HevrutaAmerica Online Gap-Year Program

Full-time Jewish study and volunteer program for college students whose plans have been interrupted by the pandemic.

August 7, 2020

We are not currently running this program. If you have questions or would like information about other Hartman student programs, please contact Rob France, Director of Campus Initiatives.

As a result of COVID-19, college students are facing a significant disruption to their education for the foreseeable future. The prospect of a remote college experience this fall, and likely beyond, is leading many students to seek alternative experiences for the coming year.

Drawing on our educational background and experience in running our innovative Hevruta Gap-Year program in Israel, we created a new, immersive gap-year study and volunteer program for college students, HevrutaAmerica.

About the Program

Modeled after the Hevruta Gap-Year program, HevrutaAmerica will provide an intensive online cohort experience for approximately 25 participants during the 2020-2021 school year. The program will revolve around the theme of ‘the Jewish future,’ and each semester will have a broad sub-theme enabling a multidisciplinary, ideas-based curriculum around the major questions facing the Jewish people today: Israel, American Jewish identity, Jewish community and its values, and courageous leadership.

Students who complete the program will receive a Certificate in Jewish Thought Leadership from the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Core Program Components

2 weekly full-group classes with built-in hevruta discussion time
1 smaller-group elective each week
1-2 weekly erev demuyot – conversations with leading figures in American Jewish life, such as Jewish organizational leaders, politicians, and journalists
Significant volunteer commitment, either in-person or virtual, with our assistance in coordinating, to create a holistic learning opportunity
A capstone project such as an educational product, a written piece, a performance or other creative expression
Social and community-building activities

Participation in HevrutaAmerica will be a primary commitment for students. As such, the structured program components will be approximately 3 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Additionally, participants will engage in substantial work outside of class time – writing papers, reading course materials, and working on group projects. This structure will also make possible a substantial volunteer commitment, an essential component of the program.

Eligibility

Open to 2020 high school graduates, current college or university students, and 2020 college graduates.

Applications are no longer being accepted for this program.

Fees

$5,000 per student per semester.
Need-based tuition assistance is available.

Questions or need more information? Email Rob France, Director of Campus Initiatives.

/ Campus and Student Programs