LISHMA AND OMEK
LONG-TERM STUDY IN JERUSALEM
Semester and Year Programs
at the Conservative Yeshiva
We invite you to bring your authentic self to serious text study, and to be a vital part of a community of learners and seekers committed to understanding and appreciating how our ancient traditions work in the world today.
The Lishma study program provides an immersive experience in the world of Torah study and day-to-day Jewish life. Courses at the CY focus on traditional texts such as Talmud, Tanakh, and Midrash as well as Jewish Philosophy and Prayer, while maintaining a dialogue with modern scholarship and a focus on contemporary applicability. For those considering the rabbinate or other Jewish professional positions, our newly-introduced Omek track is specially-designed to prepare you for that journey.
Across classes, learning is conducted in the traditional Jewish method of chevruta (paired student learning) coupled with engaging shiur (classroom time) with the teacher.
The Beit Midrash (house of study or seeking) is the focal point of the CY. Nestled in the warm archways and Jerusalem stone are a wide array of primary and secondary sources and plenty of space for students to study together. The buzz of the Beit Midrash is an inspiring sound that exemplifies and celebrates the sweetness and dynamic nature of traditional Torah study. Class sessions are rich with lively discussion. You will join the voices and opinions of students from around the world, spilling out into the heart of Jerusalem, where you can live your learning.
Accepted students enjoy a discounted rate to our Summer Experience Program, where they can study in our Ulpan Intensive before the Fall Semester begins. Learn More
The Hebrew term Lishma literally translates as “for its own sake.” At the CY, we feel strongly that our canon of ancient and traditional texts offers wisdom and insight on issues we face daily as members of the Jewish community and as citizens of the world. Learning Lishma allows students to put aside preconceived notions and connect authentically with the text and how it relates to their own lives.
We pride ourselves on being an open and inclusive community welcoming all denominations, standards of practice, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities. While the ritual life of the CY community follows traditional Jewish legal opinion, the CY is committed to being egalitarian and a safe space where pluralism of ideas and people flourishes. Prior knowledge of Hebrew and Jewish text are not a requirement.
Staff are ready to help students customize their studies to suit their individual needs and interests, so students may make the most out of their learning experience.
The newly-introduced Omek track allows those on the path of rabbinic training or other leadership positions (pedagogy, liturgy, etc) to engage in a specialized trajectory that addresses specific areas of personal focus, and equips them with greater readiness for the next step in their professional Jewish journey.
Through ongoing mentorship and guidance, Omek students will deepen their Jewish literacy, refine their practices and clarify their personal and professional goals. Students will be encouraged to self-reflect and take an active role in their education, a process that will inform their future successes and increase their overall excellence in Jewish study, community building, and worship innovation.
Students who see Israeli Beit Midrash-style learning as integral to their path to rabbinics and wish or plan to study at institutions and seminaries across the Conservative/Masorti movement are encouraged to inquire about the Omek program. Click here to see the broad range of institutions from which CY Rabbinical students have hailed.
Click here to schedule a conversation with Rabbi Joel Levy about Omek: Pathways to the Rabbinate.
Overview
- Classes meet 4 days a week, Sunday through Wednesday, with Thursdays being devoted to day trips throughout Israel as part of our Israel Education Program.
- After Shacharit services, the mornings are for Talmud, followed by afternoon and evening classes covering topics from Bible to Halakhah to Hassidut, and more.
- While the day formally ends with Ma’ariv (the 3rd communal prayer) many choose to participate in evening learning, in either organized group sessions (chavurot) or independent study pairs (chevrutot) on topics of personal interest.
- Throughout the year the Yeshiva hosts special events and days of learning focused on Jewish and Israeli holidays.
- Twice a year the the CY has a Shabbaton, which consists of a trip to an area of interest around Israel and a community Shabbat. Students and Faculty work together to create a space of meaningful prayer, learning, and connection beyond the walls of the Beit Midrash.
Hebrew Language
English is the basic language of instruction in most CY 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; therefore, Lishma students ideally come to the CY with at least level “Alef +” Hebrew skills (according to the Israeli Ulpan rating system). For students below this level, we recommend Hebrew study prior to the start of the school year, and discussion with our recruiter. 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. Learn More
Israel Education
Throughout the year our students go on several day trips per month, aimed at exposing them to the rich and complex layers of Israeli culture, from ancient history to modern life. Our modules include:
- Jerusalem: Then & Now
- Modern Israel: 1948 to Today
- People of the Book
- Winter Holidays in Israel
- The Conflict
- Memorials
- Shabbatonim
Tuition
Tuition is charged on a per-semester basis and includes all student-related activities, such as the Thursday day trips and the Shabbaton.
- Full time = 22-26 weekly class hours, $5,000 per semester.
- Lishma Students may choose to attend one semester or two within one application process, and are invited to later apply to extend their studies. Scholarships and stipends are awarded to Lishma students via the Scholarship Committee up to one year at a time.
- Part-time rates available upon request.
Rabbinical students should contact their institutions for pricing.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Learn about the Schindler Scholarship Fund here.
The scholarship application is included within the general Lishma / Omek application. For a list of potential outside sources of tuition support, please click here. You can also contact israel@fuchsbergcenter.org for help identifying other sources of support.
Masa Scholarships and Funding
The CY is a recognized Masa program, meaning that Lishma students who are eligible for Masa can apply for additional funding and support, both in the form of a Masa grant and need-based aid.
Masa students have the option of another pathway to an A2 visa, to be discussed with the CY after acceptance to both Lishma and Masa.
What is the application process?
The CY accepts applicants on a rolling basis throughout the year, convening the Finance and Scholarship Committee periodically to review applicants and requests for scholarships and stipends. In order to ensure applications are processed in a timely manner, prospective students are encouraged to complete their application form and send in the necessary documents without delay.
Who are our students?
CY students come from a variety of backgrounds, far beyond the Masorti/Conservative world. Students may identify as currently or formerly Reform, unaffiliated, Orthodox, or be recent or prospective converts. We welcome students from anywhere in the world or the religious spectrum.
The traditional rules of Kashrut are to be observed throughout the Beit Midrash and all FJC facilities. Our campus kitchen is dairy-only, so all meat-items must be consumed on private dishes or disposables. On Shabbaton (weekend trips with the whole program) the traditional laws of Shabbat are to be observed in all common areas.
A student need not have in-depth knowledge of all these rules prior to attending the CY, but must be committed to respecting and maintaining these standards. Our staff, Faculty, and high-level students are available to answer questions and offer guidance.
Every year we welcome a group of 20-30 students who range in age from post-high school to retirees, with strong representation from the post-college demographic. Though the exact average age may vary year to year, our students share a commitment to encountering the world outside their niche and learning together, in a way that benefits directly from each individual’s contributions.
How do I get settled in Israel?
After acceptance to the program, the CY provides all the institution documents needed for students to procure an A2 Student Visa for their time in Israel, as well as personalized support in booking appointments and navigating the bureaucracy of the Israeli Foreign Minsitry. However, the responsibility remains on the student to provide all the other documents needed and to keep on top of the process and all appointments. The CY cannot guarantee an A2 Visa for all students.
Masa students have the option of another pathway to an A2 visa, to be discussed with the CY after acceptance to both Lishma and Masa.
CY Students arrange their own housing in Jerusalem, often with roommates. We recommend the neighborhoods of Rehavia, Nachlaot, Baka, and City Center, since they are within walking distance of or on convenient bus routes to the CY, and are home to thriving communities of religious life on Shabbat.
Before you fly to Israel, please make sure you’ve arranged for health insurance for the duration of your trip. If you’re interested in an Israeli provider, we can recommend Harel via Egert et Cohen Insurance. Students are welcome to make whatever arrangements suit them personally, but we ask all students to take care of this before you arrive in Israel.
What does the CY do about safety & security?
Our campus is protected by a gate and 24/7 security guard and has a shelter accessible according to Israel's Home Front Command safety guidelines.
When traveling with Masa students the CY ensures that all programming and conditions match Masa’s safety standards, and our Program Director is in direct touch with top security officials across all channels.
Rabbinic Institutions Where CY Students Have Studied
