Programme of Studies Our programme emphasizes traditional Jewish nusah, trop, meaning and values, and consists of four weeks in residence one summer, a supervised internship between, and four weeks in residence the following summer. A typical day will consist of Havruta time (one-on-one learning), shiur (class), tefillot (prayer), and practicum in the community. As you will need time for daily prayer, study and review, the days are quite packed.

A ritual director conducts baby naming celebration

Havruta and Shiur: Havruta study is an age-old method of Jewish text study in which two students learn a text together. It gives students an opportunity to explore and struggle with the text as they learn from each other and often creates a unique bond between them.

During shiur, teachers lead students through a discussion of the prepared text. Students raise questions and difficulties; teachers explain these difficult areas and offer background, skills and methodology.

Individualized Learning: Since students come from a diversity of backgrounds, to provide a common base, students receive a reading list in advance. In addition, our individualized teaching, flexibility and personal attention accommodate all. Extra help is always available in order to allow each student to get the most out of his or her learning experience.

Practicum: While the summer programme is in process, the faculty advisors attempt to find each student opportunities in local congregations to publicly hone their newly developing skills.

Pedagogy and Inservice Credit: Everything that is taught constantly emphasizes teaching strategies and methodology. To date, Mercaz (BJE Toronto) grants, for each summer, two full-year credits in the Midrasha L'Morim and for credential upgrade. The Jewish Agency will grant 36 NY Board of Regents recognized university credits (32 upper level) after successfully completing an oral exam that can be sent on a CD (a fee is charged). After the first year, all Jewish Agency students also automatically earn a temporary Hebrew teacher's license from the national board of license. After successfully completing the supervised inservice and second year, Jewish Agency students qualify for a permanent teaching license.  Gratz College grants 7 course credits per summer. As well, certain individual schools and synagogues grant professional development credit and salary enhancement for study at the School for Shamashim. Finally, some schools and synagogues will provide subvention scholarships for their teachers. We will assist you in arranging credit in your locale.