Shevet
No year in Israel would be complete without the opportunity to explore our heritage in the place where it all began, where every road is steeped with history and every home tells another story.
Shevet is the Jewish enrichment program of Young Judaea Year Course that gives participants the opportunity to tap into the wealth of religious experiences that are available in Israel. Shevet provides a comfortable atmosphere for participants to explore their Jewish beliefs and observance in an open, modern-orthodox framework. Religious and spiritual growth is fostered through specific group experiences and personal exploration throughout the year on top of all Jewish experiences offered while on YC. Participants will experience and learn about various Jewish customs, holidays and Shabbatot, from a modern orthodox and Zionist perspective.
What kind of experience is needed?
No prior experience is needed for Shevet and participants come from across the Jewish spectrum. The program gives participants the opportunity to engage the Jewish traditions, interact with different Jewish personalities from across the orthodox spectrum, and experience Shabbatot and Chaggim (holidays) in a variety of communities. Shevet encourages observance based on knowledge and choice.
What is contained in the Shevet Package?
Shevet package participants on Year Course 2011-2012 have enjoyed the following Shabbatot and experiences. We hope, subject to availability, to provide a similar exciting program for those who sign up for 2012-2013.
Shabbatot:
• A joyous Simchat Torah in Tzfat (Safed)
• Shabbaton in Har Nof or Old City of Jerusalem
• Shabbaton in the musical Mevo Modiim (Carlebach Moshav) or Alon Shvut (the jewel in the crown of Israeli modern orthodoxy)
• Final Shevet Shabbat towards the end of the year
Activities:
• Shofar making
• Snorkeling for the Tchellet snail that provides the blue die for Tzitzit
• Food and Philosophy Series – In depth discussions on different aspects of Jewish philosophy led my Shevet leader Menachem Salasnik, with delicious home-cooked food provided by his wife Kate!
• Scribe session – learn how to write Torah scripts with a quill on parchment
• Tzitzit tying session
• Challah baking
• Visit to Neot Kdumim (Israel’s nature reserve) for Chanuka
• Sushi factory visit
• Laughter Yoga session for Purim
• Matza baking session
• Visit to Meron for Lag B’Omer
In addition to the Shevet Shabbatot and activities schedule, throughout the year the Jewish holidays will be celebrated either in-house or by tapping in to the activities in the communities in their neighborhood. This has in the past included pre Rosh Hashana Synagogue-“hopping”, Kapparot, visiting the Arba Minim Market, dancing and singing at a Simchat Bet HaShoeva, experiencing Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel, visiting a Tefillin Factory, Chanuka and Purim parties, Tu B’Shvat seder, Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim with the religious Zionist community as well as the opportunity to study about our festivals from a mystical and kabbalistic perspective.
What is the cost of the Shevet package?
The price for the Shevet package is only $799.
Some activities in the package will be made available on an a la carte basis for other students in the same section with Shevet package students. The best way to guarantee participation in all activities is to sign up for the package in advance.
As with Year Course Classic, all Shevet participants take two (or three) classes each trimester. Hebrew ulpan is mandatory during each trimester and Shevet participants can take classes in Zionism, Tanach, Talmud, Jewish Thought and Halacha.
Note: Itineraries and activities of Specialty Tracks are subject to change or cancellation in Young Judaea’s sole and absolute discretion.
Menachem Salasnik – Shevet and Jewish Enrichment Coordinator
Menachem was born in London, England. He grew up in Bushey where his father is the Rabbi of a large modern orthodox synagogue. After graduating from high school, Menachem learned in Israel at the Hesder Yeshiva, Kerem B’Yavneh before returning to study Optometry at the University of Manchester. After working full-time for six years in England, he finally realized his dream of making Aliya with his family. He now divides his time between furthering his Jewish learning, working for Year Course and flying to England to continue his work as a Low Vision specialist. His classes often reflect this diversity, with a mixture of science, philosophy and a heavy dose of Jewish mysticism!
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