1. MARVA

The program's activities range from camp craft, navigation and topography to hikes, lectures, seminars, and walking tours, participation in training exercises and living in field conditions. Special emphasis is placed on Israel's security situation and settlement of the land, through lectures on specific social and political problems. All lectures are conducted in Hebrew, as is the entire program. Since participants come from all over the world, Hebrew becomes the common language of communication, allowing for significant improvement of Hebrew skills.

Participants train alongside young Israelis, giving them a taste of life inside the Gadna and a rare opportunity for a personal challenge.

The program is based in the southern Negev on a Gadna base. Within the framework of the program, participants spend considerable time in various other parts of the country, including Jerusalem, Nitzana, the Golan Heights, the Galil, and more. Marva lasts for approximately 8 weeks. Four sessions are conducted each year beginning in September, December, March, and June. Applicants should be Jewish tourists between the ages of 18 and 28. For more information contact your local aliyah shaliach. In Chicago that is Maurice Singer at 847-674-8861.

2. The Ultimate Real-Life Experience: Project Otzma

Otzma is a 10 month all-encompasing living, learning and volunteering experience in Israel in a variety of different settings. Otzma is designed to offer college graduates a direct experience of life in Israel and an aopportunity to make a timely and meaningful contribution to Israeli society. Otzma is open to young adults 20-25 years of age who want to contribute to social action, civil rights, and community building in Israel.

The program includes time in an absorption center, learning Hebrew, working on a kibbutz, a variety of intern opportunities, education in Jewish history, society, and tradition. "If between college and the rest of your life, you want to spend a year getting your hands dirty, your mind expanded, your heart captured, your senses filled, and your resume fortified, Otzma's for you!"

For more information call the Otzma Fellowship Program: 1-877-466-8962, email: otzma@ujc.org Otzma's Webpage

3. Sar El Volunteers for Israel

Sar El offers adults of all ages the opportunity to work on military bases performing non-combative duties. Volunteers work side by side with the young men and women of the IDF. Contact: Sarel at 036829740 or email: sar_el@netvision.net.il
See our article about life in the Sar El program!

4. Livnot U'Lehibanot

A 2, 4, or 6-week program introducing participants to the foundations of Jewish tradition through learning and work on building projects and in community service with bases in the Old City of Tsfat and Jerusalem.

Livnot U'Lehibanot is currently recruiting volunteers to come to Israel for meaningful community service projects. Volunteers are needed for community service projects in Jerusalem. Free accommodations and possibility of subsidized flights. Help is needed for elderly, families of victims of Arab terror, new immigrants and other disadvantaged individuals and families. No special skills or prior experience required. No knowledge of Hebrew required. All work projects are done under the supervision of the Livnot U'Lehibanot staff.

Contact: Livnot, 27 Ben Zakai, Jerusalem, livnot@livnot.org.il Livnot Website Tel. 02-679-3491

For more information check out the Livnot U'lehibanot website or call 1-888-LIVNOT-0; email: Livnot@livnot.org.il

5. Kibbutz Volunteer

Tourists in Israel between the ages of 18 and 35 can become volunteers on a kibbutz for a period of two to six months. While living on the kibbutz, the volunteers work full days, six days a week, usually in agriculture, services or tourism. Volunteers receive, in return, free accommodation, three meals a day, laundry service, pocket money and three free days a month. In addition, the kibbutzim organize tours for the volunteers who come from all over the world to experience kibbutz life and as an inexpensive, easy way to become acquainted with Israel. You may specify a preference for an area of the country. Contact: Takam/Artzi Program Center Phone: 03-524-6156 Email: kpcvol@inter.net.il Kibbutz Volunteer Webpage