Judaism & Social Justice in 21st Century Israel
A Summer Seminar at the Secular Yeshiva* in Tel-Aviv
For Rabbis, Educators, Rabbinical Students, Community Leaders and Social Activists
Study Talmud, learn Hebrew, volunteer and get to know Israeli society;
Learn up-close about the most critical issues of social justice in Israel today through hands-on experience, encounters with Israelis and tours throughout the country.
Participants in this 4-week seminar will explore the relationship between social justice activism in contemporary Israel and the values articulated on these issues in generations of Jewish text.
Program Components:
Limud –Tikun Olam in Rabbinic texts: Study sessions will focus on issues of social justice as presented in rabbinic period literature from the Talmud and Midrash. The study will be led by Ari Elon and Motti Arad, among Israel's most well-respected and thought-provoking Talmud teachers.
Ulpan: Hebrew language ulpan with an emphasis on conversational skills for daily interactions and effective volunteer work. Class level will be matched to participants’ Hebrew proficiency level.
Assiyah – Social Action: Participants will be offered a range of meaningful volunteer opportunities, primarily in the community of south Tel-Aviv and Jaffa. Assignments could include working with the elderly, with foreign workers and refugees from Sudan or with at-risk children in daycare programs, community centers and more.
Mifgash – Tours and Encounters: An essential part of the program will be getting to know a broad range of social justice organizations in Israel. Participants will meet and hear from activists; take day trips throughout Israel to learn more about relevant issues and ways in which they are being currently addressed.
Havaya – Experience Tel-Aviv: Participants will get to know Tel-Aviv and Jaffa through daily living, educational tours and cultural events and will have a chance to experience Jewish renaissance in central Israel.
Shabbat in Tel Aviv – Two Shabbatot during the program will be celebrated as a group together with liberal synagogues in Tel-Aviv: Beit Tfila Yisraeli (unaffiliated) and Tiferet Shalom (Conservative). Shabbatot will be suitable for Shomrei Shabbat.
Seminar Logistics:
Dates: July 26th 2010 – August 19th 2010
Tuition fee: 1500$
Tuition fee includes: Fee does not include:
Rabbinic text study sessions Airfare to and from Israel
Ulpan Food expenses in Tel-Aviv
Volunteer supervision Personal expenses
Furnished Accommodations in Tel-Aviv Health insurance
Educational tours and cultural events
Accommodations:
BINA offers program participants fully furnished rooms in a beautiful house in Jaffa; the house has a large back yard, rooftop, balconies, large living room and fully equipped Kosher kitchen. Each participant will have a private room with double bed and closet, and will share bathroom and kitchen facilities. Discounts will be available for shared rooms based on availability.
Application process:
For further information and applications, please contact:
Noga Brenner Samia nogabina@012.net.il telephone: 972-52-275-1577
Deadline for applications is April 13, 2010 (applications may be submitted by e-mail).
Number of places is limited . Your early response is appreciated!!!
General Information
BINA Center for Jewish Identity and Hebrew Culture (affiliated with the United Kibbutz Movement) combines Jewish studies and social action, in keeping with our sages who believed in Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Hasadim. BINA’s two main projects are BINA in the Neighborhood with over 100 young adult volunteers committed to creating social change in communities-in-need, and the Secular Yeshiva where over 150 students study and explore their Jewish Identity. At the Secular Yeshiva, young adults study Jewish texts and culture intensively - for 15 hours a day - from sources ranging from the Bible and Gemara to classic Israeli literature and Zionist history. Situated in poverty-stricken south Tel Aviv, the Secular Yeshiva aspires to make study and Tikun Olam central elements of Jewish life today. BINA is one of Israel’s leading pluralistic organizations contributing significantly to the creation of indigenous, liberal approaches to being Jewish in Israel.
Tel Aviv-Jaffaisa unique reflection of modern Israeli society. In the city’s streets one may encounter contrast and diversity: economic development and outdoor markets, high-rises and corner-cafes, cultural creativity and central government, yuppie Israelis and foreign workers, young Israelis struggling to find their way and traditional families who have lived here for years. Living in Tel Aviv is like opening a window to the heart of the Israel.
To learn more about BINA visit our website: http://www.bina.org.il/
You can learn more about our projects at:www.tikkunolamisrael.org
