Conversion Ulpan on a Religious Kibbutz
(Jewish Studies Ulpan in preparation for Conversion)

Goals:

Prepare students for in-court review at the Rabbinical Court for Conversions in Israel.

 

Certification:

The Conversion Ulpan is certified by the Conversion Directorate of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

 

Program:

The Ulpan schedule includes 24 hours of classroom study and 24 hours of work on Kibbutz each week (three days of study and three days of work).  In addition, the program offers extra-curricular activities, touring, and social programs.

 

1)     Study Program: Kvutzat Yavneh (also referred to as Kibbutz Yavneh) offers the program in English and simple Hebrew. Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv offers the program in French. The curriculum includes: Jewish Law, Prayer, the Jewish Lifecycle, Shabbat and Holidays. Additional courses include Torah, Jewish Philosophy, and History.

2)     Work: Ulpan participants are required to work 24 hours = three days a week. Places of employment are determined as needed by the Kibbutz. 

3)     Social Activities: The late afternoon hours are set aside for social activities such as touring, enrichment classes, social programs, etc.

4)     Host Families: Each student is assigned a host family during the conversion period where he/ she will spend Shabbat and holidays on Kibbutz as part of the family.

 

Duration of the Program:

The Ulpan is a five month program. Exact dates are determined by each kibbutz in coordination with the Ulpan administrators.

 

Admission Criteria:

1. Ages 18+

2. Good health suitable for work conditions on kibbutz (Approved by physician).

3. Eligible for New Immigrant Status, with an Israeli I.D. number.

4. Applicants who are not eligible for New Immigrant Status must complete the following:

-         The applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from the Rabbi of his/ her country of origin, after at least two years of personal acquaintance.

-         The letter of recommendation must include information about the applicant's active participation in the local Jewish community.

-         The applicant must forward a resume to the Ulpan offices, including his/ her reasons for applying to the Conversion Ulpan.

-         The applicant must be interviewed by the Ulpan administration.

-         The applicant will be referred to a special committee within the Ministry of Interior to receive authorization to participate in the Conversion Ulpan in Israel. This authorization is not granted automatically to every applicant.

 

Payment: (Prices as of February 2008)

 

Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv:

Conversion preparation course: Price for tourists: 1,000 Euros

Price for new immigrants: 500 Euros

Deposit: 300 NIS

Library Services: 100 NIS

 

Kvutzat Yavneh:

Conversion preparation course:$1500 - to be paid to the Kibbutz at the beginning of the Ulpan.

The conversion preparation course requires an understanding of written and spoken Hebrew.
Hebrew preparation course for conversion ulpan: $2500 paid to the kibbutz at the beginning of the Ulpan.

 

 

Prices include:

Classes

Medical Insurance

Touring and cultural activities

 

Amenities:
  1. Living accommodations on Kibbutz: Dormitory style, 2 - 3 per room.
  2. Full room (housing and meals) and board (electricity, water, laundry services) supplied by the Kibbutz.
  3. Students have access to a social hall, television, and computers with internet access.

 

Ulpan Locations:

Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv (near Beit Shean)

Kibbutz Yavneh (near Ashdod)