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Beth Emet Leo Baeck Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

What is NFTY- EIE?

Since 1961 more than a thousand high school sophomores, juniors or seniors have participated in the North American Federation of Temple Youth Eisendrath Israel Exchange (NFTY-EIE), an extraordinary semester in Israel for North American Reform Jewish youth. The purpose of NFTY-EIE is to provide an opportunity for outstanding high school students to spend a semester in Israel under the sponsorship of the Reform Movement. The experience is intended to develop young leadership and to increase Jewish knowledge and commitment to Jewish life and learning.  Students in NFTY-EIE immerse themselves in study and in experiencing the Land of Israel and its cultures and people during the Spring Semester (January – June) or during the Fall Semester (August – December). Students are immersed in Hebrew Language via Ulpan and also attend fully accredited General Studies Courses whose credits transfer to their regular high school back home.

NFTY-EIE has evolved from a host-family model in the major cities of Israel to a kibbutz residency program at Kibbutz Tzuba in the Judean Hills outside of Jerusalem. NFTY-EIE also features many group experiences, such as a week-long Poland trip, hiking expeditions in the Negev Desert and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee and also “Gadna” (IDF training camp) where students can interact with their Israeli peers.

Who and What is a Leo Baeck Scholar?

A Leo Baeck Scholar (LBS) is an active member in good standing of Beth Emet who is selected to receive a merit based scholarship during their residence in Israel as part of NFTY’s Eisendrath International Exchange Program (EIE).

A Leo Baeck Scholar is a high school student who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to our community prior to applying for the scholarship. The Leo Baeck Scholar is an exemplary student at their high school both academically and socially. The Leo Baeck Scholar demonstrates good judgment, maturity and an avid interest in spending time in Israel as a representative of American Reform Jewish youth. The Leo Baeck Scholar should be familiar with Hebrew language both spoken and written and with Israeli history and culture enough to participate actively in the NFTY-EIE experience.

A Leo Baeck Scholar is selected on the basis of merit without regard to financial need and according to criteria established by the Leo Baeck Scholarship committee.

The LBS agrees to participate fully in the life of Beth Emet upon returning from Israel and to share experiences and insights with the congregation at the request of the clergy, youth director, education director and lay leadership. The LBS agrees to be a leader, mentor and resource to other youth at Beth Emet.  Click here to see names of recipients from Beth Emet.

What is the application process? When is the application deadline?

All applicants to the Leo Baeck Scholarship must first complete the NFTY-EIE application process. After submitting the EIE application to NFTY, Beth Emet members can access the Leo Baeck Scholarship application on the Beth Emet website. The LBS application includes written essays, a summary of academic and extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation and a current school transcript. The deadline date for the application will be found on the Beth Emet website.

Download Application General Information
Download Instructions for Application
Download Application

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What is the selection process?

All LBS applicants are interviewed and then evaluated by the LBS Committee which uses a personal interview and the LBS application as the foundation of their selection process. All decisions of the Committee are final, and the Committee reserves the right not to select a Leo Baeck Scholar in a year when no candidate meets the criteria for the scholarship.

What if I am not a Leo Baeck Scholar? Can I still go on NFTY-EIE?

Participation in the NFTY-EIE program does NOT depend on receiving a Leo Baeck Scholarship from Beth Emet. All NFTY-EIE participants remain valued Beth Emet representatives in the program and will be invited to share their experiences with the congregation and prospective NFTY-EIE participants.

What other financial assistance is available to me?

All EIE applicants may apply for additional financial assistance from Beth Emet. Other merit scholarships and financial need-based assistance are available through NFTY and the Jewish Federation. Contact the Rabbi’s Office for details.

Where can I get more information?

Contact the Beth Emet office for more details or send an email.