MASA ISRAEL
Masa Israel is one of the most renowned and extensive institutions available. Within their offer, you can find itineraries that include career opportunities, volunteering, gap years, internships, religious studies, and summer programmes in Israel. All their projects include funding from diverse institutions and professional guidance on the application process.
Age: 16-40
Duration: From 6 weeks to 10 months.
Location: Israel
Naale
NAALE Elite Academy presents a unique opportunity for diaspora teenagers to spend their high school years in Israel through a complete scholarship programme. This initiative, fully funded by the Israeli Ministry of Education, provides a range of specialized school options, from high-tech and agriculture to yeshivot.
Age: 13-19
Duration: Three to four years.
Location: Israel
BIrthright
Birthright Israel provides a fully funded ten-day program for Jewish teenagers who have spent less than three months in Israel, offering them the opportunity to discover and be captivated by the marvels of the State of Israel.
Age: 18-26
Duration: Ten days.
Location: Israel
BByO
BBYO is a global Jewish youth movement that provides activities, leadership development programmes, community service opportunities, and cultural experiences. It operates chapters worldwide, creating a vibrant and inclusive community for Jewish teens to engage, learn, and build friendships. You might have a BBYO centre right in your city.
Age: 14-18
Duration: Activities Based on Location.
Location: Worldwide
One hAPPY cAMPER
OHC serves as a platform that encompasses most of the Jewish summer camps in North America. On the website, you can explore different options using various criteria. Once you've made your selections, you'll be directed to the camp's site to choose your preferred programme. Many camps provide scholarships based on financial need that go up to a hundred per cent. One Happy Camper offers a 1000 USD grant to most new campers.
Age: 6-19
Duration: Day and Overnight programmes.
Location: USA and Canada
szarvas
Summer camps create unmatchable growth, lifelong connections, and unforgettable memories—the best life gift for any Jewish teen. Although european camps may not boast an infrastructure as the US, Szarvas stands out as the largest and primary non-Orthodox Jewish camp on the continent. Their core values centre around leadership, community, and Jewish literacy. It is international, and might include financial assistance.
Age: 6-18
Duration: Around 12 days.
Location: Hungary
If You will, it is not a dream
〰️
If You will, it is not a dream 〰️
Gan Israel
The Gan Israel Camping Network is one of the broader movements in the Jewish world. It is a part of Chabad-Lubavitch and provides day and overnight camps in numerous locations worldwide, including Asia–Pacific, South America, and Africa. These camps typically focus on religious literacy and community. Some locations might be able to offer financial assistance.
Age: Under 18
Duration: Based on Location.
Location: Worldwide
jya
JYA is a multi-day conference organized by the World Jewish Congress that explores global Jewish communities and addresses key issues. It lets teenager members represent their communities, research history, and voice concerns. JYA offers an in-person experience during BBYO's International Congress aiming to connect high school Jewish leaders globally.
Age: 15-18
Duration: 5 days.
Location: Varies each year
March OF THE LIVING
This international event was designed to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah). Hundreds of teenagers from around the world have the opportunity to learn and commemorate the Shoah during their stay in Poland, to then travel to Israel to celebrate Independence Day. The event aims to connect with the past's pain and future hope.
Age: 14-19
Duration: Around 15 days.
Location: Poland and Israel
The Bronfman Fellowship
It is a highly regarded programme that offers a variety of seminars in North America and Israel including online clubs and summer experiences. The fellowship aims to foster leadership skills, build a sense of Jewish identity, and create a close-knit community of diverse participants. The programme provides a unique opportunity for engagement with Jewish heritage. Is a one-time opportunity and is completely sponsored.
Age: 16-17
Duration: Based on Programme.
Location: Based on Programme.
JDC
JDC is a Jewish global humanitarian organization that provides aid and supports communities in need worldwide. It is involved in various social and welfare projects and seeks volunteers to contribute at different levels within initiatives. Additionally, they offer global expeditions to Jewish destinations in countries, including Morocco, India, and Cuba, as well as organize diverse events in various small communities worldwide.
Age: Over 18
Duration: Based on the Project.
Location: Based on the Project.
Chabad
Chabad is probably the strongest Jewish movement in areas with fewer Jews. It is a Hasidic network that aims to promote Jewish education, provide social services, and build community. From religious services to Shabbat meals, retreats, and youth events, they offer support to individuals and communities in most regions of the world. They may also be able to offer guidance on local youth movements and social events to meet Jewish friends.
Age: All Ages
Duration: Depends on location.
Location: Worldwide
All of Israel is responsible for one another
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All of Israel is responsible for one another 〰️
MOISHE HOUSE
A Moishe House is a communal residence where young Jewish adults live together, organizing and hosting various social, cultural, and religious events for the broader community in various parts of the world. It aims to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for Jewish engagement and connection among its residents and guests. You can even fund your city’s Moishe House with support from the organisation.
Age: 21-32
Duration: Based on Location.
Location: Worldwide
Kahal AbROAD
Kahal Abroad is part of the Entwine network. They connect students abroad to local Jewish communities while providing one-on-one assistance from Entwine staff, organizing local Shabbat dinners, offering volunteer opportunities, hosting Jewish holiday events and offering Jewish trips. It is an opportunity to meet young Jewish friends and forge connections during your time abroad.
Age: Studying Abroad
Duration: Based on Location.
Location: Worldwide
Hillel
Hillel is a global organization that supports Jewish students during their college experience. They offer a range of resources, including one-on-one guidance, engaging events, opportunities for community involvement and scholarships. Hillel fosters a vibrant atmosphere within university campuses through activities like Shabbat gatherings, cultural celebrations, and volunteer initiatives.
Age: Over 18
Duration: Based on Location.
Location: Worldwide
NFTY
NFTY is the youth organisation of the Union for Reform Judaism. They organise numerous events, host summer camps and trips, and offer engaging activities like Shabbat experiences, cultural celebrations, and social initiatives. It is a way of connecting students to a supportive network and fostering lasting relationships that extend beyond our youth.
Age: 14-18
Duration: Based on Location.
Location: USA and Canada
MEOR
Meor engages with Jewish students on college campuses, providing educational and experiential programs to deepen their understanding of Jewish heritage and traditions. They offer personalized mentorship, organize events like Shabbat experiences and educational sessions, creating an opportunity to explore and strengthen your connection to Judaism.
Age: College
Duration: USA
Location: Based on Programme.
social blueprint
If you're living in or planning to move to Australia, the SC website serves as an excellent resource. It features a comprehensive list of Jewish events and organisations available for the community, from health organisations to volunteering. Additionally, there's an "On Demand" section with news, podcasts, and resources covering all aspects of Jewish life. Yahad recommends you to check if your local community has a similar platform.
Age: All Ages
Duration: Variety of Options.
Location: Australia
If things are not as you wish, wish them as they are
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If things are not as you wish, wish them as they are 〰️
yOUTH MOVEMENTS
If your city doesn’t have access to a Jewish School or an extensive community network, Youth Movements or "Tnu'ot" undoubtedly offer the best avenue to connect with Jewish teens. These movements are typically themed, led by teenagers, and boast affiliations with international networks that organize annual gatherings worldwide. Whether you lean towards sports and choose Maccabi Hatzair, are interested in Zionism and decide on Hanoar Hatzioni, or Torah v'Avodah excites you and attend Bnei Hakiva, all of them provide a vibrant and enjoyable space for informal education. If a movement doesn't exist in your city yet, you even have the option to establish one and affiliate with a larger organization. While Yahad cannot list all Tnu'ots in the world, we provide you with a list of the Australian Youth Movements websites as an example. Yahad encourages you to ask if your city has something similar; if not, even to create it yourself. If not us, who? And if not now, when?
Age: Typically 6-20
Duration: Based on Location.
Location: Worldwide
STUDY ABROAD
Going off to study abroad for a year or two, diving into a new language or engaging in a different culture—it's a thrill we all share. Picture strolling through the charming streets of Paris, checking out the lively markets in London, getting the nature vibes of Cape Town, or immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Buenos Aires.
While non-religious Jewish boarding schools are no longer an option, have you ever thought about choosing a Jewish day school in your host family programme? It is an amazing way to connect to your Jewish family!
There are numerous Jewish schools catering to different needs, backed by organizations such as World ORT and Technion International. Yahad leaves you a website with a compilation of Jewish schools in the UK and Australia. It's worthwhile to explore options in the country that captivates you the most. Just a reminder: the only impossible thing is the one you never try.
Age: Before College/University
Duration: Your choice!
Location: Your choice!
CHOSE A COLLEGE
Are your high school years over? An exciting path lies ahead with numerous organizations tailored for you! Choosing a university involves various factors, and the Jewish factor is crucial.
For many, community is paramount. It's about feeling a sense of identity and connection, forging lifelong relationships, and establishing a second family away from home. Numerous Jewish universities exist globally, and even non-Jewish universities may have a significant Jewish presence. Many campuses also host external organizations like Hillel, fostering a community atmosphere.
Yahad provides you with two websites that have conducted research on these aspects. We encourage you to conduct your own research based on your specific needs and desires. Finding your people is an essential part of the college experience.
Age: All Ages
Duration: Variety of Options.
Location: Australia
ExpLORE
As you may have noticed, various programmes are available for the Jewish community. Regardless of your requirements or location, there's an option for you to connect with your Jewish youth family. Yahad's goal is to highlight some of the major organizations catering to international teenagers and facilitate your connection to their programmes. Moreover, numerous programmes are in diverse locations globally, and we encourage you to actively seek them out. There might also be some local programmes not yet featured online. If you know any organisation that could benefit Yahad's audience, please share them with us to increase awareness.
Beyond programmes, there are abundant public resources from different communities and organizations tailored to various populations. Additionally, global events like the Maccabiah Games provide opportunities for involvement. We recommend you to stay informed about these events by keeping track of your favourite Jewish news sources.
Please reach out to us if you need guidance or assistance. Yahad welcomes feedback and recommendations from you; together, we contribute to building our collective future.
B'hatzlacha, Yahad Ba’Olam.
