Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies
Howard Ballenzweig Awards for Study in Israel

The Howard Ballenzweig Endowment Fund was created by Susan Ballenzweig Beckerman in memory of her husband Howard Ballenzweig '65 for the purpose of supporting Lehigh undergraduate students in those programs of study in Israel approved by Lehigh's Study Abroad Committee. The fund is administered by the Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies, 324 Maginnes Hall. All full-time Lehigh undergraduates engaging in an approved program of study in Israel are eligible to apply for a grant from the Fund.

Approved Programs

(1) The "Lehigh in Israel" Summer Program

All Lehigh full-time undergraduates participating in the "Lehigh in Israel" summer program will receive a partial subvention toward the cost of the program from the Ballenzweig Fund for Study in Israel. The amount of the subvention will be determined by the total number of participants and funds available. In the past, grants have ranged from $600 to $800 per student. The "Lehigh in Israel" application form submitted to the Lehigh Abroad office serves as the application for the subvention. Students with a greater financial need may request an additional award by submitting an application following the procedures outlined below.

(2) Year, semester, and summer programs at the Rothberg School for Overseas Students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and at the Lowy School for Overseas Students at Tel Aviv University

Courses in these programs are taught in English, and credits will transfer to Lehigh with prior approval from the appropriate academic department. Year and semester programs require Hebrew language instruction (ulpan). Students who want to attend other Israeli universities may petition the Study Abroad Committee. An award cannot be given for participation in an unapproved program. Students wishing to be considered for a Ballenzweig award should submit an application following the procedures below. Awards will be decided by a faculty committee on the basis of academic achievement and other related factors.

Application Procedure

To apply for a Howard Ballenzweig Award for Study in Israel, please submit a letter of application to Dr. Laurence Silberstein, Director of the Berman Center for Jewish Studies, 326 Maginnes Hall. Include the following information:

1. Total cost of the program of study, with a breakdown for travel, tuition, housing, food, and other expected expenses

2. Information on your Financial Aid status

3. Amount of request

4. Statement of why you wish to participate in the program and what contribution the program will make to your overall college education

Two letters of recommendation from faculty and an unofficial transcript including grades from the last semester completed should be sent directly to

Dr. Laurence J. Silberstein
Berman Center for Jewish Studies
324 Maginnes Hall

The deadline for receipt of applications and related documents will coincide with the the Lehigh Abroad Office's deadline for applications for that particular program.

Award Requirements

Payment of the Ballenzweig awards will be made to the winners upon receipt of evidence of enrollment in the approved Israel program. Recipients are required to submit a report on their experiences soon after returning to the U.S. Acceptance of the award constitutes a legal agreement. It is expected that award recipients will remain in Israel until the program of study is completed. Should that not be the case, the award committee may request a partial reimbursement of the award. Award recipients are subject to all Lehigh study abroad regulations.

Additional Information

Questions about application procedures can be directed to Shirley Ratushny, Berman Center for Jewish Studies, 323 Maginnes Hall (610 758-3352), inber@lehigh.edu).

Return to top of document

BCJS Homepage

Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies
Lehigh University, 9 W. Packer Ave., 324 Maginnes Hall, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3082
610 758-4869 • Fax 610 748-4858 • inber@lehigh.edu