S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program
Situated on a hillside overlooking the heart of Jerusalem, 's Caroline and Joseph S. Gruss Institute provides support to nearly 800 students in Israel as part of the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program.
About Our Program
The S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program (SDAIP) is an educational partnership between and more than 40 yeshivot and seminaries in Israel. For nearly 800 young men and women each year who choose to begin their education with a year of Torah study in Israel, the program provides structure, support, guidance and programming during their first year as members of the family.
Students enrolled in the Israel Program are considered undergraduate students and are eligible for all applicable state and federal financial aid programs. The program is headquartered at the dedicated Student Center at 's Israel Campus in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Jerusalem.
Most undergraduates find a year of study in Israel to be an invaluable and enriching experience, academically and spiritually. By incorporating study at Israeli yeshivot, seminaries or universities that are formal partners with SDAIP into their overall college experience, students dramatically enhance their future academic experience. Learning with Israel's leading educators, students engage in intense study of Jewish subjects including Talmud, Bible, Jewish law, Jewish thought, philosophy, Zionism and Jewish history. The Israel experience increases proficiency in oral and written Hebrew and enables students to learn firsthand about Israel's land, people, history and culture.
Collaborations Throughout Israel
The S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program team works closely with the staff of all partner yeshivot and seminaries. In order to ensure continuing excellence of the overall education provided, has designed and conducts an assessment process that allows the schools to explore and build on their strengths while at the same time identifying areas for enhancement, thereby assuring that Israel Program students are receiving the highest quality education on an ongoing basis.
Supporting Our Students
The program maintains a professionally staffed office in Israel to assist all program participants. 's Israel representatives visit partner yeshivot and seminaries regularly and offer academic guidance, career planning and personal counseling. In addition, the program sponsors lectures and activities where students can gather under the auspices of , as well as a guidance center to provide support to help ease the occasionally challenging adjustment to life and study in Israel.
also sponsors major events for American students in Israel, such as concerts, Melava Malkas, honors events, an annual Inter-Seminary Choir Competition, art and photo competitions, and an annual career fair in addition to publishing weekly D'var Torah newsletters.
Full Program Breakdown
Contact Us
For more information about the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, please feel free to contact us at either our Israel or New York office.
Israel
S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program
40 Duvdevani Street
Jerusalem 96428
Israel
Phone: 02.531.3020
Phone from the U.S. and Canada: 917.484.5020
Fax: 02.531.3021
E-mail: sdaip@yu.edu
Stephanie Strauss
Assistant Vice President for Israel Strategy and Enrollment
Executive Director, in Israel
Director, S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program
+972-54-628-2711
stephanie.strauss@yu.edu
After working for several years as a registered nurse at a NJ hospital, Stephanie moved to Israel with her family and joined the SDAIP Israel program staff in early 2005. Working as an Israel advisor for the women’s schools, Stephanie connected with students on the Israel program and implemented new programs and initiatives as part of the services offered by the Israel Program. Since June 2011, Stephanie has assumed responsibility for the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, taking it into the current recruitment season and bringing renewed energy and a new perspective on recruitment and services. Together with her staff of four, Stephanie and the team dedicate themselves to building relationships with students and schools on the program, to collaborating with the NY admissions team, and improving the already outstanding mission and work of in Israel.
Rabbi Josh Frohlich, MSW
Director of Israel Recruitment
Associate Director, SDA Israel Program
+972-54-227-2880
josh.frohlich@yu.edu
Rabbi Josh Frohlich was already part of the family as a young teenager when he spent his high school years at MTA. After learning in Ohr Yerushalayim for a year and a half, Josh returned to and earned his BA in Economics. After graduation, he studied in Rav Schachter’s Kollel for 2 years and then made Aliyah and was a member of ’s Gruss Kollel for three years. During that time, Josh received Semicha from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg and earned his MSW degree as part of Wurzweiler’s Block Program. Josh then joined the staff of the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program as an Israel Advisor and continued to his current position as the Director of Israel Recruitment, as he leads and oversees the daily activities of the SDA team. Josh lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh and enjoys assisting students along a path of continued growth.
Rabbi Jonathan Cohen
Assistant Director of Admissions
SDA Israel Program
+972-54-227-2850
jonathan.cohen@yu.edu
Originally from West Hempstead NY, Rabbi Jonathan Cohen attended Yeshivat Shaalvim and continued his learning at , where he earned a BS in Accounting from the Sy Syms School of Business. Following graduation, Jonathan returned to Israel where he was a madrich in Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim. Before joining the Israel Program staff as an Israel advisor for the men, Jonathan made aliyah with his wife Tzivia and their children to Yeshivat Shaalvim where he served for six years as a popular Shoel u-Maishiv. Using his energetic personality to liven up the Beit midrash, he developed strong relationships with many of the talmidim there and continues to inspire and aid students towards their journey to .
Estie Fried
Admissions Coordinator
SDA Israel Program
+972-53-444-8474
estie.fried@yu.edu
Estie Fried grew up on the Lower East Side of New York. Estie and her siblings are all proud second-generation graduates. After attending Michlalah on ’s S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, Estie graduated Stern College with a degree in History. She then received her M.A. in Jewish History from ’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. She spent years teaching Jewish History and Tanach at YBH in Passaic, New Jersey, and Fuchs Mizrachi School in Cleveland, Ohio for a combined 15 years. Estie made Aliyah with her husband Ben and their children, and now lives in Giv’ot Eden.
Sara Grundwerg
Admissions Coordinator
SDA Israel Program
+972-53-779-8549
+1 917-695-2304
sara.grundwerg@yu.edu
Originally from Woodmere New York, Sara made aliyah in August of 2022 and currently resides in Jerusalem. After completing a year at Midreshet Amit for seminary, Sara returned to America and received her bachelor's degree in education at Stern College. Afterward, while working as an elementary school teacher at Schechter Manhattan, Sara completed her master's degree in special education at ’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Sara is passionate about assisting students embark on their journey.
New York
, Office of Admissions
Furst Hall Suite 101
New York, NY 10033
Telephone: 646.592.4440
E-mail: yuadmit@yu.edu
Connect with Us
General/Non-Honors Admission Deadlines
Spring 2025
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
- Decision Notification is on a rolling basis beginning November 5, 2024
- Enrollment Deadline: December 16, 2024
Fall 2025
- Application Deadline: February 3, 2025*
- Decision Notification is on a rolling basis beginning December 18, 2024
- *Any applications received or completed after the posted deadline, (excluding honors for which there is no waitlist) will still be considered for admission but may only be offered a spot on a waitlist.
For Israel Honors information please visit the Undergraduate Honors Applicants page.
How to Enroll
- To enroll in the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, applicants must:
- and gain acceptance to a Bachelor's Degree Program at . Submit an application for admission, and then submit all the required supporting materials, such as an essay, SAT/ACT scores*, high school transcript, and have a personal interview.
- Apply to the Israeli institution of your choice. Each institution has its own procedures and criteria for admission. For contact information for yeshivot, seminaries and other partner programs, please visit the Guide to Israel Schools.
- Once accepted to both and the Israeli institution:
- Complete your online and pay your $550 nonrefundable enrollment deposit.
- Enrollment in the SDA program with the intent of spending a year of study at one of ’s accredited partner institutions communicates the understanding that the student will continue their college education at in New York at the conclusion of the academic year. The student will commit to enroll at and may not enroll in any other college or university.
- Upon submission, you will be prompted to complete the Israel Participation Agreement in the Supplemental Items & Documents section of our online application.
In addition to the tuition charged by your yeshiva/seminary, charges a $3,500 non-refundable SDA Program Fee. This fee covers the additional programming, events, priority registration, as well many other added benefits for participating on this important program. The fee is broken down as follows:
$550 non-refundable enrollment deposit is collected upon submission of your intent to enroll (as stated above)
$2,950 will be billed by the Office of Student Finance prior to beginning your studies in Israel.
Upon your return to New York to begin your full-time studies at , $2,000 (of your SDA Enrollment Fee) will be applied towards your first semester’s tuition charges.
Enrollment Deposit - SDA Program $550 SDA Program Fee (Including Deposit) $3,500 Credit towards first semester tuition in New York $2,000 Net Cost after credit $1,500
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Tuition and Scholarships
Check our Our Guide to Israel Schools
The S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program enables students to study in Israel while officially remaining a student. There are many benefits to being on this program, including access to federal and New York State financial aid programs and flexible monthly payment plans.
What Is the Cost?
Each institution in the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program establishes its own tuition and fees. collects that amount on behalf of the institution. begins sending invoices to students in June each year. The institution in Israel will collect a deposit directly along with other miscellaneous fees such as those for medical insurance and tourism. These fees will not be reflected on the invoice. The Israel institution will detail the total tuition and fees students are expected to pay.
In addition to the tuition charged by the Israel institution, charges a $3,500 SDA Program Fee. A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $550 is due at the time of enrollment. The remaining $2,950 will be billed with the first tuition statement. Upon your return to New York to begin your full-time studies at , $2,000 (of your SDA Program Fee) will be applied towards your first semester’s tuition charges.
While we encourage all interested students to participate in the SDA program, we understand that it is not an option for all students. is happy to invite students to defer their offer of admission for up to a year at a time for two consecutive years. Beyond that, students will be asked to reapply to the University.
To defer your offer of admission, a $550 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to hold your seat at . This enrollment deposit will be credited towards your first semester’s tuition charges when you begin your full-time studies at in New York. If you subsequently request to have credits transferred to from study at a yeshiva or seminary in Israel, (and did not participate on the SDA program) a $4,000 non-refundable Israel Institution Evaluation fee will be assessed.
Tuition Payment Summary
To the Israeli institution
- The Israeli institution's initial deposit
- Other fees as determined by the Israel institution (if any). Please consult the Israel institution.
To
- The Israeli institution's tuition
- 's Program Participation Fee of $3,500
What Aid Is Available?
Students who participate in the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program may receive federal and state aid if they are eligible. They apply in the same manner as do students on campus in New York City at . Students should apply for financial aid for the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program after January 1st of the year the student will attend the Israel Program. New York State residents will receive a TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application as a result of filing the FAFSA.
institutional aid is not available for study in Israel, however, all Federal and State aid is available including Pell, Work-study and Stafford Loans as well as New York State Tuition Assistance (TAP) Grant (if eligible). It is important to apply early so the money is available for your attendance on the Israel Program. Once the processed FAFSA is received by the Office of Student Aid, a Financial Aid Award Letter will be sent to you, which will outline the Financial Aid available.
MASA application is not available through . Student should consult with Israel institution.
Withdrawal Procedure and Refund Policy
Students must present withdrawals in writing to both the Israel institution and the office in Israel or New York. Once a student's payment has been processed by 's Israel Program and paid to the Israel institution, the student must address all issues involving refunds directly to the Israel institution. Students should contact Israel institution for withdrawal and refund policy.
If a student changes schools in Israel after the bill has been paid, the student must arrange for the first institution to transfer all payments to the second institution.
A student that transfers between schools after the requisite dates in the academic calendar, that is – will not complete 13 contiguous weeks including completion of all academic requirements at the end of the semester, will not receive a transcript or Israel credit for that semester.
A student who expresses interest in withdrawing from a school – any time after the first week of a semester - should be instructed by their administrators to speak directly with the /SDAIP office in order to receive comprehensive information with which to make that decision. Administrators are also requested to speak with the SDAIP office to explain the circumstances and determine whether a transferring student will be eligible for credit or not. This should be done BEFORE the student switches schools or is given potentially incorrect information.
More Information
For more information about admission to or the Joint Israel Program, please contact the Office of Admissions at (646) 592-4440 or yuadmit@yu.edu.
For more information on the financial aid eligibility of the Israel program, please call the Office of Student Aid at (646) 592-6250.
To make payment arrangements for the Israel Program, please call the Office of Student Accounts at (646) 592-6260.
Check our Our Guide to Israel Schools
The S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program enables students to study in Israel while officially remaining a student. There are many benefits to being on this program, including access to federal and New York State financial aid programs and flexible monthly payment plans.
What Is the Cost?
Each institution in the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program establishes its own tuition and fees. collects that amount on behalf of the institution. begins sending invoices to students in June each year. The institution in Israel will collect a deposit directly along with other miscellaneous fees such as those for medical insurance and tourism. These fees will not be reflected on the invoice. The Israel institution will detail the total tuition and fees students are expected to pay.
In addition to the tuition charged by the Israel institution, charges a $3,500 SDA Program Fee. A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $550 is due at the time of enrollment. The remaining $2,950 will be billed with the first tuition statement. Upon your return to New York to begin your full-time studies at , $2,000 (of your SDA Program Fee) will be applied towards your first semester’s tuition charges.
While we encourage all interested students to participate in the SDA program, we understand that it is not an option for all students. is happy to invite students to defer their offer of admission for up to a year at a time for two consecutive years. Beyond that, students will be asked to reapply to the University.
To defer your offer of admission, a $550 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to hold your seat at . This enrollment deposit will be credited towards your first semester’s tuition charges when you begin your full-time studies at in New York. If you subsequently request to have credits transferred to from study at a yeshiva or seminary in Israel, (and did not participate on the SDA program) a $4,000 non-refundable Israel Institution Evaluation fee will be assessed.
Tuition Payment Summary
To the Israeli institution
- The Israeli institution's initial deposit
- Other fees as determined by the Israel institution (if any). Please consult the Israel institution.
To
- The Israeli institution's tuition
- 's Program Participation Fee of $3,500
What Aid Is Available?
Students who participate in the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program may receive federal and state aid if they are eligible. They apply in the same manner as do students on campus in New York City at . Students should apply for financial aid for the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program after January 1st of the year the student will attend the Israel Program. New York State residents will receive a TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application as a result of filing the FAFSA.
institutional aid is not available for study in Israel, however, all Federal and State aid is available including Pell, Work-study and Stafford Loans as well as New York State Tuition Assistance (TAP) Grant (if eligible). It is important to apply early so the money is available for your attendance on the Israel Program. Once the processed FAFSA is received by the Office of Student Aid, a Financial Aid Award Letter will be sent to you, which will outline the Financial Aid available.
MASA application is not available through . Student should consult with Israel institution.
Withdrawal Procedure and Refund Policy
Students must present withdrawals in writing to both the Israel institution and the office in Israel or New York. Once a student's payment has been processed by 's Israel Program and paid to the Israel institution, the student must address all issues involving refunds directly to the Israel institution. Students should contact Israel institution for withdrawal and refund policy.
If a student changes schools in Israel after the bill has been paid, the student must arrange for the first institution to transfer all payments to the second institution.
A student that transfers between schools after the requisite dates in the academic calendar, that is – will not complete 13 contiguous weeks including completion of all academic requirements at the end of the semester, will not receive a transcript or Israel credit for that semester.
A student who expresses interest in withdrawing from a school – any time after the first week of a semester - should be instructed by their administrators to speak directly with the /SDAIP office in order to receive comprehensive information with which to make that decision. Administrators are also requested to speak with the SDAIP office to explain the circumstances and determine whether a transferring student will be eligible for credit or not. This should be done BEFORE the student switches schools or is given potentially incorrect information.
More Information
For more information about admission to or the Joint Israel Program, please contact the Office of Admissions at (646) 592-4440 or yuadmit@yu.edu.
For more information on the financial aid eligibility of the Israel program, please call the Office of Student Aid at (646) 592-6250.
To make payment arrangements for the Israel Program, please call the Office of Student Accounts at (646) 592-6260.