“What shnat gave me is impossible to put into words. On the surface, I learned an insane amount about stuff like movement, Zionism, Judaism and plenty more. On a deeper level, it gave me experiences that money can’t buy. I connected with completely different types of people from all over. And I don’t mean I met them - I connected with them; in a way that I honestly haven’t connected with others before. I gained so much confidence in myself. I remember just walking around Israel by myself and smiling, dancing, and jumping at how happy I was in the moment. Shnat taught me where I want to go in life and how I want to live that life. Again, an experience that will never be replicated” - Brad Gottschalk, Shnat 2021
Shnat is broadly divided into four sections:
Between these different periods, the Shnatties will have Chofesh (holiday),
where they will be free to stay wherever they wish and explore Israel without the usual structure of the programme.
They will also have a number of seminars as a group and with others from around the world throughout the year,
including an Orientation Seminar, a Rabin Seminar, a Conflict and Peace Seminar and others.
These are provisinal and subject to change
Machon, short for Machon L’Madrichei Chutz L’aretz (The institute for leaders from Abroad) is an intense educational, inspirational and challenging programme. The Machon programme is taught by some of the most inspirational educators in Israel and offers a wide array of opportunity to learn about what it means to be a Jewish leader. The Machon programme is made up of various youth movements from around the world. Machon takes place at Kiryat Moriah in Jerusalem.
Machon offers education in fields such as Hadrachah (leadership), Israel, Jewish History, Zionism, and Israeli current affairs.
The daily schedule is intense but rewarding! Weekly Siyurim (tours/outings) include hikes, museums, cultural exploration and
engagement in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. Machon consists of two Tiyulim, one of the North and one of the South which is mostly
planned by the participants. These overnight tiyulim are some of the most unique experiences you will have.
The friendships you form on this programme are bound by the shared experiences you have and are some of the strongest relationships you form in your life.
Once classes finish you are free to do whatever you want, with weekends and evening completely free it is the perfect opportunity to explore Israeli society and
culture, throw parties, visit friends and family and make the most of your year!
Machon is a challenging programme but everything you learn during this time will stick with you for life.
At the end of each term, the Shnatties will have a free week in Israel. We call this Chofesh. Most weekends on Shnat are also free. Some things that are done during chofesh are: Doof festival, Zorba festival, Camping at the dead sea, visiting family and friends in other parts of Israel!
It is in this part of the programme that Shnatties may choose to live communally and take responsibility over the group as a collective. Participants actively contribute to Israeli society and gain an understanding of some of the complex Socio-economic issues.
“Kaveret helps you learn a lot of really important skills that we are sheltered from in our privileged lives. kaveret makes you grow up and become more independent in the best way possible"
- Sasha Rodenacker, shnat '21
What will they eat?
In this part of the programme, participants will
be responsible for cooking their own food and
cleaning their own living environment.
What money will they use?
Each participant will be given “Pizur” or a stipend of 25 NIS p/p from the movement, included in shnat costs. Additional money will go towards bus passes
Where will they live?
The movement rents an apartment around the Dan area
What will they do?
Missima (volunteering)
Talks/ peulot
Freedom: beach, restaurants, clubs, music, football
Kibbutz is a wonderful opportunity to expose yourself to a world founded on socialist and community-based values.
Working together in various areas of expertise, the Kibbutz experience teaches you work ethic, skills, and group
responsibility. Kibbutz is an incredibly fun experience and everyday brings new experiences! Kibbutz also provides a
great opportunity to hike and explore Israel.
Work on Kibbutz starts early in the morning and ends at lunch time,
giving you ample time to explore, relax at the pool in , hang at the pub and make
friends with the kibbutniks your age!
Kibbutz provides an opportunity to become closer to community based ideas and to Habonim history.
One of the most formative programmes on shnat is the trip to poland. This trip is a way to confront the realities of the holocaust through the youths eyes.
We learn about the atrocities as well as the history of our
movement, here we learn that in the face of adversity youth rose to the occasion and took a stand against the Nazis
and this is our history. A history that we share with Habonim around the world.
The trip hasn't happened over the past few years due to Covid - but HDSA feels like its an important experience
and is going to make an active effort to try to ensure that it can happen.
An extra year in the scheme of things is nothing! And what you will gain from it makes it completely worthwhile…
A gap year straight after school is a phenomenal opportunity to develop and mature as an independent young adult.
Take a year to challenge you values, to gain invaluable life experience at this formative age, to meet people from other countries, and to have fun.
Interested? Want further information?
Email ava@habo.org.za
Or downlaod our brochure HERE
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