Low Residency Mekhinah Application for Fall 2024

Welcome to the JTS Low Residency Mekhinah Program Application!

Please note that this form does not permit saving a partially completed application; it must be completed and submitted in one session. We can only consider applications submitted through this form.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and you will be notified of acceptance and next steps via email.

If you have any questions regarding the application or the program, please contact Admissions at admissions@jtsa.edu.

Biographical Information

First Name

Preferred Name (if different from first)

Last Name

Date of Birth

Pronouns

He/Him/His

She/Her/Hers

They/Them/Theirs

Other

If Other, please list your pronouns below:

Contact Information

Cell Phone Number

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Is your permanent address different from your mailing address?

Yes

Permanent Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

School Information

College Name

College Key

Year of Graduation (or Expected Year of Graduation)

Major

Do you have easy access to an unofficial transcript for the first institution listed?

Yes

Please upload an unofficial transcript with all work completed up to this point.

Once you have obtained a copy of your transcript, please submit it via email to admissions@jtsa.edu. Your application will not be complete until you have submitted unofficial transcripts for all institutions listed on your application.

Do you have a second institution you would like to list?

Yes

College Name 2

College Key 2

Year of Graduation (or Expected Year of Graduation)

Major

Do you have easy access to an unofficial transcript for the second institution listed?

Yes

Please upload an unofficial transcript with all work completed up to this point.

Personal Statement

Please complete the essay below in approximately 500-750 words. This is the first essay of The Rabbinical School application. When you submit your full Rabbinical School application, you do not need to resubmit this essay. We will copy it from your Mekhinah Program application for review by the Admissions Committee.

BERESHIT—An essay about your origins.
Where do you come from, physically, intellectually and spiritually? Reflect on your origins and how you have come to apply to the JTS Rabbinical School, including challenges on your journey and how you have met them. Introduce us to a significant ancestor or teacher whose example guides your own journey. How have experiences with Jewish education/summer camp/Israel/conversion/family rituals influenced your decision to pursue the rabbinate?

Please upload your completed essay below.

Other Information

Are you (and, if married, your spouse) Jewish according to the standards of Conservative Judaism: being either born to a Jewish woman or converted with tevilah and (if male) brit milah as approved by a beit din?

Yes

Have you converted to Judaism?

If you converted to Judaism, whether as a child or as an adult, please upload your conversion documents below. If you have questions about this matter, please contact Admissions at admissions@jtsa.edu.

Reference

The Mekhinah Program requires one reference. Please provide us with the name and contact information for someone who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities.

Please note we will reach out to this reference for a recommendation letter. If the same recommender is entered on your Rabbinical School application, we will match this letter to your file.

Reference Title

Cantor

Dr.

Mr.

Mrs.

Ms.

Professor

Rabbi

Other

If Other, please list below:

Reference First Name

Reference Last Name

Reference Email Address

Hebrew & Judaic Studies Background

In order to group students most effectively, we need to know something about your Hebrew and text background. Please be as honest and accurate as you can. We will follow up with you if necessary to assure that we’ll be able to offer a course appropriate to your level.

Please describe your Hebrew background, if any, including college courses, ulpanim, tutors, etc.:

Prayerbook Hebrew

Cannot comprehend without a translation

Comprehend somewhat with time and the aid of dictionaries

Significant comprehension, perhaps with extra time and/or the aid of dictionaries

Prayerbook Hebrew

Biblical Passages

Mishnah

I read Hebrew without vowels aloud:

Very Haltingly

Somewhat Haltingly

Relatively Fluidly

Fluidly

I read Hebrew without vowels aloud:

Have you taken Jewish studies courses at a college level (or beyond) in the past?

Yes

If so, please describe:

Upon submitting your application, you will be sent the Hebrew Placement Exam (HPE). Please submit the HPE as soon as possible to expedite processing of your application.

Program Overview

Please read the information below about the program layout.

Part 1: In-Person Residency in NYC
- Begin each semester with an in-person learning intensive at JTS. In Fall 2024, the intensive will include a Shabbaton outside of New York City (September 6-8) followed by three days of learning at JTS (September 9-11).

Part 2: Hebrew and one additional course per semester. Course offerings in Fall 2024 may include Introduction to Rabbinic Literatures & Cultures, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, or Introduction to the Siddur.
- Online course meets synchronously via Zoom.

Part 3: Collaborative Peer Mentorship
- Virtual cohort gatherings and mentorship.

Part 4: Reading List
- A curated bibliography of essential Jewish books will be sent to participants at the start of the program.

Part 5: Mentoring with Local Conservative Rabbi
- Students are paired with a local rabbi for ongoing mentorship throughout the Mekhinah Program, or will connect virtually, depending on your location.

Certification

I certify that the information given by me on this application is complete and accurate, and that all materials submitted as mine are entirely my own. I understand that willful misrepresentation or failure to disclose complete and accurate information may result in the disqualification of my application or in the rescinding of my offer of admission.

I AGREE

Please review your application before clicking "Submit" below.