"For the first time I was surrounded by people who came from all over the world, who had Hashomer youth movement culture and Israel as a shared core value."
- Gilad Abarbanel (USA), Shnat 2013-2014
- Gilad Abarbanel (USA), Shnat 2013-2014
Everything you want to know about our English Speaking Shnat Hachshara Programs
On Shnat you will...
- Experience communal living in both agricultural/rural and urban settings.
- Be a part of the 21st century Socialist-Zionist movement in Israel.
- Get a deeper understanding of Jewish identity, Hashomer Hatzair, social change, economics, sustainability, leadership, and education.
- Gain practical life skills including cooking, budgeting, decision-making, self-sufficiency and group participation.
- Learn Hebrew and live life as a Shomer*et, meet Israelis on a daily basis and take part in building the global movement for justice.
- Make life-long connections with people from around the world and realize that Hashomer Hatzair can go beyond the Ken and Machanot. It's a way of life.
The Basics
Shnat Hachshara, which means 'Year of Training' in Hebrew, is a year of individual growth and exploration in which participants learn all sorts of life skills, things about themselves, and how to negotiate life with greater independence. That said, Shnat is also about participating in a collective- the Shnat Kvutza- and about being part of a movement forum. This means that the process of independence, individual growth and discovery is connected to and supported by the other members of the group and the madrichim (guides) of the kvutza.
The program aims to put the participants in the position to be able to consciously make the choice about whether and how they want to continue in the movement. Alongside giving participants tools to be able to do well in the world in general,– fostering critical thought, learning about Israel, politics and Judaism, functioning in groups as well as taking care of oneself independently, Shnat provides the tools and a forum for exploring the next steps and potential paths for continuing to build one’s life consciously.
Shnat Hachshara, which means 'Year of Training' in Hebrew, is a year of individual growth and exploration in which participants learn all sorts of life skills, things about themselves, and how to negotiate life with greater independence. That said, Shnat is also about participating in a collective- the Shnat Kvutza- and about being part of a movement forum. This means that the process of independence, individual growth and discovery is connected to and supported by the other members of the group and the madrichim (guides) of the kvutza.
The program aims to put the participants in the position to be able to consciously make the choice about whether and how they want to continue in the movement. Alongside giving participants tools to be able to do well in the world in general,– fostering critical thought, learning about Israel, politics and Judaism, functioning in groups as well as taking care of oneself independently, Shnat provides the tools and a forum for exploring the next steps and potential paths for continuing to build one’s life consciously.
The Building Blocks of the Program
Hashomer Hatzair Values
It is no secret that Hashomer Hatzair is a youth movement with a historical legacy, and a particular worldview. Hashomer Hatzair’s values - from communal living to progressive Zionism - are very much a part of the itinerary of the program. This is not to say that all the participants need to agree with all facets of Hashomer Hatzair ideology (in fact, that would probably be impossible and generally undesirable), but it is important that they be aware of what type of program they are joining, as it will be guided by certain principles.
Israel, Zionism, Hebrew
Shnat Hachshara is a yearlong program in Israel. Throughout the year the participants get a chance to encounter Israeli society, history, language, and geography. They will travel to many different parts of the country, meet a diverse range of people living in Israel, learn about Israeli and Zionist history, and learn Hebrew. By spending a year in Israel, participants of the Shnat Hachshara program cultivate a deep connection with Israel that is based on a variety of experiences and exploration of both the positive and challenging aspects of Israel today.
It is no secret that Hashomer Hatzair is a youth movement with a historical legacy, and a particular worldview. Hashomer Hatzair’s values - from communal living to progressive Zionism - are very much a part of the itinerary of the program. This is not to say that all the participants need to agree with all facets of Hashomer Hatzair ideology (in fact, that would probably be impossible and generally undesirable), but it is important that they be aware of what type of program they are joining, as it will be guided by certain principles.
Israel, Zionism, Hebrew
Shnat Hachshara is a yearlong program in Israel. Throughout the year the participants get a chance to encounter Israeli society, history, language, and geography. They will travel to many different parts of the country, meet a diverse range of people living in Israel, learn about Israeli and Zionist history, and learn Hebrew. By spending a year in Israel, participants of the Shnat Hachshara program cultivate a deep connection with Israel that is based on a variety of experiences and exploration of both the positive and challenging aspects of Israel today.
Kvutza (peer group) and community
North American and European Shnat participants spend their shnat together as part of one Shnat Kvutza. Part of the mission of Hashomer Hatzair is to help facilitate tightly-knit, intimate, caring, thoughtful collectives of people who work to better one another and the world at large. Throughout the entire program, from section to section, they will always have this basic unit as their primary community. In addition, the program is synchronized such that the entire HH World Movement will be on the same program (although often in separate groups). This will give North American and European Shomrim/ot the chance to meet people like them, in a similar stage in life, leading the very same movement in Israel, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and so on. Our Shnat participants will always be working alongside Israelis from various communities, creating relationships and partnerships, and this connection is also an important part of the program.
Democratic Education
Hashomer Hatzair practices democratic, alternative education, where what you learn takes place in an environment that takes into account the needs of all of the participants. You will learn in a fun, engaging, and critical way. You will learn tools you need in order to formulate your own opinions and worldviews. A staple of this type of education is a madrich/a (guide). A madrich/a is a unique synthesis of a teacher, a friend, an older sibling, a caretaker, and a guide. During the program, the kvutza will have madrichim from the Israeli movement, as well as remain in contact with their madrichim from back home.
North American and European Shnat participants spend their shnat together as part of one Shnat Kvutza. Part of the mission of Hashomer Hatzair is to help facilitate tightly-knit, intimate, caring, thoughtful collectives of people who work to better one another and the world at large. Throughout the entire program, from section to section, they will always have this basic unit as their primary community. In addition, the program is synchronized such that the entire HH World Movement will be on the same program (although often in separate groups). This will give North American and European Shomrim/ot the chance to meet people like them, in a similar stage in life, leading the very same movement in Israel, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and so on. Our Shnat participants will always be working alongside Israelis from various communities, creating relationships and partnerships, and this connection is also an important part of the program.
Democratic Education
Hashomer Hatzair practices democratic, alternative education, where what you learn takes place in an environment that takes into account the needs of all of the participants. You will learn in a fun, engaging, and critical way. You will learn tools you need in order to formulate your own opinions and worldviews. A staple of this type of education is a madrich/a (guide). A madrich/a is a unique synthesis of a teacher, a friend, an older sibling, a caretaker, and a guide. During the program, the kvutza will have madrichim from the Israeli movement, as well as remain in contact with their madrichim from back home.
