Ba'er Miriam Student Handbook

General Information

שבתות וחגים

At Ba'er Miriam we not only give you an education, we give you a home away from home. You immediately become part of the Ba'er Miriam family. Our talmidot are always welcome into our homes for Shabbasim and Chagim. We love your company and conversation. On Shabbas and Chagim, students are invited to sleep in the dorms and be set up for meals at the homes of our faculty or at other Har Nof families.  Alternatively, you might want to take advantage of your stay in Israel and be placed in other communities throughout the country. Once every 4-5 weeks there will be a Ba'er Miriam Shabbaton either in Har Nof or in another beautiful community. Our Shabbatonim are educationally and spiritually enriching. With great company, wonderful ruach, and excellent food, our Shabbatonim are an integral part of your Ba'er Miriam experience.

Meals

Included in tuition are three delicious, nutritional meals a day. Fruit, drinks and other light snacks are provided throughout the day. A vegetarian option is always available. Students who have special dietary needs should contact our office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it before the school year begins.

Valuables and Money

The school cannot take responsibility for money and valuables that are lost or stolen. Therefore, we suggest using discretion as to what items of value you bring to Israel. We have a safe to store cash, tickets, and passports. It is highly recommended that you bring an ATM card. It is the safest and easiest way to access cash in Israel. If a student brings cash with her, she has the option of opening a bank account in a bank right outside the neighborhood. The procedure will be explained to the students upon arrival. You may purchase a small lock for your personal cabinet; this is your best assurance for your possessions while in a dorm environment. 

Medical Insurance

Included in full tuition is a comprehensive health plan. Students must enroll in the health plan before coming to Israel. Students receiving scholarship assistance are required to pay $300 in addition to the tuition agreement. Students will not be admitted to the dormitory without proper health care coverage. This is to ensure that proper medical treatment will be given when necessary. The basic outline of the plan is as follows:

Hospitalizations and regular doctor visits are fully covered. Physicians on this plan include American-trained doctors who are fluent in English and Hebrew, local medical centers and The Wolfson Family Medical Center.
Medications and prescriptions: some are covered fully, some only partially and some not at all. Cost for medications is the students' responsibility. In situations where emergency medical care is required, students will have immediate access to the Terem Clinic, a 24-hour emergency medical center, which is also covered within our medical insurance plan. You will be receiving all the enrollment information directly from our health care provider.
 

E-mail

Each student at Ba'er Miriam will be given access to computers and e-mail. We have an up-to-date computer center that will be open during the day with Internet access. We encourage you to take advantage of the computer center during your breaks and in the afternoon and evening.

Security Alerts

Based on their intelligence, the security establishment will notify seminaries and yeshivot directly regarding increased security alerts. For the safety and security of students, absolute compliance with the directives of the security establishment is necessary. Students will be notified through general school announcements and via the SMS messaging system provided with their cell phone service. We require that every talmidah have a cell-phone from our cell phone provider so that we can keep track of our talmidot at all times. You should be receiving information from the cell phone company to arrange a cell phone plan. Ba'er Miriam will institute a lock down during High Alert and reserves the right to prohibit travel to areas of risk at any time; violation of these measures may be automatic grounds for dismissal.

Transportation

There are two acceptable modes of public transportation in Israel. There is a comprehensive bus system as well as taxi services. Unless the security situation warrants otherwise, it is the policy of Ba'er Miriam to leave decisions on a preferred mode of transportation and destinations to parental discretion. It is the responsibility of individual students to honor their parents' request. Parental note: Please speak with your daughter and express your wishes with her prior to her departure to Israel. Hitchhiking, commonly done in Israel, is not permitted at any time under any circumstances 

Visas

The Israeli government requires all students to have student visas, allowing you to be in the country for a full year; this should be taken care of with your local Israeli embassy. It is mandatory that every girl has a student visa (tourist visas will not suffice). It is now possible to obtain a year-long, multiple-entry student visa from your local Israeli consulate 

(The following information is valid for the Israeli Consulate in New York, and should also apply to other Israeli embassies and consulates in North America. The New York Consulate serves residents of NY, NJ and CT. If you live outside of these three states, please call your local Israeli embassy or consulate to confirm details.)

In order to obtain a student visa, you must bring the following items to your local Israeli consulate:

Your passport (valid until at least the end of June of next year to avoid all pitfalls)
Two passport-size photos (2" by 2"(
If you are under 18 years old, you need a parent to accompany you to the Israeli consulate to sign the parent authorization form. If either or both of your parents accompany you, they must bring their valid passport - check with the consulate if other forms of ID will be acceptable.
A copy of your acceptance letter to Ba'er Miriam - your visa cannot be processed without this.
Cash or money order - personal checks will not be accepted, fee is usually $35-$40.
For your convenience, the address of the Israeli Consulate General in New York is 800 Second Avenue, 13th floor, New York, NY 10017. They are located between 42nd and 43rd Streets. Their phone number is (212) 499-5317, and they are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Those who live in other areas should contact the embassy or consulate closest to their home. (Once again, We suggest that those outside of the New York area confirm with their local consulate before organizing their materials since our information was supplied to us specifically by the New York consulate - although they tell us it is valid at all consulates except for the form and return-mail fee! For a list, see the Israel Foreign Ministry's web page: www.israelfm.org/odm. 

Please note that all of the above information is only relevant for students who are not Israeli citizens. If you hold Israeli citizenship (even if you also have other citizenship), then you are obligated by law to enter and leave Israel using your Israeli passport, and you do not need a visa. If there is any question about whether you may be an Israeli citizen, it is possible that the consulate will not process your application, and instead will instruct you to arrange your visa upon arrival in Israel. Student visas are valid for one year after they are issued. Therefore, please only submit your paperwork to the consulate AFTER June 15th so that your visa will remain valid throughout the entire school year. Please remember that you (the student) must go to the consulate in person with all of the paperwork (if any item is missing, including the acceptance letter, you will not be processed.) 

Facilities

Student Apartments

We aim to make the student living environment pleasant and cozy. All apartments are equipped with air conditioners and heaters, American-style mattresses and a standard size pillow. All of our apartments have cooking facilities as well as a refrigerator. Cooking utensils and dishes aren't supplied by the school. You may purchase dishes and cutlery at the local hardware store. Each kitchen has a microwave, toaster/sandwich maker and hot water urn. The kitchens are חלבי only.  Students are allowed to decorate their apartments, provided that the rooms can be returned to their original condition and that the decorations are proper. All posters and pictures must be appropriate 

Maintenance

The dorm is your home. We expect it to be kept clean, neat, and in good condition.  Dirt attracts bugs and causes illness. We have instituted a Toranut system to keep the apartments clean and students healthy. The dorm will be routinely inspected to ensure consideration of all the students.

Consideration

We are located in a residential building; therefore, noise levels must be kept moderate at all times. It is very important to be considerate of the neighbors. After 10pm, singing, playing instruments, moving furniture, doing aerobics, or loud talking is not permissible. Bring headphones as not to disturb the neighbors and apartment mates. Appropriate dress must be worn at all times near windows, while answering the door, in hallways, stairwell, and balconies. Note - in Israel people rest between 1:30-4:00 pm. Please act accordingly and be considerate of your neighbors. 

Safeguarding Property

The door to your apartment should be locked at all times. The school does not assume responsibility for any missing property. Please make sure your key is with you at all times. In the event that a key is lost or missing, please inform your Eim Bayit immediately so that we can replace the key and take the necessary precautions.

Laundry

There is a washing machine and dryer on the premises. The cost is 6 shekel per load of wash and 6 shekel per load of drying.

School Building

Ba'er Miriam is located in a beautiful new air conditioned building. The school facilities include a newly furnished, comfortable student lounge where students can relax, and a computer center where students will have access to computers and e-mail.

Seforim List

You will be receiving a complete seforim list upon your arrival in Israel.  They will cost you approximately $200-250.
It will be helpful (space permitting) to bring the following with you. (Note: All Artscroll seforim and books printed outside of Israel are cheaper in America).
      a. English-Hebrew Dictionary

      b. Tanach with English translation - either Artscroll or Koren

      c. A set of chumashim with Rashi in English translation will very useful   (Saperstein Stone edition is very good.)

      d. Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (Shuls here do   not provide Machzorim).

      e. קיצור שולחן ערוך  with English translation.

      f. שמירת שבת כהלכתה

3. Books printed in Israel are cheaper here. You will need a set of  מ קראות גדולות with Kli Yakar and Or Hachaim. If you have them at home, you may prefer to bring them with you, space permitting.

4. All the seforim are available here. Ba'er Miriam will be holding a book sale where the books will be sold at a special discount rate. 

Budgeting

Things to keep in mind when considering a realistic budget:

You will need approximately $250 for ספרים   purchases in the beginning of the year.
Please keep in mind that if you will have to buy a seat for the ימים נוראit is approximately $30- $40.
A refundable deposit of $6 for dormitory keys is required.
A refundable check of $250 for security damages is required.
Taxi fares around Yerushalayim are approximately $5-$10, and can add greatly to your weekly budget.
If you will be traveling long distances for  שבתו ת, keep in mind that inter-city buses are fairly expensive. Travel to Tel Aviv is $5, and further distances can run from $20-$30.
Each load of laundry (washer and dryer) is approximately $3.
Ba'er Miriam provides 3 nutritional meals a day, so that you don't need to purchase your own meals.
It is הכרת הטו ב to bring your host a gift for שבת. You may either bring along an inexpensive gift from home, or you can buy wine, chocolate, or flowers locally ($3-$6 per  שבת.).
If you plan on purchasing shoes, clothing, toiletries, etc. in Israel, please budget accordingly.
For those interested in taking art classes, bring supplies with you from home; a beginner pencil set costs approximately $30-$50.
Note: Phone costs are your responsibility.
Optional tiyulim will be scheduled during vacation, and for budgeting purposes know that your own tiyulim during vacation might incur an additional fee.
 

Recommended Clothing List

Don't bring everything you own! There is very limited closet space compared to what you are used to at home. If you come from the Tri-State area or colder parts of the US, Canada or Europe, the climate in Israel is very different than you are used to. The winter can be quite cold (and hopefully rainy). Girls from the southern States and California find wintertime here very cold. In summer, it is often very hot during the day. There are only two seasons in Israel. Summer: March/April-November, and Winter: December-February/March. Since Yerushalayim is a desert climate (cool in the early morning, hot during the day, and cold in the evening) the best strategy for dressing is light layering. Yerushalayim is a city that beckons you to walk. Almost everything is within walking distance. Tight restrictive clothing is impractical. Bring clothes that are easy to move in. A-line skirts or skirts made of stretchy or knit materials work well. Please make sure they are not clingy.

If you don't manage to get all your clothing needs before you leave, there are clothing and shoe stores here; everything is available - just bring enough money to cover your purchases. When shopping for clothing, keep in mind the Ba'er Miriam dress code (See Rules and Regulations).

We recommend the following:

Outdoor items:

1 warm sweater for every day wear
1 warm sweater or jacket that is nice enough for Shabbos
1 lightweight jacket or sweater
1 warm rain repellent coat, preferably with a zip-out lining, nice enough to wear for Shabbos
Scarf and gloves
Waterproof boots
 

Tiyul clothing:

bathing suit and bathing cap
sun-hat
sunglasses
water shoes
two changes of junky clothing (skirts, tops) for tiyulim
You must bring a pair of good sneakers even if you hardly or never wear them at home - We will be hiking.
a shirt for tearing קריע   for your first trip to the כותל
small backpack to carry your tiyul items
 

Weekday clothing:

four skirts for summer
four winter skirts
six shirts for summer - think cool and breathable
six winter shirts
undergarments - enough for two weeks
sneaker socks
pantyhose
one everyday robe
two warm flannel nightgowns or pajamas for winter
three cool nightgowns or pajamas for summer
 

Shabbos clothing:

You will need no more than three Shabbos outfits per season.
If you have or can find sweaters, this is what you will feel most comfortable wearing in the fall and winter. They also do not crease when packed.
Keep in mind that dry cleaning is expensive in Israel, and not as good as in America.
Also, keep in mind how the clothing will pack, as you will find yourself going away often for weekends.
Shoes: you will need comfortable, nice looking, walking shoes for Shabbos.
A Shabbos robe is useful. Please bring a light one for summer and a warm one for winter.
 

Bedding and towels:

three large bath towels
three hand towels
two sets of linen
one warm winter blanket (down is recommended)
one light summer cover
Each student will be provided with a pillow.

Toiletries:

All your favorite makeup is available here for approximately double the price.
Many familiar brands of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap, feminine items, and laundry detergents are available here, and there is no need to bring these heavy items.  Ex: Pantene, Head and Shoulders, Colgate, Dove, Ivory, Revlon, etc. (shampoo is $5-$6 a bottle).
You may want to bring deodorant that you are comfortable with, even though they do sell deodorant here, but maybe not the name you are used to.
Bring contact lens solution; it is expensive in Israel.
Sun-block.
 

Medications

Do bring with you: Tylenol, Advil, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, Excedrin-Migraine, Nyagvil, or any other medications that you take.
If you have allergies, bring your allergy medication.
Multivitamins, vitamins, iron pills etc., help keep away illness and supplement dietary differences while boosting one's energy under "stress." Vitamins are available here, but they are expensive, so you might want to bring them with you.
Band-Aids, tweezers, razors, antiseptic cream and small first aid kits are recommended.
 

Other items you will find useful

Tape player with headphones that records (see school rules and regulations)
Alarm clock
Travel iron
Hair dryer
Camera - not an expensive one. Film is cheaper in the United States, so bring film with you if you don't own a digital camera.
Remember that any appliances you bring need to have 220V or the appropriate transformer.
If you bring just these items, you will feel very happy and satisfied with what you have.
 

Rules and Regulations

Curfew

Curfew at Ba'er Miriam is 11:00pm on weeknights and 12:00am on Motzei Shabbat.  All talmidot are expected to be accounted for on the premises at this time.

Vacation

During vacation curfew is extended till 12:00am on weekdays and till 12:30am on weekends. Off Shabbatonim are not vacations; all girls must be back in the dorms by regular curfew times - 12:00am. 

Students are not allowed to leave during the year for vacation. During vacation there are programs and optional tiyulim scheduled. Students will not receive credit or transcripts for the fall and spring semester if they leave before Pesach vacation starts or before the school year is over. Ba'er Miriam offers a program throughout Pesach vacation. We have special classes, chessed projects and tiyulim. The girls who have stayed for Pesach have always enjoyed this time very much. We strongly encourage our girls to stay for Pesach. Meals are not served during vacation days. 

Attendance

Full attendance is expected during classes,   בית מדרש times, Yomei Iyun, Tiyulim, in Shabbatonim and chessed hours. This includes morning, afternoon, all night classes and programs. Ba'er Miriam is for the motivated, involved and serious student. If a talmidah is found to have unexcused absences or lack of participation in mandatory events, she will be dismissed from Ba'er Miriam. Students are not permitted to leave during the school year except for a family or medical emergency. We allow our talmidot to leave for an immediate family simcha, i.e. sibling's weddings and/or Bar Mitzvah. Students leaving for a simcha are only allowed to miss one week of school.  The student is responsible to make up any missed assignments and to gather any missed information.

Students are allowed 3 discretionary days off per semester. If you are expecting visitors such as parents, friends and siblings, these days should be reserved for this purpose. Parents coming to visit your children: please arrange your trips to correspond with our vacation days. We will be sending you the tentative school calendar so you can make plans. 

Dress Code

Skirts must fall at least 2 inches below the knees, and cover knees when seated.
Sleeves must not be see-through and must cover elbows at all times.
No neckline can fall below or be open under the collarbone area.
No T-shirts or polo shirts with inappropriate designs or slogans.
No slits; they can be sewn up here.
Clothing must be loose and not tight-fitting; and pass the "hands-up-over-the-head" test.
Sleepwear should be in a צנו ע  fashion.
Bathrobe must be worn to and from shower area.
Pants are not to be worn under skirts unless they cannot be seen.
Shirts should fall 2 inches below the top of the skirt.
 

Talmidot are expected to conduct themselves in a manner so as not to draw attention to themselves in public. This is both for reasons of security and to be considerate to our neighbors, as well as צנו ע  .  Talmidot at Ba'er Miriam are expected to look and act as befitting a ב  ת ישראל at all times in all places; including vacation time with family or friends. 

Consideration for Others

A Ba'er Miriam girl is expected to be considerate and act with derech eretz at all times.

Music:

For consideration of neighbors and friends, from 1:30-4pm and after 10pm you may listen to music on headphones only.
Secular music is not allowed to be played out loud at any time! Note:  Music that is played out loud or is inappropriate will be confiscated.  Please keep in mind that DVDs, laptops with CDs when used as movie players are not allowed, nor are they appropriate for a dorm environment. The school reserves the right to confiscate these items. Do not bring DVDs along.
 

Cleanliness:

Each talmidah is responsible for cleanliness of her room, and is expected to perform her weekly cleaning assignment in the dorm, cafeteria and Beit Midrash. The dorm will be inspected weekly to ensure consideration of all talmidot.

Pictures:

Pictures and posters put up in the dormitory apartments must be befitting a    בת תורה and contribute to creating an environment of  ק  ד ושה.  Inappropriate pictures will be taken down.  Please note that all pictures must be put on boards (that we provide) with tape.

Sleeping Out:

If a talmidah needs to sleep out of the dorm, she must get permission from the Rebbetzin or the Eim Bayit.

Having Company in Dorm:

Ba'er Miriam has beautiful accommodations. However, we are not a hotel. To have company sleep over, you need to get permission from the Rebbetzin or Eim Bayit.

Premises:

No men, including brothers, cousins, etc., with the exception of fathers are permitted in the dorm at any time.

Grounds for Dismissal:

A talmidah who does not comply with any of the rules and regulations of the school, or has more than the allotted amount of absences, will be dismissed.  It goes without saying that any talmidah who engages in any behavior inappropriate for a  בת ישראל   such as going to bars, smoking, drinking, unusual ear or other piercing, or substance abuse, will be immediately expelled from Ba'er Miriam.