Precollege Programs

Coursework

Genesis courses are developed in partnership with Brandeis academic faculty and staff. Students are in class for two hours/day, five days/week and are expected to complete all course reading, research and assignments.

Courses for Summer 2024 are still in the process of development. Check out the Summer 2023 courses below to get an idea of what Genesis at Brandeis is all about!

Rivalry, Redemption and Renewal: Relationships in the Bible

What do the stories of ancient biblical figures like Jacob and Esau, Abraham and Sarah and Ruth and Naomi have to teach us about how we interact with our families, friends and wider community? In this engaging course, you’ll explore the complex web of interpersonal relationships found in our most sacred texts and discover the lessons we can learn from their triumphs and tragedies. If you love to dig deeply into Jewish text and are fascinated by how our Biblical ancestors did (and did not) relate to each other, this course is for you.

Justice Brandeis, Bread and Roses and Beyond: American Social Movements and the Jews

Louis Brandeis, our University’s namesake, was the first American Jew to serve as a Supreme Court Justice and played a pivotal role in shaping American legal and social policy. Following in his footsteps, American Jews have served as leaders and community organizers in many of America’s most significant social movements, from the Labor Movement to Civil Rights and beyond. This thought-provoking course will explore the legacy of Justice Brandeis and how the American Jewish community’s engagement in the struggle for equality and freedom continues to influence American life today.

Nesiyot/Explorations

Interest-based, creative Jewish learning and programming offered during weekday afternoons. Options may include: 

• Creative Writing

• Making Music

• Visual Art

• Pluralism and Leadership

• Torah and Talmud Study

• Advanced Research Skills

• And much more.

Kavanot/Spiritual Practice

Several options for daily prayer, spiritual reflection, study and personal development will be offered during the week.

Bayit/Home Base

Smaller communities of Genesis students who meet each day to process the day’s events, discuss challenges, build community and relax.

Tochnit Erev/Evening Programming

Fun social activities designed to build community and create a relaxed atmosphere. Previous events have included scavenger hunts, movie nights, board games, talent shows and more. Students are also encouraged to create evening programming for the community.

Tiyyulim/Trips

Explore Boston with Genesis! Each Sunday, we leave campus after breakfast for a day out together. Previous trip options have included Boston Common, the Museum of Fine Arts, kayaking on the Charles River and other fun activities. 

Shabbat

Genesis students take responsibility for the leadership of all Genesis Shabbat services and programming, from Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday evening to Havdalah on Saturday evening, with careful mentorship and guidance from Genesis staff.

Weekday Schedule

Friday schedule is altered for Shabbat Prep.

• 8:30 a.m.: Optional Daily Minyan

• 9 a.m.:  Aruchat Boker/Breakfast

• 10 a.m.: Class

• 12 p.m.: Aruchat Tzohorayim/Lunch

• 1-2 p.m.: Menucha/Rest Time

• 2-4 p.m.: Nesiyot/Explorations

• 4-6 p.m.: Free Time

• 6-7 p.m.: Aruchat Erev/Dinner

• 7-7:45 p.m.: Kavanot/Spiritual Practice

• 8-10 p.m.: Tochnit Erev/Evening Programming

• 10-10:30 p.m.: Bayit and Snack

• 11 p.m.: Check-In and Laila Tov

 Saturday Shabbat Schedule

• 9-10 a.m.: Breakfast

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Tefillah Options

• 12-1 p.m.: Kiddush and Lunch

• 1-2 p.m.: Menucha

• 4-6 p.m. Free Time

• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Dinner

• 7:45-9:15 p.m.: Tochnit Erev

• 9:15-9:45 p.m.: Havdalah and Snack

• 11 p.m.: Check-In and Laila Tov

 Sunday Schedule

• 8:30 a.m.: Optional Daily Minyan

• 9 a.m.:  Aruchat Boker/Breakfast

• 10 a.m.: Tiyulim/Trip Day!

• 5:30 p.m.: Return to campus

• 6-7 p.m.: Aruchat Erev/Dinner

• 7-7:45 p.m.: Kavanot/Spiritual Practice

• 8-10 p.m.: Tochnit Erev/Evening Programming

• 10-10:30 p.m.: Bayit and Snack

• 11 p.m.: Check-In and Laila Tov

Dates

• Genesis 2024 dates: July 4-28, 2024
• Scholarship deadline: April 1, 2024
• Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Rates

• Tuition: $5,535

All students are required to submit a $500 deposit at the time of registration, which will be deducted from the final tuition bill.

Scholarship Information

Brandeis is committed to helping qualifying students afford the Genesis Precollege Program. Scholarships are available and are based on both need and merit. There is a space for scholarship requests in the Genesis application. Installment plans are available.

• Children of Brandeis University alumni are eligible for a $500 tuition discount.

• Better To Learn Cohort One students may use their award towards a summer at Genesis.

• We also partner with the following local and national organizations for scholarship opportunities:

  • Questbridge Fein Fellowship 

  • Foundation for Jewish Camp/One Happy Camper

  • SUMMER: The New York Teen Initiative

  • Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland

  • Yemin Orde Youth Village — Haifa

• Your local synagogue, Jewish Federation or other Jewish organization may also provide scholarship dollars.

In secure, air-conditioned Brandeis dormitories, suite-style or double-occupancy with laundry facilities. Genesis staff live in the dorms with students. Classes and programming are held in campus buildings.

Students eat in the Brandeis dining halls, where kosher, vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly options are always available. Afternoon and evening snacks are plentiful.

Genesis is a pluralistic program — we encourage students from all types of Jewish backgrounds to attend Genesis, with any level of Jewish learning. While many of our teens are affiliated with a particular movement of Judaism, that is not a requirement. We seek and welcome a diverse Jewish community.

Jewish pluralism is centered around the idea that all expressions of Jewish life, identity and practice are welcomed, valued and celebrated, whether or not one belongs to a specific Jewish denominational movement.

One of the main goals of Genesis is to develop a strong Jewish teen community where all views and perspectives are valued, assumptions are challenged and differences are respected and appreciated. Students are responsible for creating Shabbat programming at Genesis, which provides a unique laboratory for our teens as they work together to create Shabbat experiences that offer something for everyone.

Genesis seeks an intentionally pluralistic Jewish community that mirrors the national and international Jewish communities where Genesis students live. Students come from small towns with very few Jewish families, cities with large Jewish populations and everywhere in between.

Genesis students are a diverse group: some may belong to synagogues, attend Jewish day school, participate in organized Jewish life, follow the Jewish law to varying degrees, consider themselves culturally Jewish or “just Jewis," keep kosher, observe Shabbat or simply celebrate Jewish holidays at home. Some have a great deal of Jewish knowledge, while some have less Jewish literacy. There is no “right” way to be Jewish, particularly at Genesis!

To accommodate all levels of Jewish practice, kosher food is available at every meal, a variety of minyanim (daily services), spiritual practice programs and Shabbat services are offered, and Shabbat observance includes a break from technology in all public spaces. Note that all learning at Genesis is in an egalitarian setting where students are not separated by gender.

Courses have reading assignments, some writing and a capstone project.

We draw students from North America and around the world, from Jewish communities of all sizes, including unaffiliated Jews and those who practice a faith other than Judaism. 

Students come from a variety of Jewish religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We deeply value diversity and welcome students of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and political views.

Jewish students (ages 15-18) of all genders and identities who are academically curious, open-minded and interested in pluralistic Jewish learning and living.

Genesis is overseen by Laura Hyman, a senior Jewish educational leader with over 25 years of experience who works full time as the Genesis director, and part-time summer staff. Courses are taught by Brandeis-affiliated faculty and staff. The residential team consists of recent undergraduates from Brandeis and other universities, graduate students and folks who are studying to be clergy, educators or Jewish professionals.

You can learn more about Genesis and other Brandeis Precollege programs on the Brandeis Precollege website.