“Mehalacha Lema’aseh” (From Theory to Practice) is a unique and innovative program with a community-wide approach.

With the support of the UJA Federation of New York, the project aims to strengthen the social involvement of college students and their commitment to community service.

Students from the Braude College of Engineering in Karmiel attend monthly Batei Midrash (House of Study) where they study Jewish texts dealing with issues of social justice. Thereafter, they facilitate study sessions in a variety of settings and organizations involved in community welfare, timed to take place before holidays and other special events.

The study sessions’ curriculum is designed as a catalyst for students to internalize what they have learned and to contribute to the community through voluntary activities, thus fulfilling the program’s concept. Social justice, contribution, mutual responsibility, justice and charity are some of the discussed topics, which are then applied within the community itself. Students volunteer 2-3 weekly hours within the community, receiving a study scholarship for their efforts.

Now into its third cohort, participating students claim that the Batei Midrash studies have influenced and enhanced their personal lives and their appreciation for the richness of Jewish tradition and social consciousness.

This integration of giving and receiving enables the students to experience how Judaism views social justice in theory, as well as in practice.