1. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be teenagers currently in their junior year of high school with significant scientific proficiency, residing in North America who wish to prepare themselves to be, and become, active leaders in the organized Jewish community, during high school, college and beyond.

2. Do you have a certain profile in mind for Applicants?
No, the Program will be non-discriminatory and open to high school juniors of either sex and of any race, faith or religion, although it is anticipated that the Program would likely attract high school juniors who are Jewish and/or otherwise who have experienced Judaism on varying levels (e.g. in a community Hebrew School, at a Jewish camp, a Passover Seder, or a day school).

We aim to include teenagers of all Jewish denominations within our community, in a pluralistic approach. Every effort is made to respect the individual's personal choice in religious practice or their personal choice of lifestyle.

LHIYS is geared to students with little or no experience in traveling to Israel. If you have traveled extensively to Israel or have recently been on an organized travel program, please consider applying to other programs that will offer more appropriate travel experiences.

3. How much time will be spent doing science?
The LHIYS program is designed as a "Career Discovery" for Young Scientists, and as such, it is currently anticipated that the intensive scientific program could comprise more than 40 hours per week, focused on laboratory exploration and individual research efforts. Interns will spend several week during the designated science month working in state-of-the-art laboratories on the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.  Interns will work in small groups with mentors who will supervise each intern and address their own research questions related to the on-going research of the mentor. We anticipate that Interns will come away from the summer not only with a research project that roughly meets the guidelines of independent research and science competition, but also with a much greater appreciation for the Israeli scientific community.

4. What exactly is the Jewish educational component of the program?
The educational component is meant to be both inspiring and thought-provoking. It is not "delivered" so much as derived organically from the activities of the day. LHIYS allows time to reflect upon basic questions such as what it means to be a Jew in a non-Jewish society, and what it means to be a Jew in a setting like Israel. The educational curriculum will challenge Interns in both an academic and a tactile way with dialogue and discussion being an important part of the summer experience. For example, the history of Jerusalem will be taught on-site through explorations of the city. Themes such as isolation versus engagement, freedom and responsibility, and how to mediate between conflicting values are developed through text-study, encounters with Israelis, and sharing from Interns' personal life experiences. Tefillot (prayer) periods are incorporated into each morning, and vary in structure and content according to the makeup of the group.

5. How much emphasis is put on trips around Israel?
While the schedule is built around work in the labs, Interns will regularly make forays into Jerusalem area in the afternoon and evenings. Multi-day trips will afford the group an opportunity to visit the Golan, the Galil, the Negev and Masada. Shabbatot over the duration of the program will be spent in different locales, including kibbutzim, Tz'fat and  on the Hebrew University campus.

6. When will I choose my independent research project?
Upon acceptance into the program, Interns will be queried regarding their interest in specific project areas and will be assigned mentors and projects based on their interests. The beginning of the program will include time for Interns and mentors to meet and mentors and plan their independent research projects. The topics to be investigated in the laboratories will be a function of the individual's interests and skill sets, and the expertise and focus of the faculty under whom they will be working.

7. What is being done to ensure our safety?
Your safety and security is paramount. Our tour operator possesses over a decade of experience supporting synagogues, youth groups, camps and families on their trips in Israel; their expert staff work closely with the security arm of Hebrew University to ensure that you will be as safe as possible. Interns are supervised at all times by two to four staff members and may not leave the Hebrew University campus on their own at any time. All transportation is by private coach, and security escorts accompany the group at all times. There are daily communications with the security apparatus of the Israeli Ministry of Education which monitors all traveling groups, to ensure that the most up-to-date information is available to adjust scheduling, if necessary.

8. How much will this trip cost?
All organized activities, trips, meals and lodging and expenses associated with the Program are underwritten by the Legacy Heritage Fund. Participants are responsible for domestic travel to New York to depart with the group to Tel Aviv. Participants may wish to bring their own spending money for gifts and incidentals while touring and relaxing on campus. A participant unable to afford the cost of a domestic
airline ticket will be offered financial assistance after appropriate documentation is furnished. In addition, applicants will be required to submit a $500 undated check to ensure complete participation in the
year long experience including the implementation of a 40 hour community service program and the submission of projects into competitive science programs such as local science fairs, Intel and/or
The Siemen's Science and Engineers Fair. The undated check will be returned upon completion of project requirements.

9. Who should I ask to write my recommendations?
For many students, your application to LHIYS will be your first application to a scientific research program. Consider this application process as part of your professional development and approach the steps with careful consideration. When selecting your references, we suggest you consider whether that person knows you well enough to write about you in a detailed, persuasive way. A "key person" is someone who can address your intellectual capacity, work habits, social skills and academic preparation. If your teachers/educators from previous years do not know you well enough to write about these topics, consider spending time with them to tell them about yourself.

10. Can I ask someone who is not a member of the Jewish community for the second recommendation?
We would strongly advise you to identify someone who knows you well, and can tell us what specifically energizes your Jewish soul and/or your interest in the Jewish faith. If you do not have a personal relationship to your clergy, teachers, or members of the organized Jewish community, then by all means you may widen the circle of people whom you call upon. If your closest relationship is with a Coach or Scout Leader, for example, someone who doesn't necessarily see the piece that is Jewish, you may select them. However, keep in mind that we seek to know what makes Judaism precious to you and where you connect yourself to the generations of Jewish people before you. Be sure to cover this, then, in your Personal Statement.

11. Who can I ask for the third recommendation?
The purpose of the third recommendation is to identify your commitment to bettering the world – Tikun Olam. Your experience participating in or implementing a community service project or volunteering on a regular basis is what we are looking to see. Identify a mentor, professional, volunteer coordinator, teacher or someone who has seen you in action and knows the work you have done on behalf of others, whether Jewish or not.

12. What happens if I am accepted to the program?
Those selected as Interns will begin receiving emails regarding their participation upon acceptance. All participants will receive a Grant Agreement as well as waivers and program forms that they and their parents/legal guardians will need to carefully review and sign. All forms are expected to be returned in a timely manner, prior to the booking of airline tickets. In addition, communication among the Interns will begin prior to departure for Interns to enable Interns to get to know one another.

13. Is this program Kosher?
All meals served on the Legacy Heritage Internships for Young Scientists program are strictly kosher and group activities on the Sabbath are in keeping with the sanctity of the day, including prayer services.

14. How can my parents keep apprised of my progress over the summer?
Parents will be able to regularly communicate with their children. There is generous access to the Hebrew University computer system as well as wireless access throughout much of the campus.  Photos, videos
and program updates will be posted on a regular basis so parents may keep abreast of their children and the activities of the Program. In addition, all Interns will be required to rent an integrated cell phone
so that Program staff and parents may reach them at any time.

15. Are there any obligations after the Israel portion of the program is complete?
As a condition of acceptance to the Program, participants will be required to develop and implement of a 40 hour community service project upon return to the United States, preferably focused on Israel
advocacy. Program staff will work closely with Interns to identify projects, implement activities and secure resources.  Interns will also be expected to submit their research projects to local, regional,
national and international science competitions as appropriate to their project, community and rules governing these competitions. For those students needing assistance in the competitive process, Program staff will also be available.

It is also expected that Interns will continue to communicate with one another and Program staff regarding science, Israel and their Jewish lives. Contributions during this year long experience are expected from Interns to program newsletters, articles, conference calls and discussions as well as the reunion (below).

16. Will we meet up again once the trip is over?
A mandatory reunion for Interns will be held one weekend the following winter, in an effort to nourish the personal connections forged over the summer and to support the Interns in their community service efforts.

17. How do I reach you to ask other questions?
Kindly email your questions to LHIYS@lhfl.net or contact Marci Karoll, Program Officer at 212-578-8190.