The focus at Mayanot is on
learning. In addition to traditional classroom
study, Mayanot offers a unique Jewish and
Israel experiential educational experience
that includes:
Living in Jerusalem
Living in Jerusalem is an amazing experience!
Both the Mayanot Women's and Men's programs
are located in the heart of Jerusalem and
are walking distance to the Old City and
to the bustling town center with its charming
sidewalk cafés and shops.
Community
The strong sense of community and feelings
of comradeship, both within Mayanot and
with the local Israeli population, is one
of the highlights that many students speak
of when reminiscing about their experience
at Mayanot. Mayanot's apartment-style dormitories
provide the prefect venue for creating long-lasting
friendships.
Hebrew-Ulpan
The curriculum at Mayanot puts a strong
emphasis on learning the Hebrew language.
Faculty and Staff
Mayanot's caring faculty and staff take
a personal interest in every student. Class
sizes are kept small and teachers are always
available to help students, whether in the
classroom, in the study hall, over lunch
or after hours.
Volunteering - Social
Action
Giving back to the community is a central
theme at Mayanot. Volunteering at local
soup kitchens, homeless shelters and charities
are just some of the ways that Mayanot students
help make this world a better place.
In addition, an
integral part of Mayanot's philosophy is
a responsibility to help and bring joy to
our fellow Jews. As such, Mayanot students
will cheerfully visit hospitals, nursing
homes, prisons and Israel Defense Forces
(IDF) army bases on holidays with gifts
and refreshments and bring a lively holiday
spirit to those who are ill, elderly, incarcerated
and defending the Land of Israel.
Touring
Walking in our forefathers footsteps and
visiting the many ancient sites throughout
Israel deepens our understanding and connection
to the Land of Israel. In addition, students
who are so inclined will enjoy the many
adventures that modern Israel has to offer
such as kayaking, hiking, jeeping, rappelling
and camping on their days off and during
breaks.
Shabbat
One of the most beautiful places to experience
Shabbat is in Jerusalem! Mayanot students
will normally participate in the Friday
night services at the Kotel (the Western
Wall) followed by a traditional and festive
meal together. Following Shabbat morning
services students will enjoy a Shabbat lunch
at the home of local Israeli families.
Guest Lecturers
Mayanot is fortunate to have many prominent
figures visit as guest lecturers. Past guests
have included Current Chief Rabbi Yonah
Metzger, Former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu,
Rabbi Adin (Even Yisroel) Steinsaltz, Natan
Sharansky, Ezer Weitzman, Dr. Lisa Aiken,
Yaakov Neeman, Professor Gerald Schroeder
and Emmanuel Quint.
Inner Spiritual Dimension
One of the main factors that sets Mayanot
apart from other institutions is the focus
on the inner spiritual dimensions of the
Torah. At Mayanot, studying Jewish Mysticism
and Chassdiut, which is essential for living
an inspired and passionate Judaism, brings
an enlightening perspective to the other
areas of study and creates a unique spirit
in the very culture at Mayanot.
Farbrengens
Farbrengens are informal joyous gatherings,
held weekly and on special occasions, with
students and faculty. The Farbrengens typically
include discussions, personal reflections
and singing that are interspersed with toasts,
over light refreshments. Visiting dignitaries
will often enhance Farbrengens with their
participation.
Prayer-Meditation
Taking time each day to pray and meditate
is an important component for personal and
spiritual growth. Services at Mayanot are
optional and user and language friendly.
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