 קול
קורא במדבר Desert Sources
Dates: June 6-June 28, 2007
Keren Kolot's Educational Philosophy
 The
Keren Kolot Jewish Studies program is based upon the belief that the classical
Jewish sources belong to all of the Jewish people, regardless of an individual’s
religious affiliation or background. Our approach aims to reacquaint Jews
with Jewish sources, in an open, non-exclusive environment. Participants
are challenged to come to grips with their Jewish identity, both intellectually
and spiritually, within the context of modern culture and society.
Furthermore, our program emphasizes outdoor experiences as a means of
deepening our connection and commitment as Jews to our natural environment.
Israel is the natural setting for the exploration of issues of Jewish
identity and heritage. During the course of our program each participant
is encouraged to discover his or her own relationship to Judaism, the
Jewish People and the Land of Israel.
Program components:
 1) Sources:
In an open, non-exclusive environment, the participants are challenged
to come to grips with their Jewish identity through intensive study of
Jewish sources. Focusing on the different forms of classical Jewish text,
this component invites Jews who may not be rooted in a religious approach
to incorporate Jewish texts as part of their cultural heritage.
Four units comprise this segment: Tanach, Commentary, Talmud and Halacha
and Midrash. Our study includes a range of modern and traditional
texts, which allows for a variety of interpretations and approaches.
2) Workshops: Bridging the gap between relevant
issues of our own day by studying Jewish perspectives on specific social,
ethical or political issues of the 21st century. The
participants will be able to choose between two issues of study in any
given year. Examples of workshops that have been offered in the past: Jewish Peoplehood
in the Era of Globalization and Post-nationalism; Gender issues in Judaism;
Jewish Land Ethics; Community and Ethnicity.
3) Electives: Choices range from classes focusing on Israeli culture, to theater and arts workshops which allow the participants to integrate Jewish learning and creative expression.
4) “The Desert Classroom:” Hikes and field
trips are integral to the program, as we use nature for inspiration and
explore our own and traditional Jewish attitudes towards our natural environment.
5) Hebrew: By popular request, we've added Hebrew instruction as a component of the program. For a few hours a week, you’ll practice speaking and reading modern Hebrew.
The Keren Kolot study program at Kibbutz Ketura provides
an excellent opportunity for college students and graduates to integrate
a meaningful visit to Israel with a rewarding and unique learning experience.
Our location, in the southern Arava, is a quiet, remote and therefore
appropriate venue for such an experience.
Cost:
$500, includes educational program, full room and board, day trips, overnight trips to Jerusalem and Machtesh Ramon.
Special "early bird" discount! If
you apply and are subsequently accepted to the program before March 1, 2007, tuition will be offered at a special discount of $400.
Download application packet:
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