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Today's Yahrzeits, 14th Tishrei

Martin Cornrich, 14th Tishrei 5728
Dora Cohen, 14th Tishrei 5755
Varda Mahpoud-David Shapiro, 14th Tishrei 
Sarah Harband, 14th Tishrei 

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COVID-19 FAQs

Some Important Facts About CY’s Reopening in the Context of COVID-19

Yes – you heard right! We are industriously planning to reopen our doors in Jerusalem’s City Center in the fall of 2021.

After nearly a year of focusing our attention on growing our online programming, we are so excited to meet face-to-face once again! The academic year is scheduled to begin in person this October following the fall holiday season. If, for any reason, we are unable to hold in-person study, we will begin the year using an online learning platform and commence with in-person study as soon as possible in accordance with current health regulations. 

Traveling to/from Israel

After nearly a year of focusing our attention on growing our online programming, we are so excited to meet face-to-face once again! The academic year is scheduled to begin in person this October following the fall holiday season. If, for any reason, we are unable to hold in-person study, we will begin the year using an online learning platform and commence with in-person study as soon as possible in accordance with current health regulations.  

What if Israel won’t allow foreign students to enter the country?

During 2020 the government gave special consideration to students coming to study with long-term visas. MASA is lobbying on behalf of all long-term programs including CY’s. In the event that long-term entry is prohibited, we will transition our Year Program online until the policy changes.

Please also note: In order to be able to begin learning in person, the dates of your travel to Israel should take into account the high likelihood that you will be required to spend the first two weeks of your time in the country in quarantine. Specific needs for hybrid learning will be outlined closer to our start date.

If my financial situation is negatively impacted, will CY offer financial support?

CY is unable to guarantee financial support beyond scholarships or financial aid received upon acceptance to our programs. In the event you require additional financial support in order to participate in our programs, please contact us here and we will reach out to you promptly.

The Benefits of Studying at the CY Amidst a Pandemic

Indeed the pandemic has had unprecedented effects on the job market. We believe that immersing yourself in Jewish study at our Beit Midrash along with the meaningful interactions with our faculty will help you grow individually as well as develop a variety of learning and synagogue skills that can translate to a variety of fields both in the Jewish professional circle and beyond.

How Does Health Insurance Work?

The situation is still changing. We will update as we know more. What we can say for sure is that ALL STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE IN ISRAEL. For your own safety and healthcare, we may require you to purchase insurance through the CY’s arrangement with one of the four Israeli HMO’s.  This would help ensure your full access to the Israeli medical system including COVID-19 tests and vaccines as needed.  

It is important to note: Medical insurance in Israel is far more affordable for the quality of care received than most plans in the USA, and do not require citizenship or employment in order to be eligible.

Last Minute Cancellations

Covid-19 has turned the world upside down and we understand that your personal situation may change, even at the last minute. Due to this we have updated our cancellation policy so that the deposit and all tuition payments are fully refundable up to two weeks before the Fall semester begins. If need be, your application and acceptance can be delayed to 2022.

Will I have to go into quarantine for two weeks when I arrive in Israel?

It’s certainly possible, but this really depends on the guidelines of the Israeli government at that stage.  Regulations continue to change. Possibilities include:

  1. Needing to quarantine at an official quarantine hotel upon arrival, at your own additional expense.
  2. Taking COVID-19 tests immediately prior to travel and upon arrival.
  3. Finding an apartment prior to arrival in Israel where arrangements can be made to quarantine yourself for up to two weeks.
  4. Arranging short-term lodging with Airbnb, the ANA Agron House on CY’s campus, or any other short-term arrangement for up-to two weeks of quarantine.

The CY will do its utmost to look out for all arriving students in the event that isolation is required.  This may include helping to arrange food and other needs and arrange opportunities for online bonding and engagement.

Regardless of your choice, we will do our best to assist you in this transition.

Tips for a successful quarantine:
  1. Reaching out to other CY participants to arrange quarantining together. We will open up a whatsapp group for you all so you can make plans together.
  2. Securing an apartment with a balcony or outdoor space, as this makes quarantine easier.
  3. Stocking up on books, games, light exercise equipment, etc. to keep yourself entertained.
What happens if I have an emergency and need to fly home quickly?

We hope there won’t be a need.  But under the volatile circumstances of the pandemic, we cannot guarantee that national governments will not close down airports. We ask that you factor this reality into your plans.