Frequently Asked Questions

Learning

What is the focus of learning at Nishmat?

At Nishmat, we seek to help you develop both the skills and love of learning that prepare you for a lifetime of Talmud Torah and Avodat Hashem.  You and your peers will engage in a range of intensive, thought-provoking shiurim that push you to develop the full range of skills that are necessary for deep, serious Torah study.  You also have the freedom to create a schedule that enables you to pursue those areas of Torah study most meaningful to you. 

 

Mornings are devoted to Seder- learning in small groups with the guidance of a teacher. Students will have the choice between a Seder in English or in Hebrew in topics of Tanach, Gemara, Halacha or Machshava. This allows you to find the right shiur for you, according to your interests, goals and background.

 

Afternoon shiurim cover a broad range of topics, from Parshat Hashavua with Rabbanit Chana Henkin, to Divine Justice in Tanach with Rav Yoel Bin Nun, to courses in halachic topics, Midrash, the philosophy of halacha, and Machshevet Yisrael.  In night seder, students choose among shiurim and chaburot in topics in Tanach, Gemara, and Jewish Philosophy.  We help each student craft the schedule that helps you pursue your own goals and interests in Talmud Torah. 

 

What is the balance between classes in Hebrew and classes in English?

Through LIBA, overseas students will be able to choose from a rich array of shiurim taught exclusively in English. That being said, students will still have the option of joining Israeli shiurim if you choose. We will provide individualized guidance and support to each student to help you build a schedule that best meets your needs. LIBA’S students will reap the benefits of sharing a spiritually-uplifting Beit Midrash with Israeli peers without compromising the quality of your learning due to external barriers. The opportunity to choose your own balance of Hebrew and English shiurim represents Nishmat’s belief in supporting each individual student in charting your own path of growth and learning.

 

What support system will I have in Liba? 

You will enjoy an entire staff devoted to supporting overseas students, ensuring that your integration into the Beit Midrash is seamless and successful. In addition to the program directors and new faculty, there will also be a program administrator, a mental health consultant, English-speaking madrichot, personal mechanchot assigned to each student, and the option of an adopting (Israeli) family.

Life at the Midrasha

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What is the dormitory arrangement in Liba?

The dorming in Liba is on the Nishmat campus, in renovated apartments with a kitchenette and 2 girls in a room.The campus hosts the majority of the students from the Nishmat learning programs. To provide maximum comfort, you will be able to choose the level of integration you would like in the dorm setting. 

 

What opportunities exist for chessed?

Each Nishmat student has a two-hour slot each week dedicated to a chessed project on or off of the campus. Examples include running a bat mitzvah program for girls, helping elderly neighbors with Shabbat preparation, and bikkur cholim. Nishmat’s chessed coordinator makes sure that each student has an appropriate chessed project. Chesed, however, is not confined to a two-hour slot! We nurture a caring, supportive environment in the Bet Midrash in which students look out for one another and step forward to volunteer for the community.

 

How often are tiyulim and organized Shabbatonim?

Liba students engage in a special Shabbaton approximately once a month, visiting communities around Israel.  Additionally, we take multi-day tiyulim to Eilat and Tzfat, and participate together with the rest of the midrasha in three more multi-day tiyulim over the course of the year. There are also a variety of half- and whole-day hikes and trips throughout the year to different areas of the country and to cultural events and museums.  We believe that experiencing the many facets of Israel is an important part of your year, which enhances your learning and your connection to Jewish history and destiny.  

 

What about Shabbatot?

There are organized Shabbat programs, in the midrasha or in another community in Israel, once or twice a month.  On other Shabbatot, you are free to visit friends or family or to ask for home hospitality with a member of the Nishmat faculty or student body.  Our extensive support system will be there to help you make Shabbat plans.  Additionally, you are always welcome to stay in your apartment at Nishmat during any time of the year; your apartment is your home, and our campus never closes. 

NISHMAT נשמת

R.A 580161628

The Jeanie Schottenstein Center For Advanced Torah Study For Women

The Alisa M. Flatow Building
Berel Locker 26A, Pat
Jerusalem, 9328249, Israel
T : 972-2-6404333
F : 972-26404343
[email protected]