PARDES INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH STUDIES

Pardes seeks to give students the skills for in-depth Jewish learning and to encourage students to grapple with the relevance of ancient texts to the modern world.
As a matter of principle, Pardes is not affiliated with any political party or religious denomination. While Pardes does plan its activities in accordance with halacha (Jewish law), the faculty does not impose beliefs or actions on the community. For further information about Pardes contact the New York office at (212) 447-4333. Email them, or visit the website


LIVNOT U'LEHIBANOT
Livnot U’lehibanot (To build and to be built) is a program for serious adults without serious Jewish backgrounds. It provides an opportunity to experience Judaism and Israel in a traditional yet open, questioning and non-coercive atmosphere. The program is located in Jerusalem and Tzvat, and balances Jewish learning, hiking and community service. Livnot offers sessions ranging from 2-10 weeks. Livnot currently runs Birthright Israel trips too (see below). For further information about Livnot U'Lehibanot contact the Livnot office in New York at 1-888-LIVNOT-0 or (212)-613-1413, by Email or visit the website


PROJECT OTZMA

Founded in 1986, Project Otzma was created by Israelis and Americans to develop young leaders who understand the history and importance of the Israel/Diaspora relationship. Project Otzma seeks open-minded Jewish adults ages 20 to 24 (college graduates preferred), eager to immerse themselves in and have an impact on another culture. Otzma is a 10 month program. For the first three months, volunteers live and work in large groups on a kibbutz. For the next three months, Otzma participants have the opportunity to live and work in small groups in a local community or neighborhood. During the next three weeks, you will choose one of a diverse range of service opportunities, which allows you to delve into issues of personal interest. For the last two months, Otzma participants work and live in groups on youth villages (kefarai hanoar) or immigrant absorption centers (mercazai klita) throughout the country. For further information about Project Otzma, contact the office in New York at 1-877-GO-OTZMA, email otzmaor visit the website

WUJS

The WUJS is seven months in duration, and provides college graduates (ages 21-35) with an opportunity to experience Israel through a multifaceted curriculum including Hebrew Ulpan, Jewish and Israel Studies, weekly seminars, and hiking trips throughout the country. After the program at WUJS, students spend at least another five months elsewhere in Israel. The WUJS Employment Opportunities in Israel Department is designed to facilitate this transition to the "real Israel". There is also an Arad artists program for artists from around the world. For more information contact the office at 1-888-wujs-ins, Email WUJS or visit the WUJS website.


BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

Birthright Israel is the most extensive philanthropic Jewish outreach program ever to target Jewish young adults. The birthright israel gift is made possible through a $210 million partnership from a group of prominent philanthropists, local Jewish Federations, the people of Israel through their government, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency for Israel. The birthright israel gift covers roundtrip airfare plus 10-days of educational programming in Israel. Any Jewish youth, 18-26 (post high-school), who has never been to Israel on a peer-group educational program, is eligible to apply for the birthright israel gift. Visit the Birthright website for more information about the gift and participating programs.

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