United Synagogue Yeshiva Summer Program in Jerusalem Now Accepting Applications

The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva is now accepting applications for its Summer Program in Jerusalem. The program is appropriate for students of all levels, backgrounds, and interests. The two sessions, planned for July and August of 2005, will include a wide range of classes on diverse topics.

The program provides participants with an opportunity to study the classic texts of Judaism, and courses are built on the traditional model of hevruta, learning one-on-one with a partner, and shiur, a seminar-style class. According to Yeshiva Director Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, the Summer Program -- like the Conservative Yeshiva’s regular program -- is non-credit, Torah l’shma (study for its own sake), so there is no pressure of tests and papers. In addition, an intensive ulpan will be offered five mornings a week to help build students’ Hebrew-speaking and reading skills.

Faculty members will include Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Shmuel Lewis, Rabbi Dr. Pamela Barmash of Washington University, Yeshiva Director Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, Yeshiva faculty members Dr. Joshua Kulp, Rabbi Mordechai Silverstein, Esther Israel, Shaiya Rothberg, and Rabbi Gail Diamond, along with Rabbi Joel Roth, Rosh Yeshiva of the USCJ Conservative Yeshiva as well as Professor of Talmud at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Courses include Talmud and Advanced Talmud, Rabbinic Literature, Midrash, Halakhah and Advanced Halakhah, Prophets and Prophetic Ideals, Jewish Thought, Psalms, and Siddur, as well as the intensive Hebrew ulpan.

Last year’s program attracted over 60 students, with participants coming not only from the United States and Canada but from England, France, Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Over half the students were over 40 years old, professional people who chose to spend their summer vacation learning Hebrew and studying texts in Jerusalemrather than going to the beach or touring Europe. In addition to classes, the Yeshiva’s summer community includes an active daily minyan, with students leading the davening and the Torah readings. Students and faculty also host each other for Shabbat meals.

The Conservative Yeshiva is located in the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, which was dedicated in September 2004. Rabbi James Lebeau, Director of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, points out that the dedication of the Center campus highlights the growing impact of the Conservative presence in Israel.

Session I of this year’s Summer Program will be held July 3-21. Session II will be July 24-August 11. The cost for one session is $550; the cost for both sessions is $900. Students can also arrange to study for a half-day only, at a cost of $350 for one session or $600 for two sessions. The sessions are not repetitive and individuals may attend either or both. To apply for the Summer Program or obtain further information about the Yeshiva, contact Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb or Rabbi Gail Diamond, yeshiva@uscj.org or visit the Conservative Yeshiva website.

To learn more about the USCJ Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center for Conservative Judaism, contact Israel@uscj.org.