If you have a question about Sha'alvim's Overseas Students Program,
or would just like to find out more about the program, here are some of the
answers to our most frequently asked questions
What is the affiliation/hashkafa
of the Yeshiva?
Sha’alvim aims to provide its students with a high level of learning, instilling
in them a love for, and commitment to, Torah, Klal Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael.
The ideal Sha’alvim student is a lamdan, yarei shamayim, and
ba’al middot. As a Hesder Yeshiva, we present a positive attitude toward
Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael with stimulating Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim tefilot, chagigot,
and tiyulim. Students are encouraged to continue their Torah and university
studies in a setting conducive to mitzvot, yirat shamayaim,
and ahavat Yisrael. Students regularly participate in chesed programs
during the breaks.
What kind of relationship do the
students have with the Rabbeim?
The students and the Rabbeim share a warm relationship. Many of the Rabbeim
live on campus, and their homes are open to their talmidim at all hours. The
students see their Rebbe as a spiritual guide as well as teacher, and often
confide in and consult with their Rebbe about life's questions and problems.
Many students continue this relationship for long years after they depart Sha'alvim,
and not infrequently has a first year Rebbe also had the pleasure and honor
of also being a Mesader Kidushin years later.
 What are the shiurim like?
The Iyun Gemara shiurim are taught at an advanced level, in Hebrew, and
require a prior background in learning, such as that given in a Yeshiva
High School . The first year shiurim are given by Rav Dovid Lebor and Rav
Eliyahu Reich. The second year shiruim are given by the Rosh HaYeshiva Rav
Yechezkel Yakovson and by Rav Yosef Nusbacher. Each Magid Shiur has his own
style, but in general, emphasis is placed on acquiring a derech in limud,
and mastering the skills needed to learn in depth and independently.
The other shiurim/chugim are given in both Hebrew and English by various
faculty members and kollel members, as well as expert guest lecturers who come
specially to Sha'alvim to teach courses for the overseas students.
What's the food like?
Three meals a day are served in the cafeteria. Breakfast and Dinner are Milchig,
and Lunch is Fleishig. The food is primarily an Israeli cuisine, and differs
from a traditional American meal. Most of the students adjust to the different
food quickly and enjoy it. Those students who have trouble getting used to
the food can purchase whatever they like at the Makolet (located on campus),
and prepare whatever they like to the best of their ability. The Makolet is
open every day from 8:00AM to about 8:30PM
How are the dorm rooms?
Each room houses three or four students. They are not overly large or overly
small. The rooms are each equipped with a private bathroom with a shower. There
is one writing table in each room which is shared by all of the roommates.
It is the responsibility of the students to keep their own rooms neat and clean.
Who does the laundry?
Laundry is done for the students in the modern laundry facility found underneath
the cafeteria. Students drop off their dirty laundry once a week, and pick
it up cleaned and pressed a few days later. If something needs to be dry cleaned,
the student must care for it himself. There are numerous dry cleaners available
in Yerushalayim.
How far is it to Yerushalayim?
Not close enough to distract students from learning, but easily accessible
when the need arises. The drive to Yerushalayim from Sha'alvim takes 30 minutes.
Depending on the time of day, one can either get a ride in with one of the
many people leaving Greater Sha'alvim, or can take a bus. When a number of
students are traveling together, they often hire a cab, which, per person,
is not much more expensive than the bus.
 What's the relationship between
the Israelis
and the Americans?
The Israelis and the Americans learn together in the same Beit Midrash, go
to many of the same Sichot, and share the same cafeteria and dorms. The Iyun
Shirim and the Chugim are separate. Most of the overseas students cite their
desire to be part of an Israeli Yeshiva as one of the reasons they came to
Sha'alvim, and many develop close relationships with the Israeli students,
and often have Israeli Chavrutot.
What do the guys do when they're not
learning?
There are many activities organized by Sha'alvim for the overseas students
outside of the regular studies (see next question). Additionally, students
spend their time playing sports and exercising, talking to friends and writing
home. Most have email, which seems to take up a lot of their free time each
morning.
Are there any organized activities
besides learning?
Yes. There are many Tiyulim and Shabbatonim scheduled throughout the year.
These trips are planned both for their educational value, and with the intent
that students enjoy themselves and come to learn about and appreciate Eretz
Yisrael. Many students also participate in annual Yeshiva missions to Poland
.
Do the students have email?
Email accounts are provided free of charge.
How do I know if Sha'alvim is right
for me?
Read this FAQ, browse the rest of the site, and then most importantly, talk
to some of our former students who know you, and who can help you decide if
Sha'alvim offers a program that suits your needs, and if you're ready for what
Sha'alvim offers. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact
our U.S. representative, Aryeh Leibowitz at Ajleibow@yu.edu.
How do I apply to Sha'alvim?
If you are attending a Yeshiva High School , talk to your principle or Rebbe.
They know what to do. Otherwise, you can contact us directly at Shaalvim@Shaalvim.co.il or
at the U.S. office Office@USshaalvim.org and
let us know you are interested in finding out about the application process.
|
