Limudei Kodesh classes are held in the morning and span the spectrum of Jewish studies. The lessons, taught by an outstanding faculty of distinguished Rabbanim, mechanchim and mechanchos, are deep, stimulating and thought-provoking. Subjects include in-depth study of Tanach, sifrei Halachah and mussar, and the works of Rishonim and Achronim. Regular tests are given on bekius in Tanach and Halachah.
Ofakim’s advanced Limudei Kodesh program is at the heart of its educational goals and our students’ seminary experience. The Seminary places special emphasis on constantly enhancing our Limudei Kodesh program in order to imbue our talmidos with vital knowledge, understanding and lessons that will accompany and guide them throughout their lives.
Both in the framework of formal and informal instruction, the latter of which is manifested in private meetings with teachers, in-class discussion groups, and special extra-curricular programs, our students are encouraged to ask questions, clarify doubts, and discuss practical issues in halachah, hashkafah and avodas hamiddos. Our staff members avail themselves maximally to the girls to answer questions and resolve difficult concepts with the goal of helping them achieve their full potential.
| Tanach | Halachah | Biurei Tefillah | Haskafah & Yahadus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chumash Parshas Hashavua Nevi’im & Megillos Hilchos Lashon Hara & Rechilus |
Halachah of the Jewish home Daily Halachah Hilchos Shabbos & Yom Tov |
Weekday Tefillos Shabbos Tefillos |
Sifrei mussar Foundations in Jewish Awareness The Jewish Home |
|
General and vocational studies are taught mostly during the afternoon hours. Each study track features a separate course syllabus and follows the specific educational program and course requirements of the certifying institution. Diplomas are issued by the Seminary and certifying institution only after the student has completed all program requirements. A student’s acceptance into any study track is subject to passing the entrance examination presented by the Program Director.
Program Director: Mrs. C. Farbstein
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent in Education
Program Specialty:
This study program trains elementary school teachers and equips them with the necessary knowledge and tools to educate a classroom of students and meet the needs of elementary-age students. General Education focuses on teaching methods for the range of elementary school subjects and enhances the trainee’s disciplinary skills. Strong focus is placed on planning and developing a learning environment; understanding the learning and teaching process; getting acquainted with contemporary learning programs; acquiring didactic skills; teaching the heterogeneous classroom; and developing a firm, benevolent character that will be modeled by the students.
Course Subjects:
Teaching all standard elementary school subjects including Hebrew, Science, Math, Geography, History, Reading Instruction. A comprehensive course is taught on Holocaust Education along with a basic course in Israeli Geography which is supplemented by tours and trips around the country.
Prerequisites: High scores; Bagrut/Szold Certificate, strong language skills.
Program Director: Mrs. C. Farbstein
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent for Middle School & High School Education
Program Specialty:
This study program trains middle and high school teachers and mechanchos to teach Limudei Kodesh subjects including Tanach and Yahadus. Focus is on primary texts including Tanach and Midrash and famous mefarshim; independent study of sifrei hashkafah, mussar and halachah; and comprehensive knowledge of the foundations of psychology from a Torah perspective. The program likewise emphasizes interpersonal communication and counseling skills that equip trainees to understand and sympathize with the needs and challenges of middle and high school students, counsel, and advise students on an individual and group level.
Course Subjects:
Limudei kodesh subjects include bekius and in-depth study of Chumash, Parshas Hashavuah, Nevi’im Rishonim, Nevi’im Acharonim, Megillos and Ksuvim; in-depth study of the mefarshim; intensive study of early and latter sifrei mussar and hashkafah.
General studies include theoretical and practical study of psychology, communication, teamwork, world history and Jewish history; Holocaust education; and a basic course in Israeli geography supplemented by tours and trips around the country.
Prerequisites: High scores on tests; Bagrut/Szold Certificate, speaking skills.
Character requirements: Approaching teaching as a sacred mission; dedication; responsibility; sensitivity to others; strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to adolescents; teaching talent; motivation; creativity; initiative; desire for knowledge.
Program Director: Mrs. S. Cohen
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent for English Instruction for Middle School (training encompasses all ages.)
Program Specialty:
This study program qualifies teachers to teach English. The syllabus includes the foundations of reading and writing English; language, composition, grammar and sentence structure; English literature; methods of teaching English, frontal and private instruction.
Course Subjects:
Acquiring fluency in English; cognition development; expression and communication; didactic instruction of language for all ages and levels.
Prerequisites: Bagrut/Szold scores in English of at least 90; language awareness; knowledge, understanding and expression in English.
Program Director: Mrs. Y. Ben Shlomo
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent for Math Instruction for Middle & High School
Program Specialty:
This study track qualifies teachers to teach math to middle and high school students. The syllabus includes advanced courses in mathematics; teacher training for grades 7-10; high school math enrichment; popular middle and high school math programs; and preparing students for matriculation tests.
Course Subjects:
Completing all subjects covered on the Bagrut mathematics exams for all levels including 3, 4 and 5 units; mathematics in the primary texts and throughout history; didactic instruction of all subjects with focus on math for Grades 7-12; math computer programs; online math study.
Prerequisites: Math Bagrut (at least 3 units) or Szold Test scores must be at least 90; passing grade on Seminary entrance exam to program.
Program Director: Mrs. M Rosner
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent with specialty in Art Instruction for Grades 1-12.
Program Specialty:
This study track transforms the splendid world of art into a vocation while enriching the student’s talents and affinity for art. The program trains teachers in formal and informal art instruction, the latter of which includes private art classes to children, senior citizens, patients in the process of rehabilitation, etc.
The syllabus integrates theoretical and practical art to train professional art teachers who approach art as a powerful language that can impact the individual in many ways. The study program includes courses and professional training alongside educational tours, projects, workshops and practicum.
Course Subjects:
Use of all art materials to produce all forms of art; rehabilitative art; art history; computer graphics; doll making; 3-D design; ceramic design; stage backgrounds and props; drawing and illustration; modern art techniques; event design; art therapy; clay molding; artistic photography; and creating a proper learning environment.
Prerequisites: Knowledge and affinity for art; creativity; willpower.
This study track requires manual labor, substantial practice and patience.
Program Director: Mrs. Esther Genopolsky
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent for Special Education Instruction for Grades 1-12
Program Specialty:
This two-year study track teaches professional methods, skills and innovative strategies for teaching reading, math, and reading comprehension to children with special needs and learning disabilities. One specialty of this track is in-depth study of didactic evaluations. Program requirements include one-on-one work with a special child; a comprehensive independent study of disabilities; implementing a custom-designed educational program for the special child; training in frontal and private instruction.
Course Subjects:
Methods of evaluating and teaching basic skills using a wide variety of innovative methods and techniques including remedial instruction for reading, writing and math; special courses for students with assorted disabilities including learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, and developing the emotional and social skills of special children.
Prerequisites: Average score of at least 85 on all Bagrut/Szold Tests.
Program Director: Mrs. Y Shmueli
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent for Preschool and Grades 1-2 Instruction
Program Specialty:
This program trains preschool and early elementary teachers. The study track teaches professional teaching tools, skills and methodology of subjects relevant to this age level.
Course Subjects:
Study and teaching methods of all basic subjects—Yahadus, Hebrew, math and science for preschool students; integrating games and art into frontal education to enrich the classroom.
Prerequisites: High scores on Bargut/Szold exams; strong language skills; motivation and emotional capacity to deal with young children; responsibility; devotion; creativity; broad horizons.
Program Director: Mrs. L. Sarousi
Certificate: Media Design Engineer Certificate by Mahat (Government Institute for Technological & Scientific Training)
(Teaching certificate can be obtained during the 3rd year of studies.)
Program Specialty:
This study track trains graphic designers to work in the multidisciplinary realm of printed and digital media. The syllabus features foundations of design and marketing; creative design; media design; image creation; publishing; videography and animation. Courses include several graphic design programs for the purpose of creating visual content. Throughout the program, students must pass at least 4 external final exams and submit a final project.
Course Subjects:
Foundations of design; writing and typography; theory of painting; history of design; illustration; graphics programs; interactive media design; marketing and advertising; image creation; packaging; publications; technical drawing; photography; creating a profile; 3-D design.
Prerequisites:
Bagrut or Szold exams in mathematics, English and Hebrew.
Passing internal entrance exam.
Aesthetic talent; creative visual talent; visual-spatial intuition and intelligence; computer skills and knowledge.
Program Director: Mrs. B Levy
Certificate: Software Engineering Certificate by Mahat (Government Institute for Technological Training).
(Teaching certificate can be obtained in the course of the 3rd year of studies).
Program Specialty:
Basic computers; Linear and Boolinean algebra; statistics; English; electronics.
Basic Subjects: C Language; file arrangement and data structure; Assemblar; Windows; Access; computer applications; SQL
Specialty subjects: Media and internet; graphics; multimedia; Java; systems analysis; operating systems; architecture, etc.
Prerequisites: Bargut or Szold Certificate; math score must be at least 80; background in English and Hebrew; entrance exam in Language C and mathematics; math skills; diligence; timeliness; precision and organization.
Program Director: Mrs.R. Schwob
Certificate: B.A. Equivalent for Teaching Math to Middle and High School
Program Specialty:
This study track qualifies teachers to teach math to middle and high school students. The syllabus includes advanced courses in mathematics; teacher training for grades 7-10; high school math enrichment; popular middle and high school math programs; and preparing students for matriculation tests.
Course Subjects:
Completing all subjects covered on the Bagrut mathematics exams for all levels including 3, 4 and 5 units; mathematics in the primary texts and throughout history; didactic instruction of all subjects with focus on math for Grades 7-12; math computer programs; online math study.
Prerequisites: Math Bagrut (at least 3 units) or Szold Test scores must be at least 90; passing grade on Seminary entrance exam to program.
The Seminary features a wide variety of special learning resources to support our students through their vocational training. The resources are availed for students’ use during school and afterschool hours in order to facilitate study, practice, and theoretical training.
