Preparing for a Professional Career
Two academic programs for professional counselor preparation are available on the campus of Neve Yerushalayim.

• A graduate program leading to a Master’s of Science degree in Sociology (with concentration in Family and the Life Cycle) is offered by the University of North Texas at the Center for Foreign Studies on the campus of Neve Yerushalayim.
  This program is approved by the Israel Council of Higher Education.
  

• In addition to its Master’s program, the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim offers a non-degree Certificate in Mental Health and Family Studies.

Both programs are unique in their interdisciplinary framework and orientation to the needs of the religiously observant community. Small classes and intensive formats engage students in learning that enhances both personal development and professional growth. Courses introduce theoretical insights and analytic competencies, while a supervised clinical practicum in the second year builds clinical skills.
Academic programs are open to both women and men, with a full schedule of separate courses. For further information, call the Center for Foreign Studies at 02-654-4515, Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Center for Foreign Studies Administration

Yisrael Levitz, Ph.D., ABFamP
Dean, Center for Foreign Studies
Founding Director, The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim

Dr. Yisrael Levitz is the founding director of the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim. He is a Clinical Psychologist, ordained Rabbi, and Professor Emeritus of Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where he held the distinguished Bennett Chair in Pastoral Psychology and headed the school's Psychopathology and Human Behavior departments. He was a practicing psychologist for over three decades as well as director of the South Shore Psychological Center in Woodmere, New York. Dr. Levitz is a Board Certified Diplomate in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Fellow of the Academy of Family Psychology, and a noted lecturer on a wide variety of psychological and Judaic topics.

Dr. Levitz was instrumental in training rabbinic students and designing the Pastoral Counseling program at Yeshiva University’s Rabbinic Seminary. He was appointed Director of Supplementary Rabbinic Studies for the Bella and Harry Wexner Rabbinic Program at Yeshiva’s rabbinic seminary, and developed its pioneering program in pastoral counseling, conflict resolution, and communication skills for rabbis. He has recently published a book with Dr. Abraham Twerski entitled A Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling (Feldheim Publishing). He continues to train and instruct young rabbinic students and their wives at Yeshiva University's Gruss Institute in Jerusalem.

Susan Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Center for Foreign Studies

Dr. Susan Jackson earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the City University of New York, and is licensed as a Psychologist in the State of New York. Following a predoctoral fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine, she joined the staff of the Project on the Adult Life Course at Yale, researching women's adult development in collaboration with Daniel J. Levinson, author of The Seasons of a Woman's Life.  Dr. Jackson has held clinical, academic, and administrative positions in professional communities in Vermont, Seattle, and New York.  Since making aliyah in 2005, she has taught psychology graduate and undergraduate students at Touro College Israel and at the Center for Foreign Studies, where she is Associate Dean.  Dr. Jackson maintains a private practice in Jerusalem and Efrat.

Rabbi Dovid Levine M.Sc.
Student Advisor, Men’s program
Coordinator, Mechanchim Program

Rabbi Dovid Levine earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Sociology from the University of North Texas and completed the Postgraduate Clinical Internship Program at the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim. He serves as men’s student advisor at the Center for Foreign Studies as well as coordinator of the Institute’s Mechanchim program. He maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.

Suri Greenwald,
Masters and Certificate Program Administrator

Suri Greenwald has been connected with the Masters degree program from the University of North Texas since its inception. In her capacity as Program Administrator she is an invaluable resource for students as the administrative liaison with the university.