Program Overview

Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School

The Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School (LJSS) is a two-week intensive study program offered by the Theological Faculty of Leipzig University in cooperation with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This unique program provides an opportunity for interreligious encounter and reflection in a city where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam coexist in a dense and diverse environment.

Program Details

• The program takes place from September 1 to 17, 2023, in Jerusalem.
• It is designed for students of theology, evangelical religion, and Judaic studies at the Theological Faculty of Leipzig University.
• A total of 24 places are available, with 4 spots for BA students in Jewish Studies and 10 each for church examination/diploma and teaching degree students.
• The program includes theoretical engagement with Judaism and Islam, meetings with dialogue partners from both religions, reflection on the significance of these encounters for Christian theology and practice, and insights into the political and religious situation in Israel/Palestine.

Curriculum

• The program consists of four lectures with excursions, as well as presentations by local lecturers and rabbis.
• One study day is spent with Jewish and Muslim students at the Hebrew University and Al-Quds University.
• Excursions include visits to Jewish, Islamic, and Christian sites in Jerusalem, the Israel Museum, Yad Vashem, and Bethlehem.
• Lectures are held in the mornings, and excursions take place in the afternoons, with time for personal exploration of the Old City.

Requirements and Preparation

• Participants must read introductory texts on Judaism and Islam, as well as texts on interreligious dimensions in worship and religious education before the program starts.
• All lectures and excursions are compulsory parts of the program.

Accommodation and Travel

• Accommodation is provided in a self-catering house near the Old City, belonging to the St. Peter in Gallicantu convent.
• The house offers simple but clean and quiet quarters with dormitories; sanitary facilities and showers are accessible via an outdoor passage.
• Participants organize their own travel to and from Jerusalem, allowing for individual travel plans before or after the program.
• Flight options are available from Berlin or Leipzig/Halle, among others.
• A travel cancellation insurance is recommended, as well as CO2 compensation.

Costs

• The participation fee for the Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School 2023 is 650, covering:
  • Accommodation in a multi-bed room/dormitory from September 1 to 17, 2023.
  • Costs for breakfast and dinner.
  • Additional costs for the teaching program.
  • Costs for excursions in the country.
  • Entrance fees.
• The fee is payable in two installments: 300 after confirmation of registration and 350 by August 1, 2023.
• Any overpaid amount will be refunded after the trip.
• Travel costs can be further reduced through the allocation of funding; however, this cannot be guaranteed at present.

Non-Included Costs

• Flight to and from Jerusalem (approximately 275 for a return flight from Berlin to Tel Aviv with Easyjet).
• Airport transfers in Germany and Israel.
• Lunch in Jerusalem (participants will arrange this individually).
• Foreign travel insurance (mandatory, unless your health insurance explicitly covers stays in Israel).

Cancellation Policy

• If a participant cancels their trip, 300 can be refunded for a valid reason up until the start of the trip.
• The accommodation cost share (350) can only be refunded if a replacement participant is found.
• If the organizers must cancel the trip due to insufficient participation, all paid fees will be fully refunded.
• In the unlikely event that the German Foreign Office issues a travel warning for Jerusalem, efforts will be made to refund all costs. However, it is possible that the accommodation in Jerusalem may charge cancellation fees.

Application

• Registration for the Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School 2023 is possible from January 16, 2023, for students enrolled in a study program at the Theological Faculty of Leipzig University.
• Application is by personal entry on the list available from Frau Helbig (Ground Floor, Room 11) starting Monday, January 16, at 9:00 AM.
• Due to the limited number of participants, early application is recommended.
• After the application deadline, the first students on the list will receive a payment request for 300, which must be transferred within 14 days. Only with this payment is the booking binding. If the payment is not made by March 1, the place can be allocated to students on the waiting list.

FAQ

• Which costs can be refunded in case of trip cancellation?
  • See "Costs" section. A travel cancellation insurance is recommended for flight bookings.
• Can I apply for the Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School if I am not enrolled at the Theological Faculty of Leipzig?
  • The Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School is a teaching offer for students of the Theological Faculty of Leipzig. Students of other disciplines or universities can be placed on the reserve list if interested.
• Are there any health considerations to be aware of?
  • In principle, no. In case of need, Israel has a highly modern medical infrastructure. However, foreign travel insurance is obligatory if not already covered by your health insurance.
• What role does the security situation in the Middle East play?
  • The security situation in Jerusalem has been stable in recent years. The organizers follow the recommendations of the German Foreign Office. If the Foreign Office issues a travel warning for Jerusalem (which is extremely unlikely), the Leipzig Jerusalem Summer School must be canceled. Accommodation costs might not be refundable in such a case.
• Is there an option for a single or double room?
  • No, all participants will be accommodated in one of the four dormitories.