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Some Conferences, Study Opportunities and National Leadership Activities for Jewish Students and Graduates

Scholarships and travel subsidies available for most conferences, whether listed here or not.
Contact Ganzeh Galus Guide for more information.

Please note: Current announcements arrive at Hillel by email daily. Ask to be on the list. Hillel International lists many more on its website.

Many of the conferences and internship annoucements on this page are obsolete (do you want to volunteer to update it?). However, almost all the listed activities recur periodically or have ongoing projects; if you are interested in a past conference or activity, contact the organizers -- most likely there is a follow-up. Most information is taken directly from the organizers' publicity: Ganzeh Galus Guide makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, political stance or quality of the offerings.

1. Annual Hillel Conferences

For the most up to date information, go to Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life's site and click the "conferences" tab. This information is copied from that site.

Contact Ganzeh Galus Guide for names of students who've recently attended.

  • Brandeis Collegiate Institute (June 17 – July 13 / July 15 – August 10, 2003 on a 3000 acre ranch outside Los Angeles)

    The Brandeis Collegiate Institute (BCI) is a 26 day exploration of self and Judaism within a safe, pluralistic community. Each session brings together young Jews (ages 18-26) with the world's finest Jewish scholars and artists in a living laboratory where they experience the multi-faceted aspects of Jewish life and culture. As BCI participants engage in the arts, study, community and the outdoors, they strive to define who they are and what they envision as their adult Jewish life.

    BCI has a historic relationship with the Soref Initiative for Emerging Campuses and a commitment to partnership in meeting the needs of students from campuses with smaller Jewish populations and limited resources. Students from campuses served by the Soref Initiative, including Ganzeh Galus Guide members, attend BCI free of cost. For more information, contact Scott Aaron or 1-888-BCI-0060.

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2. 2003-05 Conferences and Short Term Opportunities (reverse chronological order)

  • The Union of Progressive Zionists, a new national student organization, will be holding its inaugural conference October 15-17, 2004 in Newark, NJ. Americans for Peace Now, a sponsor of the conference, has a limited number of full subsidies available. For more information, please contact me at nsapn@earthlink.net or at 202/728-1893. Sincerely, Noam Shelef Grassroots Coordinator Americans for Peace Now

  • Workshop for Israel
    Workshop for Israel is a series of seven full-day sessions starting October 2003 and lasting the academic year where students will explore topics such as: Zionists for Peace: an Oxymoron?; The Meaning of Zionism in the 21st Century; Contemporary Israeli Politics; and Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State. The workshop will also teach students how to find money, make coalitions and run effective programming on campus. The first meeting will be October 12. Cost for the program is $50 per semester, travel costs will be reimbursed. The workshop is sponsored by Hashomer Hatzair and will take place at "Beit Shalom," a center of progressive Zionism in New York. For more information or an application, contact Hadar Hirshman at students@hashomerhatzair.org, Moran Banai at moran@hashomerhatzair.org or call 212-627-2830.

  • Givat Haviva Educational Foundation/Meretz USA 2003 ISRAEL SYMPOSIUM, Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2003
    Meretz USA and Givat Haviva are sponsoring an inexpensive student trip to Israel, to foster a better understanding of the current conflict and its effects on Israeli and Palestinian societies. Programming includes meeting leaders of the grassroots peace initiative "Mifkad," Ha'aretz journalist Danny Rubinstein and top Oslo negotiator Dr. Yossi Beilin, an analysis of coexistence programs in Israel, and tours of the Green Line and security fence. The program is open to college students who are interested in engaging in the issues and bringing them back to campus. The trip costs $300, but $250 will be rebated if students bring what they have learned back to campus and the community through programming and activism. Space is limited. Contact Moran at moran@hashomerhatzair.org or 212-627-2830, for more information.

  • Queer Urban Retreat
    The Bronfman Center Hillel at New York University's Queer Urban Retreat will take place on Halloween weekend, October 31 to November 2, and will consist of workshops, break-out sessions, and cultural presentations that serve to enrich individual understandings of Jewish and Queer identities. Those interested in attending or presenting a workshop, please e-mail mgb247@nyu.edu or visit www.nyu.edu/bronfman and click on the retreat button.

  • NUJLS Conference - (National Union of Jewish LGBTIQQ Students)
    From February 13-15, 2004, approximately 200 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual, Queer, and Questioning Jewish youth will gather in Washington, DC, at The George Washington University for a weekend full of fun and meaningful activities, both religious and social. NUJLS is a pluralistic, student-run organization for college students from across the country. For more information, please contact Nathan Weiner, at Nathan@hillelwash.org.
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3. 1998-99 Conferences and Short Term Opportunities (reverse chronological order)

  • Anti-bias Workshops Available for Campus Groups.
    Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, a NYC-based advocacy group, offers two anti-bias workshops, "Understanding and Fighting Racism as Jews" and "Anti-Semitism and Jewish Identity" to campus and community groups. The workshops explore Jewish experience and identity, institutional bias and history, multi-ethnic coalition work and organizing for change. Contact Cindy Greenberg at jfrej@igc.org.

  • The Third International Conference on Feminism and Orthodoxy (N.Y.C., Feb. 20-21 2000) with interim projects, including newletters, resource center, etc. by the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, (888) 550-JOFA.

  • 1999 SCHUSTERMAN HILLEL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADERS ASSEMBLY* August 24-29, 1999. Camp Moshava, Honesdale, PA. Contact Steve Schauder, 202.857.6525; sschauder@hillel.org.

  • Sixth International Seminar on Jewish Art: Scripture and Picture: The Bible in Jewish Christian and Islamic Art, June 13-17, 1999, Center for Jewish Art, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

  • Soref Advanced Seminar Offered by Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values.
    The Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values (WIJLV) is accepting applicants for its 1999 Soref Advanced Seminar, which will be held in Washington, D.C. from May 23-27. WIJLV will select 25 college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to attend this conference. Students will meet with top public policy officials in Washington, attend highlights of the 1999 AIPAC Annual Conference, intern at a major Jewish public policy organization, and study Jewish texts related to policy issues. Tuition includes food and hotel and is $75 for Jewish Activist Network members and $111 for non-members (including J.A.N. membership fee of $36). Applications are due by March 15. Contact Jill Cohen (301) 770-5070 x222 or wijlv@aol.com.

  • The National Conference on Women, Judaism, and Freedom.
    Scholars, writers, artists, and students from around the world will explore issues of social, political, religious, creative and personal freedom from Thursday April 15 to Sunday April 18, at Yale University in New Haven, CT. Contact Anya Kamenetz 203.436.0232; jewishwomen@yale.edu or anya.kamenetz@yale.edu

  • 7th Annual KESHER (Reform) College Convention. Thurs. Apr 8, 1999 - Sun Apr 11, 1999, Boston MA. With campus songleading and leadership workshops. Ben Chaney (brother of slain civil rights leader James Earl Chaney), Leonard Fein (founder of Mazon, Moment), Text Study on Sexuality- The Double Mitzvah, Guitar Shabbat worship, and more. Contact: Rabbi Jonathan Klein, kesher@uahc.com, 914-987-6359. Scholarships available.

  • 1999 Sara Duker Essay Contest Announced. The University Students Department of the World Zionist Organization (USD/WZO), AZM and the Israel Aliyah Center are now accepting entries for the 1999 Sara Duker Essay Contest. The winner will receive a free ticket to Israel. Contestants must be currently enrolled in college or graduate school and must submit a 500-1000 word, typed, double-spaced, essay, in answer to a question set forth by the USD/WZO. Submissions must be received by March 31, 1999. Essays will be judged on content as well as quality of writing. For more information or to obtain the essay question, contact USD/WZO, 110 E 59th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10022; 1.800.27.ISRAEL; 212.318.6193-fax; info@usd.org.

  • Annual Eco-Zionism Conference. Co-sponsored by JNF On Campus, University of Texas Hillel, and USD/WZO, the Fourth Annual Eco-Zionism Conference will be taking place from March 26-28, 1999 in Wimberley, Texas (45 minutes south of Austin). Encourage your students to spend a meaningful eco-Shabbat learning about the connections between Judaism, environment, and Israel. Conference fee including all programs, room, board, and one tree planting on Campus Hill is $90. Scholarships are available. Contact JNF at 212.879.9305 ext. 330; jnfoncmps@aol.com.

  • Spring Conference for Student Journalists. The Jewish Student Press Service and New Voices magazine invites all interested students to its spring conference on Jewish student journalism and social justice. The conference will be held in New York City from March 19-21. Travel subsidies are available. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with other student as well as professional journalists and activists. Contact Sam Apple; nvoices@idt.net.

  • SCHUSTERMAN HILLEL INTERNATIONAL LAY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE * March 13 - March 15, 1999; Swissotel, Chicago, IL Contact Susan Behrend Jerison 202-857-6564; sjerison@hillel.org

  • National Jewish Outreach Program Announces Shabbat Across America/Canada
    The National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) invites all Hillels to participate in the third annual Shabbat Across America/Canada on March 12, 1998. More than 800 locations are expected to participate. All program, publicity, and related materials are free. The deadline for signing up is February 5, 1999. To participate, contact NJOP at 1-888-666-SHAB(BAT); saa@njop.org.

  • 1999 KOACH Kallah.
    KOACH invites North American undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a conference on the theme "Contemporary Conservative Judaism: On Campus, In the Community and In the World." The Kallah will take place at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, February 25-28. Scholars-in-residence will be Rabbi Neil Gillman and Rabbi Joel Roth, both of The Jewish Theological Seminary. Other activities will include New York entertainment, social action projects, a spirited Shabbat and dialogue with leaders of the Conservative Movement. The cost is only $225 and some scholarships are available. Contact Rich Moline, moline@uscj.org or Elyse Winick, winick@uscj.org.

  • COEJL- Council on the Environment and Jewish Life Shabbaton & Leadership Training Institute, Washington D.C., February 19-23, 1999, in conjunction with the Spitzer Hillel Forum. Contact Shira Kandel at 212-684-6950 x210 or visit the COEJL website.

  • THE CHARLOTTE AND JACK J. SPITZER B'NAI B'RITH HILLEL FORUM ON PUBLIC POLICY * February 21 - February 23, 1999; Mayflower Hotel Washington, DC Contact Debbie Morgan (202) 857-6586; dmorgan@hillel.org or Bernard Chersakov (202) 857-6543; bcherkasov@hillel.org

    Spitzer Forum Applications Now on Hillel's Website.

    Students can now access the application and information for the 1999 Charlotte and Jack J. Spitzer B'nai B'rith Hillel Forum on Public Policy on Hillel's web site, http://www.hillel.org under the "What's New" heading. The Spitzer Forum will be held February 21-23, 1999 in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with Jewish Council on Public Affairs Plenary. Joint sessions with JCPA will feature Members of Congress, national leaders of non-profit organizations, and Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court.
    Please remember to designate a student from your campus delegation to serve as a Spitzer Captain. Each Spitzer Captain will help with recruitment and can lead your campus delegation to the conference. Please forward the name of your Spitzer captain to Debbie Morgan; dmorgan@hillel.org or Bernard Cherkasov; bcherkasov@hillel.org with the name of your Captain.

  • Spitzer Forum Captains Needed to Lead Campus Delegations.
    Hillel is seeking students who plan to attend the Charlotte and Jack J. Spitzer B'nai B'rith Hillel Forum on Public Policy to serve as Spitzer Captains. Captains will be responsible for recruiting other student attendees and leading each campus delegation. Each Captain will receive special recognition at the Spitzer Forum. They will receive training and guidance from the International Center and will play an integral role in shaping the conference. Send an e-mail with the name, address, and phone number of your Spitzer Captain to Debbie Morgan. Contact Debbie Morgan (202)857-6586; dmorgan@hillel.org or Bernard Cherkasov (202)857-6543; bcherkasov@hillel.org.

  • Town Hall Meeting Offered at Spitzer Forum February 21-23, 1999, Washington, D.C.

    Students attending the Charlotte and Jack J. Spitzer B'nai B'rith Hillel Forum on Public Policy will have the opportunity to network with several dynamic young professionals and Jewish role models during a special Town Hall meeting. Wendy Kopp, who founded Teach for America while an undergraduate at Princeton University, will be among the Town Hall participants. Kopp will also be delivering the second annual Weiner Lecture on Public Policy at the Spitzer Forum.
    The early-bird Spitzer registration deadline is December 18th. Registration forms may be accessed on Hillel's Website: http://www.hillel.org. For information or additional registration forms contact Debbie Morgan, (202)857-6586; dmorgan@hillel.org or Bernard Cherkasov, (202)857-6543; bcherkasov@hillel.org

  • Kol Isha: The Voice of Women. February 12-14, 1999.
    The University of Michigan Hillel, in Ann Arbor, is pleased to announce the first-ever Midwestern conference for Jewish women. A weekend of learning and fun is planned including a women's Shabbat service, text studies, discussion groups and a book fair. Ellen Frankel, storyteller and editor-in-chief of the Jewish Publication Society and Susan Weidman-Schneider, editor of Lilith magazine will be the guest speakers for the weekend. Partial Funding for this program has been provided by the Irving and Sarah Pitt Campus Creativity Grants. Contact Anne Leavitt-Gruberger,734.997.7474; aleavitt@umich.edu.
    • v

  • Yale University Hosts Model Mid-East Peace Conference The Yale Accords, a Model Middle Eastern Peace Conference, invites students to Yale University the weekend of February 11-14, 1999. Featured speakers will include Dennis Ross, Abba Eban, and Martin Indyk. Delegates representing a range of viewpoints and backgrounds will participate in structured negotiations on major issues in the peace process and will interact with leading diplomats and academics. The Yale Accords is co-sponsored by a number of university organizations, including Yale Hillel. For more contact Yana Dobkin, 203.436.0896; accords@yale.edu; Web page, http://pantheon.yale.edu/~oe4/accords.

  • Lights in Action Offers Conference on Women's Issues. Lights in Action will be hosting Jewish Women: Body and Spirit, a conference exploring Jewish women's issues, at Brandeis University the weekend of February 5-7. Lights in Action also plans to sponsor conferences focusing on Gay and Lesbian Jewish Students, Hispanic Jewish Identity and Culture, Judaism and Social Justice, Children of Intermarriage, Jewish Students involved in Greek Life, and Judaism and the Arts. Contact Ilana Nossel at 1-800-JEWS-ACT; liahq@lia.org.

  • *THE HILLEL FSU WINTER UNIVERSITY* January 31 - February 7, 1999; St. Petersburg, Russia. Contact Rabbi

  • 17th Annual Ramah Rikkudiah. A weekend festival of Israeli folk dance lessons at Camp Ramah (Ojai, California). January 15-17, 1999. All levels; special classes for children age 8-13. Call 310-476-8571 or email to: rikkud@ramah.org. Special college student rate: $75.

  • Lights in Action National Conference: 613 Ways to Do the Deed... (Good Deeds, that is), January 15-18, 1999, Brandeis Bardin Institute, Simi Valley CA. (800) JEWS-ACT. Israel, gender issues, leadership training, spirituality, politics, fun in the sun. The LIA National Conference offers students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to join together for a weekend of learning, leadership training, and socializing with fellow Jewish students from across the country. All sessions will be led by dynamic students and recent graduates. Participants will explore our responsibilities as Jews to ourselves, our friends, our families, our communities, and our environment and will learn concrete skills for incorporating Judaism into campus life.
    Interested in exploring your Jewish identity? learning leadership skills? engaging in social action? socializing with students from across the country? Have we got the conference for you!
    Join a diverse group of students from across the country to explore the 613 opportunities to find meaning in our heritage (just so you know, we probably won't get to all of them). We'll spend the weekend engaging in dynamic discussions on a variety of topics, building a community, throwing frisbees, singing, relaxing, learning, and more. All the sessions will be student-led.
    Session topics include: responsibility to the environment, Jewish community building, Celebrating Shabbat on campus, Interfaith coalition-building, Respecting our parents, Community service, and much, much more!
    The LIA National Conference - a time to become pro-active, hang out with super cool, amazing people, connect with other Jewish students nationwide, learn a little something new, and HAVE FUN! What better way to spend a weekend?
    Don't let this opportunity pass you by! It's so easy - just fill out the application below (pass it on to friends!) and then return it to Lights in Action at liahq@lia.org. Simple. But hurry--space is limited! Questions? Call 1-800-JEWS-ACT or e-mail liahq@lia.org. L'shalom, Ilana Nossel, Co-director, Columbia '98.
    Lights In Action is a national Jewish student group that provides Jewish education to college campuses. Not affiliated with Hillel.

  • SCHUSTERMAN HILLEL INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONFERENCE* December 20 - December 24, 1998; Forrestal Conference Center, Princeton, NJ Contact Eran Gasko (202) 857-6558; egasko@hillel.org

  • Hamagshimim Conference December 20-23, 1998.
    Hamagshimim, the university Zionist movement sponsored by Hadassah, is holding its annual Zionist Conference from December 20-23 in upstate New York. Approximately 150 college students are expected to attend this educational seminar. The cost is only $125 and generous travel subsidies are available for early registrants. Contact Ilan Wagner, hamagisr@aol.com or call 1-877-gohamag.

  • Student Israel Activists Conference, W.Z.O., December 18-20, 1998, NYC. 1-800-27ISRAEL.

  • Ein Gedi Archaeological Expedition. November 27, 1998 - January 15, 1999. Six credits from U. of Hartford and Hebrew U. of Jerusalem. Scholarships available. Call 800-234-4412 for more information.

  • Council of Jewish Federations/United Jewish Appeal Partnership General Assembly, Jerusalem, November 16-19, 1998. Student registration fee $25 (plus airfare and housing). Packages from $1500. Subsidies may be available. Info: (888) 809-0600. Also available: a $350 package (**including** airfares) for student journalists. Contact Do The Write Thing, (800) 27-ISRAEL or info@usd.org.

  • * FACETS CONFERENCE FOR JEWISH TEENS AND THEIR FAMILIES ABOUT COLLEGE CHOICE * September 27, 1998; UCLA Faculty Center, Los Angeles, CA Contact Caty Konigsberg (213) 259-2959; hillel@tiger.cc.oxy.edu
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3. Summer 1999 Opportunities

(See also last summer's listings -- most of those will repeat). Also, most long term internships and study opportunities are also available during the summer; see Long Term Opportunities, above.

  • CAJE Seeks Summer Interns. The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) is planning its 24th annual Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education. In preparation , CAJE has openings for two summer interns. Interns are paid a stipend and handle a variety of tasks for 10-15 weeks leading up to and including the Conference. Contact Darone Ruskay, 212.268.4210; 500-8447@mcimail.com

  • 1999 Brandeis Collegiate Institute/Hillel Initiative.

    Hillel and the Brandeis Collegiate Institute have announced the 1999 BCI/Hillel Initiative, a new summer program that offers 60 students a one-month paid internship and full scholarship to participate in the Brandeis Collegiate Institute in California. Local and regional Hillels will apply to be program sponsors. Each selected Hillel will have the opportunity to send a pre-determined number of students to the Institute AND will secure the appropriate number of month-long internships in their local community. Approximately 5-20 intern scholarships will be allotted to each participating Hillel. This is an ideal way to connect your students with resources, enhance Jewish leadership skills, build relationships in your community, and provide career-related experience. Contact: Laura Siegel (202)857-6559, lsiegel@hillel.org.

  • 1999 Bridge of Understanding Germany Program. We now have applications, posters and brochures for Hillel's 1999 Bridge of Understanding. Five groups of 20 students each (juniors and above as of Summer 1999) will be accepted for this highly subsidized three-week program in Germany. The Bridge experience offers Jewish students a unique opportunity to discover contemporary Germany and its growing Jewish community. The dates and group leaders for 1999 are: May 23-June 14/Jeremy Brochin; May 30-June 21/Jim Diamond; June 20-July 12/ Phil Cohen; June 20-July 12/Michael Brooks; and June 27-July 19/Sam Fishman. The last group is for graduate students only and will place special emphasis on current political and economic developments.
    The deadline for early acceptance is March 15. After March 15, qualified candidates will be accepted on the basis of rolling admissions. Copies of the application will be posted on the Hillel Web site: http://www.hillel.org. For information, additional posters or brochures, contact Sam Fishman, 202.857.6523; sfishman@hillel.org, or Ganzeh Galus Guide.

  • Lishma Summer Program for College Students (age 18-25).
    Camp Ramah in California and the Ziegler School for Rabbinic Studies of the University of Judaism (Conservative) announce "Lishma," a new egalitarian yeshiva style program of Torah study, prayer and social action. Students will spend six weeks at Camp Ramah (Ojai, California) with other college-aged Jews exploring critical issues through study of traditional Jewish texts. Faculty supplied by the Ziegler School. Ganzeh Galus Guide has a brochure, or contact Daniel Greyber, 1-800-CAMP-RAMAH; email to Lishma@ramah.org, or visit the web site at http://www.lishma.org.

    " I am starting an egalitarian yeshiva-study program this summer called Lishma where, among other things, we are going to teach and experience such davening with Carlebach niggunim and dancing and joy for Kabbalat Shabbat. My hope is that the students who study at Lishma will return to college campuses with the skills and knowledge and passion to start minyanim in which men and women participate equally and in which one can feel 'at home." We recently received a grant that will fund scholarships for Lishma participants so finances shouldn't stand in the way of coming to join us for the summer. Please write me at lishma@ramah.org for more info, or visit our website at www.lishma.orgThanks for listening,Daniel Greyber 2nd year student, Ziegler School of Rabbinic StudiesLishma Program Coordinator"

  • Jewish Theological Seminary Summer Courses.
    The Summer School of the Jewish Theological Seminary (in New York) offers a variety of university courses from Bible and Talmud to literature and philosophy. JTS also offers an intensive Hebrew language program. Two sessions: May 25-June 24, 1999 and June 29 - July 30, 1999. We have a course listing brochure or visit the JTS Summer School web site or contact Miriam Goldberg, Summer School Coordinator, 212.678.8886; summerschool@jtsa.edu.

  • Ulpan Akiva Netanya's International Hebrew Study Center. Intensive Hebrew language study on the beach in an acclaimed program.

  • Summer Ulpan (Hebrew study) at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University. See Internships above for more information. Intensive language study in superb programs.

  • Project Oren Short Summer Ulpan. June 17 - Aug. 5, 1999 on Kibbutz Kfar Hanasi. Work on kibbutz and study Hebrew. 4 credits of college credit for Hebrew language class. For more info, call Alisha Goodman at 800-257-7852 or email: ProjOren@aol.com.

  • Summer on Kibbutz: volunteer or Ulpan Hebrew study. See Internships above for more information. Nominal cost (plus travel).

  • Summer Archaeology Dig in Israel. See Internships above for more information. Nominal cost (plus travel).

  • YIVO / Columbia U. Summer Yiddish Institute. Intensive summer Yiddish language and culture program. Beginning to advanced language instruction plus lectures, folkdance, drama, folksong and other workshops. One year course in 6 weeks. College credit. Scholarships available. June 28-August 6, 1999 on the Columbia campus, NYC. Contact Yankl Salant at 212-246-6080, fax 212-292-1892. Ganzeh Galus Guide has a brochure and additional information.

  • The Oxford Institute for Yiddish Studies Annual Yiddish Summer Course, with Odessa Klezmorim and distinguished scholars from YIVO, U of London SOAS, Hebrew U, Columbia, JTS, etc.. 12 July 1999 to 6 August 1999. 30 courses in Yiddish language (all levels from absolute beginner to advanced), literature, history, folklore and music. University credit available.

  • Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Announces Summer Program

    The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem is offering two summer sessions from June 7-30 and July 6-29. Offerings include Torah, Mishnah, Ethical Behavior, Spiritual Behavior, Women and Judaism, Talmud, Parshat HaShavua, Jewish Law, nigunim, Jerusalem hikes and Shabbatonim. The cost is full-time, $400 per session; half-time, $275. Hillel students may attend for half price under the Pardes Hillel Scholars Program; additional scholarships available. Participants may enroll in one or both sessions. Contact Aryeh Ben David: abd@pardes.org.il; or visit the Pardes Website.

  • Bat Kol, the new feminist yeshiva in Jerusalem, summer session (where one of our own studied summer '97).

  • Other Yeshivot. Most of the Jerusalem yeshivas, of all streams, offer June and July sessions. See Internships above for a partial listing.
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4. 1997-98 Conferences and Short Term

  • The International Conference on Feminism and Orthodoxy (N.Y.C., Feb. 15-16);

  • Western Hillel Organizations Kallah (Feb 13-16);

  • Ninth Annual International Conference on Jewish Medical Ethics ( San Francisco, Feb 13-16);

  • Am Echad: The Johns Hopkins University Jewish Pluralism Conference (Baltimore, Feb 13-15) "This conference will bring together Jewish students of all perspectives and denominations to inform, educate, and create unity within the Jewish people;"

  • Spitzer/B'nai Brith Hillel Forum on Public Policy (Ft. Lauderdale, Feb 22-24);

  • Koach (Conservative) International Kallah (U.S.C., L.A., Feb. 26-Mar 1)(the theme of this year's Kallah is Judaism and Sexuality and the scholar-in-residence is Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Provost of The University of Judaism);

  • Whittier Law School (L.A). Conference on Nazi Gold and US Treatment of Holocaust Assets (March 1 in Costa Mesa CA) with 20 US & European experts, involved lawyers and the fired Swiss guard.

  • USD/WZO Programming Update: The University Student Department of the World Zionist Organization (USD/WZO) is sponsoring conferences at Cornell University on February 13-15; University of Hartford, CT on March 6-7; and one in the Florida Keys, April 3-5. USD/WZO is also recruiting students to participate in Odyssey 1998, a one month trip to Eastern Europe and Israel, beginning June 17th. For details, contact USD/WZO 800-27-ISRAEL; usd@netcom.com;

  • National Jewish Law Students Assoc. (L.A., Mar 6-9);

  • Sixth Annual Kesher (Reform) College Students Conference (Wash. D.C., Mar. 26-29);

  • Lights In Action Conference for Hispanic Jewish Students (Florida International University, Miami: Mar 27-29);

  • Third Annual Eco-Zionism Conference (Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Mar 20-22) (co-Sponsored by JNF On Campus, Atlanta YAD, and COEJL, this conference offers students the opportunity to spend a spiritual "Eco- Shabbat" along the Appalachian Trail and make connections between ecology, Judaism, and Israel while being surrounded by nature);

  • Reform College Students Shabbaton, Boston University: April 3-4, 1998. Sponsored by KESHER and Boston University Hillel, come discuss where Reform Jews fit into the Jewish community. Exchange ideas with students from other schools around the region. Registration is $13 and the deadline is April 1st. Contact Eric Eisenkramer at (617) 353-1105 or Ilana Gauss at itgauss@bu.edu.

  • Israel at 50: Promise and Reality. Baltimore Hebrew University, May 3, 1998. Academic conference; we have a brochure.

  • AIPAC Policy Conference, Washington, DC: May 17-19, 1998. Encourage your students to join hundreds of college students from across the country at the largest gathering of pro-Israel activists. This year AIPAC will be offering a special students only plenary session on May 17 before the opening plenary of the conference. Space is limited, and subsidies are available to AIPAC student members. Contact the AIPAC liaison on your campus and/or Rachel Glazer at AIPAC at (202) 639-5284; rachel_glazer@aipac.org.

  • WIJLV 1998 Soref Advanced Seminar (Washington, DC, May 17-21, 1998) ("The Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values (WIJLV) will select twenty-five college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to attend this conference. Students will meet with top public policy officials in Washington, attend highlights of the 1998 AIPAC Annual Conference, intern at a major Jewish public policy organization, and study Jewish texts related to policy issues. Applications are due by March 20 -- extended to April 10.");
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5. Summer 1998

  • Livnot "Shalhevet Initiative" Program, May 18-June 3 or June 8-June 24, 1998. Send a group of students to participate in Livnot U'Lehibanot's unique Israel experience this summer. During these dates, Livnot will be reserving its Jerusalem and Tzfat campuses for Hillel programs. Leadership skills and community building activities that strengthen Hillel on campus will be emphasized. The cost to Hillel groups (of 5 or more) from any single campus is only $500 per student; transportation is not included. Contact Aryeh Ben David 011-972-2-993-2769 (telephone and fax); aryehbd@netmedia.co.il.

  • Yitziah Instructor Development Course (North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, May 24-June 14, 1998) (Yitziah-Jewish Wilderness Journeys and the North Carolina Outward Bound School have teamed up to offer this course. Previous participants say: "I feel so connected to age old traditions...it has helped me see that spiritual growth can be increased in community...this course is a powerful step towards the Jewish belief in tikkun olam.");

  • Jewish Students Experience Germany (several trips in May and June);

  • Germany Program May 21-June 4, 1998 : The Holocaust Center of Greater Pittsburgh and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony [Germany] are offering a program to Berlin, Leipzig, and Auschwitz for 12 American Jewish students. There are opportunities for home hospitality and meetings with German students; all costs except airfare are covered. Contact Marga Randall, Holocaust Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Darlington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217; (412) 421-1500;

  • New Israel Fund Study Tour to Israel, with optional Istanbul extension: Israel at 50 Yesterday's Dreams, Today's Realities. For more information, call Ann Schaub at 202-223-3333.

  • Accord, New York: Summer Internship. Elat Chayyim, the Jewish Renewal Retreat Center, is looking for summer interns to work from June 22-August 19, 1998. Interns are on a work-study program in which Elat Chayyim provides room, board (kosher vegetarian mostly organic food), classes, activities, and prayer experiences each week in exchange for work. Contact Elat Chayyim at (800) 398-2630; elatchayyi@aol.com.

  • Hava Nashira: The Songleading and Music Workshop, Wisconsin, June 3-7 1998. A workshop for Jewish songleaders, led by Debbie Friedman and other authors of many of the songs used in Jewish camps and congregations nationally.

  • Association for Israel Studies, 14thAnnual Meeting, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick NJ, June 14-16, 1998. The major academic conference on this topic.

  • USD/WZO Odyssey 1998, June 17 - July 17, 1998 (approximate ending date). Explore the history and roots of Zionism and Judaism on Odyssey 1998, a one month trip to Eastern Europe and Israel sponsored by the University Student Department of the World Zionist Organization. Contact Alysa Gerstley (800) 27-ISRAEL; usd@netcom.com.

  • Harvard Center for Jewish Studies / Summer School Program in "Hebrew and Its Culture." (We have brochure).

  • The Jewish Theological Seminary (NYC) Summer Session and the Jewish Museum Kekst Family Summer Teacher-Training Institute. (We have brochure).

  • Hebrew College (Brookline, Mass.) Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education. (We have brochure).

  • Machon Chana/Jewish Women's Institute June 22-August 13; Brooklyn. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jewish philosophy as well as basic Jewish studies. Full time or part time enrollment is open to Jewish women of all backgrounds and affiliations. Contact Machon Chana at 1-800-336-2353.

  • Full Hillel Scholarships Available for Brandeis Collegiate Institute (BCI) Session I: June 23 - July 19, 1998 Session II: July 21 - August 16, 1998 BCI, located in Southern California offers young Jewish adults, 18-26 years old, hands-on experience in Jewish living and learning in a pluralistic environment. Renowned scholars and artists lead workshops in Jewish creative thought and expression including music, art, dance and drama. Hillel has received a grant to provide full scholarships, including room, board, and tuition for Hillel applicants. Travel subsidies are also available. Contact Nikki Sieger (202) 857-6598; nsieger@hillel.org.

  • JCC Summer Ulpan in NYC. An Israeli Ulpan in NYC, four or nine weeks beginning June 29th or July 28th, 1998. Call 212-580-0099 for details.

  • Institute for Contemporary Midrash July 6-12, 1998; Elat Chayim Retreat Center, New Paltz, NY. Designed and directed by Rivkah Walton, the program trains Jewish educators, clergy, artists and lay leaders in Midrashic art, dance, writing, and biblodrama. Faculty includes Dr. Peter Pitzele, Peninnah Schramm, Rabbi Susan Fendrick, and Dr. Jo Milgrom. Program fees begin at $570 per week. Contact Rivkah Walton or Jordan Cassaway (215) 247-8655; midrash@aol.com. Elat Chayyim: A Center for Healing and Renewal has seminars and programs throughout the year in the Catskills. (We have brochure).

  • the Imun Training Program For Lay Religious Leadership (Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, July 12-20).

  • Hillel's Bridge of Understanding -- 3 weeks in Germany studying German Jewish history, Jewish life in Germany today and modern German politics and culture. Heavy subsidies. Juniors, seniors and grad. students only.

  • The Oxford Institue for Yiddish Studies Annual Yiddish Summer Course, with Brave Old World Klezmer Band and distinguished scholars, July 13-August 7, 1998. 30 courses in Yiddish language (all levels), literature, history and music.

  • Dutch & Jewish in Utrecht. July 13-31, 1998. 10 credit hours incl. Dutch language and Dutch-Jewish life.

  • JNF on Campus Israel Experience, July 22-August 7, 1998. The "Encounter Eco-Zionism" adventure trip offers students the opportunity to discover Israel's unique environment first-hand through hiking, biking, repelling, kayaking, snorkeling, and camping out under starry skies. For only $950, including airfare from NY, students can explore the wonders of Israel as well as study, interact with Israeli students, and hear lectures. There is a mandatory "Israel 101" pre-tour for first-timers to Israel. Twenty-five spaces are available and the application deadline is April 29. Contact Stephanie Stein (212) 879-9305 x330; jnfoncmps@aol.com.

  • NYC: JNF On Campus Summer Internship. JNF On Campus seeks a summer intern to assist with programming for its Israel Experience trip, Eco-Zionism Conference, and student activist and Hanukkah gatherings. The intern needs to be highly recommended by a Jewish community professional and is required to work 12-15 hours per week. In lieu of monetary compensation, the intern will receive complimentary participation in the 1998 Israel Experience trip, taking place from July 22-August 7 (including free airfare). Contact Stephanie Stein at (212)879-9305 x330; jnfoncmps@aol.com.

  • JWALOP Israel trip August 3-26, 1998. A new student initiated group, "Jews With A Lot Of Pride" (JWALOP) is accepting applicants for a three week, all expenses paid program in downtown Jerusalem. The trip will provide a forum for young community leaders to share skills and ideas to spearhead an inspirational program of learning, debating, traveling and activism. Participants are expected from South Africa, England, Australia, and North America. Applicants must submit a 500 word essay explaining why they meet these characteristics and how they would benefit from this opportunity. Contact Andrew Elbaz (514) 481-7265 or Justin Korda (514) 931-4044; jwalop@hotmail.com.

  • CAJE (Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education), August 7-13, Trinity University San Antonio, Texas. This is the conference for Jewish educators. A limited number of full scholarships available for undergraduates contemplating a career in Jewish education from the CAJE office, 261 W. 35th Street, Ste. 12A, New York NY 10001 (phone: 212-268-4212).

  • CAJE 23 Conference. San Antonio: August 8-13, 1998. The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), sponsors the annual Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education. Within the Conference, CAJE has a "College Program" which connects students from all over the country who are interested in making Jewish teaching a part of their lives, either as a profession or as an avocation. CAJE covers the Conference fees for approximately 20 students to attend the entire Conference, as well as the Pre-Conference Shabbat weekend. Transportation to and from the conference is not included. Contact CAJE (212) 268-4210; 500-8447@mcimail.com.

  • SOFER: The Jewish Writers' Workshop Oconomowoc, WI: August 20-23, 1998. SOFER will bring together Jewish writers to focus on style, revision, creativity, interpretation, and public presentation while providing response from faculty and fellow participants. Cost is $245-$360, depending on accommodations, and includes meals. Contact Deanne Dunn Friedman (847) 509-0990 x12 or (847) 509-0970/fax.

  • Schusterman Hillel International Student Leaders Assembly, August 25-30, 1998; Camp Moshava; Honesdale, PA. Contact Laura Siegel (202) 857-6559; lsiegel@hillel.org.
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