Anyone age 19 and over

www.netzeryear.org

The Netzer Year is a unique eight month leadership training program in Israel for recent Reform Jewish high school graduates, under the direction of the Union for Reform Judaism and Netzer Olami, the International Reform Zionist Youth Movement.

Comprised of three dynamic program experiences, participants develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the Reform Movement, at Jewish summer camps, on college campuses, and in home communities. The program facilitates personal development, study of Jewish and Zionist ideals, and progressive Judaism's principles and ideology, both in and the classroom and in the field.

The Netzer Year is a fun, challenging and stimulating way to spend a year in Israel and to be a member of an exciting and vibrant group. Broaden your horizons and engage in a journey of self discovery. Create an organic Jewish community at the epicenter of Jewish life in Israel while you form life-long friendships with other Jews from around the world. Transform yourself during a year of living, learning and growing as a person and as a Reform Jew.

In addition to the following amazing experiences, all Netzer Year participants will take part in group seminars, Shabbat celebrations, and extensive hiking and sightseeing through the land of Israel.

Kibbutz Experience
Live and volunteer for one month on a Reform kibbutz, Israel's great experiment in communal and egalitaian living.

During the Kibbutz Experience, participants live in kibbutz housing and fully join kibbutz life as a group. Immerse yourself in the actual work of the kibbutz - in the agricultural fields, communal kitchens, and other kibbutz industries - and become an integral member of the community, all the while learning about the history and future of the Kibbutz movement. Explore and tour Israel using the kibbutz as a home-base, and discover the utopian ideals that the kibbutz shares. Participants are assigned a host family while on kibbutz to bridge together the Netzer and Kibbutz communities.

Jerusalem Experience
Spend four months living in Jerusalem, choosing to participate in one of our two innovative living and learning communities - either the Machon (institute) or Etgar(challenge) programs. In either program, you will learn about the history of Israel, the Jewish people, and Zionism. Hone your leadership and Hebrew skills, and travel the country with participants from all over the world, including Australia, Argentina, Canada, England, the Former Soviet Union, Germany, Israel, Spain South Africa, and the U.S.A. Learn about Jewish history right where it happened!

Machon l'Madrichei Chutz l'Aretz (Institute for Youth Leaders from Abroad)
Run for over fifty-five years by the Jewish Agency as a Zionist youth leadership program, Machon gives you the opportunity to learn in a diverse and pluralistic community of young leaders from international Jewish youth movements across the spectrum.

The Machon program is led by top Israeli lecturers, educators and leaders who offer a diverse educational experience through creative electives, immersive programs, and outdoor learning. The range of course offerings includes Zionism, Judaism, Israeli and Jewish history, Hebrew, Leadership, Psychology, and the Arts. Weekly tours, sightseeing, and extended trips throughout the country give participants a tase of the rich variety of the land and culture of Israel.

Learn more about Machon at the Jewish Agency's website >>

Etgar (Challenge)
The educational program of Etgar is focused on leadership training, Reform Zionism, and community living. During Etgar, you will participate in an innovative and experiential educational program and build your own community.

The Etgar program is specifically designed to allow maximum interaction with other Reform participants and with Israel. Topics are studied holistically through discussions, films, speakers, tours, and innovative activities. Etgar participants learn about ZIonism, Jewish and Israeli history, Jewish spirituality, and community and leadership building - using the land of Israel as a living laboratory. Sessions are taught by top instructors, many of whom are graduates of the Netzer Year themselves. Additionally, all participants take weekly Hebrew classes taught by experienced and engaging teachers. Each session of the Etgar program is catered to the individual needs and experiences of the participants.

Shnat B'Ir (Shnat in the City)
Spend two months living with other participants in a fully furnished apartment in one of Israel's great cities - Tel Aviv, Be'er Sheva, Haifa, or Jerusalem - wher eyou iwill volunteer in a field of your choice, making a difference in the local community.

During Shnat B'Ir, participants make strong connections with Israelis while personally contributing to the communities in which they live. Netzer Year staff will work with you to find a long-term volunteer opportunity that matches both your own interests as well as the needs of the community.

Past volunteer projects have included teaching English to new immigrants, running an Arab youth basketball league, refurbishing a community garden, facilitating a youth drama workshop, and assisting young people with special needs.

E-mail Address: netzeryear@urj.org
Phone Number: (212) 650-4115