Summer Torah Education Program in Jerusalem, Israel Summer at Machon Shlomo

 

STEP is the summer semester at Machon Shlomo. This coming summer (2010) there are two sessions. The first runs from June 17 till July 15 and the second from July 22 until August 19. You can attend one or both sessions. They do not overlap in terms of the course material.

In addition we have a winter session that runs between December 23 and January 13. It is similar in structure and teaching staff to the summer sessions. The group trips, however, are to the Dead Sea and Negev instead of the Golan and the north.

STEP at Machon Shlomo was founded in 2005 to provide an opportunity to experience the kind of learning and growing that takes place at Machon Shlomo, for those who are not able to attend the full-year program.

The goal of the program is to provide the student with a solid introduction to the methods of learning the basic texts of yeshivah study - Talmud, Chumash, Halachah, and Ethics.

STEP is directed by Rabbi Yonasan Sigler. Rabbi Sigler holds degrees in engineering from Princeton and MIT and worked as an aerospace engineer for NASA before coming to Jerusalem to study in yeshiva. He studied at several yeshivas including the Mir and Pressburg and received his Semichah from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He taught Talmud at Yeshivas Midrash Shmuel and currently teaches during the regular school year at Machon Shlomo.


STEP offers you the following:

  • Classes in Talmud, Chumash (Bible), Jewish law and Jewish ethics.
  • Comfortable accommodations and home-cooked meals.
  • Small interpersonal classes.
  • A proven, effective method for teaching the beginner how to study Talmud and similar texts without translations.
  • An experienced, professional teaching staff.
  • Inspiring song-filled Shabbatonim.
  • Exciting trips to the Golan and other parts of the country.
  • The nearby Jerusalem Forest for hiking as well as other recreational outlets in the area.
  • A warm supportive environment for you to live and grow in.

About the Classes

1. Talmud tutorial

In the tutorial, the student works one-on-one with a rabbi to prepare the day's Talmud assignment.  This assignment is typically eight to ten lines of Talmud and the commentary of Rashi, and sometimes a comment of the Tosafos.  

Every day there are two assignments: one for the morning and one for the afternoon.  The morning assignment is drawn from sections of the Talmud that are traditionally learned in yeshiva.  The afternoon assignment focuses more on Agadata (the stories and parables and ethical teachings of the Talmud). The tutor is there to guide the student as he works out the pronunciation, translation, and basic understanding of the text.

2. Talmud class

The goal of the Talmud class is to show the students how to carefully analyze each step of the arguments presented in the Talmud and by doing so to come to a deeper understanding of the text.

3. Halacha (twice/week)

Classes cover topics in Shabbos, Kashrut, and interpersonal law (eg. honoring parents, visiting the sick, slander).

4. Topics (three/week)

Classes on various topics in Jewish thought.   Students provide imput on topics to be covered.

5. Chumash/Rashi

In depth study of Chumash with the commentary of Rashi and Midrashim.

 

Daily Schedule - Summer Session

Sunday through Thursday

7:30  Shacharis

8:30   Breakfast

9:30   Talmud tutorial

10:45 - 12:00  Talmud Class

12:15 -1:15  Class on different topics depending on day of week (Ethics, Philosophy, Halachah)

1:15  Minchah

1:30  Lunch

3:30 - 4:30  Chumash/Rashi

4:30 - 5:30  Talmud Class

6:00 - 7:00  Talmud Tutorial

7:00  Dinner

8:15  Ma'ariv

Friday, Shabbos - Davening but no classes
I'm not an observant Jew, does that matter?
If you have made a commitment to be Sabbath observant and to eat kosher food - even if you are still trying to incorporate that commitment into your life - then you are a candidate for our program.  If you are still wrestling with the question of whether to be observant or not, we recommend attending the Sinai Retreats Seminar (www.sinairetreats.com) in America.
How old do you have to be?
Eighteen or older.
What's the oldest you can be?

There really is no age limit.  The range of ages of past STEP participants is between 19 and 35, with the average age being approximately 24.  However, despite the wide range of ages, there has always been a strong sense of camaraderie among the participants.

Do I have to know how to read Hebrew?
No, you don't have to have any background in Hebrew whatsoever.  We have a staff of trained tutors to help you read Hebrew and Aramaic and learn the basics of their grammars.  Whatever proficiency you can pickup, however, before attending the program will of course enhance your experience here.
I've already spent some time studying in yeshiva.  Can I attend this program?
It depends.  If you spent a few months studying texts seriously (Talmud, mishna, etc.) then our program is probably not right for you.  If, however, you attended an introductory program that emphasized learning the basics of Jewish thought and practice then our program is probably the logical next step.
How much does the program cost?

Tuition, room and board for each four week summer session is $800; for the three week winter session the fee is $600.  Neither fee includes airfare.

Are there scholarships or other financial aid?

A limited amount of scholarship money is available but we encourage you to first seek sources of financial aid with Jewish organizations or individuals that may be able to help. 

 

Can you help me with airfare?

In the past, participants have been able to get travel stipends of $500 from the Jeff Seidel organization (www.jeffseidel.com).  One would apply for this travel stipend after he has been accepted into the program and BEFORE he comes to Israel.


Are there former students from the program that I can contact?

Yes. Send us an email and we'll send you a list of alumni references.

I'm married already.  Am I eligible?
Yes, however we won't be able to provide you with housing (but we can help you locate an apartment in the neighborhood to rent).
Will I have any time to do my own thing?

Each day you will have an afternoon siesta.  Evenings after classes are also free.  Friday has a short schedule of classes and Shabbos is generally free for visiting family and friends (Shabbos hospitality is provided for those that stay in the neighborhood).

Is it safe?
STEP is located in the neighborhood of Har Nof, which is on the western side of Jerusalem and is considered to be a safe place to live.  Also, all of our trips are to areas of the country that are considered to be safe and we do not use public transportation.  We understand the concerns of parents of students and are happy to discuss this issue with them.
I can't come for the whole program.  Is it possible to come for part of it?
If there is space at the yeshiva then it is possible. Coming at the beginning of the program would be preferable to the middle or the end.

STEP
30 S. Adelaide Ave. # 3K, Highland Park, NJ 08904