In Susya
Shalom Center
has
(with the approval of Susya Rabbi, HaRav E. Altshuler) Beth Midrash
Shalom which is open
for non-Jews who want to study Judaism or want to study about the actual
situation in Eretz Israel based at the Tanach.
Everyone (Noachide, Messianic, Hebrew-Roots Christian, Evangelical Christian,
Non-denominational, persons who through giyur (conversion) want to become
Jewish) who want to study about Judaism or who want to study about the actual situation in Eretz Israel
based at the Tanach are invited to come to study at the Beit Midrash in Susya. For
each group we offer separate programs.
We offer programs from a single lesson till a week program.
We have a special introduction course Judaism of one week.
In cooperation with Rabbi Oury Cherky (http://ravsharki.org/) from
Yeshiva Machon Meir
and Urim / Brit Olam (ברית עולם) Institute
in Jerusalem programs till one year for non-Jews who want to learn about the
Jewish faith (without conversion!) are available.
Lessons will be provided by Rav Ishai Tsur,
Ary'el Tsion and local rabbis. Lessons are in English, Dutch and Ivriet
language. Further in cooperation with Urim / Brit Olam (ברית עולם)
Institute lessons will be provided by Rav Uri Sherky.
Actual historical locations sometimes are used
for study 'on the spot'. Locations as Hevron Jerusalem and Judean hills. It is
advisable to come together with a studypartner (gevruta) as parts of the
program self-study with gevruta is required. Trips to Jerusalem (Machon HaMikdash, Ier
David), Hevron (Machpela), Shiloh and Mount
Kabir (near Elon Moreh where Avraham arrived in Eretz Israel), Har Bracha
(Josephs Tomb), Davids route (Beth Shemesh, Maon, Karmel, Judea desert, Ein
Gedi), and several
other places can be a part of the study
At Shabbats and Feasts students will be with
Orthodox-Jewish families in the village and in the synagogue.
For those who interested in a Orthodox Jewish
giyur, Shalom Center organizes together
Beit Moriah (Rabbi Shimon Cohen) in Be'er Sheva a giyur course in English
of 10 months. Weekly there will be in Be'er Sheva 2 lesson days which 3
lessons each. The costs for this course which will be executed by Beit Moriah
is ILS 2.300,- (+/- EUR 450,-) for 10 months (exl housing etc.). For a class
at least 20 students are needed. Mail for further info.
(Mail click here).
We will help finding housing and help with getting a studyvisa for the period
of 10 moths.
We already welcomed students from the
Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, South Africa, England and Scotland who came
for a lesson or a program here at the Beth Midrash in Susya. Amongst
them Christians and journalists who came to study about the actual situation
her in Israel based at the Tanach. Further we had many students through Skype/Voip and email from all over the world.
For information pls call Aryel Tsion
(+972)0523003117 or Rav Yishai Tsur
(+972) 0526070187 or send him an e-mail
(click
here)
Accommodation is available in this
Orthodox-Jewish settlement of Susya in Har Hevron, close the the Negev desert.
Susya is a rebuild ancient city.. There are a lot of remnants from the
Talmudic period; a synagogue, a lot of mikwes for Kohaniem and/or Levites
(which is remarkable), and many caves which were used as homes. Probably
kohaniem (priests) and or Levites have lived here. Because of this it also
might have been a part of the Levite city Yutta. Further there are the
remnants of a fortress from the Maccabees. Susya is a good location for trips to the desert,
Hevron (where Machpela is
where Avraham, Itschak and Ya'akov are buried), Yatir Forest, Arad, Massada etc..
There is a swimming pool with separated hours for man and women and a
mini-supermarket.
Values for the Beit Midrash in Susya are: To live strong-religious
(in this open to what HaShem wants of us today and does in this time), Emuna (Faith and trust in our Mighty G'd, also
faith that everything is in His control and that He leads us everyday in His
plan for this time), Balance between study, work and family life, Non-materialistic, Rural
and ecological interests (love for the (physical)
land of Israel. Searching for further spiritual depths en insights to live and
act (also in personal prayer and meditation) more according to the will of
HaShem to live close to HaShem just like king David who also lived for a time in
this area before he became the king of Israel.
Throughout most of the year programs are available. Check in
time (advisable at least 8 weeks in advance) about availability for
accommodation if it is not booked already
(otherwise it might be full booked) !!!.
Forr Noachides, Messianics, Hebrew-Roots
Christian, Evangelical Christians, Non-denominationals and for those who want
to learn about the actual situatin base at the Tanach, we have a choice of subjects:
The 'so called' Noachic Laws
Noach, Tsaddik in his time
A closer look at the Noachic Laws
The concept to serve One God
What is written in the Bible about the Messiah
David, King of Israel
The New Covenant
The 3rd Tempel
Differences between Christianity and Judaism
Emuna, faith in the Jewish perspective
Other subjects from Tenach
Yehuda, land of the Jews, a political view
based at the Tanach.
Land for peace? A honest analyze based at
historical factsof the recent history
Lets try it at Gods way. The biblical concept
of peace.
For those who want to become Jewish the program
deals subjects as:
Avram, the first Geer (somebody who become
Jewish)
What is written in the Bible about the Messiah
Differences between Christianity and Judaism
The concept to serve One God
The New Covenant
In all thy ways acknowledge Him
Emunah, Faith in the Jewish perspective
How does a religious Jewish life look like
What is the Oral Thora
What is Halacha
What are the instructions based upon?
The Mitswe of Making Aliyah
The 3rd Tempel
The Conversion Procedure
Other subjects out of Tenach and Thora etc. etc..
Susya is located, by car, one hour south of
Jerusalem and half an hour north of Be'er Sheva (and an hour and a quarter
drive from Ben Gurion Airport).
No fear
for new ways !!!
We are
happy that nowadays in Zionistic Religious Israeli society we have a
spiritual movement, an awakening.
Yaakov
Avinu heard from his grandfather Avraham that his sons would be in the
galut and after they will suffer there they will come back with great
wealth
After
he spend 21 years at Lavans house where he had to deal with cheating and
abusing he came back as a rich man with a lot of kids and then he
thought that the promise to Avraham was fulfilled and now is the time is
there to relax and to deal with the family.
The
Misrash tell s that exactly at that time 'the anger of Joseph and the
tribes was jumping on him' explaining the word VeJeshev (when he wanted
to sit). From this we learn that great people never have time to sit.
They have an aim to fulfill and they never know how it is going to be
but they can be sure that HaShem leads the reality throughout the
difficulties.
When
there was the spiritual awake ness in Judaism last century about the
National Zionist movement there were many reasons why the religious
leaders didn't join. The main reason for not joining was that the
Zionist movement was lead by non-religious Jews and there is a famous
saying of one of the big Jewish leaders in that time: 'New things are
forbidden according to the Torah'. We were happy that HaShem sent a
great soul to the world, Rav Kook, who could show a different way how to
work HaShem with the same passion as the existing religious life
combined with the National Zionist spirit.
After
the expulsion of Gush Katif every community and every house (who wanted
to sit and rest) found it selves in a situation of searching for another
way. It is quit clear that people today look for their individual soul.
In the secular world it is called the New Age generation and in the
religious world it is called Chassidud. In our religious Zionist world
we believe that the way of what Rav Kook thought us, which is to combine
a new movement in the existing religious life, is the right way to coop
with it. With a great believe that this is the way how HaShem appears to
the world (throughout a crisis) we will not fall in the same fault to
say that New is forbidden according to the Torah. We pray that will be
able to be open to the change in which HaShem leads us to a place where
every person will feel the existence of HaShem in his life.
For the Har-Tsion
Institute we have a scheduled program for groups at Beth Midrash
Susya
One week of biblical studies and excursions.
The following schedule will give you an idea about the activities for this
week. It is not final yet and subject to minor changes (for example in case
of security concerns).
Be Ikvod David - a week in the footsteps of King David.
Friday
Suggested arrival in Israel - transfer to Susya.
Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with Jewish Orthodox families.
For one or two meals you will be hosted at one of Susya’s families. The other
meals will be eaten together as a group.
Further on the program:
· A lecture about Shabbat,
· A lecture about Jewish songs and music from the Psalms,
· Getting a Shabbat rest!
Sunday
A Jeep tour from Susya to Ein Gedi - through Maon, Carmel and the Judean
Desert. At different stops lectures about Prayer and Faith in the Jewish way.
Monday
Visit to Chevron (Hebron) and the Machpela Cave: the burial place of the
Patriarchs. Lectures about Know Him in all your ways (the Jewish religious
life) and The restoration of the House of David.
Tuesday
Trip to the Shomron (Samaria):
· Elon Moreh (next to Shechem - Nablus),
· Mount Kabir (the place where Abraham entered the country),
· Har Bracha with a view at Joseph’s Tomb,
· Shiloh.
Lectures about The Torah, The Oral Torah and The Mishkan (the Tabernacle).
Wednesday
Workshop at an ecological farm of Jewish shepherds. Milking sheep or goats,
making cheese or yoghurt. Lectures about The future of Israel - according to
David and the Prophets.
Thursday
Excursion to Jerusalem. Lecture about Jerusalem’s history. Visit to the
Kotel (the Western Wall), the City of David, the Tomb of King David and more.
Lecture about The concept of serving One God.
Friday
Another day in Jerusalem. Lecture about Jerusalem’s present and future.
Visit to the Mechane Yehuda market and the Temple Institute.
I really had a great time studying at the
Beth Midrash in Susya. I also enjoyed it very much to study ”Right on the
spot” at the Kever of King David, Yerushalayim, Hevron Machpela, Ancient
Susya and in the wonderful area. Very interesting were the lessons with
Ary’el, Rav Ishai and Rav Merzbach and fellow ‘Sussyans’. I learned a lot
about Jewish life. For me it was a great experience and a wonderful time
of study. I’m looking forward to the next times in Susya !!!
John, 20 years
The Netherlands
---
I learned a lot during my stay in Susya, studying Judaism at the
historical places. I learned how to read the Thora and Tenach. It was
different than I was used to read it. About my expectations of the study:
Actually I didn’t know what to expect. The whole period here was a big
lesson, I learned a lot during the lessons but also through what I saw in
the Jewish daily life her in Susya, from the people in the synagogue, from
the people I got a lift, from the lessons the fathers gave to their
children during the meals, from the mothers who were walking with their
children, from the people on the street. Wonderful.
Vanessa v B.
Belgium
---
I participated in the
program because because I wanted to experience life in a Jewish community
in Yesha. Soon I will hopefuly finish my giyur (conversion to Judaism);
however at the moment I am not officialy Jewish yet. Being in this
position I did not know what to expect of the program. After the
experience I can say, if you are a Jew searching for your roots or a ger
tsedek (convert) you will be surprised in a positive way. The community of
Susya is warm and very welcoming. Not only will you learn a lot in terms
of Torah and Judaism but you will also get a taste of Judaism how it is
meant to be, in the hilltops of Judea. You will visit chupot (Jewish
weddings), visit the graves of tsadikim and much more. Also you can rest
assured that you will not spend one Shabbat alone. The people of Susya
will invite to their homes and will want to hear more about your
connection to Judaism and Israel. If you are motivated the local rabbi's
will be more than happy to teach you Torah, Mishna and Gemara. In short a
unique opportunity that you don't want to miss.
Chaim v S
The Netherlands
---
My name is Hagar C. and I come from Holland. I have the wish to become Jewish.
This I knew already a long time but we were considering taking steps in
this direction beginning 2009. I heard a story about a man from Holland
who was a Christian before but now had become a Jew and living in Israel.
His name was Ary’el Tsion. I phoned him and told my story. Then my family
and I decided
to study at Beth Midrash Susya. We studied for a week in Susya. We stayed at their
accommodation and were received very friendly and enjoyed their
hospitality. We studied at different locations such as the Machpela,
Jerusalem and ancient Susya. All kinds of topics we were able to look into
and found a lot of answers to questions we had. Aryel was able to reveal
to us many things about the messiah, Oral Tora, Prophets, and Halacha. We
also met many inhabitants of the village and even had a nice interview
with the main rabbi. Also I went to the synagoge and the visit to Susya was in
fact a confirmation for me that I am on the right path.
יעקב אבינו היה משוכנע ששנות הגלות אצל לבן, היה בהם די כדי לקיים את דברי
ה' לאברהם-"גר יהיה זרעך בארץ לא להם". ואחרי שהוא יצא ברכוש גדול, והיה
בעל משפחה גדולה לא נותר לו אלא ליצור חיי תרבות ומשפחה,תחת גפנו ותאנתו.
אלא
שלולא היה "קופץ עליו רוגזו של יוסף" המציאות הייתה נעצרת.
ומאז למדנו שלצדיקים אין מנוחה, יש להם משימה גדולה למלא שאפילו הם לא
מודעים לגודלה ולדרך שבה היא תצא אל הפועל.
בתקופה האחרונה, לאחר שקפץ עלינו "רוגזו של שרון", אנחנו עדים לתסיסה
רוחנית בתוך המחנה הדתי לאומי.
כל
יישוב או בית פרטי המבקש לישב בשלווה מתמודד עם סוגיות שונות . אמיתות שפעם
היו ברורות נפתחות לדיון מחודש.
כשהרוחות תססו סביב הרעיון הלאומי במאה שעברה והצעירים נמשכו אל התנועה
הציונית ולהשכלה, היו סיבות מספיק טובות מדוע לא לשתף פעולה עם הרוח הזו.
זכינו שה' שלח לנו נשמה ענקית –הרב קוק, שהאירה את עיננו וסללה לנו דרך
רוחנית חדשה שבה לא די שלא נאלצנו לוותר על התורה אלא להיפך ראינו ברוח
החדשה, את קיומה של התורה בצורה שלמה יותר.
היום אי אפשר להתעלם עוד מהרוח החדשה הנושבת בעולם. העולם הכללי קורא לזה –new
age" " והעולם היהודי קורא לזה "חסידות".
אם
הרוח הלאומית איימה בעבר על היהדות המסורתית , היום החיפוש העצמי, והצורך
להרגיש ולחוות את העולם הפרטי מאיימת על עולמנו.
האם
נשכיל לצעוד בדרכו של הרב קוק ונוציא יקר מזולל,מתוך הבנה שמה שדוחף את
הרוח הזו היא רוחו של משיח המחוללת את כל התנועות הרוחניות בעולם כדי
להוציא מהכוח אל הפועל את צלם אלוקים שבאדם בצורה מלאה.
או
שנאטום את אוזנינו, נעצום את עיננו ונשתמש בביטוי של החת"ם סופר-"חדש אסור
מן התורה", ונחזור לשפה המוכרת והבטוחה, שאצל חלק מהנוער הפכה לשפת
הסיסמאות של בני עקיבא.
לעניות דעתי, אי אפשר לכלוא את הרוח,והרוח הזו כבר נושבת בעוצמה רבה, אין
וואקום, במקום שלא נצליח לייצר שמחה והתלהבות בעבודת השם , חוויות רוחניות
הנוגעות בנימים העדינים של הנפש, הרוח תפנה למקומות אחרים ששם הדברים כבר
קיימים בצורה כזו או אחרת.
חלק
מהבנים יפנו אל העולם החילוני שם יגלו את ה"אור" של המימוש העצמי המנותק
מאור ה' אבל נוגע בעולמו הרגשי של האדם.
וחלק מהבנים יפנו אל העולם החסידי, ברסלב או חב"ד שמסיבות שונות הם מהוות
היום כוח מושך.
אני
מתפלל שנדע ליצור בקרבנו כלים שיכילו את הרוח הזו בעולמנו הדתי
לאומי,ובמקום לעסוק בהתבצרות ובמגננה ,נשכיל להיפתח לדברים נוספים,נוכיח
לעצמנו שאנחנו לא מפחדים משינוי אלא להיפך אנחנו רואים בשינוי פתח להתקדמות
וצמיחה לנו ולעולם כולו.
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