SHANA TOVA: You may have visited Israel in the past, on a family trip or a summer program. However, Shanah Tovah will give you the opportunity to actually live in Israel and become an integral part of Israeli society.
You will get to know the people, experience the different lifestyles, speak the language, and understand the many challenges the society faces. You will look deeper into yourself, grow and develop, discover new aspects of yourself and help you deal with issues regarding your identity as an American Jew. Finally, you will be given the tools to think critically and to search out your own answers to your own questions about this very complicated and wonderful country.
During the year you will be a part of a group of your peers from all around North America. In Hashomer Hatzair, group life plays a major role and an emphasis is placed on group dynamics, activities, supportive relationships and teamwork. Each person will both contribute tremendously to, and gain great personal enrichment from the kvutzah (group).
Participation in Shanah Tovah is a privilege and a challenge, a valuable growing experience and a responsibility. In order to be considered for this program, you must complete the application on time. The most exciting year of your life begins with this application!
Shnat Program 1?The program is split into 4 main phases yet some of the components like the Kvutza (group) building and their Madrich (counselor) will continue throughout the year.
5 Months (Sept-Jan) Ulpan in Kibbutz Shuval
3 days per week: Ulpan
3 days per week: work in kibbutz
1 day per week: chinuchi peulot with madrich (specific HHNA group madrich)
1 day per month: tiyul
3 Months (Feb-April) Kibbutz Shuval (near Beer Sheva, northern Negev)
Live together in a communa near a Hashomer communa
3 days per week: work with Ethiopians in Beer Sheva
3 days per week: work with Bedouins in a Bedouin village called Rahat
Optional: work with Magen David Adom
3 Months (May-July) Kibbutz Samar
Experience this unique Kibbutz
During all this year the group will have a Madrich (counselor) from Hashomer Hatzair Israel that will work closely with them and will give guidance and support.
Shnat Option 2: This year we are offering an optional college track in Israel. This program allows the participants to study in an Israeli University and benefit from additional programming offered by a Madrich. This program is based on a minimum of 7 participants that will be accepted to the University.
Candidates: We are looking for people that care about their community and care about the Jewish people and are ready to take upon themselves responsibility and to commit for this not easy but self-fulfilling journey. We don't intend to set the goal for the Kvutza, they will decide and take responsibility for their decision. We will be there to assist and guide them as partners.
Cost: $11,500 We will give a scholarship of $2'500 to the first seven participants to register.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call (212) 627-2830 or e-mail at:
mail@hashomerhatzair.org
YEDID: Yedid Plus consists of two parts. Some of the program components are liable to change as well as the dates of the program and the duration of each part. Camp Shomria (Liberty): July 1st - July 29th This part of the program will be mainly devoted to preparing Yedid Plus participants for their stay in Israel; introducing them to the leadership training seminar, as well as having lots of fun. On July 30th, the group will depart for Israel. Yedid Plus in Israel: July 30th - August 27th. The goal of Yedid Plus is to give the participants an experience that heightens their awareness and understanding of Israel's past and present, Judaism, Progressive Zionism and cooperative community building.
During Yedid Plus, the participants will acquire the knowledge and tools to return to the movement, their communities and their peers, able to share what they have learned. The program in Israel will consist of a series of educational seminars, and tours of Israel. These various activities will expose the participants to the many faces of Israeli society. The kvutza (group) will travel throughout Israel and visit sites with historical and current significance. They will participate in hikes led by experienced Israeli tour guides, explore ancient sites and trek through some of the most beautiful areas in Israel. The seminars, particularly those about Israeli society and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, will serve to help the participants develop a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges that face Israel today. As educated individuals, they will become better equipped to participate in the ongoing dialogue about Israel so that they may help shape its future and the future of the Jewish people. The participants will be introduced to kibbutz structure and society. Other focuses of the kibbutz period will include cultural and social activities and seminars on the history and future of kibbutz.
MIFGASH: A weeklong seminar in Israel for Bogrim. This seminar takes place during college winter break and focuses on developing Hashomer Hatzair's ideology into practice. Please contact Michal for information at (212) 627-2830
Yedid Plus - A five week summer program available for students going into 11th grade