Join over 100 college students from across North America for a week of learning, cultural events, and field trips around Jerusalem!

“Loved the trip, [it] really rejuvenated me with a passion and desire to discuss the topics we explored on the seminar back at Hopkins. Thank you!”
—Hopkins Hartman alum

Note: As of 9/7/23, the Winter IEngage Student Seminar has been renamed:

Israel is part of the ongoing Jewish story, but efforts to talk about Israel often get mired in the politics of current events and news cycles. What if you could engage in discussions about Israel that push past the political rhetoric and get to the big ideas underlying Zionism, the Jewish people, and democracy?

The Edward Fein Winter Student Seminar is the premier program for students to engage with the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and the Jewish people through the lens of Jewish texts, values, and ideas. Our ideologically, religiously, and politically pluralistic community of Jewish students from college and university campuses across North America address these important questions with depth, nuance, and humanity.

During this week-long, academic intensive at the Shalom Hartman Institute campus in Jerusalem, students can expect to study together with peers, confront Israel’s dynamic challenges firsthand through tiyulim (field trips), and interact with thought-leaders and community organizers working in politics, education, the environment, and more.

Cost: Registration is $500 and covers everything in Jerusalem: hotel (starting Dec. 25), meals, and travel to and from the airport. Students book and purchase flights on their own, and Hopkins Hillel will reimburse $1000 of the total cost upon returning to the U.S. Students will also most likely want spending money for souvenirs and the occasional meal on their own. Need-based financial aid is available upon request (requires submission of parental 1040s).

Requirements:

• Participants must have
  • been to Israel before. If you haven’t been to Israel and still want to attend, please talk to Rabbi Shira.
  • health insurance that covers them while abroad.
  • a valid passport that expires after six months following the departure date, ie June 26, 2024.
  • an openness to text-study, discussions around big ideas, and new ways of thinking.

“I found my views challenged and walked away with a renewed appreciation for the complexity of Jewish life.”
—Hopkins Hartman alum

FAQ

What are the trip dates?

The program runs from December 26, 2023 – January 2, 2024. Students must arrive at the hotel by the evening of December 25.

What does it cost?

Registration is $500 and covers hotel (Dec. 25- Jan. 2), meals, and programmatic materials. Students book and purchase flights on their own, and Hopkins Hillel will reimburse $1000 of the total cost upon returning to the U.S. Students will also most likely want spending money for souvenirs and the occasional meal on their own.
Need-based financial aid is available upon request (requires submission of parental 1040s).

How do we get to and from Jerusalem?

Hartman will help students travel to and from the airport if they arrive on Dec. 25 and leave on Jan. 2 or 3.

Students may extend their trip on either end of the program dates. In that case, students are responsible for arranging their own airport transportation and accommodations outside the program dates.

What hotel will we stay in?

Students will stay in the Prima Kings Hotel in Jerusalem.

Who is eligible?

Any Hopkins student who has been to Israel prior to this year’s trip (in any capacity) is eligible.

Students should bring an open mind and willingness to study texts. This trip is much more learning-oriented than trips like Birthright Israel.

What is the application process?

Interested students should apply here. The application asks for key registration information (e.g., name, address, etc.), passport and medical details, and insights as to Jewish background and why you want to apply. For students new to Hillel, Rabbi Shira will hold an informal interview to answer questions, go over details, and make sure the program is a good fit.

Once accepted into the program, Rabbi Shira will follow up on logistical details.

What is this year’s topic?

This year’s topic will explore questions such as:

• What are the challenges North American Jews face regarding Israel today?
• What Jewish values and ideas animate Jewish discourse on Israel?
• How can Jews develop an approach to pluralism that both interrogates and welcomes difference?

Do I have to know Hebrew? Do I need to understand Jewish texts?

Not at all! Everything will be in English, with sources given in both Hebrew and English. For those who choose, there is an elective taught in Hebrew. Although experience with learning texts is helpful, you do not need a deep textual background–just an openness to study!

What does a typical day look like?

Most days involve a lot of studying and discussion. While the days are often packed, there is also room for free time. Some days have nights out or afternoons off to explore Jerusalem. We will also take day trips within the city of Jerusalem.