• Guide to Israel Schools

  • Israel Experience at Bar Ilan—S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program

  • Goal of the Program

    Inspiration through education.

    Hashkafa

    Goal of Program
    Israel Experience offers the unique combination of Torah study, secular university classes, internships, chessed, trips and clubs to ensure a well-rounded experience. This fun, meaningful and productive environment ensures that each student can fully reach THEIR unique potential.

    Attitude towards Israel and Medinat Yisrael
    Israel Experience fosters a sense of appreciation for the state of Israel and love for our homeland. Aside from a variety of Israel-themed classes and trips and in addition to the passion exhibited by the dedicated Israel XP staff, there are over 33,000 students at Bar Ilan University.

    Attitude towards University Studies
    The University classes offered by Israel Experience enable students to begin their College careers in a safe and secure environment. They will be well prepared to excel in their future college studies and career path, while maintaining a strong sense of Jewish pride and identity.

    Attitude towards Extracurricular Activities
    Israel Experience offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. From an internship in an Israeli company to a powerful Shabbaton to on-site clubs like drama, music, art and sports, there is something for everyone.

    Preparation for Post Israel
    Israel Experience prepares students well for their post-Israel experience. As students progress in University and life, they may face challenging academics or work environments, philosophical challenges to the State of Israel or even deniers of the Holocaust. Participants of Israel Experience will be up to these challenges and many more.

    The "Successful" Student
    Israel Experience does not have any one “success” story. Each student has unique talents and interests. The caring and nurturing staff empowers each students to fully reach THEIR unique potential as they make their mark on the Jewish people and the world.

    Dress

     MenWomen
    Off Campus
    (not with program)    		At discretion of studentAt discretion of student
    On Campus
    (with program on trip)    		Shirt must have sleeves.  Kippah or
    hat required.    		Shirt must have sleeves and skirt
    (or pants) must reach knees
    In Jewish ClassKippah required.  Collard shirts required.
    No ripped clothing.    		Skirts required (must extend past
    knees when seated). No ripped clothing.
    Sabbath Attire when
    with the program    		Kippah and button down shirt required.  Suit
    recommended.  Synagogue attire must be
    worn throughout Shabbat when out of one's
    room.    		Synagogue attire must be worn throughout
    Shabbat when out of one's room.

     



    Guidance Personnel
    The Israel Experience contains a large staff ranging from formal educators such as Talmudic Scholars and PHD professors to our informal staff such as Av/Eim Bayit couples, Programming staff, and Madrichim. All serve as religious role models and make themselves available to guide and care for our students in every way.

    Supervision
    Several Madrichim and two young families live on the Israel Experience campus to ensure both the physical and spiritual safety of the students.

    Safety
     With the exception of vacations and free weekends, students must be back in their dorm rooms by 1:00 AM EVERY night.

     

     

    Curriculum

    Makeup
    The curriculum at Israel XP offers a wide variety of styles and levels to accommodate multiple backgrounds and interests. Some of the English-language courses offered include:

    Courses Offered

    CourseBrief Description
    AggadaStories from the Talmud
    Arab Israeli ConflictMaster the facts and history
    Archaeology and The Land of IsraelExplore the rich heritage of the Jewish homeland
    Bain Adam L'chaveroGetting along with everyone
    BiologyFor science and non-science majors
    Biology LabRequired for Biology
    Business Management     Learn how to manage a company
    Business Marketing     Learn how to promote a company
    ChassidutChassidik Thought
    Chavrusah ProgramStudy the Jewish topic/s of your choice
    Contemporary Halachik IssuesJewish Law in the 21 st Century
    English CompositionMultiple English writing Options
    How to be JewishPractical guide to Jewish Law
    Intro to Jewish MysticismDeep Thoughts brought down to earth
    Israeli Foreign PolicyUnderstand the Israeli political System
    Jewish ThoughtDelve into the meaning of Judaism
    Jewish Women in Jewish LawThe unique role and contributions of a Jewish Woman
    Leaders and Leadership Throughout the AgesLeadership Training
    Literary Approach to the BiblePractical analysis of the Torah
    Love and War in the Ancient WorldGreek Philosophy
    Macro-EconomicsUnderstanding the Big picture
    Micro-EconomicsUnderstanding the small picture
    Modern Ideas in PhysicsFor non-science majors
    PhilosophyThe Why Questions of Life
    Pirkei Avot     Ethnical Teachings and Behavior
    PsychologyUnderstanding Human Behavior
    StatisticsUsing Numbers to draw conclusions
    TalmudAnalytical approach to the Oral Torah
    TanachA glimpse into each sefer of the Tanach
    The Siddur (Philosophy of)A practical and relevant understanding of the daily prayers
    The World of the Sages     Weekly Parsha through the eyes of our Sages
    Topics in TalmudOverview of practical topics throughout the Talmud
    UpanMultiple levels to help achieve a mastery of Hebrew
    Why Be JewishMotivation for Jewish pride and practice



    These courses are supplemented by Internships, field trips and social activities

    Daily Schedule
     Sunday: Morning hours  feature several classes of Ulpan/Hebrew Laguage, split into different levels. On Sunday afternoons our students take part in various internships in the realms of business, chessed, volunteer work, science, and Torah.

    Monday- Thursday: After our morning prayer services (or optional prayer workshop) at 8:00am, students have Judaic studies classes in the morning hours and a full afternoon of secular studies classes. Evening hours feature optional Torah classes, informal programs, workshops, presentations, and more. 

    There are no classes on Fridays.

    Language of Instruction
    All Israel XP courses are offered in English. Students who are well versed in Hebrew also have access to over 7,000 Bar Ilan courses taught in Hebrew.

    Ulpan or Hebrew Class
    Students take a placement exam at the outset of the year to determine which ulpan class they are in. Thanks to the combination of the intensive ulpan and sharing a campus with thousands of Israelis, motivated students can be fluent in hebrew by the end of the year.

    Assessment and Grading
    The program offers up to 80 university credits. Students take a minimum of 20 secular credits. Each class has a final exam and class attendance and participation does influence the final grade.

    Students receive an official Bar Ilan University transcript which is transferrable to most universities in North America

    Shana Bet
    Students are welcome to come back for a 2nd year. Options range from more intensive Torah study to making Aliyah and continuing their studies at Bar Ilan.

    Joint Program
    Bar Ilan University is accredited by Ministry of Education in Israel and the New York State Board of Regents. That being said, if a student is eligible for U.S. Federal Aid, they are encouraged to attend Israel XP through a joint program. Options include Yeshiva University or the Michigan Jewish Institute (www.mji.edu ).

    Staff
    Rabbi Ari Kahn: Director, Academic Dean 
    Meir Balofsky: Informal Education Director
    Rabbi Eli Menaged: Mashgiach Ruchani
    Dr. Chana Tannenbaum: Director of Women's Division
    Rabbi Ari Yablok: Campus Director, Dean of Students

     

    Extra-Curricular Activities

    Interaction with Israelis
    Bar Ilan University has over 33,000 students. Since the majority are Israeli, students will likely hear Hebrew on a daily basis. The campus also exposes students to a wide variety of cultures as it contains students from 28 nationalities.

    Special Informal programs
    From the Drama department to the “school of rock” music Club, from the cooking club to the Art club, there is something for everyone.

    Sports Facilities
    There is a health club at the dorm site which contains a basketball court, workout gym and swimming pool.

    Programming for Shabbat and Yom Tov
    For Shabbat, there is a rotation to ensure a broad experience:

    1st Shabbat – Shabbaton off Campus with program (typically at hotel)
    2nd Shabbat – Free to visit friends and relatives
    3rd Shabbat – Shabbat on campus with program
    4th Shabbat – Free to visit friends and relatives

    During an off Shabbat, students are encouraged to take advantage of a “mini Israel Experience” where they and their friends can be hosted for Shabbat in the city of their choice. This will enable students to experience the rich diversity of Jewish life that Israel has to offer.

    Field Trips
    The program is called Israel Experience b/c students can experience everything that Israel has to offer. Here are just two samples of the many exciting trips:

    Negev Trip Highlights will likely Include:

    • Scenic Hikes (Ein Ovdat and the like)
    • Visit Baba Sali / David Ben Gurion
    • Rappelling
    • Mountain Biking
    • Camel Ride Tour
    • Dead Sea
    • Eilat Boat Cruise


    Golan Trip will likely Include:

    • Scenic Hikes (Jilaboon, Ein Tina, Majerseh, Yehudiah etc)
    • Mt. Bental – oz 77
    • Rafting on Jordan
    • Boat cruise on Kineret
    • Tour of Teveria
    Eligibility
    Level of Learning Offered
    Beginner - Advanced

    Hebrew Knowledge Required
    No hebrew knowledge required except for advanced Torah classes

    Religious Observance Required
    The program does not wish to interfere with an individual’s personal relationship with G-d. As such, when they are off campus during free time, it is up to each student to choose what they are ready for and when they are ready for it. But when with the program or on campus, students are expected to observe Jewish Law including Sabbath, Kosher and the like.
    Population
    Type of American Student
    Students come from a wide variety of schools and religious backgrounds. Roughly 2/3 come from Jewish Day schools and 1/3 come from public school. What unites all the students is a sincere desire to make the most of their year to grow as a Jew.

    Overall Number of Students (Kollel, Israeli, Foreign)
    100 at Israel Experience. Over 33,000 at Bar Ilan University

    Foreign Student Percentage
    100% of the 100, small % of the 33,000

    Number of 1st Year American Students
    90

    Number of 2nd Year American Students
    >5

    Other Nationalities
    10

    Number of Students per Class
    Classes range in size from 5 to 50 depending upon interest level.
    Accommodations
    Living Quarters
    Students are currently housed at a dorm complex in Ramat Ef’al, an upper class suburban Israeli neighborhood. They are two to room. Two-three rooms form an apartment and share kitchen facilities. There is one bathroom for every two students.

    Availability of Private Kitchen Facilities
    Every Two-three rooms form an apartment and share modest kitchen facilities, which include a refrigerator/freezer, microwave and stove top.

    Facility use during Shabbat and Yom Tov
    The dorms remain open and supervised even during an off Shabbat and vacations. The only exception is Passover. During that holiday. Israel XP will happily arrange housing for anyone in need.

    Curfew
    With the exception of vacations, students must be back in their dorm rooms by 2:00 AM EVERY night. This offers students lots independence, but still ensures that everyone can get back safely at night to a waiting madrich/a

    Security Arrangements
    Both the Israel XP dorm site and Bar Ilan University are fenced in with 24 hour surveillance. The program has the ability to instantly text message all students in the event of an emergency or security information.
    History

    Israel Experience’s was founded in 2008 as the only alternative to the two prevalent options:

    1. A single gender Yeshiva/Seminary program
    2. A COED secular program

    It offers the best of both worlds. A powerful and inspiring Torah program coupled with secular pursuits to help students prepare for a productive and meaningful Torah life in the secular world.

    Accrediting Universities
    Bar Ilan Univeristy is accredited by Ministry of Education in Israel and the New York State Board of Regents. Students can earn 30 - 80 credits that are transferrable to most universities throughout North America
    Tuition
     2013-2014: $21,500 (no change from previous year) 
     Tuition for 1 semester: $12,800 
    Many scholarship and grant opportunities available

     

    Additional Information
    Visit www.ISRAELXP.com
    Contact Information

    Israel Experience at Bar Ilan
    U.S. Office
    Deena or Steven, U.S. reps
    Email: info@ISRAELXP.com
    Fax: 815-377-2655
    (mailing address) Israel Experience, ATTN: Steven
    2 Executive Boulevard, Suite 103
    Suffern, NY 10901
    www.israelxp.com

    Israel Office
    Rabbi Ari Kahn, Director of Foreign Student Programs
    Bar Ilan University Campus
    Building 905, Room 009
    Ramat Gan 52900
    Email: info@israelxp.com
    www.ISRAELXP.com

     

     

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