Neve is a school of Jewish education for the unaffiliated, the uninitiated, and the exploring. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower young Jewish women to personalize their Judaism, take ownership of it, and experience it as an ongoing source of strength and wisdom. We are best engaged by students who are not observant, or are at early stages of exploration. Although we accommodate a wide age range, most Neve students are between the ages of 19 and 32.

Neve’s student body averages from about fifty to eighty young women at any given time.

While about 60% of Neve students come from throughout the United States and Canada, about 40% come from the UK and Europe, South Africa, South America, Australia, and even further abroad. However, there are many more students attending affiliate schools on the Neve campus from very diverse religious backgrounds and nationalities. One of the things many students enjoy most about Neve is getting to know fellow young Jewish women from all over the world. 

Yes, all classes are in English. While some classes require students to practice reading and translating in Hebrew, lectures and discussions are conducted in English.

We work with students who have little or no Hebrew knowledge and help them develop their skills and understanding of the language. We offer an Ulpan track for students looking to develop their Hebrew skills.

Our beginner program, Mechina, is specifically geared towards Jewish women with little to no Jewish educational background to enable them to learn more about Judaism and what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century.

Neve programs run throughout the year with individual schedules constructed on a customized basis for each student. This allows Neve students the flexibility to experience classes and campus life from just one day to ten days, a few weeks, a few months, and even an entire year. Some Neve students choose to schedule regular getaways at Neve during their university breaks for vacation weeks, while others prefer to immerse themselves in a longer period of personal growth. It’s up to you.

Neve programs have a set curriculum, but students may adjust their schedule according to their own personal goals in consultation with Neve’s Director of Education, Rabbi Avraham Edelstein. Alongside classes, one-on-one learning is a core part of Neve’s schedule and curriculum. Neve staff provides 70 hours of one-on-one mentoring every week. In addition, every student receives four one-on-ones with a tutor every week.

Students may also request additional time with a private tutor if they wish to study something specific not provided by the syllabus, or mentoring time with a member of staff. In effect, every student has a somewhat individualized learning program.

No, there are no grades issued. For Neve students interested in using a grade system to facilitate their studies, exams reviewing topics covered are available upon request. Neve lecturers are also available to assign and mentor students who would like to research and compose papers and other creative projects on their topics of interest.

Neve’s student body averages from about fifty to eighty young women at any given time.

Students must study at Neve for a minimum of four weeks in order to be eligible to earn college credit. Many colleges and universities accept Neve courses for credit. It is important that the student consult the registrar of the home college she is attending, or plans to attend, to understand their college policy. A transcript for courses successfully completed at Neve will be issued upon request. The fee for each transcript is $10.00 USD, and this can be paid by credit card. Note that once the request is received, it takes approximately a month to process the transcript.

Neve campus is a fun place with lots to do. On campus itself, green thumbs wake up bright and early to tend the organic garden. Creatives get messy making candles, soaps, and other arts and crafts in the art studio. Athletic types work up a sweat at the gym using machines and equipment, as well as attending classes including Zumba and Boot Camp. Other on-campus extracurricular activities include baking, open mikes, karaoke nights, and more.

Off campus, Neve students enjoy trips twice a month to museums, hikes, and other indoor and outdoor sites around Israel. (You don’t want to miss the annual secret midnight dance party in the Judean desert.) Monthly Shabbat retreats introduce the entire student body to a new location, including panels and activities geared to give students deeper glance at the varied communities in Israel. Individual Shabbat accommodations throughout the city are arranged on student interest. In addition, Neve offers students two annual getaways to Eilat and Northern Israel with fabulous activities.

Yes. Neve students travel off campus every two weeks on trips including hikes, beach days, bonfires, pool visits, volunteering, museums, site tours such as the Knesset and other places of interest, and more. Two yearly highlights are the annual Eilat getaway and the annual Northern Israel getaway, each lasting several days and jam-packed with incredible activities. Besides, every Shabbat is a potential adventure as Neve facilitates individual student accommodations around the city by request. The entire student body comes together during monthly Shabbat retreats including panels and activities to allow students to get to know the many diverse Jewish communities throughout Israel.

Neve is located in Har Nof, a thriving neighborhood in Jerusalem. Dozens of eateries, from burger joints to sushi places to pretty pasta-and-sandwich cafes, are just a ten-minute walk away. Frozen yogurt, pizza, falafel – you name it, Har Nof’s got it. Plenty of fun stores, from clothing to houseware, are also just around the corner. For nature lovers, the gorgeous Jerusalem Forest is right down the block, offering a breathtaking view from every street in the neighborhood, and plenty of walking and cycling paths in the woods. Swimmers have access to several nearby pools. The center of Jerusalem is just Twenty minutes away by bus, giving students easy access to one of the most iconic cities on the planet. You can fall in love with the magical, winding alleyways by exploring on your own, or you can attend one of the endless cultural events taking place around the city. Highlights include the annual Light Festival in and around the Old City, the International Arts & Crafts Fair in Sultan’s Pool, the International Book Fair bringing countries far and wide together at The First Train Station, and so many more. There are also dozens of parks, attractions, indoor and outdoor malls, and other fun places throughout the city offering Neve students plenty to do.

Weekends at Neve are fun. Every week, students can sign up for Shabbat meals with host families in Har Nof and the greater Jerusalem area, giving you the chance to meet amazing new people. In addition, there are also monthly Shabbatons on campus with special meals, speakers, and activities, and monthly Shabbat retreats in various locations around the country. Students can also choose to visit relatives and friends during their time off.

Neve dorms are located on Neve’s beautiful six acre campus filled with blossoming flower gardens, inviting green lawns, and plenty of outdoor nooks for lounging and chatting on one of the highest plateaus in Jerusalem. Inside the dorm buildings, each apartment includes four bedrooms as well as bathrooms, showers, and a kitchenette. Each bedroom houses up to three students, but usually has a maximum of two students per room. Each student is given a bed, closet, and night table. Neve provides linens, blankets and pillows. If you are staying for an extended period of time, we recommend bringing your own as a “taste of home.” A detailed packing list will be sent to you upon your acceptance to Neve. In addition, students can choose to attend classes at Neve and live off campus.

Yes. Students have unlimited access to gym machines, equipment, and classes including Zumba, Boot Camp, and more. Learn more about the Neve gym on our Campus page.

Yes. Wi-Fi is available in the main school building during non-class hours.

Neve provides students with three meals a day in our bright and airy campus cafeteria. A fresh, colorful salad bar centrally featured at every lunch and dinner offers students a generous selection of seasonal produce, toppings, and dressings. Lunches and dinners also include various soups, fish, meat and poultry, dairy dishes, vegetable entrees, and grains. Breakfast includes cereal, bread, and yogurts. Snacks provided throughout the day outside classes include fresh seasonal fruits, baked goods, and beverages. (Yes, we have coffee.)

There are dorm counselors and house mothers for each building.

Neve is located on a gated, secure campus with a 24-hour security guard. Each student is issued an ID card that they must present during off hours in order to obtain entry to the campus.

Good emotional and physical health is required. Women with physical disabilities are encouraged to apply, but details about the campus should be discussed prior to arrival to ensure that requirements can be comfortably met.

Yes. Students requiring financial aid to attend Neve have a number of options. Many local Jewish federations, synagogues, youth groups, and other organizations offer scholarships for study in Israel, and are familiar with Neve. Students are directed firstly to identify and reach out to these dedicated sources of funding. Neve is also part of the MASA program, allowing MASA-qualifying students to use this funding towards their tuition.

If these are inadequate to fully fund tuition, Neve makes generous needs-based scholarships available to those students who qualify. Students may apply for financial assistance by filling out a Financial Assistance Request Form documenting her needs. Neve actively assists students to create payment plans that make attending Neve possible, and will never turn away a qualified student who requires financial support. Please email Shayna Katz at [email protected] for more information.

It’s easy. To apply to Neve, send an email to Shayna Katz at [email protected] to receive your application form. Once your application form has been submitted, Shayna will email you about scheduling your interview. When you’re accepted, the last steps are filling out your medical form and tuition agreement, and you’re ready to go!

After your interview with the dean, it can take up to two weeks, but we’ll usually let you know within a few days.

The Mechina level is for Jewish women who do not yet know the basics of Judaism, who feel they have a beginner’s level of knowledge, or who would enjoy a general refresher of the foundations of Judaism. Jewish women with no knowledge of their heritage are welcome, and will be supported along their journey by teachers and mentors. All other program levels are for Jewish women with an intermediate level of knowledge.