Welcome to Israel.  It’s Time to Get Integrated!

• Duration: 3 months 
• Dates:  August 25 -- November 29
• Location:  Carmiel Absorption Center | Central Galilee, Northern Israel
• Goal:  The first leg of the project is geared towards getting you acclimated and comfortable in Israel.  Learn Hebrew, volunteer, get to know your fellow participants and take part in exciting educational seminars.
• Typical Schedule:
  • Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - Volunteering (9-12am) and Hebrew Ulpan (1-3pm) 
  • Tuesdays: Full Day Excursion/Educational Program
  • Weekends: Free time to travel or visit family and friends

Part I - In Depth:
The goal of the absorption process is to give you a soft and sweet homecoming when you land in Israel!  Before you can make a powerful impact it is important to become acclimated with Israel, Israeli culture and your peers on the OTZMA Program.  In your stay at the Carmiel absorption center you will acquire the tools needed for a successful stay in Israel.  These tools include Hebrew, knowledge of Israel, friends, and a social network.  The first and most important tool you will receive is Hebrew.  Hebrew is the official language in Israel and is important to your success on our program.  OTZMA participants receive an intensive Hebrew course (Ulpan) given by the experienced teachers.

Israeli’s take great pride in their country and as participants it is important to be in the know.  Once a week there will be an educational seminar/day-trip that is geared towards helping you to feel at home in Israel.  The first and most important seminar is the orientation seminar in which you will learn about “building a Kehila (community)”.  You will get to know one another as a group and get an in depth introduction to the program and its exciting facets.  Additional seminars cover Zionism, Jewish leadership, Israeli politics, and minorities and their role in Israel’s diverse society.  Knowledge is power (OTZMA) and these seminars will leave you feeling prepared to make an impact on Israel.

It is important make friends that you can rely on.  With all of the program participants living in one building, in a cozy and laid-back environment you will be feeling the love in no time.  Between group activities and free time for socializing, you will make bonds that last a lifetime.  In addition to your OTZMA peers you will also expand your social horizons volunteering your mornings in different institutions around Carmiel.  You can work with children, teach English, go green in an ecological farm and much, much more! 

Living Arrangements:  You will be living in the fantastic Carmiel Absorption Center.  In this renovated, furnished and clean building, you will have everything you need at your disposal.  Apartments are furnished with all essentials-- including kitchen and wireless internet.  Participants will share rooms with their OTZMA peers.

Please note that this is apartment style living and participants are responsible for preparing their own meals. 

Please note that this is apartment style living and participants are responsible for preparing their own meals. 

Volunteering:  There is no shortage of exciting volunteering opportunities in Carmiel and the surrounding areas.  You will have a consultation meeting with the OTZMA staff and the on-site coordinator to determine your placement.

Holidays During Part I:  The Hebrew month of Tishrei is a special time of year marking three major Jewish Holidays. 

• Rosh Hashana (September 4-6):  Celebrate the coming year with optimism and OTZMA!  The Jewish New Year is a two day holiday in which families gather together to go to synagogue and eat festive meals together.  For 27 years OTZMA participants have brought in the New Year with their adoptive families and all participants will have a chance to do so!
• Yom Kippur (September 13-14):  OTZMA conducts a special group seminar in Jerusalem to help participants comprehend the greatness of the day, understand the significance of the Yom Kippur War and absorb the unique atmosphere of the Holy City as all the streets are emptied out and most aspects of public life shut down.
• Sukkot / Vacation Time (September 19-29): After an intense first month in Israel, all participants will have a week and a half of vacation time to travel as they wish.  It is one of the most beautiful times of year in Israel for hiking, and there are many art and music festivals throughout the country.   

Free Time:  We know how important it is that you have free time to travel within Israel during your time here and that is why you will have plenty of personal time at your own discretion.  With the exception of the opening seminar, you will have all weekends free at your disposal to travel the country, spend time with friends, family or your “adoptive family.” During the Sukkot holiday, you can also enjoy time out and about in Israel!