Alisa Flatow International Program
Frequently Asked Questions
In The Classroom
Who is a typical student?
Alisa Flatow Program students come from all over the globe and range in age from current college students to retirees. The one thing they have in common is a desire to study Torah and a spirit of open inquiry.
What is unique about Nishmat’s Program?
Nishmat believes in text-based learning that allows each student to independently think and analyze how their Torah study and Juadaism influence their personal growth. Chavruta, or partner study of the classical texts of Judaism is central to the experience of studying at Nishmat. Independent study is combined with guidance from teachers who encourage open intellectual debate, independent textual skills and religious growth. You will also be a part of a wider community of Jewish scholarship, sharing the Beit Midrash, with Israelis, a program for students of Ethiopian origin, and advanced scholars, some of whom are studying to become halachic advisors.
What will I learn at Nishmat?
Nishmat exposes you to the breadth and depth of all Jewish texts and subjects – Chumash, Gemara, Halacha, Chasidut, Jewish philosophy and Tefilla. You will develop the skills to approach any Jewish text with confidence and independence.
What is the language of instruction?
Teachers of the Alisa Flatow Program are all native English speakers and instruction is given in English.
Do I need to know Hebrew?
No previous knowledge is necessary to attend. While most classes involve studying classical Jewish sources in Hebrew and Aramaic, word lists and translations are available for many of the sources. Our teachers and tutors will help you work through the material, and as your skills develop, you will be more confident with texts in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.
What kind of connection does the faculty have with the students?
A close family atmosphere binds faculty and students, who together form a supportive, caring community. Expect to spend many shabbatot with teachers and fellow students. Organized trips and Shabbat meals spent together provide opportunities for students and faculty to meet outside the classroom walls.
There are also counseling hours available with some of our staff who are trained in this field.
What religious affiliations do the students have?
Nishmat students come from all backgrounds and are committed to growing in their observance of halachah. Students are encouraged to learn and make decisions about their religious lives independently.
Do I have to keep kosher or be observant at Nishmat?
We give you the tools to enable you to make your own life choices. On our premises, we keep kosher and follow the laws of Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Is there a dress code?
Students are asked to dress in a respectful way in the Beit Midrash and classrooms of Nishmat i.e. t-shirts with sleeves and skirts.
I'm planning to study in Israel for a year but haven't decided which program to attend. Can I sit in on classes?
Yes. You are welcome to visit (with prior coordination) and sit in on classes. By all means, use this opportunity to speak with faculty and students!
When do classes begin?
Please see our academic calendar
Is there a part-time study option?
Although you can best maximize your time at Nishmat by full time study, we know that this may not be a possibility for all women. If you are ready to commit to a serious part-time learning schedule, we can customize a program to fit your needs.
Can I attend Nishmat for just a few weeks?
Yes. We recommend a minimum time period of three weeks, excluding the last three weeks of a semester.
What happens on Shabbat? What about Chagim?
One of the main features of Nishmat is community. There are organized shabbatot throughout the year – both at Nishmat and outside Jerusalem. Other shabbatot and chagim are free, with frequent invitations from teachers and alumnae who have made aliya. If you need help with organizing places, you need to be in contact with your madricha at the beginning of the week.
Will I get academic credits for Nishmat?
Nishmat can provide transcripts accepted by many universities throughout the world. However, teachers prefer not to set projects which require a final grade.
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Services
Does Nishmat have its own dorms?
Yes. Nishmat has apartment styled dorms for its students. Each apartment has space for five residents and includes a bathroom and dairy kitchen.
What is available in each apartment?
- Refrigerator
- Stovetop
- Microwave or toaster oven
- Electric kettle
- Dishes, silverware, pots, pans
- Can opener
- Telephone with voice mail for incoming calls only
- Broom, "sponga" (Israeli mops), and cleaning bucket
- Heating system (central heating during certain hours of the day)
- Fans
What should I bring from home or buy in Israel for the apartment?
- Hangers
- Cleaning supplies
- Toiletries
- Linens - it is vital that every student bring her own linen, pillow, and blanket
- Baking pans (for the apartments that have toaster ovens)
Note: When bringing electrical appliances (i.e. hairdryer), please remember that outlets in Israel are 220 watt).
Where is Nishmat located?
Nishmat is located on a beautiful campus in the Patt neighborhood of Jerusalem.
We are minutes from the coffee shops of Emek Refaim, walking distance to the shopping area of Talpiot and Jerusalem’s Malha Mall. There are also buses located on Berel Locker Street and nearby which can get you to Emek Refaim, the center of town, the Central Bus Station and the mall.
How many meals are served each day?
Nishmat provides one hot meal per day for full-time students. Other meals are prepared in the students’ apartments.
If you are a vegetarian, please let Nishmat know about this before your arrival and special food will be ordered for you.
Where can I do my laundry?
There is a separate laundry room with coin-operated washing machines and dryers. Each cycle costs 5 NIS. Laundry detergents are not supplied.
How can I organize a cell phone for my time in Israel?
Nishmat has a special arrangement with the cell phone rental company Talk n Save. You can sign up as a student at Nishmat and receive special group discounts. Please follow the link for more information:
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Extra-Curricular Activities
What volunteer programs/chesed projects are available at Nishmat?
There is an old age home in the neighborhood where many girls do volunteer with the elderly. Others volunteer with handicapped children.
Will I get to see the country?
Throughout the year Nishmat takes the students on trips around the country. In addition many students choose to travel on their own during school breaks.
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Administration
How long will it take after submitting an application until I find out if I am accepted?
After we have received your application, including your essays and two letters of recommendation, you should expect to receive an answer within 14 business days.
What is the tuition?
- Year-long full time studies - $8000.00*
- Dormitory - $4000.00*
* Discounts are available to alumni who have studied full-time for a full year in Nishmat, foreign residents who have an Israeli teudat zehut and Israeli citizens who reside in Israel. The schedule of payments of these fees will be explained upon acceptance to the program.In addition, there is a 50% discount on tuition for the 2010-2011 academic year for students eligible for MASA.
If students are not attending for the full year or intend to study on a part-time basis, please contact the office for questions regarding tuition: info@nishmat.net
What sort of financial aid is available?
Nishmat would like to assist in making it financially feasible for you to enjoy the wonderful learning program that we provide. We have gathered information about various outside organizations that offer financial assistance programs to students who wish to study in Israel. We urge you to contact these organizations and apply to their assistance programs as soon as you receive your acceptance to Nishmat.
Scholarship suggestions:
- Project MASA
- The Alisa Flatow Memorial Fund has an early deadline
- http://www.jewishphilanthropies.org/israel_scholarships.html
- Jeff Seidel's website
- For cheap flights for university students - http://www.studentuniverse.com/
- Your local Federation, Israel Experience or Chabad office may have a study in Israel fund.
- For updates about other assistance programs – http://studyisrael.blogspot.com/
- Nishmat Financial Assistance - Nishmat has a limited Student Scholarship Fund and your request will only be considered once you have been admitted; it is suggested that you send this form with your application for admission. The form is available by request from the Administrative Coordinator.
When will I find out about my financial aid package? I need to know as soon as possible so I can make my plans.
MASA can take up to 30 days to respond to your initial application. We recommend that you try to fill in all the details and submit your application as soon as possible. Some of the other organizations mentioned above give out scholarships on a rolling basis, so it is your interest to apply early.
Do I need a student visa?
The Israeli law requires you to get a visa after being in Israel for more than 3 months. The process is done in the Interior Ministry (Misrad Hapnim). No student visas should be obtained anywhere except for in Israel. Information with instructions on what needs to be done for the visa will be sent out from the office to all students due to arrive at the beginning of the academic year. For those who arrive later in the year, the office will give instructions for the Interior Ministry.
What kind of health care does Nishmat offer?
All students are required to arrange for health insurance coverage while studying at Nishmat. You MUST submit verification of this coverage at the time of financial registration.
Students enrolled in the complete ten month program should enroll in Clal Insurance's Medi Care program, which is part of the Clalit national health program. Enrollment forms are attached to this email. Each student must have the declaration of health filled out and signed and sent back to the office as soon as possible. The students will receive the cards when they arrive in Nishmat.
Those studying for less than ten months should arrange for health insurance through a provider. We recommend Egert & Cohen Insurance Company, who charge approximately $1 per day for health coverage.
Name:Tzippy Katz
E-mail:health@egertcohen.co.il
Telephone: 972-2-623-2546
Despite our extensive coverage, we advise you NOT TO CANCEL YOUR OWN HEALTH INSURANCE, as it may cover you in Israel if certain treatments are not included in our coverage, or should you need to return to home for any reason. Dental, optical, psychological, psychiatric and ongoing treatment costs are also not covered.
Students who are taking medication for chronic conditions are asked to bring a sufficient supply, as law often prohibits mailing or Fedexing medication. In addition we recommend that you bring documentation that outlines the nature of the condition as well as an explanation of any medications you take. Please note, your privacy will be protected, but it is extremely important to notify the staff at Nishmat if you do have a medical condition.
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Security
How does Nishmat deal with the unique security situation in Israel?
We understand and share the safety concerns of students and their families. We take all precautions to maximize safety while at Nishmat and on off-campus trips. Personal safety issues are discussed during orientation. There is a security guard on campus at Nishmat 24 hours a day for the duration of the academic year, as well as Shabbatot and chagim. Our building is also equipped with video surveillance cameras. Our students are able to enter with a security code; all other visitors may enter only when admitted by the reception desk.
Where can I leave my valuables?
There is a safe in the office where passports, important documents and cash can be kept. There is also a storeroom that is locked where larger items can be placed.
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