The Habonim Dror Shnat program is an intensive 10-month education and leadership program.  It plays a central role in our movement and is one of our greatest sources of new leadership and strength.  It is an opportunity for members of the movement to gain an incredible experience of and in Israel.  This program has become an incredibly viable and sort after agenda with an amazing curricula - spiritually, culturally and intellectually.  It is described by all as “the best year of my life”.

Shnat is a post-matric programme, where Habonim members, directly after finishing school, from across the globe converge in Israel for this once in a lifetime experience. Groups come from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, USA, Holland, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, and Argentina (just to name a few).

Shnat currently contains 3 components – Machon, Kibbutz and Kaveret

The Machon is a world-renowned Institute for the training of young leaders from the Diaspora. The Machon has been running since 1946 and boasts a faculty containing some of the best teachers in their fields in Israel. The Machon offers an exciting and hands-on look into Israeli History and Current Society, Jewish Civilization, Hebrew, Leadership skills, Political Insights and lots more! Participants spend this time with about 100 people of the same age, from 8 different countries and 13 different youth movements.

From past experience, not everyone enjoys the intense academic Machon environment. As a result, we offer a second programme, called Boneh, which has a greater focus on Habonim and the kvutzah (group) and uses a more informal environment to focus on topics more specific to Habonim.

After Machon or Boneh, several weeks are spent on a Habonim kibbutz, working in different jobs with the kibbutzniks, from cooking, gardening and laundry to working in the kindergarten and in the fields. Participants enjoy free weekends and spend time getting to know the young people on the kibbutz and other volunteers. Nine hours of hard labour every day allows the Shnaties to enjoy the fruits of this socialist living.

Kaveret combines practical communal living with community work in Israeli society. The Shnaties contribute invaluably to Israeli society whilst learning, teaching English and having to fend for themselves (yes, that includes cooking, cleaning and shopping!) Increased freedom comes with increased responsibility and Kaveret gives participants an opportunity to explore the depths of Israel society while contributing to its betterment.

This is Habonim Dror’s most prestigious programme and therefore a selection process is undertaken to ensure that the candidates sent are suitable. We reserve the right at any stage to reject candidates at any stage according to our discretion.

MASA is an organization set up by the Israeli Government and the Jewish Agency to encourage all Jewish youth to spend a meaningful length of time in Israel by participating in a program which they will subsidise.  MASA is totally independent from Habonim and we have little control over their decisions.  

MASA will subsidise an applicant anywhere from $1000 to $10 000 depending on financial restraints. The total cost of Shnat is approximately $12 500 (excluding flights.)

Even if you do not need a bursary, you are urged to make an application to MASA, as each South African applicant automatically receives US $1000-00 and then we can pool these additional funds and arrange to further assist more needy applicants.

Safety and Security Security is the number one concern of HDSA and the Jewish Agency. The participants will be accompanied by security personnel when appropriate, provided with private transport and restricted from dangerous areas. Security should not deter any candidate from this fantastic, growing and life changing experience. The entire programme is closely monitored by the Security Control Room in the Jewish Agency and all participants must be contactable 24hrs a day.