Religious Standards
Ahavat Yisrael and Kiddush Hashem
The active pursuit of mutual respect and understanding between Jews from different backgrounds is an important pillar of Shalem’s religious philosophy. Shalem participants, who in the future will be interacting with a diverse population in college and beyond, are challenged to pursue their own religious growth and development within Shalem’s Modern Orthodox framework, while respecting the beliefs and practices of those of their peers who are not Orthodox, whether in other Year Course kvutzot, or at their various Israeli volunteer sites. The interaction with non-Orthodox Year Course participants or secular Israelis is not intended to distract or derail members of the Shalem kvutzah from achieving their own religious and spiritual potential, but rather to broaden their sense of religious fulfillment to include Ahavat Yisrael in both principle and practical implementation.
Shalem is designed to help chanichim further develop the students’ religious personalities, in a way that will remain strong as Shalem graduates attend college and make their way in the world. Shalem participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates their commitment to Klal Yisrael, without undermining their commitment to halacha, and vice versa. Above all, participants are expected to demonstrate not only commitment to halachic observance, but also the moral integrity and sweetness of character of true Bnei and Bnot Torah, so as to serve as a Kiddush Hashem, inducing respect and admiration for Torah observance among all who interact with them.
Religious Policies of Shalem
The challenge of creating a spiritual and meaningful Orthodox community within a larger non-Orthodox environment demands an unwavering commitment to halacha. Shalem participants are committed to halachic adherence, Shabbat observance, participation in daily minyanim, and contribution as an Orthodox community to the overall atmosphere of the program, both on and off campus. Additionally, chanichim must abide by proper halachic standards regarding tzniut – in behavior, dress, and interaction with members of the opposite gender. All other Year Course participants are not required to be observant when not in Young Judaea facilities. Year Course is a pluralistic program, respectful of tradition, which is enriched by the interaction of religious and non-religious participants.
Further clarifications of these categories or others may be raised during the course of the program, as deemed appropriate by the Rosh Tochnit and Shalem staff, or to address a particular situation or need, and will be considered binding on Shalem participants. Any participant on the Shalem track who does not observe the religious and halachic guidelines set by the Shalem staff will be asked to leave.