Israel Option

The Israel Option of Blitstein Institute enables students to spend a year of college study in a seminary in Israel. A year in Israel is a challenging and enriching experience that serves as a guide in developing a lifestyle consonant with Torah values. Students can earn up to 30 credits for their Fall and Spring semesters of college studies and are provided academic advising to map out their course of study upon their return, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Enrollment in Blitstein Institute’s Israel Option is a mutual commitment. Enrollment is the first year of your baccalaureate degree. Acceptance is contingent on the completion of all admission requirements and acceptance to Blitstein Institute. We expect students to complete their undergraduate studies at Blitstein Institute. Students may not hold a deferral at another institution during their Israel Option Program.

Israel Option Application Process:

  1. Prospective students to Blitstein Institute’s Israel Option must apply through the standard application portal. Please refer to the application requirements for detailed instructions.
  2. Complete Israel Option Participation Agreement. All Israel Option documentation (emailed upon acceptance) must be returned to Blitstein Institute by June 15 in order to receive the discounted rate of $1,100. The discounted rate of $1,100 will only apply if the administrative fee has been paid on TouchNet by June 15 and all of the documents have been received by June 15. If any of the above items are outstanding on June 16, the rate will go up to $1,250 and if still outstanding by August 31, the rate will increase to $1,450.
  3. Israel Option students are required to participate in all Blitstein Institute meetings and programs scheduled specifically for them in Israel. These include presentations by rebbeim, faculty and deans, geared to assist in academic planning.
  4. Israel Option Students who complete their yearlong study in Israel, will receive a tuition credit of $500 towards their first on-campus semester.

Blitstein Institute encourages students to explore local and national Financial Aid opportunities to help offset the cost of their education while enrolled at Blitstein Institute and participating in the Israel Option. Blitstein Institute Students may qualify for federal and state grants and student loans.

To learn more about the Israel Option, please contact our staff at (773) 973-0241 or email blitstein@htc.edu.

The following seminaries are participants of the Israel Option*:

  • Ateres Bnos Yerushalayim
  • Ba’er Miriam/Mayanot
  • Bais Yaakov Yerushalayim (BJJ)
  • Bais Yaakov Seminar
  • Beth Chana Seminary-Tsfat
  • Binas Bais Yaakov
  • Bnos Avigail
  • Bnos Batsheva
  • Bnos Chava
  • Bnos Sarah
  • Bnot Torah Institute
  • Chemdas Bais Yaakov
  • Darchei Binah
  • Keser Chaya
  • Machon Bnos Yehuda (BYA)
  • Machon Maayan
  • Machon Raaya
  • Me’or Bais Yaakov
  • Mesoras Rochel
  • Michlalah
  • Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim
  • Midreshet Harova
  • Midreshet Moriah
  • Midreshet Tehillah
  • Midreshet Toras Chessed
  • Nachlas Bais Yaakov
  • Pninim
  • Seminary Chaya Mushka
  • Sha’alvim for Women
  • Tehilas Bais Yaakov
  • Tiferet Center (Beit Shemesh)
  • Tomer Devora

*List subject to change

To learn more about the Israel Option, please contact our staff at (773) 973-0241 or email blitstein@htc.edu.