: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 4 hours of classroom study and 4 hours of work on Kibbutz each day. In addition, the program offers extra-curricular activities, touring, and social programs.
1) Study Program: The program is offered in three languages at three different locations: Kvutzat Yavneh offers the program in English and simple Hebrew. Kibbutz Sdeh Eliyahu offers the program in Hebrew, and Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv 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 4 hours per day. 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 7 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 Chief 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.
