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Israel Midrasha Fellowships

"God did not create religion, he created the world"

                         - Franz Rosenzweig

Background and Objective

The Israeli Midrasha is proud to announce a new program for post-university students, who wish to spend an extended period of time studying in Israel and amongst Israelis. This total immersion experience with Israelis includes a focus on classical Jewish texts, self growth, the development of Jewish Peoplehood consciousness and gaining a better understanding of Israel and Israeli society. The program also incorporates extensive service and volunteer opportunities.

Jewish communities around the world are in the midst of a paradoxical moment. On the one hand, a renaissance amongst young Jews is taking place with countless numbers intensely engaged in Jewish life, Jewish study, and Social Justice activism; yet, on the other hand, statistics regarding Jewish communal involvement continue to tell a very different story. How to understand this paradox? Evidently, we have young Jews who are passionate about being Jewish, but are also not afraid to ask the hard questions. Is Judaism relevant in the 21st century? What does it mean to be Jewish? Why be involved in Jewish Life? What is my relationship to Israel and what does it mean to be a Zionist?
The Israel Midrasha Fellowships brings together a select group of Israelis and non-Israelis, with the intention of asking and answering these questions.

Target Audience

The Program is intended for highly motivated young Jews between the ages of 21-30.

Educational Approach

"Is Judaism relevant in the 21st century?"
1. Text Study: At the center of the Israel Midrasha’s educational philosophy lies a belief in the importance of familiarizing oneself with classic Jewish texts along with ancient, modern and post-modern philosophy. By engaging in these diverse texts, we hope to discover Judaism’s perennial importance and its message for today’s world.

"What does it mean to be Jewish?"
2. Jewish Identity: At a time when Jewish communities are becoming increasingly diverse, the Israel Midrasha aims to expand the traditional definition of what it means to be a Jew. By thinking about our own identity as both Jews and citizens in a global world, Israelis and non-Israelis, we hope to gain a better understanding of what it means to be Jewish in our day and age.

"Why be involved in Jewish Life?"
3. Community: The Midrasha aims to strengthen students' leadership and community building capabilities, with an eye towards using these skills upon returning home. By creating a vibrant and diverse community within the Israeli Midrasha, we hope to discover what a Jewish community is meant to accomplish. Jews have always understood that the purpose of Judaism can only be manifest in the context of a community and we seek to catch a glimpse of what that might be.

"What is my relationship to Israel and what does it mean to be a Zionist?"
4. Israel: This program is totally unique in the extent of the sustained encounter that takes place between Israelis and non-Israelis. For the non-Israelis, this melting pot strives to further their understanding as to the role that the State of Israel plays in their lives. And for the Israelis the encounter with representatives of Jewish communities from around the world strengthens for them the significance and necessity of a strong Global Jewish community. In addition, the students’ knowledge of Hebrew will improve tremendously both through formal study and simply by virtue of being amongst Israelis.

Study Period and Costs

The inaugural year, 2009-2010, will consist of two 4 month programs.
Fall Semester: October 25, 2009 - Febuary 23, 2010
Spring Semester: March 7, 2010 - July 6, 2010

The cost of the program is 2500$. The program includes Room and Board.
After a MASA grant the program is free. In addition merit-based scholarships and needs-based funding are available.

Please visit www.masaisrael.org for further information regarding financial grants and additional needs-based funding.

Inquiries

Please contact Avi Poupko by email, or call him at 405-445-0425