Take a journey through our most sacred texts, valued traditions, and shared history:
Join The Lookstein Virtual Scholars Program!
The Lookstein Virtual Scholars Program offers excellent online courses in Jewish texts, history, and values from 6th-12th graders with master Jewish educators from The Lookstein Center of Bar-Ilan University.
Our program combines synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) online learning.
Students read, watch, respond to prompts, and complete varied learning activities—all guided by the teacher.
Students also participate in a weekly Zoom class with their teacher.
Students enrolled in a Cohort will participate in group classes and collaborative learning activities.
Students enrolled in an Independent Study will have individualized sessions.
Cohort of like-minded peers OR individualized 1:1 independent study program
Excellent, award-winning, and accredited courses
Live classes with master Lookstein Center teacher facilitators
Engaging, thought-provoking, and meaningful Jewish content
Jewish holiday programming and engagement throughout the year
Transcripts and Certificate* from The Lookstein Center of Bar-Ilan University
Step 1: Select Your Model
The Lookstein Virtual Scholars program is available in two models: Cohorts and Independent Studies
Cohort Model: students participate in group classes and collaborative learning activities with other Jewish students around the world. The cohort program runs from September 14th – May 10th with weekly Zoom classes on Sunday mornings.
Independent Study Model: students participate in 1:1 individualized sessions with their assigned teachers. Weekly Zoom classes are scheduled with the teacher directly and typically take place on Sunday mornings. Semester-long courses are offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. We encourage students to take one course in the fall and one course in the spring.
Step 2: Select Your Topic
Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy of Bar-Ilan University offers a full catalog of 6th – 12th grade courses in Jewish Values, Jewish Texts, and Jewish History.
Jewish Values courses explore ethical dilemmas, contemporary value judgements, and inspiration for how to lead a meaningful life, all from Jewish sources!
Jewish Text courses take a close look inside a book of Tanach to uncover its depth, wisdom, and relevance today!
Jewish History courses critically examine time periods starting from the 2nd Temple destruction until 1948 to teach us not only where we come from, but who we are, and where we are going!
See the full catalog here.
Step 3: Complete Your Registration Forms & Payment
Register your children (one form per child) by June 15th, 2025.
Price: $1350 for year-long cohort program; $750 for each semester-long independent study program.
Step 4: Start Your Online Learning Adventure!
We can’t wait to learn with you! If you have any questions or would like to talk through the options please email us at admissions@lookstein.org or schedule a quick chat at calendly.com/lookstein/families.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
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What is Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy?
Created in 2014, Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy is the nonprofit online school of Jewish studies of Bar-Ilan University. Check out our parent organization at www.lookstein.org. We offer dozens of online courses and digital content for students in grades 6-12 in Jewish texts, Jewish history, and Jewish values, and we work with schools, organizations, and families of all Jewish backgrounds.
What is the Scholars Program?
The Lookstein Virtual Scholars Program is a multi-year program offering excellent online courses in Jewish texts, history, and values, live classes with a master Jewish educator, and a Lookstein Virtual Scholar Certificate from The Lookstein Center of Bar-Ilan University for students who complete the program.
Lookstein Virtual coursework combines the best of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) online learning. The asynchronous coursework is independent and on-demand and can be completed whenever and wherever you like. Coursework includes reading, watching, responding to prompts, and completing varied activities—all guided by the Lookstein teacher, who is in constant communication with the students.
Students will also “meet” with their teacher regularly via Zoom. These sessions allow for the teacher and student to get to know one another, to discuss course material and to dig a little deeper into the content. Students enrolled in the Cohort Study Option will participate in group classes and collaborative learning activities. Students enrolled in the One-On-One Study Option will have individualized sessions according to their own schedule.
How much time will my child need to devote to the Scholars Program?
Students will need to devote approximately 2 hours per week to the scholars program. This includes the live time spent with their instructor.
Students who complete 5 semesters will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion from The Lookstein Center of Bar-Ilan University.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are master Jewish teachers from North America that have dedicated their lives to educating and inspiring Jewish teens and pre-teens. Our teachers (and students) come from all Jewish backgrounds and we make sure to pair families with the teacher that can best meet their educational and Jewish learning needs.
Is the teacher available aside from the live Zoom meetings?
Yes! Student-teacher correspondence is intentionally built into our curriculum, allowing students and teachers to build strong relationships, dig deeper into ideas and texts, and provide extra support if needed.
What ages is the scholars program for?
The scholars program is for students in grades 6-12.
To learn about our programming for younger kids please email us.
Are your courses accredited?
Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Schools as a supplementary Education Program.
Upon course completion, you may request an official transcript from Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy of The Lookstein Center at Bar-Ilan University.
Still have questions? Contact us at admissions@lookstein.org or schedule a chat at www.calendly.com/lookstein-virtual-admissions.