FAQs

Below please find answers to questions we are frequently asked about the SIACH program.

• What is the religious affiliation of SIACH?

  Pluralism is at the heart of the SIACH experience. Thus, we are not affiliated with a particular religious movement. Rather, students come from Reform, Conservative and Orthodox backgrounds and together we explore Judaism, experience Israel and create a dynamic community in which religious occasions are celebrated in joy.
  
  While we focus on community, we never lose sight of the differences in religious orientation and observance of our students. Thus, our daily schedule includes different options for morning tefilah so that each student can find something that they feel comfortable with, our food is strictly kosher so that everyone can eat, on Shabbat we maintain traditional halakhic standards of observance in program space but do not interfere in the private lives of our students, and in general create an environment of sensitivity and mutual respect. Our Jewish Studies classes expose students to both traditional and liberal views and the central issues of religious faith and practice are discussed and debated in an open and respectful fashion.
  
  Through the encounter with different ways of Jewish living on SIACH, you can freely embrace the path that is most meaningful to you.

• Is there free time on the program?

  While SIACH includes a wide range of activities and a busy schedule, we are careful to include plenty of free time so that you can also relax, get together with friends, and get to know Israel. There is a break most afternoons, there is free time in the evenings and two free evenings every week, and 3 out of every 4 weekends (Friday and Shabbat) are free. See our weekly schedule for more details.

• Is there a curfew?

  Unlike many other programs which view the year in Israel as a continuation of high school, SIACH treats students as young adults. As such, you are allowed to leave the campus during free time to get together with friends and to get to know the city of Jerusalem and enjoy its many attractions. At the same time, SIACH works with students on an individual basis to cultivate their sense of responsibility to themselves and to the program. Thus, while a 12:00 AM curfew is recommended, each student is expected to act maturely in figuring out their own limits and in determining a curfew that will enable them to function properly on the program.

• Is there a dress code?

  Our approach to dress code is similar to our approach in other areas of the program in which we try to balance the needs of the individual with those of the community. On the one hand, we want you to be yourself and feel comfortable on the program but on the other hand we want to make sure that your personal choices do not make others in the SIACH community feel uncomfortable. Thus, our dress code can be summarized in 3 words: “comfortable, not provocative”.
  Because this dress code is subjective and open to interpretation we ask that each student reflect on this in a mature and sensitive manner. Kippot for boys are recommended but not required.

• What type of supervision is there?

  In addition to administration and teaching staff, SIACH has male and female madrichim (dorm counselors) living in the facility. In addition to being responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the students, the madrichim are an integral part of the SIACH experience and they play a pivotal role in the building of the SIACH community. They participate on tiyulim and shabbatonim, they help lead the morning tefilah options, and they help coordinate many of the informal activities. In addition, the madrichim are role models and advisors and are always there to assist each of the students in any way that they can.

• What if I don’t want to take the courses for credit?

  Since SIACH is an accredited program you are strongly advised to take advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit. Nevertheless, you are not required to take the courses for credit but you must inform us in advance about your intentions.

• What are we looking for in an applicant?

  If you are inquisitive, eager to learn and to grow as a person and as a Jew, sincere and respectful of others, and you want to join a group of motivated students and together embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, then you are a good candidate for the program.

• How many students will be accepted for the 2009-10 academic year?

  Unlike other programs, SIACH invests in each individual student and creates a dynamic community in which everyone plays an active role. Thus, we are selective in our admission policy and we will only be accepting between 30-40 students for the 2009-2010 academic year.