From Our Students

"I learned that I didn't have to leave behind my art in order to be Jewish . . . . Hashem gave me these unique talents to make a tikkun in the world."
- Haddas

"You can feel the presence of G-d in these hills. I never felt this in Jerusalem, except at the Kotel."
- Sarah

"I took away from the classes so much more than Torah and halacha . . . I learned what it truly means to be an Eshet Chayil."
- Tiferet

"I thought being in Jerusalem, the holy city, would be more conducive to growing spiritually. But, living here, with the Jewish students and in a totally observant community, I was really able to absorb so much about correct Jewish practices and belief even in my everyday life outside of the classroom."
- Chana

"I've seen quite a bit of life already, so I wasn't too keen on living in a dorm setting. But now, I feel truly privledged to have been a part of this wonderful community of women."
- Rivkah

"The rabbi and staff are so caring . . . I had to work hard to get through the conversion process, but I knew I always had their support, whether I needed help understanding a letter from Misrad Hapnim or a shoulder to cry on. They were always there for me."
- Ahuva

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Curriculum

The learning curriculum of B'not Ruth is founded on the principle that Torah study immersed in experiential learning gives the student the best tools to begin a new life based on the observance of halacha and service to G-d.

The program at B'not Ruth is a full-time program combining class time, experiential learning, rabbinic counseling, community service and individual study. Classes meet five hours per day for four mornings per week. Additional time is set aside for weekly private meetings with the rabbi for counseling and to monitor progress.

Outside of the formal program, students are expected to take advantage of the experiential afternoon learning with students of Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin and to assist their adoptive family or participate in community service projects. Students who have special talents that they wish to pursue are encouraged to do so, such as performing in a play, practicing a musical instrument or gardening. Students with financial need will be allowed to use non-scheduled time for work-study projects and for working off campus.

The areas of learning emphasized at B'not Ruth are:

All classes combine frontal learning, class discussion, homework and quizzes. Many also add an interactive component based on guided individual study projects that students share in order to learn from one another.

View the sample schedule.

Emuna - Jewish Belief

Belief combined with action is the foundation of Judaism. Students will study the work, The Way of G-d (Derech Hashem) by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, exploring together the basic principles of Jewish belief regarding the existence of G-d, G-d's purpose in creation, and the logical consequence of concepts in Judaism.

The emphasis on developing the student's understanding of Jewish belief flows through every aspect of the curriculum of B'not Ruth, as well as in the community of Bat Ayin.

Halacha - Jewish Practice

Students will be prepared to begin living their lives as halacha-observant Jews. Three classes per week over the course of the year will give students a basis in the laws of Shabbat, kashrut, blessings, Eretz Yisrael, the holidays and the Jewish life-cycle.

In addition, through learning alongside Jewish students and interacting with adopted families, the campus and community become a living classroom of Jewish practice.

Tanach - The Bible: Torah, Prophets, Writings

The Torah is the direct revelation from G-d to the Jewish people guiding and defining our existence as a people. Through an overview of the books of Tanach, students will have the opportunity to explore the sources of the fundemental beliefs in Judaism. Special emphasis is given to Parashat Lech Lecha, Megillat Esther, Megillat Ruth, and The Book of Shemuel.

Tefilah - Jewish Prayer

Each morning begins with communal prayer, guided by the school's madricha (counselor) to help students learn the meaning and structure of the prayers from the siddur (prayer book) in Hebrew.

Additionly, a formal class in Tefilah explores the concept of prayer in general and the siddur in particular. Students will come to understand the fundemental elements of prayer as part of a relationship with G-d on an individual level, as well as the development and meaning of the formal prescribed prayers as a reflection of this relationship on a communal level.

Chagim - Jewish Holidays and the Cycle of the Year

Several classes will elucidate the meanings, halachot and customs of the Jewish holidays and life-cycle events. Special seminars will give students the unique opportunity to join with Jewish students to learn about and celebrate together. Community weddings, births and other life-cycle events will allow students to participate and see, first-hand, Judaism in action in family and communal life.

Ivrit - Hebrew Language

Hebrew language skills are attained through daily practice in small group study of Biblical sources, enabling the student to read and understand the Tanach in the original Hebrew, as well as in the study of the prayers. Modern Hebrew skills can be developed at the student's initiative in the community.