Apprenticeship Program at the Jewish Student Information Center.
Introduction: The Jewish Student Information Center (JSIC) is an esteemed organization dedicated to fostering Jewish education and cultural enrichment among university students in Israel. With locations at various universities across the country, JSIC offers a unique apprenticeship program that provides students with opportunities to learn, develop, and grow within a nurturing Jewish environment. This program aims to connect students with Jewish heritage, tradition, and community through education, volunteering, and networking.
Program Overview: The JSIC Apprenticeship Program is a comprehensive initiative designed for university students who are passionate about Jewish learning and culture. This immersive experience offers a combination of academic coursework, hands-on training, and mentorship under the guidance of experienced professionals and scholars. Participants gain valuable skills and insights in areas such as Jewish history, literature, philosophy, and community engagement.
Apprenticeship Structure: The program spans one academic year, with the option to extend for a second year depending on the participant’s progress and interests. The apprenticeship is divided into three primary components:
Academic Coursework: Apprentices attend weekly classes on a range of topics, including Jewish history, literature, ethics, and philosophy. These classes are led by renowned scholars and educators, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Jewish thought and tradition.
Practical Training: Apprentices are paired with experienced professionals who serve as mentors and provide hands-on training in various aspects of Jewish communal work, such as event planning, educational programming, and community outreach. This practical experience equips participants with valuable skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their local Jewish communities and beyond.
Community Engagement: As part of the program, apprentices are expected to volunteer in their local JSIC or other Jewish organizations, contributing to the enrichment of Jewish life on campus and in the broader community. Volunteering opportunities include organizing events, leading educational workshops, and serving as mentors for younger students.
Eligibility and Application Process: The JSIC Apprenticeship Program is open to all Jewish students enrolled at Israeli universities, regardless of their level of religious observance or prior Jewish education. Interested candidates must complete an application form, which includes a personal statement, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and successful applicants will be invited for an interview with the program director.
Benefits and Outcomes: By participating in the JSIC Apprenticeship Program, students gain a solid foundation in Jewish learning and practical experience in communal work. The program also offers invaluable networking opportunities, connecting apprentices with a supportive community of like-minded individuals and professionals. Upon completion, graduates are well-equipped to assume leadership roles within their local Jewish communities, promote Jewish culture and values, and contribute positively to the broader society.
In conclusion, the Jewish Student Information Center’s Apprenticeship Program is an excellent opportunity for university students in Israel to enhance their understanding of Jewish heritage, develop practical skills, and establish connections that will last a lifetime. Through education, mentorship, and community engagement, the program strives to foster a vibrant and thriving Jewish community on campus and beyond.
Email us at Jseidel@Jeffseidel.com for more info:
George Deek is an Arab-Israeli diplomat. In 2018, Deek was appointed Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan. He is the first Israeli Arab Christian to become an ambassador. Deek grew up in an Eastern Orthodox Christian family in the Ajami neighborhood of Jaffa, in a building where the other tenants included Muslims, Catholics, Jews and a Catholic priest of Jewish ancestry.[2][3] His father, who worked as a tax advisor,[3] was one of the leaders of the Christian community in Jaffa who served as chairman of the Orthodox Association, and was considered a well-known and popular figure in the city until in 2015 a square was inaugurated in his memory in Jaffa in the presence of Mayor Ron Huldai.[4] According to Deek, his grandparents fled to Lebanon for safety when the 1947–1949 Palestine war, having been told that the Jews would slaughter them if they remained in their homes, but expecting to return home once Arab armies defeated the Jews.[3] According to Deek, when the war ended, his grandparents felt that they had been “deceived”, and decided to return illegally to their home in Jaffa rather than remaining in Lebanon as refugees. Since reentering the country was illegal, Deek’s grandfather, an electrician, was arrested and jailed.
