What is the school's Hashkafa?
Tiferet is a Religious-Zionist school. Our philosophy of Torah U'Madah and Zionism is grounded in the teachings of the Torah luminaries, Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook and Rav Yosef Ber Soloveichik. The ideals of Torat Eretz Yisrael are evident in every aspect of our program; from the classroom to our tiyulim.
We celebrate Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim with special tefillot including Hallel. We join communal festivities in Ramat Bet Shemesh and enjoy special programming, speakers and trips to convey the great significance of the day. Our students leave Tiferet with a deeper appreciation and love for Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael and a yearning to return.
Where is Tiferet located?
We are located in the fastest growing religious community in Israel, Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef, a safe and friendly city situated in the beautiful Judean Hills that surround Jerusalem. The Tiferet campus is within close proximity to shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, banks, dry cleaners, and a women's health and fitness center. The local mall is only minutes away.
Tiferet's teachers, Rabbis and administration live within a few minutes walk from the Tiferet building, and we regularly spend Shabbatot and Yomim Tovim together.
How close is Tiferet to Yerushalayim?
Ramat Beit Shemesh is a short drive from Yerushalayim. Safe and inexpensive van services are always available for Tiferet students travelling to Yerushalayim from their houses. We provide free transportation every Friday morning to Yerushalayim.
How does Tiferet provide for the safety of its students?
Tiferet is located in Beit Shemesh, an area far from the Green Line, with a population that is virtually all Jewish. Security is our number one priority and strict safety precautions are taken in all aspects of Tiferet's operation. The security situation is constantly monitored and travel restrictions are imposed if deemed necessary. In the event of any incident, we are in immediate contact with all students via cellphone.
Our campus is fully gated and under the 24/7 surveillance of our security team with ten digital video cameras throughout the campus. In addition to the video surveillance, a security guard offers extra security throughout the night. The electric gates are operated by keypad code and monitored by the security cameras.
All tiyulim are planned in full coordination with the appropriate security authorities.
What are the facilities?
Tiferet is housed in a new, custom-designed building which contains administration offices, attractive classrooms and a Beit Midrash (with an expansive library of English and Hebrew seforim), spacious dining hall, exercise room and a modern computer room. The main Tiferet building and student apartments are equipped with central air conditioning and heating.
Will I have computer access?
Located in the Tiferet building, the computer room contains personal computers, with high-speed internet access that enables the students to maintain frequent contact with family and friends. Card readers are also provided so that you can share you experiences with your family and friends.
Will I ever be asked to leave the dorms for Shabbat or Yom Tov?
Tiferet is never closed! Tiferet will always remain open so that students can stay at home, have guests or spend Shabbat and Chagim with their teachers. Tiferet's students do not have to make plans for Yamim Noraim or the Purim Seuda.
We strongly believe that an important part of their year in Israel is having the option of spending Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur in their own school and to be invited to their teachers' homes for Seudot. The Tiferet experience is all encompassing.
What is Tiferet's curriculum?
A variety of young and exciting teachers give interactive classes on Chumash, Nach, Practical Halacha, Tefilla, Mussar, Philosophy, and optional classes in Jewish History, the State of Israel, Chassidut and Gemara. "Derech Eretz Kadma L'Torah" is an axiom of our school. At Tiferet, there is a strong emphasis on Midot and Bein Adam L'Chaveiro.
Beyond the many exciting classes and programs, Tiferet very often hosts a variety of popular and fascinating guest speakers.
A Tiferet student emerges with a stronger sense of self and is equipped with skills and knowledge that enable her to strengthen the Jewish people. In this light, Tiferet has developed a program to teach its students how to combat anti-semitism on the campus and in the workplace.
How is Tiferet's classroom special?
At Tiferet, students are encouraged to be interactive with their teachers and fellow students. Since our students have close relationships with their teachers, our students feel comfortable to participate and to ask any questions they may have, resulting in an ideal learning environment. We involve the students in thought-provoking discussions and present stimulating topics in an informal setting. Source sheets are reviewed in every class so that you can see the source for what you are learning inside.
Our classroom is a place where Torah comes alive and close relationships between teachers and students are formed. Our low student-to-teacher ratio and warm family environment enable us to focus on each student's individual needs.
Are there tests?
At Tiferet, we believe that this year will be a unique opportunity to grow through learning "Torah Lishmah." Tiferet students will be motivated to learn Torah, not because of external pressure, but because they have been inspired to do so.
Teachers may use tests, essays or projects to evaluate their students' progress. However, a far more significant evaluation is the continuous growth that we see in each Tiferet student.
Do students have the opportunity to tour Israel?
The Tiferet students see their learning come alive as they explore the rich history and beauty of Israel. We view tiyulim as a very important part of our curriculum and the Israel experience as they deepen one's love and appreciation of the land and create stronger bonds with fellow students and staff. Tiyulim are led by professional and inspiring guides, with the highest level of security and safety precautions. We have many one day trips as well as several overnight trips and Shabbatonim in the many beautiful parts of Eretz Yisrael.
Living in Ramat Beit Shemesh also affords us the opportunity to take many day-trips to nearby national parks, landmarks and archeological sites located in this breathtaking and historical region.
What is the language of instruction?
Most classes in Tiferet are conducted in English, allowing students to express themselves fully and completely. There are some Hebrew language classes available for those who would like to work on their Hebrew skills this year. We also provide a unique "Practical Ulpan," focusing less on rules of grammar, and more on the contemporary Hebrew language skills that one needs to communicate in Israel.
Will there be a Chesed program?
Chesed is a significant part of the Tiferet experience. Every student will spend one afternoon a week involved in different situations in the Beit Shemesh/Yerushalayim area. In addition to the regular Chesed program, we organize many trips to visit hospitals, retirement homes, victims of terror and other special projects.
Since we are in a community, Tiferet students have the opportunity to involve themselves in Chesed many times a week. It is our hope that the Chesed experience in Israel will have a lasting positive impact on our students after they return home.
What meals does Tiferet provide?
Tiferet's meals are prepared by one of the top caterers in Beit Shemesh. The well-balanced and delicious cuisine is supplemented with a salad at every meal. Lunch, dinner and all Shabbat seudot are served in our spacious dining hall.
The students have full kitchen facilities in their apartments that enable them to prepare breakfast and other food on their own.
What prerequisites are required for acceptance to Tiferet?
The Tiferet administration seeks applicants throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain who will develop and thrive in our unique environment. We are looking for serious students with good midot, who are motivated to learn, grow, make amazing relationships and deepen their connection to Torat Eretz Yisrael. Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis.
What is the application process?
You may apply to Tiferet by filling out an application on the Apply to Sem website. www.applytosem.org