MA in Jewish and Global Social and Environmental Justice at the University of Haifa

The University of Haifa offers a new Master’s Degree in Jewish Social and Environmental Sustainability, including an internship in Zambia under the guidance of Israeli partner NGO Tevel b’Tzedek. The curriculum offers coursework in the fields of Judaism, social justice, the environment, and the connections and balances between them. This track will be open to international students as well as Israeli students. The students will study for two semesters in Israel, and in the third, those interested will specialize within the organization ‘Tevel b’Tzedek’ (in Zambia).

Location: Zambia

Starting: September 1, 2023

Ending: May 31, 2024

Students who have earned their BA and are interested in pursuing graduate studies in the field of Jewish Studies in one of Israel’s leading Universities, and are also interested in engaging their Jewish Values in a Global activism setting. The successful applicant should be ready for a fascinating and rigorous academic experience in Haifa, followed by a transformative experience serving vulnerable communities with piers in rural Zambia.

Structure

Support life-changing work - Participants will be assigned to specific projects, based on interests and aptitude, pertaining to economic development, agriculture, leadership, gender equality, and WASH.
Education and thought - Learn approaches to international development and explore the environmental challenges Africa faces, how to foster community resilience, and social and environmental justice in the Jewish tradition.
A network for change - The program creates a community of activists, advocates, innovators, and practitioners who consider the transformation of smallholder communities an urgent task for all humanity.

Curriculum

The Overall structure of the program will be divided between a full academic year – two semesters, with one whole day of courses per week- and a semester with Tevel b’Tzedek in Zambia.

The MA in Jewish Studies, is a 36 point (9 classes) degree. The MA is earned over two semesters at the University of Haifa (28 points) and a third semester abroad (8 points) in a Tevel b’Tzedek program. The Jewish Studies courses will explore topics relevant to Tevel b’Tzedek, including “Social Justice in the Hebrew Bible,” “Justice and Charity in Rabbinic Literature,” “Community and the ‘Other’ in Medieval Jewish History,” and “Jewish Esotericism: A Magical-Mystery Tour.” Suitable candidates may also take courses offered by the University of Haifa’s International Program including the ‘MBA with Specialization in Sustainability,’ ‘Diplomacy Studies,’ and ‘Peace and Conflict Management.’

The Program in Zambia will be divided between a service element, and an academic curriculum.

Logistics and Costs

Scholarships (up to 4500$ off tuition) and Small grants for the semester in Zambia.
Hybrid study option (via Zoom for the academic part)

As complicated as international travel and volunteering has become in the wake of COVID-19, we are confident that by taking the necessary precautions and adhering to a strict Vaccination condition, we can provide safe environments to participants and communities. We are likewise encouraged by the fact that organizations such as Peace Corps and VSO have recently resumed volunteering in Zambia.

The program is generously subsidized by Shalom Corps and Pears Foundation, covering most of the program’s expenses – educational program, accommodation, transportation, food and project funding. We ask participants to pay a participation fee of 900$ for the 3 month program ($10 a day). In addition to fees, participants are expected to cover their own airfare, entry visa and travel insurance.

We are following the recommendations of the American CDC and the Israeli ministry of Health’s regarding Zambia’s COVID status. In addition we are closely monitoring trends in Zambia and will err on the side of caution. We are aware that it’s difficult to make long term travel plans in the current climate that we live in. We are making all the preparations necessary for the spring Zambia cohort but unfortunately not everything is up to us. If this program interests you – we encourage you apply even though there is some uncertainty .

We aim to provide a Shabbat and Kosher friendly environment for participants, where conditions are limited. How does this look like? All meals provided by Tevel will be vegetarian and cooked in our own cookware. Participants will have access to food prepared before Shabbat, or will be able to shop in advance for provisions. There will be no scheduled activity that interferes with Shabbat or Holiday.

We will be holding a monthly Q&A session for applicants. To receive invitations please leave your details in the form below.