Ultra-orthodox women in Israel: A pilot project in social work education

Abstract

The Hebrew University School of Social Work initiated a 2-year BSW program for ultra-orthodox women with a prior BA degree from a recognized university. This program adhered to the curriculum of the school and courses were taught by university faculty and field instructors. To encourage enrollment and show sensitivity to the needs of this population, classes were held on the campus of an ultra-orthodox women's seminary. The culture of social work consists of professional beliefs, values and behaviors. This program enabled an interface of students entrenched in the ultra-orthodox world, as encoded in the halacha (Jewish law representing beliefs and values, and dictating behaviors), with that of the social work profession. We were confronted with the challenge of integrating these two cultures. The main objective was to make the knowledge and skills of social work available to these women. Because of the two different systems, there are inherent conflicts which are bound to arise. An ongoing educational challenge was to resolve these conflicts. Minda Garr, lecturer at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work, is the academic coordinator of the program described, and Goldie Marans of the Baerwald School of Social Work, is the field coordinator of this program.