Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin :
Holistic Torah Education for Women on the Land of Israel
PO Box 84
The Village of Bat Ayin, Gush Etzion 90913
Tel: 972-2-993-4945
Fax: 972-2-993-1215
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www.berotbatayin.org

Hashkafa:

Chardal (Chareidi Leumi) Strict Halacha observance with Open minded attitude

Description:

Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin located in the Judean Hills of Israel offers a unique program to women of all ages and backgrounds to learn in a holistic Torah study environment that nurtures the mind, body and soul. Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin weaves intensive textual study of Tanach, Halacha and Chassidut together with creative spiritual expression, and connection with the land of Israel through organic gardening, herbology, Jewish sources of healing and sustainable living. Classes in Jewish mysticism, Chassidism and Jewish meditation are directed at the spiritual thirst so prominent in our times. 

Head of Program:

Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum

Number of students:

Maximum 20

Age range of students:

18-81

Programs available:

Year Program, Summer Programs, Short Term/Special Programs, Programs for All Ages, Programs for Beginning Learners, Programs for Advanced Learners, Distance Learning, We also offer a volunteer program wherein women can take part time (15 classes per week) and volunteer in the gardens etc. for 15 hours/week in exchange for a free learning program

Programs learning style:

At Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin, we encourage students to express themselves through textual analysis with study-partners, independent study and group discussion, as well as through creative workshops and projects. The small classes facilitate personal attention and closeness between student and teacher, and provide an intimate forum for posing one’s unanswered questions or discussing any issues one may be pondering. Through classes, chevruta and one-on-one mentoring, our students strengthen their Jewish identity and build a positive self-image and character. The different Torah approaches presented by the range of our teachers broaden their perspective. Our independent study project enables students to explore an unfamiliar topic or delve deeper into a familiar one. After a period of research with personal guidance from our faculty, students present their work to the group. The presentation can be expressed through music, movement, poetry, art, collage, or any other medium that they feel comfortable using.

Bus routes nearby:

Bus # 164 travels to and from Jerusalem nine times daily during the weekdays and five times daily on Friday and motzei Shabbat.

Living accommodations:

Student dormitories consist of caravans with two students sharing a ½ caravan and bathroom. Each student has their own room unless student enrollment increases, at which time there could be two students in a room. The beit midrash which contains the library, is available for student use 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  Wireless internet access is available for those with their own laptop. There is also one desk top computer available for students use. An American sized washing machine is available for student use (10 NIS per load).

Meal plan:

Our students have access to our fully-equipped communal kitchen and get to learn and practice how to cook nutritious wholesome meals for one another. Students are provided a hot midday meal five days per week, in addition to Shabbat and holiday meals. They are responsible to provide and prepare their own breakfast and evening meal. Students are welcome to harvest from the B’erot garden to use the produce in their meals.

Through communal cooking, our students learn cooking skills, nutrition as well as kashrut.

Food available nearby:

Makolet

Dress code:

yes

Curfew:

no

Community Chesed Component:

yes

Shana Bet program:

yes

What student is right for this program:

Women who are looking for a fresh perspective and spiritual growth have the opportunity to experience a well-rounded and open-minded Torah education. Our program offers unique learning methods for women who are ba’alei teshuva, frum from birth, as well as women who desire to become Jewish through our conversion program.  Women who are looking to engage their mind, body and soul flourish in our program. Independent, self-motivated, creative and spiritually seeking women find themselves graduating our program with a solid foundation as women in the Torah world.

Extra-Curricular activities:

Shabbatonim, Tiyulim, Music Chug, Art Chug, Outdoor Activities, Students are able to develop skills in growing vegetables, fruits and herbs and learn about the healthy lifestyle and herbal healing practices.

What makes this program unique:

Our well-rounded program with learning for body, mind and soul, our student body and our location are all quite unique. Our holistic Torah program which combines strong textual learning, interwoven with classes such as gardening, art, meditative movement and herbal workshop, allows the entire person to grow closer to Torah, internalizing the Torah teachings to their entire being. Our student body consists of women of all ages, from all over the world, with a variety of religious backgrounds. The peaceful, rural setting of the Village of Bat Ayin, nestled in the Judean Hills, with panoramic vistas and rugged mountain ridges, is an ideal atmosphere for exploring your spiritual roots and building a relationship with Hashem.

Can students earn college credit:

no

Other scholarships available:

yes

MASA-approved:

yes