularly attractive to the creative student interested in exploring a range of ideas and approaches. Students participate in a full day of learning focused on chevruta study and development of textual skills that create the necessary basis for continued learning and growth after leaving the Midrasha. Programs focusing on current events and the political situation in Israel are a regular part of the informal education program, as is an annual journey to Poland that serves as the focal point of the Midrasha’s Holocaust education program. HaRova98 Religious Studies Programs for Women Midreshet Lindenbaum Darkaynu for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $26,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 (ages 18-20) What’s included in the cost of the program: Daily intensive Jewish learning in the topics of Accommodations: Included Chumash, Hilchot kashrut, Shabbat and Upcoming Program Dates: Moadim; vocational skills training September 2010 – June 2011 Volunteer placement Open To: Women ages 18-30 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program (212) 935-8672 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.Midreshet-Lindenbaum.org.il and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: Midreshet Lindenbaum offers a combination of a Flights to and from Israel rigorous, challenging learning program and a supportive Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses religious environment that encourages students to Masa Israel visa develop and to delve, to discuss and to debate, and ultimately to decide on a more mature and profound commitment to Torah and Mitzvot. Its Midreshet Darkaynu is a new and innovative program developed for religious young women with special needs who are Other Midreshet Lindenbaum looking for the perfect way to spend a year in Israel. programs for high school The program is designed for students who want to graduates: continue their learning, develop vocational skills, build Darkaynu for Men (see p. 75) independence, improve self-esteem and expand their Overseas Program (see p. 100) love of Israel and the Jewish people. HaRovaDarkaynuReligious Studies Programs for Women 99 Midreshet Lindenbaum Maria and Joel Finkle Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Daily Intensive Jewish learning Upcoming Program Dates: Volunteer placement September 2010 – June 2011 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 18-20 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming Elana Goldscheider including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, (212) 935-8672 and lectures [email protected] Connection to an Israeli host family www.Midreshet-Lindenbaum.org.il Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Midreshet Lindenbaum provides an intensive Personal expenses experience of living and learning Torah that Masa Israel visa broadens and deepens your commitment to Torah, Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael. You will experience the dynamism of the world’s largest Bet Midrash for women, where you will learn Tanach and Torah She’beal Peh with unrivaled depth and intensity. You will gain a love of Torah and self confidence Other Midreshet Lindenbaum in your learning as you grow religiously and programs for high school spiritually in an atmosphere that respects your graduates: individuality. You will determine the emphasis in Darkaynu for Men (see p. 75) your learning through our scheduling flexibility Darkaynu for Women (see p. 99) that allows you to maximize hours in Tanach and Gemara, choose shiurim in Hebrew or English, and classes in the overseas or Israeli programs Lindenbaum100 Religious Studies Programs for Women Midreshet Moriah

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival August 2011 – June 2012 Personalized schedule of intensive Jewish Open To: Orthodox Jewish women ages 17-19 learning in the topics of Tanakh, Halakhah, Jewish Thought, Gemara, Mussar, Chasidut, Contact Info: Contemporary Machshavah and Hashkafah, +972 (0)2 652-7449 Tefilah, Ethics, Jewish History, Zionism, [email protected] and more www.MidreshetMoriah.com Volunteer placement Intensive Hebrew language study Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Supplementary educational programming Description including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, At Midreshet Moriah, you can design your own schedule and lectures to match your interests, goals, and learning style. Focus Medical insurance on Tanakh, Halakhah, Jewish Thought, Gemara, Mussar, Chasidut, Contemporary Machshavah and Hashkafah, What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Tefilah, Ethics, Jewish History, Zionism, and more. The Personal expenses program includes tiyulim to explore land, experience Masa Israel visa different kinds of communities, have a great time with friends and teachers, and take a break from the daily learning routine. The midrasha’s chesed program is a fantastic way to do hands-on volunteering – working with victims of terror, volunteering in soup kitchens, helping disabled children, volunteering in the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, training to be a medical clown, and more. LindenbaumMoriahReligious Studies Programs for Women 101 Midreshet Yeud Boneh Yerushalayim

OVERVIEW Location: Kiryat HaYovel, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $9,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 - $3,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Sherut Leumi community service September 2011 - June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Modern women ages 18-22 Daily Torah classes Meals and accommodations for the duration of Contact Info: the program +972 (0)2 644-9010 Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)52 686-8666 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.Midreshet-Yeud.org.il What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Medical insurance Masa Israel visa Description Live, learn and volunteer in Jerusalem! Boneh Yerushalayim is a Sherut Leumi volunteer program for girls founded by Midreshet Yeud in conjunction with The Jerusalem Municipality. Its goal is to strengthen your bond to Jerusalem through: a year of life in the City of Gold; an official full Sherut Leumi volunteering Other Midreshet Yeud programs program; inspiring shiurim at Midreshet Yeud; special for recent high school graduates: Israel advocacy and leadership seminars; tours and Overseas Program (see p. 103) hikes throughout Israel; and informal meetings with different speakers and leaders.

Boneh102 Religious Studies Programs for Women Yerush Midreshet Yeud Overseas Program

OVERVIEW Location: Kiryat HaYovel, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Full week of academic classes Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study September 2011 – June 2012 Sherut Leumi community service — twice a Open To: Modern women ages 17-19 week for 7 hours each Contact Info: Option for shiurim in Hebrew throughout the week +972 (0)2 644-9010 Meals and accommodations for the duration of +972 (0)52 686-8666 the program [email protected] Supplementary programs including field trips, www.Midreshet-Yeud.org.il overnight hikes, seminars, Shabbatonim and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal Transportation in Israel Are you a mature, focused, self-motivated young Personal expenses and cellular phone woman with a centrist Jewish Hashkafa who Medical insurance is looking for an exciting, meaningful year of Masa Israel visa spiritual growth through in-depth Torah study, while integrating with blending advanced Jewish studies with Sherut Leumi volunteer service? At Midreshet Yeud, you will live, learn, dine and tour the land together with Israeli students. The Overseas Program is designed for girls coming for Other Midreshet Yeud programs their gap year between high school and university for recent high school graduates: and it blends daily Torah study with Sherut Leumi Boneh Yerushalayim (see p. 102) community service. OverseasReligious Studies Programs for Women 103 Neve Yerushalayim: The Jerusalem College for Jewish Women’s Studies Bnos Chava Seminary

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $17,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Teacher’s training and diploma qualifying you Upcoming Program Dates: to teach in Jewish schools throughout September 2011 – June 2012 the Diaspora Open To: Graduates of Bais Yaakov Academic courses in a variety of topics ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Meals and dormitory accommodations for the duration of the program +972 (0)2 654-4557/458 [email protected] What’s not included in the cost of the program: www.Nevey.org Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Medical insurance Description Personal expenses The Bnos Chava Seminary is a one-year teacher’s Masa Israel visa training program for recent Bais Yaakov high school graduates who enter the school with advanced standing in Torah studies. The school is known for its outstanding faculty and for its emphasis upon a strong student/teacher Other Neve Yerushalayim programs relationship. Bnos Chava’s challenging curriculum for high school graduates: places great emphasis on in-depth understanding Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary (see p. 105) and appreciation of Jewish learning and spiritual Michlelet Esther (see p. 106) values. In addition to taking high-level courses in Midreshet Tehillah (see p. 107) limudei kodesh, you will participate in seminars Neve School of General Jewish Studies in pedagogy and methodology conducted by (see p. 108) prominent figures in the field of Jewish education. Shalhevet (see p. 109) You will also observe experienced teachers at work and engage in supervised student teaching in actual classroom settings. Seminary104 Religious Studies Programs for Women Neve Yerushalayim: The Jerusalem College for Jewish Women’s Studies Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $17,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 - $3,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Teacher’s training and diploma qualifying you Accommodations: Included to teach in Jewish schools throughout Upcoming Program Dates: the Diaspora September 2011 – June 2012 Academic courses in a variety of topics Open To: Graduates of Bais Yaakov high schools Intensive Hebrew language study ages 17-19 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: +972 (0)2 654-4525 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel www.Nevey.org Transportation in Israel Medical insurance Personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Description The Bnos Sarah Seminary is a one-year teacher’s training program for recent English-speaking Bais Yaakov high school graduates with a strong level of adherence to Other Neve Yerushalayim Institute Halacha and religious observance. Students at Bnos programs for high school graduates: Sarah are high academic achievers, with a GPA higher Bnos Chava Seminary (see p. 104) than 86 percent, and come from mostly North America Michlelet Esther (see p. 106) and Europe. Eighty percent of classes are taught in Midreshet Tehillah (see p. 107) Neve School of General Jewish Studies Hebrew with an emphasis on building grammatical (see p. 108) skills and vocabulary. Personal sessions with staff may Shalhevet (see p. 109) be led in the language of choice. SeminaryTeachers’Religious Studies Programs for Women 105 Neve Yerushalayim: The Jerusalem College for Jewish Women’s Studies Michlelet Esther

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic or semester year Cost: $8,500 (semester); $17,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included What’s included in the cost of the program: Jewish learning and academic courses in a Upcoming Program Dates: variety of topics September 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 17-19 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the Contact Info: duration of the program Trips and excursions throughout Israel +972 (0)2 654-4543 Shabbatonim (718) 576-2028 [email protected] What’s not included in the cost of the program: www.Nevey.org Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Medical insurance Personal expenses Description Masa Israel visa Are you graduating high school, but not yet sure of your commitment towards a Torah-based lifestyle? Want to develop the life-skills to help you navigate an adult Torah life in the 21st century? The Michlelet Esther experience is an in- depth, philosophy-based curriculum that provides Other Neve Yerushalayim Institute programs for high school graduates: you with the information and inspiration to lead Bnos Chava Seminary (see p. 104) a lifestyle based on Torah values. Through clear, Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary (see p. 105) honest and open classes that encourage questions Midreshet Tehillah (see p. 107) and lively debate, you will learn the rationale and Neve School of General Jewish Studies reasons for being committed to the Jewish faith. (see p. 108) Individual tutorials that provide a framework for Shalhevet (see p. 109) developing learning skills and attitudes are an important feature of the program. Esther106 Religious Studies Programs for Women Neve Yerushalayim: The Jerusalem College for Jewish Women’s Studies Midreshet Tehillah

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic or semester year Cost: $8,500 (semester); $17,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Jewish learning and academic courses in a Accommodations: Included variety of topics Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study September 2011 – June 2012 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the Open To: Women ages 17-19 duration of the program

Contact Info: What’s not included in the cost of the program: +972 (0)2 654-4531 Flights to and from Israel [email protected] Personal transportation in Israel www.MidreshetTehillah.org Medical insurance Personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Description Midreshet Tehillah is an academically focused seminary program for recent high school graduates whose curriculum centers on deep, text-based learning of Other Neve Yerushalayim Institute Hashkafa, Tanach, and Halacha. It’s unique combination programs for high school graduates: of concentrated studies and limited class size results in Bnos Chava Seminary (see p. 104) a highly integrated group of students and faculty who Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary (see p. 105) have a remarkable excitement about learning. Students Michlelet Esther (see p. 106) typically come from Yeshiva High Schools or Beit Neve School of General Jewish Studies Yaakovs such as Bruriah, Manhattan, TAG, Hanna Saks, (see p. 108) and Hasmonean. After graduation, students generally Shalhevet (see p. 109) attend Stern, Touro, or other colleges, universities, or college credit programs. Esther TehillahReligious Studies Programs for Women 107 Neve Yerushalayim: The Jerusalem College for Jewish Women’s Studies Neve School of General Jewish Studies

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year or semester Cost: $7,000 (semester); $14,000 (year) What’s included in the cost of the program: Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Intensive study of Jewish texts and though Accommodations: Included Intensive Hebrew language study Upcoming Program Dates: Meals and dormitory accommodations for the September 2011 – June 2012 duration of the program Open To: Women ages 18-30 Supplementary educational programming Contact Info: including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures +972 (0)2 654-4531 [email protected] www.Nevey.org/Maalot What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Description Medical insurance Neve School of General Jewish Studies is Personal expenses designed for women who wish to increase their Masa Israel visa Jewish knowledge, improve their learning skills, and enhance their spiritual growth. For those with a limited Jewish studies background, Neve provides the basic knowledge necessary to lead a true and meaningful Jewish life. For those with a more extensive background, Neve affords the Other Neve Yerushalayim Institute opportunity to acquire an in-depth knowledge programs: Bnos Chava Seminary (see p. 104) of Jewish texts, a much greater understanding Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary (see. p 105) of the Jewish faith, and the skills necessary for Michlelet Esther (see p. 106) independent Torah study. The comprehensive Midreshet Tehillah (see p. 107) curriculum includes biblical studies, Jewish Shalhevet (see p. 109) philosophy, Jewish law, prayer, Jewish history, and Hebrew language. Courses in morals, ethics, and psychology are directed to the needs of the students as women and Jews. GeneralJe108 Religious Studies Programs for Women Neve Yerushalayim: The Jerusalem College for Jewish Women’s Studies Shalhevet Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year or semester Cost: $8,500 (semester); $17,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Jewish learning and academic courses in a Accommodations: Included variety of topics Upcoming Program Dates: Intensive Hebrew language study September 2011 – June 2012 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the Open To: Women ages 17-19 duration of the program

Contact Info: What’s not included in the cost of the program: +972 (0)2 654-4531 Flights to and from Israel [email protected] Personal transportation in Israel www.Nevey.org Medical insurance Personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Description Shalhevet is a one-year honors course of study designed for women who have acquired a solid background in Jewish studies, either as students in Neve programs or at equivalent institutions. A serious Other Neve Yerushalayim Institute and mature attitude towards study and advanced programs: skills in the analysis of Hebrew texts are prerequisites. Bnos Chava Seminary (see p. 104) The curriculum comprises advanced biblical exegesis Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary (see. p 105) using the original Hebrew texts, in-depth study of the Michlelet Esther (see p. 106) Midreshet Tehillah (see p. 107) Torah’s legal system, and a broad survey of the major Neve School for General Jewish Studies philosophical and sociological issues in Judaism. Study (see p. 108) methods include the traditional chavruta (independent study in pairs), seminar sessions, and independent study projects. GeneralJeShalhevetReligious Studies Programs for Women 109 Nishmat: The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study Shana Ba’aretz

OVERVIEW Location: Pat neighborhood, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $21,400 What’s included in the cost of the program: Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Orientation upon arrival Accommodations: Included Intensive Jewish learning in Gemara, halacha, Upcoming Program Dates: machshava and Tanach August 2011 – June 2012 Volunteer placement Open To: Women ages 17-19 Intensive Hebrew language study One meal per day and apartment Contact Info: accommodations for the duration of (212) 983-6975 the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.Nishmat.net including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel Nishmat’s Shana Ba’Aretz is a unique program Medical insurance for recent high school graduates looking for a Personal expenses challenging year of Torah study in a completely Masa Israel visa Israeli environment. With its well-deserved reputation for intensive text-based Torah study, Nishmat will give you the opportunity to spend a year in a beautiful Bet Midrash, studying in chevruta, side-by-side with Nishmat’s advanced scholars, developing proficiency in Gemara, halacha, machshava and Tanach. After your Shana Ba’Aretz year you will be able to pick up a sefer kodesh on any topic and learn it independently. Ba’Aretz110 Religious Studies Programs for Women Pnimiyut Seminary Pnimiyut Chul

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Aviv Duration: Academic year Cost: $15,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive daily study of Jewish texts Accommodations: Included and thought Upcoming Program Dates: Hebrew language study August 2011 – June 2012 Volunteer placement Open To: Women ages 17-19 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Laundry service +972 (0)3 643-6895 Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Connection to an Israeli host family Description Medical insurance Pnimiyut Chul includes a full day of learning, with classes in Chassidus, Tanach, Jewish history, Rashi What’s not included in the cost of the program: Sichos, Halacha and Tanya. Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Ba’AretzPnimiyutReligious Studies Programs for Women 111 Yeshivat Sha’alvim Sha’alvim for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Malcha, Jerusalem Duration: Academic Year Cost: $22,500 What’s included in the cost of the program: Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Intensive study of Jewish topics, including Accommodations: Included Talmud, Torah, Halacha, Gemara, Musar Upcoming Program Dates: and more August 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 17-20 Meals and dormitory accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Laundry service (718) 677-7200 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.Shaalvim.org and lectures Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel At Sha’alvim for Women, young Orthodox women Personal expenses are empowered to become independent Torah Masa Israel visa learners and Torah thinkers and prepared for a life dedicated to Torah, Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. In a caring and warm environment infused with ruach and excitement, you will develop the study habits, learning skills, and middot to shape your character and guide you throughout your life. Sha’alvim for Women provides a warm and caring environment that engages your mind, your heart and your soul and helps you grow in yirat shamayim, ahavat HaShem, derech eretz and avodah shebalev (tefilah). Sha’alvim112 Religious Studies Programs for Women Sharei Bina Women’s Center of Jewish Studies

OVERVIEW Location: Tzfat Duration: Academic year or two academic years Cost: $18,000 (year) What’s included in the cost of the program: Intensive Jewish learning in a wide range of Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 classic and contemporary Jewish topics, Accommodations: Included including Chumash, Jewish philosophy, halacha, Upcoming Program Dates: chasidus, and Women in Torah September 2011 – June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 17-20 Meals and apartment accommodations in Tzfat for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)4 697-3172 including trips, seminars, dialogues with Israeli [email protected] students, and lectures www.ShareiBina.com Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel Designed for young women who wish to ignite and Personal transportation in Israel deepen their connection with Hashem and Torah, Personal expenses Sharei Bina emphasizes personal growth through Masa Israel visa learning in the holy city of Tzfat, far away from the distractions of the city. The seminary’s curriculum includes a wide range of classic and contemporary Jewish topics ranging from Chumash and Jewish Philosophy to Halacha, Chasidus, and Women in Torah. Classes are taught by highly educated and talented teachers dedicated to each student’s development. You will participate in a variety of creative workshops that include journal writing, art, music and pottery and monthly tours throughout Israel. Students of Sharei Bina may receive credit towards a bachelor’s degree at some North American universities. Sha’alvimWomen’sReligious Studies Programs for Women 113 Shearim College of Jewish Studies for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Har Nof, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $13,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily study of Jewish texts and thought, August 2011-June 2012 including classes in Torah, Prophets, Halacha, Open To: Young women ages 17-20 Jewish Philosophy, and Jewish history Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: One meal a day and dormitory accommodations Janis Fine for the duration of the program (610) 617-0913 Supplementary educational programming [email protected] including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, www.Shearim.com and lectures Medical insurance

Description What’s not included in the cost of the program: She’arim College of Jewish Studies for Women Flights to and from Israel offers an exceptional approach to education that Personal transportation in Israel combines personalized teaching, textual study Personal expenses skills and an integrative approach to personal Masa Israel visa growth. She’arim relates to each student as a unique person, individualizing schedules and classes as necessary. The hallmark of She’arim is the fostering of a close student-teacher relationship, the skills and incentive to continue learning, and the ability to connect with the spiritual side of Judaism. As a school run by women for women, She’arim has a special flavor to it. An atmosphere of mutual cooperation, concern, encouragement and growth prevails at She’arim. A full range of Jewish studies including Torah, Prophets, Halacha, Jewish Philosophy, Hebrew Ulpan and Jewish history in both lecture and chevruta format. Collegeof114 Religious Studies Programs for Women Tiferet Center for Advanced Torah Studies for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Duration: Academic year Cost: $22,200 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available and included What’s included in the cost of the program: in tuition Daily study of Jewish texts and thought Upcoming Program Dates: Community service and volunteering Meals and dormitory accommodations for the August 2011 – June 2012 duration of the program Open To: Women ages 17-20 Supplementary educational programming Contact Info: including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, Tiferet Center and lectures +972 (0)2 999-7957 [email protected] What’s not included in the cost of the program: www.TiferetCenter.com Flights to and from Israel Personal transportation in Israel Personal expenses Medical insurance Description Masa Israel visa Whether you’re immersed in a thought-provoking class or involved in an animated discussion, or whether you’re in a teacher’s home, Tiferet will provide you with the most inspiring learning experience you can imagine. Tiferet is a religious-Zionist school that offers you an all-encompassing Israel experience that appeals to the mind, body and soul. You will broaden your understanding and knowledge of Judaism and build a closer connection to Torah, Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. The chesed (acts of kindness) program at Tiferet lets you translate your Torah knowledge into action. There is a large variety of opportunities to choose from, including packing food for needy families, aiding victims of terror, helping new immigrants, and more. CollegeofStudiesforReligious Studies Programs for Women 115 Tomer Devorah Seminary Institute of Advanced Studies for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Ramot, Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $20,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Daily study of Jewish texts and thought August 2011 – June 2012 Community service and volunteering Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Women ages 17-20 Two meals a day and dormitory accommodations Contact Info: for the duration of the program Mrs. Shevy Lowinger Supplementary educational programming (773) 262-0208 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.TomerDevorah.net Medical insurance What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Personal transportation in Israel The bedrock of the Tomer Devorah educational Personal expenses philosophy is that in order to maximize growth, Masa Israel visa a student must have the very best educational opportunities open to her along with an environment that is maximally conducive to introspection, maturing and personal character development. As a Tomer Devorah student, you will have many opportunities to delve into the particular areas of Torah law and philosophy that you, as an individual, have a personal interest in pursuing. The core curriculum consists of a wide range of fundamental topics that form the backbone of Torah knowledge for any Jewish woman. Elective courses include classroom courses taught in school and an afternoon Beit Midrash. Institute116 Religious Studies Programs for Women Yeshivat Etzion Migdal Oz: The Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women

OVERVIEW Location: Gush Etzion Duration: Academic year Cost: $20,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Orientation upon arrival Accommodations: Included Intensive Jewish learning in the subjects of Upcoming Program Dates: Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, and Jewish Thought August 2011 - June 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: Orthodox women ages 18-20 Meals and accommodations for the duration of the program Contact Info: Supplementary educational programming +972 (0)2 993-4520 including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, [email protected] and lectures www.skamigdaloz.org Medical insurance

What’s not included in the cost of the program: Description Flights to and from Israel The Migdal Oz Beit Midrash for women is built upon a Personal transportation in Israel conviction that the world of Torah and limmud serves Personal expenses as the primary focal point from which each student Masa Israel visa can blossom and deepen her connection to Hashem. In addition to intellectual endeavors, the program provides you the opportunity to face challenges in the spiritual realm, striving for constant effort and growth in Yirat Shamayim and commitment to Halacha. The program for overseas students is completely integrated into the Israeli program and is ideal for students with a serious commitment to Torah study who wish to progress in their avodat Hashem while developing a strong bond with Israel. Its curriculum focuses on four major areas: Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, and Jewish Thought and is unique among programs for young women in that the bulk of study revolves around the Beit Midrash. InstituteAbrahamReligious Studies Programs for Women 117 Mechina (Preparatory) Programs for Israeli Universities

Note: The prices listed in this catalog are for the academic year 2010-2011 and are subject to change at the sole 118 discretion of the program organizer. Contact the organizer of your program of choice directly for the most current pricing. Ariel University Center of Samaria ATZil Preparatory Program

OVERVIEW Location: Ariel Duration: Semester or academic year Cost: $8,000 (semester); $15,000 (year) Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $3,000 - $4,500 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: Spring: February – May 2011 What’s included in the cost of the program: Fall: October 2011 – February 2012 Courses to prepare for university-level study Year: October 2011 – May 2012 in Israel Open To: High school graduates Volunteer placement Intensive Hebrew language study Contact Info: Connection to an Israeli host family Dr. Nitza Davidovich Meals and accommodations for the duration of +972-(0)3-906-6103 the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.Ariel.ac.il including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Medical insurance Description The Ariel University Center’s ATZil (Academics, Torah, What’s not included in the cost of the program: and Zionism) Mechina program offers high-school Flights to and from Israel graduates of all ages an opportunity to complete or Transportation in Israel improve matriculation (Bagrut) grades and improve Personal expenses their chances of acceptance into specific undergraduate Masa Israel visa program at the Ariel University Center. The program is designed for applicants who currently do not meet the admission requirements of their program of choice. The final Mechina grade is taken into consideration, and Mechina graduates are exempt from submitting a Other Ariel University of Samaria psychometric score with their applications.. Participants programs for high school have the option to participate in community service in graduates: the Ariel community, and program graduates may elect ATZil: Engineering and Exact Science to continue to full-time programs and earn a degree (see p. 8) at the University. Credits can be used toward degree- programs in Israel and are generally transferable to universities abroad. ATZil Mechina Programs 119 Bar Ilan University Mechina Program

OVERVIEW Location: Ramat Gan/Tel Aviv Duration: Academic year Cost: $8,750 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included Upcoming Program Dates: Spring entrance: January – August 2011 What’s included in the cost of the program: Fall entrance: August 2011 – June 2012 Compulsory courses in Hebrew, English, Math, Open To: Undergraduate students Government, and Judaic Studies ages 18-21 Elective courses in sociology, psychology, Contact Info: economics, chemistry, biology and physics Intensive Hebrew language study Haya Nadivi Supplementary educational programming Office of the Dean of Students including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars +972 (0)3 531-8653 [email protected] and lectures www.biu.ac.il/Dean/Mechina.shtml Medical insurance What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Description Transportation in Israel The Mechina (preparatory) Program at Bar-Ilan Books and learning materials University is an intensive year of study aimed at Accommodations for the duration of preparing participants for academic life in Israel. the program Mechina consists of intensive Hebrew language Meals and personal expenses Masa Israel visa study (approximately 25 hours per week), followed by two academic semesters of 30 hours of intensive Hebrew language study plus Jewish Studies, mathematics or statistics, Israeli geography and government, and introductory level academic courses based on possible career choices. You Other Bar Ilan University will apply to a regular department at the start of programs for recent high the second semester. Immigrant students with no school graduates: background in Judaism must study three very basic Israel Experience (see p. 9) noncredit courses as a prerequisite for taking the regular Jewish Studies courses. Bar120 Mechina Programs Ilan The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mechina Program

OVERVIEW Location: Jerusalem Duration: Academic year Cost: $13,705 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Orientation upon arrival August 2011 – July 2012 Intensive Hebrew language study Open To: High school graduates Academic and career counseling Supplementary educational programming Contact Info: including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars Dr. Janet Alperstein and lectures (800) 404-8622 or (212) 607-8520 Special Masa Israel visa [email protected] www.HebrewU.com What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Transportation in Israel Books and other course materials Meals and personal expenses Description Medical insurance available for an additional fee The Preparatory Program for new immigrants at The Apartment accommodations for the duration Hebrew University of Jerusalem provides recent high of the program school graduates and recently discharged soldiers who plan to continue their undergraduate studies in Israel an introduction to academic studies and intensive language instruction. The year-long program serves as a gateway to the Hebrew-speaking Israeli society, Other Hebrew University of while helping the student refine the skills needed for Jerusalem programs for high regular university studies. In general, the program school graduates: consists of intensive language instruction and courses Freshman/Academic Gap Year Program in mathematics, Israel studies, history, introductory (see p. 11) university courses, and academic skills. Rothberg Academic Partnership Program (see p. 12) Bar IlanHebrew UnMechina Programs 121 The Israel Experience Nachshon – The Israeli Mechina

OVERVIEW Location: Metzudat Yoav or Kibbutz Shoval, southern Israel Duration: Academic year Cost: $12,500 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Included Upcoming Program Dates: August 2011 – June 2012 What’s included in the cost of the program: Open To: High school graduates ages 17-20 Courses in Judaism, Israeli history, Zionism, environmental studies, and more Contact Info: Intensive Hebrew language study Gilad Olshtein Weekly volunteering Tel: +972-8-689-6891 Meals and accommodations for the duration of [email protected] the program [email protected] Supplementary educational programming www.M-Nachshon.org including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars, and lectures Medical insurance Description Nachshon is a gap year program both for Israeli What’s not included in the cost of the program: young adults and Jewish graduates from the Flights to and from Israel Diaspora that emphasizes social leadership Personal transportation in Israel development. The program focuses on study of a Personal expenses wide range of subjects including Judaism, Israeli Masa Israel visa history, Zionism, environmental studies, current events and more. Learning at Nachshon is not confined to the classroom: during the year, you will have the opportunity to participate in field trips and excursions throughout Israel, including Other Israel Experience programs challenging journeys on foot, an outdoor survival for high school graduates: week, themed trips, experiential army activities, Bezalel Art Experience (see p. 52) and more organized by participants themselves Magen David Adom Ambulance (with guidance from Nachshon staff). If you are Volunteer Program (see p. 53) looking to be in a Hebrew speaking environment Rimon Music Experience (see p. 54) with your Israeli peers while taking an active role in exploring the country and giving back to your community, Nachshon is the program for you. Nachshon122 Mechina Programs Tel Aviv University Mechina Program

OVERVIEW Location: Tel Aviv Duration: Academic year Cost: $11,950 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 Accommodations: Available, but not included What’s included in the cost of the program: Upcoming Program Dates: Certificate of preparation for academic study July 2011 – July 2012 in Hebrew Open To: High school graduates Intensive Hebrew language study Prerequisites: Mathematics entrance Academic advisory and counseling services examination, Hebrew and English Supplementary educational programming including field trips, overnight hikes, seminars placement tests and lectures Contact Info: Books and learning materials Ms. Orit Malachi Student union membership and security fees [email protected] Medical insurance www.TelAvivUniv.org What’s not included in the cost of the program: Flights to and from Israel Dormitory accommodations available for an Description additional fee The Preparatory Program for new Olim (immigrants) at Transportation in Israel Tel Aviv University is a one-year program designed for Meals and personal expenses newcomers and foreign students who have graduated Masa Israel visa high school and wish to pursue academic studies in Israel. The goal of the program is to bridge the gap between overseas and Israeli high school study curricula and provide accreditation that will enable students to Other Tel Aviv University pursue degree programs at the University; to provide Programs for high school students with intensive preparation for academic graduates: studies; familiarize students with Hebrew, the teaching Fairleigh Dickinson University Gap Year language of the University; to provide basic knowledge (see p. 14) and understanding of Israel and Jewish history; and to Freshman Year Program (see p. 15) acquaint students with study tracks at the University. NachshonUniversityMechina Programs 123 Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Garin Tzabar

OVERVIEW Location: A kibbutz in Israel Duration: Entire army service Cost: $7,000 Estimated Masa Israel Grant: $1,000 What’s included in the cost of the program: Accommodations: Included Preparation with a group for and support Upcoming Program Dates: during service in the Israeli army August 2011 Apartment accommodations Open To: Ages 18-22 Supplementary educational programming including trips, seminars, and lectures. Contact Info: Medical insurance Einav Zamir (212) 451-6282 What’s not included in the cost of the program: [email protected] Flights to and from Israel www.IsraelScouts.org Meals and personal expenses Masa Israel visa

Description The members of your Garin Tzabar, a group for Diaspora Jews and children of Israelis who choose to move to Israel and serve in the IDF, are adopted by the Israel Scouts and placed in a hosting kibbutz that quickly becomes their home away from home throughout the duration of Other Tzofim programs for high their army service. Once arriving in Israel, your school graduates: Garin unit is helped through your absorption Shnat Sherut (see p. 30) into the state of Israel. You will participate in seminars with educators and soldiers to build a solid Garin unit and to prepare for your army service. Members of the Garin will also build a solid foundation of Hebrew and Israeli history and culture. The program is largely funded by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. GarinTzabar124 Mechina Programs Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Masa Israel Journey. Find it here.

North American Headquarters: Jared Hakimi Masa Israel Journey North America 633 Third Avenue, Fl. 21 New York, NY 10017 Tel. (212) 339-6986 [email protected] Gap Year Catalog www.MasaIsrael.org www.Facebook.com/MasaIsrael 2011-2012

Midwest: Southwest: Aimee Weiss Maor Shaffin JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles 30 S. Wells Street, #5126 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 527 Chicago, IL 60606 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Tel. (312) 357-4965 Tel. (323) 658-9075 [email protected] [email protected]

Northwest: Canada: Danna Rubin Daniel Fine

Jewish Community Federation of Masa Israel Journey Canada Gap Year Program Catalog 2011-2012 San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin 4600 Bathurst Street, Suite 220 and Sonoma Counties Toronto, ON M2R 3V3 121 Steuart St. Tel. (416) 398-6931 Ext. 5721 San Francisco, CA 94105 [email protected] Tel. (415) 512-6274 [email protected]

Masa Israel Journey is a project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel and is made possible by the generous contributions of the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod-UIA.

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