Community Service

• Duration: 3.5 months 
• Dates:  November 13, 2012 - February 28, 2013 
• Location:  To be determined based on local Federation Partnerships.  In the past participants have been placed all over Israel including –Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rehovot, Netanya, Petach Tikva, Kfar Saba, Acco (Acre), Beit Shemesh, Yokneam, Beit Shean, Afula, Kiryat Gat, and more…
• Goal:  Build a strong connection to the people of Israel as you take responsibility to make Israel a better place.  The service you give to an Israeli community is priceless and you will carry this experience with you forever.

• Typical Schedule: Exact volunteering hours may vary however participants are committed to volunteering 40 hours per week (Sunday-Thursday). 

Part II - In Depth:
This is a rewarding and important opportunity for every OTZMA participant.  In Judaism there are two central concepts that are key to this stage of the program.  The first is known as Tikun Olam (World Improvement), and the second idea is that of hesed (good deeds). As you and other participants spread out into greater Israel to volunteer, you will be applying and living by the age-old and fundamental values that have made the Jewish people so historically unique.  Small groups of participants (3-5 in most cases) relocate in various towns and cities in Israel where their presence will be felt in all different walks of communal life.  In each volunteering location there are local coordinators that will help you to settle in to your new community.
 
Many volunteers will be representing their local Jewish Federation by working with specific partnership towns.  This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the growing relationship between your home Jewish community and its sister community in Israel.

Living Arrangements:  Participants will have apartments or be living in apartment style dorms which are fully furnished, with kitchen and wireless internet.   No more than two participants will share a room, giving you the privacy and comfort you deserve.

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

Volunteering Opportunities:  Your on-site coordinator will get you integrated and placed in an awesome volunteering position.  This is the opportunity you have been waiting for, a chance to make an impact and leave your mark on an Israeli community!

Holidays During Part II:   

• Hannukah:  As the day grows shorter and winter arrives we’ll celebrate the Festival of Lights.  Light the Menorah, spin a dreidle and eat donuts (Sufganyot in Hebrew) until you cannot eat anymore! 
   
• Tu’ B’Shvat:  For 2000 years the Jewish people longed for a national homeland.  Even before the re-establishment of the Jewish State, Israeli’s were pioneering new and more efficient methods for growing agricultural produce.   On Tu’ B’Shvat we celebrate by eating the tasty and succulent fruits of our land and our labor!
   
• Purim:  Get yourself a grogger and a great costume!  We are going to celebrate the miracle of Purim when the Jews were saved from the evil Haman.  There is nothing like an Israeli Purim Party!

Free Time:  You will have a winter vacation from the 24th of December until the 2nd of January.  This is a great time to travel Europe or visit family!