Q: What happens on Shabbat?
A: All Shevet chanichim are required to observe Shabbat (including attending t’fillot) during organised programme time. On free weekends, it is highly encouraged that Shevet chanichim will be at least minimally observing Shabbat. Every 3-4 weeks there will be a group Shabbat. These Shabbatonim will either take place on site in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv or as a part of one of the many specialty Shabbatonim offered to all of Year Course at such places as Mevo Modiin (Carlebach moshav), Safed, Mea Shearim, and religious settlements in the territories. There will also be 3 FZY Shabbatonim, plus 2 Tribe Shabbatonim throughout the year.
Q: Will I have to daven daily?
A: All Shevet chanichim will be encouraged to daven daily on their own. While in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv an Orthodox minyan with a mechitza will be offered. Student interest will determine the number of times per day/week minyan will meet.
Q: Do I have to keep kosher?
A: All programme activities are shomer kashrut. A Chanich/a on his/her free time is expected to observe kashrut.
Q: What is the dress policy?
A: Chanichim will be encouraged to dress in a modest way, for example: no tank tops, midriff should not be exposed, shorts need to reach the knee, and pants should not be worn in such a way that your underwear shows. Nicer clothes are expected to be worn on Shabbat. These standards apply to both boys and girls. In addition, boys should wear kipot.
Q: You keep using the phrase “chanichim will be encouraged.” What does that mean?
A: Modern Orthodox Judaism includes a wide range of acceptable practices. It is for the chanichim themselves to decide where they feel most comfortable on the Orthodox spectrum. We will encourage the chanichim to accept a social script of being on an Orthodox programme but not legislate exactly what that means. We are striving for an atmosphere and open dialogue – not a rule-based religious programme.
Q: Will a Rabbi be running the programme?
A: No. There will be Orthodox rabbis on the teaching staff and people you can turn to for guidance. On Shevet we encourage chanichim to make their own informed choices [within the framework of the programme].
Q: Will this programme be uplifting?
A: Yes. The staff who will work with the programme will be striving to inspire chanichim religiously by being passionate about their Judaism and being an Orthodox role model.
Q: Is this programme geared toward chanichim who are already 'frum'?
A: Partially yes. There are two main target groups associated with this programme. The first are the 'frum' chanichim who want to explore their Orthodoxy further in a liberal environment. The second are chanichim with a limited background but have a strong curiosity about Modern Orthodox Judaism.
Q: What are the studies like?
A: The studies will be taught on two levels depending on the student’s prior knowledge. There will be Beit Midrash time with chevruta study as well as frontal teaching and excursions outside the classroom.
Q: What is the programme like in Tel Aviv?
A: Please see the Year Course brochure for details about the Tel Aviv period. You will be participating in the same volunteer work, Hebrew Ulpan, and all other activities offered along with the rest of Year Course. In addition, you will have extra opportunities to learn, daven, and participate in Shabbatonim.
Q: What is the programme like during the Israeli Experience?
A: It is the same programme that all chanichim on Year Course participate in, so chanichim will not miss out on the amazing experiences offered during this time. In addition, there will be some Shabbatonim to maintain the cohesiveness of Shevet.
Q: Can I go mixed swimming?
A: Yes. Since most Shevet families do mix swim and are used to this, we are not going to forbid this on the programme.
Q: What is the boy-girl relationship policy?
A: We assume that chanichim may have a boy/girlfriend. However there are clear limits set by halacha which govern these relations. Shevet chanichim will be encouraged to use halacha as a guideline for what is clearly unacceptable.
Q: What if I do not like the Shevet part of the programme?
A: Chanichim can just tell the staff that it is not working for them and then they will just merge into the regular Year Course programme.
Click here for the Shevet Daily Schedule
Click here to return to the Shevet page
|
