They live in the dormitories as well, but they have their own areas and classes. We see them every day, we study in the same beit midrash, but for the most part they socialize amongst themselves, and we, amongst ourselves. This gap was expected to lessen over the last few years, when the school moved to Talpiot. While the Americans and Israelis are still not close, some students have mingled, and a few American students have even gone over to the Israeli student's homes for weekends, says Rhein. Afternoon prayer is then held in the Beit Midrash.
Girls stand silently, swaying with their prayer books.
Some girls trickle into the lunchroom to eat the schnitzel and salad provided by the optional meal plan. Others run up the three flights of steps from the bet midrash to their dorm rooms to put together a sandwich or cook in their kitchenettes. Since the girls are very conscious of the potential of seminary students to gain weight during their year in Israel, many girls prepare meals that are low in calorie. Munching on a cheese sandwich one students laughs at her friend who is steaming large heads of broccoli in a pan over the stovetop. This anxiety regarding gaining weight has brought many of the students to join the nearby gym.