Israel Option

The Israel Option of Hebrew Theological College enables HTC students to spend a year of college study in a yeshiva in Israel. A year in Israel is a challenging and enriching experience that serves as a guide in developing a lifestyle consonant with Torah values. Students can earn up to 30 credits for their Fall and Spring semesters of college studies and are provided academic advising to map out their course of study upon their return, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Enrollment in Hebrew Theological College’s Israel Option is a mutual commitment. Enrollment is the first year of your baccalaureate degree at Hebrew Theological College. Acceptance is contingent on the completion of all admission requirements and acceptance to Hebrew Theological College. HTC expects students to complete their undergraduate studies at Hebrew Theological College. Students may not hold a deferral at another institution during their Israel Option Program.

Israel Option Application Process

  1. Prospective students to HTC’s Israel Option must first Apply to HTC through the standard application portal. Please refer to the Application Requirements for detailed instructions.
  2. Complete Israel Option Participation Agreement. All Israel Option documentation (emailed upon acceptance) must be returned to Hebrew Theological College by June 15 in order to receive the discounted rate of $1,150. The discounted rate of $1,150 will only apply if the administrative fee has been paid on TouchNet by June 15 and all of the documents have been received by June 15. If any of the above items are outstanding on June 16, the rate will go up to $1,250 and if still outstanding by July 16, the rate will increase to $1,350, after August 15 the rate will go up to $1,500.
  3. Israel Option students are required to participate in all HTC meetings and programs scheduled specifically for them in Israel. These include presentations by rebbeim, faculty and deans geared to assist in academic planning. Rabbi David Cohen is the Israel Liaison for Beis Midrash and Men's College and coordinates visits with administration and students, meets with students to help with any issues, and clarifies questions about their college experience. He can be reached at david.cohen@htc.edu.
  4. Israel Option Students who complete their yearlong study in Israel, will receive a tuition credit of $500 towards their first on-campus semester.

HTC encourages students to explore local and national Financial Aid opportunities to help offset the cost of their education while enrolled at HTC and participating in the Israel Option.  HTC Students may qualify for federal and state grants and student loans.

To learn more about the Israel Option, please contact Rabbi Gavriel Bachrach at (224) 406-8911 or email gbachrac@htc.touro.edu.

The following Yeshivas are participants of the Israel Option*:

  • Aderes HaTorah
  • Ateret Yerushalayim
  • Bais Yisroel
  • Chofetz Chaim
  • Derech Etz Chaim
  • Derech Ohr Samayach
  • Hakotel
  • Har Etzion
  • Kerem B’Yavneh
  • Kesher
  • Lev HaTorah
  • Mercaz HaTorah
  • Midrash Shmuel
  • Migdal HaTorah
  • Nesivos Ahron
  • Netiv Aryeh
  • Ohr Yerushalayim
  • Orayta
  • Or Dovid
  • Reishit Yerushalayim
  • Sha’alvim
  • Sha’are Mevaseret Zion
  • Tiferet Yerushalayim
  • Tehilas Shlomo
  • Toras Chaim
  • Toras Moshe
  • Toras Simcha
  • Torat Shraga
  • Yishrei Lev

*List subject to change