Nefesh Yehudi

Nefesh Yehudi has set a goal for it-self to enrich the world of the Israeli university student with Jewish study, Jewish knowledge and Jewish experience. Thousands of young people start their studies every year in universities and colleges throughout Israel, but what do they know about their national identity and their connection to Jewish traditio... n? Many high school graduates in Israel grow up without any fundamental Jewish knowledge. As a result, the social fabric of Israel has been ripped asunder, with the gap between the values and concepts ofreligious and secular people growing and widening as the years go by, and, often, Jewish study and tradition has been relegated to only one side of this chasm. Without familiarity with their Jewish heritage, many young Israelis question their identity: What does it mean to be Jewish? What is Judaism all about? Why is it important that I marry a Jew, and what difference does all this make? With over 30 centers throughout Israel, Nefesh Yehudi is accessible to any young Israeli student who wishes to pursue the answers to these questions. Every student who joins the Nefesh Yehudi programs is offered a monthly stipend in return for studying four and a half weekly hours. In the classes, lectures and study sessions, the most important issues in Judaism come up: What is the Jewish world view? What is the secret of the connection between the Jewish People, the State of Israel and the Torah? What is the interface between Judaism and science, Judaism and medical ethics, Judaism and business ethics? How does Judaism view the concept of free choice, how does it define the meaning of life, and what is the philosophy behind the Jewish life cycle? Through study and lectures, religious and secular people, engage each other in intense, respectful debate over issues that are of supreme importance to both of them. For many, this is the first time that they have had the opportunity to meet people from the other side of the social barrier, as individuals and as people. Often, students ...Read More