Being Jewish in Israel is not difficult. As the Jewish state, there are many options for students of all streams of Judaism throughout the country. Many students seek a university that meets their academic ambitions while simultaneously accommodating their Jewish lifestyle.
Bar-Ilan University is one of them. The university traditionally and uniquely combines cutting-edge scientific research with education steeped in Jewish values and social responsibility.
In partnership with the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC) and World Mizrachi, Bar-Ilan also enables religious Jewish students to have an off-campus, home-away-from-home experience.
Mizrachi-JLIC helps young men and women thrive and observe key aspects of Jewish life while they’re at Bar-Ilan. Ongoing learning and social opportunities, Shabbat and holiday meals are core components of what the organization does off campus.
Enter Rav (Rabbi) Yehuda and Chagit Peles and their children, who live in Givat Shmuel, which is opposite campus. The Peles family offers a sense of kehillah (community), which students can’t get from regular prayer services or lectures on campus.
The Peles Family
“People generally, and lone religious olim (immigrants) and international students in particular, need a supportive community where they feel they belong, especially when they’re away from home” said Rav Yehuda.
Students visiting from Bar-Ilan can feel comfortable in the home of the Peles family as they all speak Hebrew and English. Chagit also speaks French. In addition, Chagit is studying towards her PhD in Bar-Ilan’s Faculty of Medicine, so she’s familiar with student life on campus.
Guests benefit from a special connection with an Orthodox rabbinic couple in their home, whether for Shabbat and holiday meals, shiurim (study sessions), programs, events, and more.
Chanukah Party
“What’s equally rewarding is that our children love the company of the students and are happy to spend time helping us with everything we need to make our guests comfortable,” said Chagit.
According to Rav Yehuda, Givat Shmuel is known for its strong Orthodox community, which is why religious students and young professionals choose to come here. “In other words, Orthodox Judaism is obviously the focus of our community. However, we welcome anyone who wants a home-cooked meal and a family environment,” he said.
Sending a message to students while preparing Pesach (Passover) Seder kits
Although Chagit and Rav Yehuda are the only official couple looking after the students, they emphasize the fact that there are many families in Givat Shmuel who are willing to host students for meals. There is also an Anglo community of young families in their 30s and they hold a variety of activities for their community.
“We believe that the Mizrachi-JLIC Givat Shmuel community is a great inspiration for many other communities to be established near campus and beyond for olim, international students, and Israeli students, and we would welcome such initiatives,” Chagit said.
Havdalah in the Peles’ back yard
The partnership between Mizrachi-JLIC and Bar-Ilan University has worked very well since the Peles family opened their home to students last year.
“We have a very good relationship with Bar-Ilan, Rabbi Shefer (campus rabbi), the International School, and the Dean of Students. Everyone has been really helpful in getting this endeavor off the ground and have been very supportive throughout. We look forward to welcoming new students to our home in the new year,” he said.
Launch of the Sefirat haOmer (Counting of the Omer) Community Project.
Rav Yehuda and Chagit recently launched a campaign that invites people to “Be part of fulfilling the Aliyah Dream”.
According to the couple, hundreds of young people, including many students, are making Aliyah to Givat Shmuel and “we want to be there for them with a hot meal, 24/7 assistance, and Torah study, while helping them to bridge the challenges they face after making Aliyah, among other things – in the same way as we all have at home with our own families.”
Students can connect with Rabbi Yehuda and Chagit Peles when they arrive in Israel so they can find their home-away-from-home.
Feedback from Students
These messages have been kept anonymous.
Student 1
It has been a bit more than half a year since you and your children moved to Givat Shmuel, but I believe that the work you have all done has paid off in such a way that I honestly feel as if I’ve known you for much longer. Everyone is so grateful for everything you have all done.
The genuine unconditional care that you have for others, your modesty and your warmth that you portray are just a few things that make you the inspirational person you are for me, and also for so many others. Thank you for everything.
Student 2
Thank you so so much for all the incredible work you have poured into the community to help everyone prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for this chag (holiday), from the live Facebook shiurim (study sessions) to the seder kits (items for Passover meal) and everything in between!
Student 3
Thank you for being such a huge and significant part of my Aliyah (immigration) journey and life here in Israel.
