Unique Opportunity in Israel Begins this June

Have you ever wondered what it would really be like to live and work in Israel? Have you ever wanted to take the time to learn more about your Jewish heritage or to study Hebrew? Have you ever wanted to explore Israel, not just as a tourist, but in a way that is engaging, challenging and in-depth? For more than 30 years, the WUJS Institute, in Arad, Israel, has offered Jewish graduates and professionals, 21 and older, an exciting and unique year-long program which combines seven months of one of Israel's finest Hebrew language instruction courses, Jewish studies classes, off-the-beaten-track hiking, educational seminars, and community volunteer opportunities, with five months or more of career development and full-salaried job placement in all professional fields throughout Israel.

"Most adults lead fairly busy lives and would probably think twice before taking off a year or so to just go and travel," said Yifat Shoham, the director of the WUJS Institute. "On the other hand, I think all of us are looking for meaning in our lives and where better to conduct that search than in the land of Israel. On the WUJS program, you can actually take the time to learn, explore, travel, meet people from around the world, as well as earn a salary and gain valuable career experience. Whether you looking to actually remain in Israel or are planning to stay for just the year, you will be making a direct impact upon your own professional and personal life. And, in a sense, upon the land of Israel itself."

According to Shoham, the Institute typically attracts a diverse population of participants from a variety of backgrounds. "We feel this to be our real strength, particularly given the current debate surrounding pluralism in Israel, " she said. "The atmosphere at the Institute is one which encourages interaction, discussion and personal exploration of the important issues we face as Jews. You may not have all the answers in your pocket when you leave the Institute, but you will have a better understanding of who you are, and a richer relationship with Israel and with the Jewish community overall."

Registration is currently underway for the WUJS Institute's year-long summer session, which begins June 29. "Summer is an especially exciting time to be in Arad, when the city hosts its famous Arad Music Festival," added Shoham. "Literally thousands of Israelis converge on our quiet desert town for four days of non-stop concerts by some of the best performers in Israeli music today. The Arad Music Festival is often a highlight of the year for many of our participants who come in June."

In addition, participants who come in June will also be able to take advantage of the WUJS Institute's new Computer Training Program with the Technological College of Beersheva, which will allow them to gain valuable vocational training in the computer programming languages while they learn in Israel. Individuals who sign up for the Computer Training Program will not only enjoy all of the features of the Institute's regular program, but also receive 250 hours of instruction in computer programming, as well as assistance from the WUJS Institute's Employment Department and the Technological College of Beersheva to help them find suitable employment in Israel's thriving computer industry. The Computer Training Program is designed primarily for individuals who are somewhat computer literate, but who have not previously specialized in computers and would like to explore new career possibilities.

The cost of the regular WUJS Institute program is $2200 and includes tuition; shared studio apartment; one hot meal a day in the dining hall; hikes; seminars and workshops, and instructional materials. The cost of the Computer Training Program is an additional $950. For further information about either the regular WUJS Institute program or the Computer Training Program, contact the WUJS Institute's North American office toll-free at 1-888-WUJS INS or at 732-238-2998, or by email at wujsusa@cwixmail.com or wujs@aol.com. Interested individuals can also check out the WUJS Institute's website at www.wujs-arad.org.

The WUJS Institute is sponsored by the Aliyah Department of the Jewish Agency and is a non-profit, non-denominational organization, supported by the Jewish Agency, the Arad Municipality, Israel's Ministry of Education and Culture, and by grants and individual contributions to the American Friends of the WUJS Institute, Inc.