Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is committed to providing every student with affordable and meaningful opportunities to participate in an Israel study abroad program. As a Zionist Jewish Day School, Barrack believes in the kind of immersive, experiential learning that can only come from exploring Israel as a living classroom where our history, culture, and foundational texts take on new meaning.
To that end, we are thrilled to announce a $10 million philanthropic investment by the Jewish National Fund-USA, Leonard Barrack, the Max and Bella Stein Charitable Trust (Stein Trust), and additional donors from the Barrack community. It is through these donors’ steadfast commitment to the importance of Jewish education and the future of Philadelphia’s Jewish community that we will be able to provide each 11th grade student participating in the Muss program with at least a 50% subsidy towards the cost of the program (excluding airfare and incidentals) beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. We will also make every effort to provide additional resources to families requiring financial assistance.
Through our partnership with the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, our study abroad program offers both a rich historical context for our Jewish heritage and an intimate understanding of modern-day Israeli culture—what it truly means to be a part of the living, breathing fabric of the modern Jewish state and the ongoing tradition of the Jewish people. Students not only experience an unparalleled educational opportunity, but develop critical independence skills and a lifelong connection to their Jewish and Zionist identities. It is our hope and mission that financial considerations will not preclude any of our students from a transformative study abroad experience in Israel.
Meaningful contributions like these truly reflect the spirit of kol yisrael arevim ze bazeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another), enabling us to do the sacred work of raising and educating the next generation of committed Jewish leaders. With immense gratitude for the generosity of our donors, and the partnership and support of our families, we are thrilled to make the Muss study abroad program—a cornerstone of the Barrack experience—more accessible to all.
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