Visa Requirements

Long-term programs (semester/year): A standard tourist visa received upon landing at the airport is only valid for 30-90 days. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all participants not holding Israeli citizenship apply for an A2 Student Visa before coming to Israel. You will most likely need to visit your local Israeli consulate or embassy. After you are accepted to the program, our staff will be in touch to help you with this process.

Short-term programs (summer and winter break intensives, brief study periods): You do not need to obtain a visa prior to arrival for these programs. Should you plan on extending your stay in Israel beyond the program duration, please review the visa requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Medical Insurance

All participants are required to have health insurance that covers basic health risks during their stay. Coverage can be obtained either through a policy from home (if it covers you while in Israel) or through a policy purchased from an Israeli insurance company specifically for your time here.

Transportation and Arrival

Getting to Jerusalem from Ben Gurion Airport is straightforward. We recommend downloading the apps Moovit (for public transportation) and Gett (for ordering taxis). If you don’t have a Rav Kav (public transportation card), download the Moovit app to ride buses in Jerusalem.

Housing Arrangements

For semester and year participants: You are responsible for finding your own housing. Jerusalem has a large and diverse student population, providing a wide range of furnished and partially furnished rental apartments.

Neighborhoods within easy walking distance of our campus include: Old Katamon, Rechavia, Talbieh, the German Colony, Baka, and Nachlaot.

Housing Timeline Recommendation: Arrange for a short-term sublet or rental (2-3 weeks) for when you first arrive. This will give you time to explore the city and find an apartment with a longer lease that better suits your needs.

Hebrew Proficiency

English is the basic language of instruction in most classes, though some high-level courses may be taught in Hebrew. Knowledge of Hebrew is important in Torah study, as it is the language of most of the traditional texts. Lishma students ideally possess at least level “Alef +” Hebrew skills, according to the Israeli Ulpan rating system. If your Hebrew skills are below this level, we recommend studying Hebrew prior to the start of the school year. Note: Hebrew level does not factor into acceptance to the Lishma program.

Accepted students enjoy a discounted rate to our Summer Experience Program, where they can study in our Ulpan Intensive before the Fall Semester begins.

Our Location

The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center is centrally located at Agron 8, off the corner of Keren HaYesod and King George Street. From our campus, it’s:

• 10 minutes walking to the Center of Town (Zion Square)
• 15 minutes walking to Jaffa Gate (Old City entrance) or the top of Emek Refaim Street
• 20 minutes walking to Shuk Mahane Yehuda Market

Books and Learning Materials

Our Beit Midrash is well-stocked, so many participants purchase a minimum number of books while relying on the library for additional resources. Note that our library is not a lending library; all books must remain in the Beit Midrash.

Security

We understand that you and your family may have concerns about security while in Israel. The safety of our participants is our highest priority.

Our campus is closed, with one entrance through a locked gate controlled by an armed guard. We work closely with the Homefront Command (Pikud HaOref), which provides regular security updates. All trips follow the security guidelines of the Homefront Command and the Israel Nature Society (Moked Teva).

All participants receive a comprehensive security briefing during orientation. Please contact us with any additional questions.

Community and Social Life

Our program is characterized by a strong, supportive community atmosphere. Many participants celebrate Shabbat and holidays together and socialize in various ways throughout the week. Groups often leave the Beit Midrash together at day’s end to attend events around the city or share meals.

A broader network of individuals studying at institutions around Jerusalem typically forms each semester as social circles intermingle through Shabbat meals and informal gatherings.

We also host social events throughout the year, many initiated and organized by participants themselves.

Beit Midrash Guidelines

We encourage everyone to feel completely at home in the Beit Midrash while honoring its fundamental purpose: study. All community members are expected to refrain from phone use and to take social or personal conversations outside the study space.

Prayer (Tefillah)

Tefillah is an integral part of life here, supplementing learning with religious practice and expression. Our community prays together three times daily: Shacharit, Mincha, and Ma’ariv. Services are fully egalitarian and participatory, led by participants, faculty, and visitors.

People enter our program with varying backgrounds and experiences with prayer, including different skill levels. Those unfamiliar with regular davening and the siddur receive the support they need, and everyone has opportunities to expand their prayer skills. Throughout the semester and year, all who desire are given chances to lead services, knowing they have the unconditional support of their community.

Shabbat and Holiday Observance

Every Shabbat morning and on holidays, the Zucker Family Synagogue on our campus hosts services. Additionally, once monthly, we hold special Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by a communal potluck for participants, community members, and visitors.

Meals and Food

You are responsible for arranging your own meals. We provide a strictly kosher dairy kitchenette adequate for preparing or reheating light meals. Participants, whether more or less familiar with the laws of Kashrut, should feel free to ask the staff, faculty, and fellow students about properly using the space.

Evening Study (Night Seder)

We encourage staying late in the Beit Midrash to review daily material or pursue individual learning goals. Often, participant-organized initiatives lead to after-hours classes (shiurim and chaburot) taught by guests or community members themselves.