Graduate of Revivim’s seventeenth cohort, Bible teacher at Gymnasia Rehavia in Jerusalem as of as of the 2020-2021 school year

Why study in Revivim?

I’ll give you four out of a great many reasons:

1. The workshops and practical training. We all know that unfortunate teacher-in-training (really, really unfortunate) who comes to your high school to teach instead of the regular teacher and be observed. Usually the experience for both sides is not very successful. In Revivim it’s different. From the second year on, we come into the classrooms as teachers for all intents and purposes. We teach every week, we prepare exams, check homework, and behave like integral parts of the school’s professional staff. Our weekly workshops offer a place for discussion and thinking, and the instructors’ close supervision opens up a complete world encompassing methods for teaching and functioning in class. Three years of experience in different schools, teaching diverse subjects to a variety of age groups, together with constant and productive mentoring, allow us, graduates of the program, to enter the professional world with experience, a familiarity with students and with the system, and a sense of security and self-confidence.

2. The studies. In our BA, we are exposed to a broad spectrum of courses in diverse departments in Jewish studies, focusing on one and continuing with it for our MA degree as well. Becoming acquainted with a variety of different areas provides us with solid and safe ground in the world of Judaism, even for those who have no prior knowledge. The intensive and challenging studies, which were (almost) always interesting and enlightening. In my opinion, a deeper familiarity with the Jewish world is something positive for us as Israelis and as teachers in the public school system.

3. The group. Missed a class? Need summary notes for a test? Didn’t understand the article? Deliberating how to cope with a complicated class? Can’t manage to prepare a lesson for Wednesday’s 8^th grade class? No need to panic. There’s a group of good friends who will be happy to help you at any time. The experience of studying in a university can be stressful and difficult. The well-consolidated group of Revivim students is a strong support system and turns the years of study into an enjoyable and smooth experience.

4. The “security blanket.” Throughout the years of classes (and afterwards as well), the program’s staffers help students and graduates cope with the difficulties and deliberations of studies or teaching. You can always find a staffer to lend a willing ear in Revivim’s offices, and the program’s directors advice and assistance help overcome bureaucratic hassles. Furthermore, the scholarships and stipends allow you invest seriously in your studies and achieve more.

That is why, in my opinion, the Revivim program is the best and finest choice for someone who wants to integrate Jewish studies with teaching.