Shnat is a year long gap program run by Hineni for high-school leavers. For the duration of the program the members reside all around Israel and truly experience Israeli life and culture, while fulfilling the role of a Zionist Jew. The 2012 Shnat program currently has 25 participants, which is the largest group Hineni has sent to Israel.
The program encompasses volunteering, experiential and educational components, all within Hineni’s unique framework. A year in Israel with Hineni is a chance to connect to the Jewish homeland; to learn about Jewish history, culture and religion; to form friendships with other young people from Israel and around the world; to learn Hebrew; to explore one’s own Jewish, Zionist and personal identity; and to challenge oneself to learn and form opinions about the issues that affect Israel today.
The Hineni Shnat Program begins with AZYC Opening Seminar and Hineni Opening Seminar. Hineni Shnatties participate in Machon, a four-month intensive program facilitated by the Education Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Machon is a dynamic educational institution where participants engage in leadership training, Jewish education and Zionist learning together with youth movement members from around the world. Hineni Shnat also includes a two-month Options Period where participants can choose from a number of volunteering and educational options such as MDA ambulance service, the Marva army program, studying in Yeshiva/ Midrasha Jewish learning centres and more. Shnatties spend approximately six weeks living and working on a Kibbutz as well as participating in Hineni Jewish Learning Seminars and shabbatonim throughout the program.
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