POSTAL ADDRESS Box 5053, SE-102 42 StockholmVISITING ADDRESS Nybrogatan 21PHONE +46-8-679 55 55FAX +46-8-661 15 55E-MAIL info@paideia-eu.orgINTERNET www.paideia-eu.org

Application 2016–2017Paideia One Year Jewish Studies Program

The application consists of the following parts:

A – Personal Details.B – Jewish Culture and Text.C – Specialization and Applied Dimension.D – Essay E – SummaryApp I – only if you want to apply for Community and Education Scholarship App II – only if you want to apply for Academic ELES Scholarships

Please write your answers directly on the word document. Answer the questions in a concise manner. Completed applications should be returned by email to the above address.

AttachmentsPlease be sure to attach copies of the diplomas you refer to in the application as well as a digital picture of yourself.

Letters of recommendationPaideia requires that letters of recommendation from at least two persons be sent directly from them to info@paideia-eu.org

ScholarshipsPaideia fellows are eligible for scholarships during their studies at Paideia. The scholarship includes tuition-free studies, a study trip to Israel and a monthly stipend of approximately 800€ per month to

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cover rent and living costs. The number of scholarships is limited. A student’s ability to be financially self-sufficient or to secure external financing will be considered as merit in the admissions process. The scholarships are distributed on an ongoing basis. Therefore the earlier you apply, the better chances are to get a scholarship. Scholarships are only awarded to candidates who actively contribute to strengthening Jewish life and culture in Europe. Candidates who do not fulfil this criterion may be accepted to the program without scholarship.

Jewish education and Community work scholarshipsPaideia offers a specialized scholarship provided by the European Jewish Fund and the Rothschild Foundation. Eligible are candidates who are active in Jewish communities and/or Jewish education. Fellows of this scholarship are required to focus their project work on Jewish community development or Jewish education. In order to apply fill in Appendix I. You should only fill in Appendix I if you want to apply for a Jewish education and Community work scholarship.

Academic ELES scholarshipsPaideia offers scholarships for students continuing their studies towards an MA degree at the Hochschule fur Jüdische Studien in Heidelberg. These scholarships are provided by ELES and are given for both the studies at Paideia and the studies in Heidelberg. In order to apply for this scholarship you need be an EU-citizen and to apply to the MA program in Heidelberg according to Appendix II. You should only fill in Appendix II if you want to apply for an ELES scholarship.

MA program at the HfJSPaideia offers the possibility of continuing studies towards an MA degree at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien in Heidelberg. You may apply to the MA program even if you are not eligible for an ELES scholarship. The deadline for applying to the continuation of the program in Heidelberg is January 15, 2017.

Requirements Paideia welcomes applications from qualified individuals committed to the revival of European Jewish culture.

No prior study experience in Jewish text is required. European communities, institutions and organizations are invited to propose candidates whom they envision filling leadership roles.

A free and open atmosphere is an important prerequisite. Paideia aims to be an organization where everyone is treated equally and

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respectfully, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and physical ability.

For further information about the educational program see our home page www.paideia-eu.org or email info@paideia-eu.org

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Part A. Personal Details

First name: AleksandarFamily name: Petrovic

Date of birth: 20.10.1993. Place of birth: Pozarevac, Serbia Address (street, city, state, country): Hadzi Derina 6/7 11111 Belgrade

Citizenship: serbian Passport number: 008621506

Telephone number (incl. country and area code): 00381643646464E-mail address: aleksandar.petrovic 93@yahoo.com and

ludilobesa993@gmail.com

Family status (married, children): not married, Skype-name: aleksandar_pe

Education

Highest qualification to date (e.g. university degree, certificate or diploma):

Belgrade University of Law, 4th and final year, average mark 9,05. (dal dodati sliku)Name of institution, Principal subject, Dates:

Belgrade University of Law, SerbiaEnrolled in October 2012.

Jewish and Hebrew education (formal or informal), if any:

I’ve been studying judaism for years, both privately and with my Rabbi, Ham Ribi Yitzhak Asiel. I also studied with the Ham Ribi Eliezer Papo, nonresidental chief Rabbi of Bosnia & Hercegovina. Informal Hebrew language program at Jewish community of Belgrade.

Name of institution, degree or points completed and dates:

Hebrew language proficiency (rate yourself):

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Basic.

Work experience

Employer: /

Position, Dates:

Names of programs, organizations or NGOs in which you have been involved, if any:

-NGO “Haver Srbija” ( Haver Serbia) - Jewish NGO (http://haver.rs/) -Annual Jewish workshop organized by the Faculty of Philosophy – University of Belgrade (http://www.najstudent.com/vesti/jevrejska-umetnost-i-tradicija-46911)- Editor for Balkan e-Yeshiva, Qol Saray (Internet page, YouTube channel, FB groups), tehnical support and active role. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJkwMZlSTQXjMdzvEGhwqg/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=0 / https://www.facebook.com/groups/KolSaraj/?fref=ts / http://qolsaray.net/ )

Miscellaneous

List special skills, awards, or interests: -Rhethorical and public speaking skills. In January 2016, I become one of the finalists of Belgrade University of Law’s oratory competition (http://ius.bg.ac.rs/eng/competition_in_oratory.htm ).-,, School for intellectual skills” graduate (http://www.intelektualnevestine.rs/ ); skills acquired: fast reading, mental map drawing, memory techniques. (slikaj)- Krav maga certificate (slikaj diploma).- Recitation and poetry.- Awarded by Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade for achievements – slikaj ono iz PO - Awarded student scholarship by Serbian government.- Awarded student scholarship provided by the city of Pozarevac – priloži - Term paper: International Court of Justice, Advisory opinion ; “Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” priloži

Mother tongue: Serbian ( Serbo-croatian / Yugoslavian)

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Other foreign languages: English fluent ; French – basic; Hebrew – basic; Vlach language.

Religious affiliation (Community or Synagogue), if any: traditional Balkan Sephardic Judaism; attends synagogue “Sukat Shalom” in Belgrade.

Hobbies: reading, exercising, public speaking, poetry, etc.

Special needs

Do you have any condition or illness that could affect your participation in Paideia’s program? - No

Dou you require special assistance? - No

Scholarships and Financing

Are you applying for student accommodation provided by Paideia?YesAre you applying for a living expenses stipend provided by Paideia?YesAre you applying for the Jewish education and community work scholarship? (See criteria above). - YesIf yes, please fill in Appendix I.

Are you interested in continuing your studies in Heidelberg for an MA degree following the program at Paideia? Yes, as soon as I finish my BA.Are you applying for the Academic ELES scholarship? (See criteria above)If yes, please fill in Appendix II.Not yet.Will you apply for external financing outside of Paideia?I’m applying for Jewish education and community work scholarship, if that is considered as means of external financing. I would be interested in applying for other types of external financing, but I’m not familiar with any other. Unfortunately, Jewish Community of Serbia cannot finance me.

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If you will not be granted a scholarship from Paideia, would you be willing and able to take part in the program as a student without scholarship? As much as I’m become a part in the program, I fear that would be impossible without scholarship from Paideia.

References

Please list at least two personal references (include occupation, email, and phone number). Paideia requires that letters of recommendation be sent directly from the referees to info@paideia-eu.org

Yitzchak Asiel, chief Rabbi of Serbia and Macedonia (former chief Rabbi of Yugoslavia). Email - asielisak@gmail.com Broj ?!

Prof. PhD, Eliezer Papo, nonresidental chief Rabbi of Bosnia & Hercegovina, professor at Ben-Gurion University of Negev.P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, ISRAEL.Tel: 08 –6428323; Fax: 08 –6428324 Email: papoe@bgu.ac.il or eliezerpapo @ gmail.com

Daniel Bogunovic, president of Jewish community of Belgrade.dani_palace @ yahoo.co.uk Broj ?!

Prof. PhD, Sima Avramovic (Abrahamovic), Dean and Full Professor (of Comparative Legal History and Orarory skills / public speaking at Belgrade University of Law).http://ius.bg.ac.rs/eng/dean.htm sima @ ius . bg . ac . rs T: +381 11 3027-652

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Part B. Jewish Culture and Text

Previous experience in Jewish studies

Did you ever study Jewish textual sources? If so name subject, level, and context.Yes, I study Jewis textual sources in depth, mostly privately, but also with the help of my Rabbies and friends in hevruta.We’ve been studying Tanakh for years and still continue do so.Writings of pre-holocoust Yugoslavian Hahamim (Judah Alkalay, Eliezer Papo etc.).Halacha, especially Rambam’s Mishne Torah, Yalkut Yosef etc.Writings of famous Hahamim .Parts of Talmud.Annual Jewish workshop held at Faculty of Philosophy – University of Belgrade, where we talk about Jewish lifestyle, culture, poetry, philosophy, folklore etc.Skype shiurim with Ribi Eliezer Papo.

Why do you want to participate in a program that focuses on Jewish studies?I seek to further develop my knowledge on Judaism, Hebrew language, culture and philosophy, so that I could better present and promote Jewish values both in Serbia and in the whole Balkans. Also, I have come upon some evidence that my family has Jewish origins, linking my family to one of pogroms in the 19th century

What part of Jewish studies interests you most?Legal aspects of Judaism, but also Judaism in general, kiruv, mussar, interreligious relations and dialogue.

How did your interest in Jewish studies, text, and culture begin?Judaism is the crown, a light to the end of the tunnel in my long process of contemplation. It started all about when I was 15,16 years old. By examining all three monotheistic religions I found myself in Judaism.

Paideia studies

Why do you want to study at Paideia? What can Paideia give you that other programs cannot? What do you expect to develop at Paideia?

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Paideia is a serious program, and the best possible start of my educational specialization in field of Jewish studies. It provides vast and solid foundation for further growth in any field of Jewish studies. I expect Paideia to help my personal growth in Jewish leadership and academic work. I especially appreciate open-minded, non-dogmatic approach and critical thinking. Paideia also offers a chance to vastly improve one’s knowledge of Hebrew language, history and culture

How did you hear about Paideia? Via FB group of a local Jewish Youth Club.

Did you participate in any previous Paideia programs? If yes, which?No.

Have you applied to the One Year Jewish Studies Program before? If yes, which year? No.

Do you know anybody who is a Paideia graduate? If yes, who?Yes. I know that Igor Grga Kozemjakin is a Paideia graduate, and I also know some people who are currently studying at Paideia.

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Part C. Specialization and Applied Dimension

What needs for Jewish studies have you identified in your country?

I am sure that vast majority of Jews in post-holocaust and post-communist former Yugoslavia can see need for more people with Jewish education that will implement that education. What do I mean ? In holocaust more than 92% of Yugoslavina Jews died, after state of Israel is born, the leftover (of people) made an aliyah, the leftover of leftover was assimilated in communism that came after. Therefore, nowdays Jews of Yugoslavia constantly feel the consequences. They have sever difficulties to reconnect with pre-holocaust local Jewish life. Serbia (Yugoslavia) one had a rich local Jewish life, culture and halacha, one I would like to help to restore to its pre-holocaust level . The literature of local Rabbies is written mostly in Hebrew or Judeo-spanish (Ladino). Some of it is translated to English, but very little to local language (Serbo-croatian). The local language is the best way towards revitalisation for local Jews. When Yugoslavian Jews start on a conversation with some other Jews, Yugoslavian Jews don’t have knowledge in local writings and their significance, they are only familiar with wordwide, global jewish life,Before WWII Sarajevo for example had around 20% of Jews (12.000 Jews in city of 60.000), Sephardic synagogue in Sarajevo and Askhenazi synagogue in Novi Sad were one of the biggest synagogues at that time in Europe. Rav Jehuda Alkalay was one of the father os Zionism, today, every bigger city in Israel has a street named by him.

What are your future goals/plans involving Jewish studies/culture?Specialization in academical (maybe even rabbinical) Jewish studies. My friends and I plan on attempting to establish and develop Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Belgrade, and attending Paideia would greatly aid us in our efforts.I would like to make old local books and writings avaivable for wide audience. Therefore it needs to be translated to English and Serbo-croatian.My goal is aimed towards reviving local Jewish law (since I study law) and aspects that follow it. The local Jewish law is manifested via two forms :1. Rabinical responsa - an extensive literature written by rabbinical authorities in the form of responses to queries on halachic matters. Many of these responsa have been preserved and constitute an

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important source for the study of the development of Jewish Law, the history of religion, and of general Jewish history2. Local “manuals” also known (among Ashkenazim) as Kitzur Shulchan Aruch which treat many aspects of practical Jewish life. The topics are in order of alphabet. Lets name some of them – Ora Haim, Yore Dea etc.In order to finish that project I need to learn the basics of rabbinical methodology, terminology, etc. I really hope that Paideia could provide me with that. I also need to learn more Hebrew (and eventually Judeo-Espanjol). Therefore I will attend classes before Paideia, at Paideia programme and after it.Jewish life under Byzanthine (if we accept this term, more proper term would be “Romaniotes” since the empire was called Romeya or Eastern Roman Empire in its time) empire is also a interesting and local topic. I think that amoung academical circles these topics deserve more attention and research.

How do you see yourself contributing to the future of Jewish culture in Europe?By publishing my future researchs/essays/books related to previous mentioned topics. I hope that I would be able to give good quality lectures one day, especially in the filed of Jewish law and legal tradition.

Your field of expertise

What is your current area of studies/research/work/art?I am currently studying Law at Belgrade University, but I also study Jewish law in depth.

How do you plan to develop your studies/research/work/art in the future?I plan to continue my studies at Heidelberg for MA and, if possible, try to get my PhD in Israel. We are going to try to establish Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Belgrade, since we feel there is a political will for such a thing and, with a bit of effort and hard work, it could be made possible..

How could Jewish studies nourish your studies/research/ work/art?The simple fact that I could leave aside future law jobs and make my living from Jewish studies will nourish my work. I am also really excited to represent to academical circles in Serbia (Yugoslavia) the deeps and beauty of Jewish law, which predates Roman law.

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Describe some potential ways for Jewish text to interact with your own field of expertise.I feel that Halacha, traditional Jewish Law – the legal parts of the Oral Law, the Written Law and later rabbinic literature, covering religious, civil, criminal and ethical law, could interact with my field of expertise.

Can you give an example of a specific case where Jewish knowledge, text, or culture integrated with your field in an inspiring way? Tora I ljudska prava

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Part D. Essay

Write an essay (between 150-275 words) that illustrates your views on challenges and opportunities concerning Jewish life and Jewish culture in your home country or in Europe at large.

Throughout its long history, Serbia, unlike many other European countries, was never known as a place in which the Jews are not welcomed. Moreover, many prominent figures in Serbia’s history have Jewish origin.

However, as in all other places Jew inhabited in their ages long galut, community in Serbia faces the threat of assimilation. Us Jews survived everything that happened to us because we stayed true to our religion, to our history and our culture, while respecting all other faiths and denominations. I think that’s something every Jew on the planet should aspire to.

Also, no less dangerous is the constant treat of enthnologic and, in some countries, theological antisemitsm. In some European countries, racist and anti-Jewish parties have won the seats in government, and frequent attacks on Jews show that te anti-Semitic attitudes are still deeply ingrained on the continent. As we all know, ignorance is the mother to prejudice, and that is why I feel it’s essential to actively educate people by actively promoting Jewish values, ideas and fundamental Jewish ethical teachings.

However, in my opinion, in order for European Jewry to flourish, we must not only be sentinels of a static heritage, but we should welcome all those interested in spreading Jewish religious and cultural values, philosophy, history and ethics thus propelling Jews to take a leading role in the progress of the whole Europe.

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Part E. Summary

To summarize, write a bio about yourself. The bio should be written in third person and be around ten lines long. Below is a matrix to help you along:

First name, family nameCity of origin, country of origin

(Studies) N.N is a student of … He has studied at the University of … He holds a diploma in…(Work experience) N. works at … He has also worked with…(Involvement in organizations, extra curricular activities) N. has been involved in… (Interests and hobbies) N. is interested in…

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Appendix I

You should only fill in Appendix I if you want to apply for a Jewish education and Community work scholarship.

Please provide us with the following information:

Describe a project that you have carried out or were involved in.Project 1 : Erev Sukkot MidrashaWe started Sukkot Midrasha with traditional diary meal. After the meal our Rabbi Yitzhak Asiel held shiur with Sukkot related topic. After shiur we splitted in two groups for the sake of studying. Criteria for segregation was knowledge in Judaism. Group A – basic and group B – advanced. Group A studied the basics of Sukkot from Tanakh. Group B studied Pirke Avot. Group A on the first floor and group B at the second. Both groups are consisted of 10 people = 5 pairs. Every group (floor) had 5 tables for 5 pairs. Every table had a small (isečak) from Pirke Avot or from Tanakh (depens of group). Every pair would study in hevruta for some time and then move to the next table until every pair reached total of 5 tables. After that, whole group (10 people, 5 pairs) gathered in circle. In first phase every pair presented to others their highlights of previous study. In second phase whole group was asked questions related to studied topic.Project 2 : Internet Yeshiva Qol Saray

Describe an ideal project that involves Jewish texts or culture that you would like to create and implement after Paideia. Be as concrete as possible . After my work on reviving local jewish heritage I would certantly like to represent my work to local communities at first, after that I would like to present it on a bigger accademical scale. 1st phase – Jewish Community Belgrade :I would gather information about local Jews who contributed to Jewish life the most. For example 5,6 of them. It would incule Rabbies, scientists, artists,writers. Criteria would be their contribution and the relevancy of their work for 21st century. At some sections of Synagoge “Sukat Shalom” or Jewish Historical Musem I would set up project simmular to project 1 described previously. There would be 5,6 rooms which everyone of them bears the name of one person (for example “Room of Eliezer Ben Shem Tov Papo” or “Room of Laura Papo” or “Enterance to local Kitzur Shulhan Arukh”). If I lack in rooms I would

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pick a part of a wall. Every room would have the picture of a represented object (book, person, achievement, work of art etc.) at its enterence.Group would be consisted of 10/15/20/25/30 people. Methodology would be simmular as one described in Project 1. Every small group (2,3,4,5,6 people) would spend some time at every room, at the end there would be gathering where all people could represent their impressions,conclusions, ask questions etc. After that there would be a quiz with 1st 2nd and 3rd price. After that, traditional Erev Shabath dinner would be served where people could continue their discussions. I would prefer project to be held at Synagoge. Why is that ? Because I could use some mneumonics (memory) tricks and bring more people to synagogue. What do I mean ? Some scientific research show that there are certaion periods when forgetting occurs, before that period occurs one should refresh learned. Periods are :1. 5-10 min (after end of learning)2. 24h (or after REM phase of dream)3. 5-7 daysImplementing that would mean : arrival at Erev ShabathFriday:1. Shabath service2. Described project3. Shabath dinnerSaturday:1.Shaharit – morning service2. Revisiting room where project took place ( second period of repetition, after REM phase of dream)3. Sholet (lunch)By next Shabath, the third period for repetition will be completed ( after 5-7 days).Tourists coming to synagogue could also take part in a project.2nd phase – Serbia :After some period of time, project would be transfered by “Haver caravan tour” and would travel from one big city in Serbia to another.3rd phase : ex-Yugoslavia :Project would be transefered to biggest cities in ex Yugoslavia – Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Podgorica, Skopje.4th facultative phase : making a video documentary and publish it on Youtube and web pages of Jewish Communities of ex-Yugoslavia.

In what kind of institution/organization are you interested in working? Be specific.Department

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Appendix II

You should only fill in Appendix II if you want to apply for an Academic ELES scholarship. In order to be eligible for this scholarship you need to be an EU-citizen and apply to the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien with the following documents:

All papers are required to be in English or German. Please name the documents YourNameHfJS1, YourNameHfJS2, etc so we can keep track of all the documents.

For the admission at HfJS

1. Application to matriculate See http://www.paideia-eu.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ApplicationHeidelbergWinterSemester20162.doc

2. High School Diplomaoriginal and certified translation

3. Certificate(s) of University studies (diploma and transcripts) original and certified translationEach individual case of academic qualification will be checked

according to theguidelines of the Central Department for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen).

4. Passport photo(can be the same as in the Paideia application)

5. Certificate about health insurance

For the Admissions’ Committee at HfJS6. Letter of application:

“Dear Sir or Madam, I hereby apply for the MA program in Jewish Civilizations…”

7. Letter of motivation2 A4 pages, answering the following questions: Why do you apply for the MA in Jewish Civilizations? What are your specific interests specifically in this research

area? Why do you think you are suited for such an ambitious

program?

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What are your future plans after having received the Master degree?

8. Two academic letters of recommendation (can be the same which were used for the application to Paideia)

9. A declaration that the entitlement to take the examination in the same course of studies at an institution of higher education is not lost: “I hereby confirm that I didn’t loose the right to take part in an examination in the same subject of studies at an institution of higher education in Germany or abroad. I hereby confirm that I am not in an examination process in the same or another course of studies.”

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