Shabbatot are approximately every three weeks. They are either Shabbatot Midrasha–with the whole Midrasha on the Nishmat campus–or special Shabbatot just for Shana Ba’aretz. The Shana Ba’aretz Shabbatot are all over the country in a variety of communities geographically, culturally, and hashkafically. Some favorite Shabbatot include Yerucham, Tzfat, Kibbutz Maale Gilboa, Yad Binyamin, and Eilat. Each Shabbat explores a different theme or topic, and has a great program full of interesting speakers and Shiurim given by local professionals and educators. On some of these Shabbatot students are hosted by local families and have one of the Shabbat meals together.  This allows them to get to know some of the families who live in that place and to experience it through their eyes.

Tiyulim, or trips, take place approximately twice a month and include a variety of cultural events and activities. We have three large Midrasha-wide tiyulim over the course of the year; typically one Tiyul occurs down south, one up north, and one in the center of the country. Additionally, we have half-day or whole-day hikes covering different areas of the country. We also visit different sites of interest; such as historic and cultural sties. We believe that it is imperative that you experience many facets of Israel–it greatly enhances your year of learning. These experiences will bring Israel to life from our Biblical heritage to our modern connection. Students are often amazed by the connection between their learning and the Land of Israel. One recent student said “I came to Nishmat for the incredible learning, but I was blown away by the amount and significance of tiyulim and shabbatot that Nishmat organized. It really helped shape my year and beyond.”