At Midreshet Tehillah we want you to benefit from every aspect of your Israel experience. The kedusha of Eretz Yisrael extends into time, making Shabbat and Yamim Tovim unique opportunities. There is something really special about being here for these special days. They offer a chance to spend the Chagim with Israeli relatives and friends, or with people you are meeting for the first time.

Approximately once a month we have a Shabbaton together as a school. The special atmosphere of Shabbat allows for a different level of bonding between the students and staff. We use this time for discussion panels, Q&As and informal learning, talks and walks together. Some months the Shabbaton is on campus. Other times we go to places around the country to learn about and experience different communities in Israel, and to meet special people who live there. Tzfat, the Old City of Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and one of the beautiful new Yishuvim,  are just some of the places where we will spend Shabbat together. Everyone looks forward to Mrs Kagan’s world class chicken soup and cholent, and other staff members contribute their special delicacies.

We also have a “Rakezet Shabbat” when small groups of students go to spend Shabbat with their Rakezet and her family. Getting to know your Rakezet’s family and community, and being together with your group in a new place is one of the highlights of the year.

When we are not having a Shabbaton, we encourage students to go to family and friends for Shabbat. It is good to get off the campus for a change. When students don’t have a specific family they want to go to or want a ‘quiet Shabbat at home’, they can sleep in the dorm – it never closes! We can also help you to arrange Shabbat meals with local Har Nof families or staff. Midreshet Tehillah students are sought-after guests in the neighborhood! Our morning Eim Bayit, Rena Gershenfeld is always helpful and a great resource for finding chavayot (adventures) with delicious food!

We encourage you to spend Yamim Tovim with family and friends, but we also have a staff option: to stay in the dorm and share your meals with a group of your fellow students together with staff members who come in specially. Shavuot is run like a Shabbaton with a full program of meals, shiurim, and an optional walk to the Kotel for Shacharit at dawn followed by Kiddush in the Old City.