Sem Beis Shlichus Internship Program in Cape Town

Communicated

“Heaven on Earth”, a unique Sem Beis Shlichus Internship Program, is being launched for the coming school year in sunny Cape Town, South Africa – and it’s called that name for good reason.

Zeesy Deren, coordinator of the program, explains that “there is a growing need for Chassidishe girls after their first year of seminary to maintain the focus on learning and personal Avodah and Hiskashrus to the Rebbe that they have achieved through their studies in the heavenly atmosphere of seminary, alongside a desire to develop their leadership and teaching skills, both in the classroom and beyond, in real-life hands-on Shlichus settings – here on earth.

Here in Cape Town we are blessed with both a number of very unique and innovative Shlichus opportunities, as well as a talented cohort of Shluchim and Shluchos under the leadership of our Head Shluchim Rabbi Mendel and Avi Popack, with many decades of Chinuch experience behind them which is an untapped resource for teaching our own.

In that spirit the “Heaven on Earth” program isn’t just testimony to the magnificent opportunity to work and learn alongside the Rebbe’s Shluchim in making a Dirah BiTachtonim in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is also a reflection of the experience we hope to create for every one of the participants in the programme.”

THE PROGRAM:

The pilot program is launching for Elul 5783 – August 2023 with a limited space for 6 (maximum 8) participants being accepted, in groups of two. Each group of two Shlichus Interns will be living at one of the three initial “host space” Shlichus opportunities in Cape Town and  all six interns will join together in the second half of the day for a wide array of in-depth learning, Shiurim, Farbrengens and discussion settings.

Mornings, Monday – Friday from 7:45/8:00 am – 1:15 pm, each group will be engaged in their primary hands-on Shlichus, in the classroom and beyond.

Afternoons, Monday – Thursday, all three groups will come together at one of four different locations, for an hour long Hebrew School style (or evening adult education) program followed by 4:30 – 7:30 pm learning and living, when they are together for a combination of Shiurim in Chassidus, Hashkofoh, Halocho, Tanach, Likkutei Sichos, and topical subjects in education, leadership, and professional development, followed by dinner.

Shiurim and classes will be given by qualified local teachers, and guest lecturers throughout the year.

Friday afternoon is free to prepare for Shabbos and Shabbos will be at their “host space” Shlichus location, leading Youth Services and Oneg Shabbos programs alongside the local Shluchim.

Sundays (and most evenings) are primarily for leisure, relaxation and enjoying the wonders of nature in beautiful Cape Town, consistently named as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

THE HOST SPACES:

The three locations are all hosted by Shluchim with experience in hosting Shlichus girls post-sem, all with well earned reputations of the care and attention they give and hospitality that feels just like home.

Blouberg: The morning sessions are with the Sinai Academy Jewish International School under the directorship of Mrs. Chanee Shlomo – Head of Kodesh studies with Pre-School and Primary School (elementary school) where participants will see a Montessori style school, drawing on Reggio Emilia and other progressive education methods, to learn and teach together. www.SinaiAcademy.co.za

Shabbosim are at the Chabad of the West Coast community which is a young, dynamic community growing in this suburb of Cape Town with children of all ages. www.TheShul.co.za

Sea Point: The morning session are with the Cape Town Torah High led by Rabbi Avi Shlomo, Dean, and Mrs. Sara Baila Wineberg, Head of Kodesh Studies, where participants will lead Davening, extra curricular programs, and will augment the Kodesh studies for girls grade 7 – 12 in this very unique High School. www.CTTorahHigh.com

Shabbosim are at the Chabad of Cape Town centre, in the heart of Cape Town’s main Jewish community, with Youth Programs under the directorship of Mrs. Rosie Popack, in this vibrant HQ of Chabad in the Western Cape. www.Chabad.co.za. (There may be a possibility of another group of joining the Sea Point location that would be working at Marais Road Shul under Mrs. Chanie Hecht.)

Gardens: The morning session will be at the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School under Rabbi Gavi Ziegler and Mrs. Leah Silman, Head of Kodesh. This will present a variety of opportunities, either in primary school or pre-school and will depend on the mutual interest of both the participating schools and the preference of our students. www.PhyllisJowell.org.za

Shabossim are at the Gardens Shul, South Africa’s oldest (largest, and most dynamic) congregations under the leadership of Mrs. Sarah Feldman, with Youth Services held on the beautiful campus that is also home to the legendary South African Jewish Museum. www.GardensShul.co.za.

Southern Suburbs: Though there currently won’t be a group based here, there will also be periodical programmes in the communities of (and dinner) with Mrs. Nicole Green, Shlucha in Constantia, and/or Mrs. Ariella Goldman, Shlucha at Chabad on Campus.

While not included in this summary, in the curriculum and schedule which will be sent out once all all intern groups have been confirmed, we will also include the numerous Shluchim and Rabbis that will be giving Shiurim on various subjects.

ACCOMODATIONS AND HOSPITALITY:

Accommodations: Each group of two Shlichus interns will have their own comfortable apartment, and a monthly allowance of grocery vouchers for the breakfasts and lunches which they will make themselves at their own convenience. Mon-Fri supper will be everyone together, with the host family of Shluchim for each night of where they will be having that night’s learning session.

Each group will also have a car and a gas allowance for transportation between locations of learning and teaching.

The Shlucha at each Shabbos location Chabad House / Shul will also serve as the “Eim Bayit” – House Mother to contact for any practical concerns or needs, as well as serving as a shoulder for emotional support and guidance through the year.

PROGRAM CALENDAR, APPLICATION, AND FEES

Calendar: The program year begins on Wednesday 6 Elul – 23 August, and concludes Wednesday 20 Sivan 5784 – 26 June 2024.

There is a two week summer break from Wednesday 15 Teves 5784 – 27 December 2023  until Wednesday 29 Teves 5784 – January 10 2024 as well as an optional break over Pesach.

Application: Application for the program is open until Tuesday 13 Nissan – 4 April, and confirmation of acceptance or otherwise will be sent no later than Friday 23 Nissan – 13 April. You can fill out the form at www.tiny.cc/HeavenOnEarthApplication.

Please note that any applications will only be considered from confirmed groups of two girls interested in coming, living and working together for the full year.

The program is being created for Chassidishe growth minded individuals who are looking to develop their personal and interpersonal skills as Bnos Chabad / proud Shluchos of the Rebbe.

Both in personal conduct and dress, as well as in the spirit of camaraderie in working and developing the Shlichus, the participants are coming with the intention of maintaining and growing the level and standards which they committed to during their first seminary year.

Fees:. Participants are responsible for all flights to and from Cape Town as well as visa extension fees.

The accommodations, meals and study program is subsidized by the host Shluchim in lieu of the work in the Shlichus that the interns perform.

For the balance there is a non-refundable fee of $3,000 for the entire year. This needs to be paid in 3 installments of $1,000. One on confirmation of acceptance, one before the year begins, and the third before 1 November 2023.

There are no scholarships available for this fee.

IN SUMMARY:

We look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing, and the program bringing the ultimate ‘Dirah B’tachtonim’ Heaven on Earth experience for the Shluchos Sem Beis participants and all the neshamas they will Please G-d touch.

For more information contact program coordinator Zeesy Deren by email [email protected] or whatsapp +27847252947.