The Mind-Body Connection

For generations the Jewish people have been at the forefront of the medical field.  One of our greatest rabbis, Rambam, was also a physician, and the founder of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud, was Jewish as well.  Caring for ones body and for others is an intrinsic part of Judaism.  This program approaches health from an holistic approach, bringing together students who are interested in a future career in either medicine or psychology.  Learning from each other will allow students to expand their understanding of the connection between the mind and the physical body.  This program is an add-on to the Core Aardvark program filled with enrichment activities, learning, traveling, and physical exercise.  The program takes place in Tel Aviv.  The Mind-Body Connection offers an intensive educational and practical program that is designed to introduce students to the fields of medicine, psychology, natural healing, alternative therapies, drug research, and more.

When?
Spring semester in Tel Aviv, January to May

Who is it for?
Anyone who is interested in the human mind and body and wants to learn and experience more. For those interested in the MADA course, medium Hebrew level is required (see below). 

Workshops/Tours/Lectures

• Reflexology workshop
• Spa day – massages, Jacuzzi, sauna, and a glass of wine
• Yoga workshop
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Child abuse
• Visit Netal – Israel center for trauma victims
• Chinese medicine – acupuncture, cupping, tongue diagnosis
• Vegan food and Black Hebrew lifestyle
• Attachment theory
• Health workshop and cooking class – you are what you eat
• Reut rehabilitation hospital
• Save a child’s heart
• Alternative medicine in the Torah, healing, visualizations
• Neuroscience in Ichilov Hospital
• Body language workshop
• Gift of life bone marrow lecture and donation
• Massage technique workshop

Studies - students may elect to register for these courses.

• Jewish Medical Ethics – (PHL 141)
  Whose decision is it: the patient, the doctor, or the rabbi?  This introduction to Jewish Medical Ethics will include an overview of the major issues in the field and help students better understand issues such as abortion, organ donation, and euthanasia from a Jewish perspective.  Examining Jewish texts, both ancient and modern, students will be challenged to consider their own stance on each topic as well.
• Intrroduction to Psychology - (PSY 101)
  This survey course in psychology introduces the major areas of psychological study. Topics include: brain function, sensation and perception, child development, emotion, personality, learning, moral development, social behavior, and psychological disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding basic psychological processes and relating course content to daily experiences.
  

Special Volunteer opportunities

• MADA (Magen David Adom) ambulance
• Working with emotionally challenged children or adults
• Israeli Hospitals
• Rape Crisis Center
• Crossroads Jerusalem – drop in center for at-risk English-speaking teens

Sample Weekly Schedule

MADA (Magen David Adom) Course
MADA (Magen David Adom) is the main ambulance service in Israel providing emergency care.  They have a program to train volunteers to provide help and assistance on the ambulances.  Participants in the Mind-Body Connection may elect to take the 60-hour MADA training course – a ten day program of learning that gives a wide range of first-aid skills ranging from bandaging a simple wound through CPR and mass casualty incidents. The course is intense – classes are held from early in the morning until late at night.  Participants may be quizzed daily and on the last day of the course participants are given a certification exam on all of the material covered in the training course. The exam consists of a written test and a practical test. Participants must pass both tests and receive the instructor's recommendation to receive a certificate as a “Certified First Responder” through MADA Israel and be able to volunteer to work on an ambulance in Israel.

The exam is mandatory and any student who does not pass the exam will not be allowed to volunteer for MADA.

Aardvark Israel participants must complete a separate application to MADA which will be distributed after acceptance to the Aardvark program.

In order to apply for MADA, each participant must prepare the following:
1.    A recommendation letter from a teacher, instructor, or counselor (NOT from a friend or family member)
2.    A letter of intent
3.    A digital passport picture
4.    A scanned copy of a valid passport
5.    Proof of immunity to Hepatitis B
6.    An interview that will be coordinated by the staff
Please note: The interview requires a Hebrew evaluation. If the Hebrew level of the participant is not sufficient, they will not be accepted.

Medical Forms:
The medical forms must be filled out by a physician who has known and treated you for at least three years.  If you have ever seen a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker a letter will be required from the treating mental health provider stating that you are capable of participating in the MADA program, which includes finishing a difficult course and working under intense psychological and sometimes physical stress as an EMT.  If you have ever undergone an operation or if you have or have had any chronic diseases, a letter is required from your physician stating that you are capable of volunteering for MADA (see above clause).  If you are taking any prescription drugs, a letter is required from your physician stating why you are currently taking this drug and that you are capable of volunteering for MDA (see above clause).
Hepatitis B:
Medical documentation is required showing that you have received at least two hepatitis B injections or a blood test showing proof of immunity. If you have not yet received the Hepatitis B vaccination you will need to submit proof of receiving the first 2 shots to complete your registration.