Photos and quotes from BIMA participants.

Genesis

Frequently Asked Questions


When is BIMA?
BIMA takes place from Tuesday, July 6 to Thursday, August 5, 2010.

Who can attend BIMA?
You are eligible to apply to BIMA if you are entering 10th-12th grade in fall 2010 and if you have a serious interest and experience in the arts.  Participants will be selected based on their previous experience with and commitment to the arts, as well as their interest in participating in a pluralistic Jewish community.

How do I apply?
The full application packet requires on-line forms, an arts sample, applicant essays, two letters of recommendation, parent letter and $40 application fee. Applications for 2010 will be available in November.

Is it difficult to get accepted to BIMA?
Admission to BIMA is selective based on a full review of all of the application materials. Participants are high school students who have shown significant investment as well as talent in their chosen arts discipline, who exhibit a high level of maturity, and who are excited about living in and contributing to a diverse, creative, Jewish community. Attention is also given to the skill level in each of the majors in order to ensure that the participants in each arts major can work together at the highest possible level.

Who are the other participants in the program?
BIMA is a coeducational program that seeks to bring together high school artists from different backgrounds and experiences. Participants come from all over the United States, Canada, Israel, Russia, and other countries, with diverse artistic and educational experiences, family backgrounds, and previous experience with Judaism.

Who are the faculty and staff?
The BIMA arts faculty are accomplished professional musicians, artists, writers, actors, and filmmakers. The residential staff of community educators and interns includes graduate students, rabbinical students, arts educators and Jewish educators.

What is the tuition and what does it include?
The tuition is $4,600. This includes all program related expenses. The tuition does not include costs of transportation to and from Boston, laundry (machines are located in the dormitories), or spending money.

Does BIMA offer financial aid?
BIMA works closely with families to make the program financially feasible. This includes limited BIMA financial aid, as well as assistance in securing other potential sources of funding. Families interested in financial aid need to complete the BIMA Financial Aid form.  The 2010 form will be available with the application packet in November.

Where will I live and where will I eat?
You will live in double occupancy rooms in two single-sex dormitories. You will eat in the Sherman dining hall on campus and kosher dining is available at all meals.

How will I get to Brandeis?
You can arrive by car, plane or train. BIMA staff will be at the airport and train station and will provide transportation from Logan International Airport and the Route 128 Amtrak Station. Participants make their own travel arrangements.

What is Genesis?
Genesis at Brandeis University is an academic summer program for high school students. Genesis participants are motivated high school students who enroll in one of our four college-level courses. College credit is also available for second-year Genesis participants. 

Genesis runs parallel to BIMA with points of interaction between the two programs. BIMA and Genesis participants live in the same residence halls (one male, one female) on separate floors. Additionally, the BIMA and Genesis communities have the opportunity to interact around the residential experience and the planning and celebration of Shabbat. The result is an increasingly diverse, creative, and active Jewish community.

How do I contact BIMA?
Phone:    (781) 736-8416
Fax:        (815) 301-2874
Email:     bima@brandeis.edu

BIMA at Brandeis University
415 South Street, MS 065
Waltham, MA 02454-9110