Program Overview
Drawing inspiration from the surroundings of the world's most special city, Jerusalem, participants on the WUJS Jerusalem Arts program are able to combine studies in Judaism, Zionism and Hebrew language with their own personal art medium such as visual art, music, photography, writing and performing. Fully integrated into the WUJS Jerusalem Learning program, participants will take classes within a pluralistic, open-minded environment. Our holistic educational approach incorporates time in the classroom, weekly field trips, overnight hikes, meetings with Israeli peers and artists, volunteer options and a variety of fun and enriching activities. Artists will also have the option of spending time in our own artists' studio, the Center Stage Theater at Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah or simply around the dynamic environment that the city of Jerusalem provides in all seasons. Participants live and study in a warm yet dynamic environment and are supported by professional and experienced staff.
Exhibitions and Arts Catalogue
Artists will have various opportunities to present their work including two exhibitions during of the program. The culmination of the program is the final exhibit in either Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv, the cultural center of the country, which will run for about two weeks.
Requirements
Participants on the WUJS Arts program are required to take the Hebrew Ulpan and Zionism Courses as well as at least one of the three elective courses. During the rest of the week, artists are free to create and develop their own art either in the studio or around the city. Once a week participants will have opportunity to consult with a mentor. There will also be a number of siyurim (field trips) dedicated to the WUJS Arts program.
Program Courses
Hebrew Ulpan
Hebrew classes at WUJS take place five mornings a week. The goal of Ulpan is to help students attain functional levels of Hebrew in order to interact in Israeli society. Whether a beginner or at a more advanced level, students are immersed in the language and have the opportunity to use their daily lessons outside of the classroom. The WUJS Hebrew Ulpan is run in conjunction with the Young Judaea Year Course allowing approximately eight levels of Hebrew classes to be offered each semester. Each student will take a written Hebrew test and have a verbal interview with a Hebrew Ulpan teacher during the opening days of the program. The results will decide each student's placement for Hebrew classes.
Zionism
Elective Courses
Jewish Thought and Culture
Contemporary Israeli Society
Typical Week for WUJS Arts
| |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
8:30-10:30 |
Hebrew Ulpan |
Zionism |
|
Studio Time |
Hebrew Ulpan |
Free Weekend - Camping in the Arava Desert
|
10:40-12:40 |
Studio Time |
Hebrew Ulpan |
Contemporary Israeli Society Elective
Siyur (Field Trip)
|
Hebrew Ulpan |
Contemporary Israeli Society Elective |
12:45-13:30 |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch and Learn |
Lunch |
14:00-16:00 |
Volunteering in the Community |
Studio Time |
Zionism Siyur (Field trip)
|
Studio Time
|
16:00 - 18:00 |
| Evening |
Tour of Jerusalem's Art Galleries |
Optional - Parshat Hashavua: Nitzavim "Building a Jewish Community" |
Optional - Israeli Cinema Club |
Chill out in the apartment |
Glass of wine on Emek Refaim |
Beyond the Classroom
Jewish Experience
One of the greatest advantages of spending six months in Jerusalem is the opportunity to experience Judaism. Explore the options, feel the fervor, learn and encounter Judaism as you never have before. WUJS, as part Young Judaea/FZY Israel programs, is a Jewish pluralist program; whether you are Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist or non-affiliated, you will be given your space to express your Judaism in your way.
Israel Experience
Beyond the classroom and the siyur (field trip), participants on the WUJS Arts program will have the option of participating in a variety in informal educational and cultural activities that primarily take place in the evenings. These may include meeting local Israeli artists, visiting a new exhibit, Israeli film night, going to an international soccer match, visiting a new bar in the German Colony, going to a political rally, meeting an environmental lobby, going to a concert or play and much more. In addition, during free time, participants can enjoy all the wonderful cultural and social opportunities that Jerusalem has to offer.
Volunteering
One afternoon a week, participants on the WUJS Arts program, have the opportunity to do tzedaka (charity) by spending time volunteering in the local community. Give your time to victims of terror, mentally handicapped adults, Holocaust survivors, orphaned children and many more. You can make a real difference to peoples' lives.
Adopted Families
The WUJS Israel program arranges for students to be "adopted" by a family in Jerusalem. This provides a home away from home and an opportunity to get to know an Israeli family. These families are often immigrants themselves from around the world. It can be a way of practicing Hebrew and discovering Jerusalem from a different angle. While this is not a compulsory part of the program, experience has proven that life-long relationships can be formed between students and local families.
Weekends
The weekends are often one of the highlights of the program as participants have the time to get out and about exploring the country from north to south. All WUJS participants have the luxury of using our tiyul (hiking) consultant who will help you to plan your treks around Israel and even provide you with maps, tents and gas burners.
Shabbatot
There are three group Shabbatot weekends over the course of the program. These include Shabbatot within Jerusalem as well as retreats outside of the city. Each Shabbat can be meaningful in its own way either due to a new and interesting encounter or simply because of the unique atmosphere that each Shabbat brings. Just be ready to be spiritually uplifted in some way.
Accommodation
All participants on the Jerusalem Learning program receive accommodation in apartments within the city of Jerusalem. The apartments are situated in the Old Katamon neighborhood conveniently situated close to the trendy Emek Refaim and a short ride away from downtown Jerusalem. The area provides easy access to all of Jerusalem's highlights including restaurants, cafes, bars, museums, theaters and more. Each apartment is equipped with beds, closets, sofas, table and chairs. In addition the kitchen is supplied with a toaster oven, electric stove, refrigerator, freezer and all necessary cooking utensils.
Getting Around the City
As anyone who lives in Jerusalem will tell you the most enjoyable way to get around the city is on foot. However, just in case, participants will also be provided with monthly bus passes that allow you to get around the city freely using the vast public transportation system.
Apply now to secure your place on WUJS Israel
