The Conservative Yeshiva Summer Hebrew Ulpan, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an opportunity to study Hebrew intensively for a short period of time in a small, congenial class with students of all ages from around the world. The top-notch Hebrew Ulpan teachers, motivated fellow students, and location in the center of Jerusalem, Israel, combine to make this a premier Hebrew language experience.

Five levels of modern Hebrew study are offered, including reading, writing, speaking, grammar, and Israeli culture.

Summer Hebrew Ulpan Director, Nitza Shalitin

Nitza has taught Hebrew to overseas students at the Hebrew University One Year Program, the Melton Educators Program and Mechina program, and at Hebrew Union College, all in Jerusalem, Israel. She teaches Hebrew and coordinates the Conservative Yeshiva’s Ulpan programs.

Study at the Conservative Yeshiva focuses on traditional texts such as Talmud, Tanach (Bible), and Midrash, as well as Jewish philosophy and prayer. Learning is conducted in the traditional yeshiva method of pair learning (chevruta) and seminar-style classes (shiur) with an openness to modern scholarship and students’ interests. Chevruta study is an age-old method of Jewish text study in which two students learn a text together. It gives students an opportunity to explore and struggle with the text as they learn from each other and often creates a unique bond between them. During shiur, teachers lead students through a discussion of the prepared text. Students raise questions and difficulties; teachers explain these difficult areas and offer background, skills and methodology.

The Beit Midrash, which means “House of Learning,” is the focal point of the Conservative Yeshiva. In it, surrounded by reference books and each other, students and faculty learn. The buzz of the Beit Midrash is a unique, stimulating sound.

Though most of the texts will be encountered in their original language (Hebrew and Aramaic), English is the language of instruction, and students will have access to English translation of text when needed.

When they are finalized, the schedules for Session 1 and Session 2 will be visible in their own tabs on this web page.

Enhance your studies at the Conservative Yeshiva through “Volunteer and Study,” immersing yourself in Israeli society by committing to at least 3 half-days of volunteering each week of your studies (a minimum of 9 times).

Thanks to our partners at Skilled Volunteers for Israel (SVFI) Summer Program students are able to volunteer in the morning (and do Torah study in the afternoon) or in the afternoon (and do Hebrew ulpan in the morning). SVFI creates unforgettable volunteer opportunities, matching you and your skills and interests to local partner organizations and institutions. SVFI works with you, orienting, guiding, and support you, to make the best possible ‘match’ assuring your personal fulfillment as well as making a significant contribution at your volunteer placement. You may find yourself in neighborhoods unknown to the casual visitor or student, interacting with segments of Jerusalem’s population you never would meet on your own, tackling issues that may never have passed your radar screen, all while generously giving of yourself and applying Jewish values.

Typically, volunteers work in the following areas:

• Caring for Community – Put Your Hands On Israel (Seniors & Special Needs)
• Education – Get a taste of Israel’s Public School System as you converse and play games in English with individuals or small groups of students
• Israeli Civil Society – Work in Israeli Non-Profit Organizations

We encourage early registration for those wishing to volunteer, so that SVFI has sufficient time to work with you on your placement. A current Criminal Reference clearance valid through September 1, 2020 is required. SVFI can assist U.S. citizens/residents in obtaining this no later than 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program.