Schedule
Opening Seminar
An introduction to your year, your group, your experiences, and your country. We will preparing ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead of us, and getting to know everyone who will be involved in your year. This short seminar is a bonding experience which starts the year on a high, and sets the fast pace by which we mean to continue.
ISRAEL INSTITUTE (MACHON LEMADRICHIM)
The Machon (Israel Institute) was founded to provide and enhance training programs for Youth Movements from abroad, whose educators required the tools to respond to the major challenges facing Zionism.
VISION AND EDUCATIONAL GOALS
The Machon is an instrument for implementing the shared vision
of the Zionist youth movements and organizations with which it is associated,
to develop among its future graduates a sense of commitment to themselves,
to their communities, to Israel, and to the Jewish people, in order to
enable them to become agents of change in their communities and in Israel,
and to contribute to transforming Israel into a model state by helping
to strengthen its Jewish and democratic identity. The Machon is a course-based
program where participants attend the following core subjects –
Chinuch and leadership training – practical madrich/hadracha
training and educational philosophy
Israel history and society – Zionist ideology, history of
the State of Israel and Israeli Society.
Kehillah – a survey of Jewish history and contemporary Jewish
world Judaism
– Jewish philosophy, religious texts and Jewish practice.
A major component of the Machon is an Ivrit course, Hebrew language
studies. Aside from these core courses, there are various electives ranging
from Israel Advocacy to Chassidut. There is also an option for community
involvement through voluntary work.
The program also includes two Tiyulim in the North
and South of Israel, and regular day trips to sites in the center
of Israel.
“I came here wanting to improve my knowledge on the Palestinian – Israeli conflict and Israeli society in general and I feel Machon has guided me to achieve this aim.”
“The rabbis and teachers were great and managed not only to teach us lots, but to keep us laughing.”
“Not only have the shiurim been unique, interesting and inspiring, but they were said on a personal level and the depth of knowledge which they contained was not over my head.”
“I am excited by the prospect of using the skills I have gained and putting them into practice. That will be testament to my time well spent here.”
JEWISH STUDIES
For two months on the program, you will be studying in two separate locations for boys and girls. The boys will be studying in a yeshiva while the girls will be studying in a Seminary (Midrasha). There will be separate program organized for the Bnei Akiva group.
The boys and the girls will have the opportunity to experience Yeshiva style studies while learning in the Beit Midrash. The programs will be supplemented with outings organized by the educational staff. World Bnei Akiva works with several Yeshivot and Seminaries in different locations.
MARVA
This is the general schedule for the Marva program. The order
of the weeks and the free weekends change from course to course. On
free weekends participants will be released by noon on Friday, and will
be required to report back to the program on Sunday morning.
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION – This week will be spent in
the home base of Sde Boker becoming familiar with army discipline and
codes, learning first aid and topography and basic information about the
IDF. In addition, you will undergo weapons training during which you will
learn how to use an M-16 rifle. At the end of the week you will experience
your first shooting range and first march/hike. Shabbat is spent on base.
WEEK 2: FIELD TRAINING – This week will be spent outside
of the base in field conditions (no bathrooms or showers!). Participants
will learn how to be a soldier in the field through lessons on topics
such as camouflage, ambushes, training exercises and survival training
in both day and night. Shabbat is free.
WEEK 3: NAVIGATION AND GALILLEE/GOLAN – During this
week Marva stays at a base in the north. Participants have the opportunity
to implement what they have learned in topography lessons through day
and night navigation in small groups. In addition there will be tours
in the north of Israel. Shabbat is spent on base.
WEEK 4: NEGEV – There will be a variety of activities
in the Negev area including a visit to an infantry base, and intense walking
and biking tours in the area. At the end of the week Marva climbs Masada
at sunrise.
WEEK 5: SPORTS – This week is spent on an army base
that is part of the Wingate Institute near Netanya. There, participants
undergo intensive physical training including fitness, obstacle courses,
self-defense and more.
WEEK 6: WOMEN/INFANTRY – During this week the men
and women will be separated for the first and only time in the program.
Women: The week will be spent visiting several army bases and learning
about the opportunities for the female soldier in the IDF.
Men: The week will be spent doing infantry training at a base
in the South. Training includes learning to use heavy weaponry as well
as group exercises. Shabbat is free.
WEEK 7: JERUSALEM – This week is spent learning about
the three different religions in Jerusalem, and exploring the old and
new city. The weekend is spent on base.
WEEK 8: SUMMARY – This week is dedicated to ending
lessons and discussions and a military graduation ceremony.
Add pictures for Marva
MAGEN DAVID ADOM
The participants can select to spend a period completing a Magen
David Adom First Aid Course, and then volunteering at an MDA
station.
The MDA program begins with a 60-hour first-aid training course;
an intense eight days of learning that covers material ranging
from bandaging a simple wound through CPR and mass casualty incidents.
The six weeks that follow are dedicated to experiencing Israel in the
very real sense. While riding the ambulances through the city where
you are placed, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Israeli population
with its wide diversity of people, its many colors, religions and beliefs.
You will be working with Israelis in an Israeli environment, perfecting
your Hebrew and making wonderful new friends. All while saving lives.
TRAINING COURSE
The training course, which takes place during the first week
of the program, is compulsory in order to volunteer for MDA.
The course is very intense and classes will run from early in
the morning until late at night. Successful completion of the course certifies
the participant as a “Certified First Responder” through MDA Israel. The
course will take place “in house” in a youth hostel or absorption centre.
Housing and three meals a day are provided during the course to allow
you to focus on your studies.
The course is given in English, however Hebrew vocabulary words
will be given, and participants may be tested on those words.
Slides and other training material may be presented in Hebrew
and then explained in English, in order to enforce the Hebrew vocabulary.
According to MDA regulations, students are required to participate in
all classes during the training course unusual circumstances may be considered
by the course director.
Participants may be quizzed daily on the material learned up
until that period. On the last day of the program participants
will be given a certification exam on all of the material covered
in the training course. The exam consists of a written test and
a practical test. Participants must pass both tests in order
to be eligible to volunteer for MDA. The exam is compulsory and any student
who does not pass
the exam will not be allowed to volunteer for MDA.
PLACEMENTS
Each MDA station can accommodate only a certain number of volunteers.
The bigger stations such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa can
take 10-12 overseas volunteers, while the smaller stations can
accommodate only 2-5. The reason for this limitation is that only two-three
volunteers and a driver can staff the ambulance. While large stations
may have 8-10 ambulances per shift, smaller stations tend to have 2-3
ambulances on call per shift. The overseas volunteers join Israeli volunteers
that work regularly at the station.
While we understand that you may wish to be placed in a certain
city, one that you are acquainted with, or have family in, it
is important to keep in mind that the main reason you have come
on the program is to help MDA and the Israeli people. If you are placed
in a station that is already full, you will not be accomplishing that
goal.
WORK AT MDA STATIONS
Participants are required to do five 8-hour shifts a week while
on the program. Participants will be assigned to morning (7:00-15:00)
and night (23:00-7:00) shifts. Afternoon (15:00-23:00) shifts
are available to overseas volunteers in some stations, but in
most, these are shifts specifically for Israeli high schoolers. The 16 shifts
are assigned by the station Volunteer Coordinator according to
the stations needs with consideration of the volunteer’s requests.
On the ambulance you will be supervised by a medic (the driver).
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Before coming on the program participants must have had Hepititus
A & B vaccinations. The first two vaccinations are given a month apart
and the third is given 6 months later. You must receive all three; however,
you may begin volunteering for MDA after receiving the first two. (Do
not forget to receive the third one on time). It is advised to take the
vaccination abroad before coming on the program. The participant must
bear the cost for these vaccinations (about 300 shekels each).
DEVELOPMENT TOWN
A development town is a city in Israel that does not yet conform
to the norm of developed towns. The city’s original inhabitants primarily
from North Africa are joined by veteran Israelis as well as immigrants
from all over the world.
Volunteering in the city is one of the main focuses of the program.
It combines all of Bnei Akiva’s principles of Torah Va’Avodah, and the
group really gets down to modern pioneering Zionism.
There are a variety of volunteering possibilities. Due to the
language differences, many of the activities focus on helping
teach English. Learning English is a valuable skill that is becoming more
and more relevant in Israel today. Besides working in the schools (elementary
and high school) and afternoon enrichment clubs, there are opportunities
to volunteer at Elderly Day Care Centres, and at
the library in the Community Centre. For those volunteers with
special skills we may be able to accommodate specific requests.
The volunteer work makes an enormous impact on the surrounding
community. The volunteering is organized in conjunction with
a local organization which focuses on volunteering programs across the
community with many Israeli youth working in the same framework. The
options of volunteering vary according to the participants’ choices
and their suitability to the task.
In this period there is also Torah learning. One morning a week
is set aside for Beit Midrash and there are two evening shiurim
a week, as well as other pe’ulot and educational activities.
Living in a rented house or flat, the group takes responsibility
for their daily living: cleaning, cooking etc. They are given
a weekly budget and are responsible for most of their daily needs.
To date we have volunteered for the past three years in the city
of Lod. We are currently assessing our achievements there and
are investigating other cities as well.
Kibbutz
The Kibbutz option provides you with an inside perspective on an alternative Israeli lifestyle. Bnei Akiva participants are Viewed as valuable contributors to the kibbutz and experience many aspects of kibbutz life.
During the kibbutz component, you'll live together in kibbutz housing and meals are generally eaten in the communal dining room with kibbutz members. Working alongside kibbutz members, you may share duties in the field, gardens, factories, kitchen, dining hall or childcare facilities. You'll be offered placements according to the work requirements of the kibbutz.
The group will also become involved in kibbutz social and communal activities such as Shabbat and holiday celebrations. You'll also be "adopted" by an Israeli kibbutz family, enabling you to have a closer view of what kibbutz life means for the children and adults who reside there permanently.
Your work on the kibbutz will be supplemented by an Ulpan Ivrit (Hebrew language course) which will be a part of your daily schedule.
Tiyulim
Every part of the program is filled with amazing Tiyulim (trips). Our goal is that the participants will familiarize themselves with all the major areas of the land of Israel. The connection to the land must be made by walking in it and by seeing it as well as by studying about it. Our students will see where our patriarchs walked, where Joshua fought, where King David and King Solomon ruled and where the soldiers of the IDF fought so we can have the state of Israel.
Closing seminar
Finishing the year as we started, we tour the places that you most want to visit.
We wrap up the year with your comments, and end with a fantastic final group
Shabbat and party.
STAFF AND SUPERVISION
The Tafnit North America staff is maintained under the supervision of the programs director. The program enjoys a day to day coordinator (the Rakaz) who runs the program on a daily basis.
The students will be supervised on site by their madrichim and by the professional staff of the program which they are on. Tafnit North America is a part of the World Bnei Akiva Hachshara year programs department. Therefore, our students will benefit both educationaly and logisticaly staff of the entire Hachsha staff supervised by the head of the Hachshara – year programs department Rav Rafi Ostroff.
The connection with the parents is done via email. Furthermore, parents receive a detailed bi-weekly update of the past weeks activity which includes pictures.
SCHOLARSHIPS
In recent years, Jewish Federations, Synagoues, Jewish Community Centers and other community organizations have provided numerous scholarships for Israel programs. Should you require financial assistance, we encourage you to seek out these funding sources early as deadlines do exist.
There are scholarships available through the MASA project. These will
be dealt with individually in the utmost confidence. MASA offers $2000
grants to all participants from North America. This is subject to change
Limited, need-based scholarships are available for participants in extreme
financial need.
After the Tafnit North America application was completed, application
for MASA should be filled out online only when directed by the World Bnei
Akiva office. The World Bnei Akiva office will guide you through the MASA
application process.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Our student will benefit from comprehensive network of English-speaking doctors and specialists who provide top private medical care. This policy is valid only in Israel. There is no coverage for pre-existing conditions.
