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Masa Programs: Finding The Right One
There are choices for individuals who want to do community service/Tikkun Olam . For those who want to work in environmental programs, there are a number of programs.There are internships and career advancement programs available, as well as many different study program for university and seminary students of all Jewish streams. Some programs offer an emphasis on the arts, such as: The Jerusalem Culinary Institute; Bezalel Art program; Budokan martial arts study program; Dance Journey. WHAT DO THEY SAY? WHAT DO THEY DO? In addition a careful examination must be made of what the programs say that they offer and what they actually do offer.Some programs offer Hebrew studies, others don’t. Some say that they do but the Hebrew classes are minimal. Some programs emphasize the fun of sun and few responsibilities. Others promise career advancement. Some programs offer accommodations and serve food. Others don’t. Fees vary for the various programs. Many participants have found that a "free" program where they become responsible for their own food ends up costing more than a program for which that they pay a small tuition. All providers are obligated to offer several trips during the program but some do the minimum while others take their groups out frequently. Some advertise Hebrew instruction but provide, in fact, only a few hours throughout the entire program. Some programs are great at PR but the actual program activities don’t measure up. The only way to really know that a program is appropriate for a particular individual is to research it thoroughly, including asking past participants for their thoughts and impressions. COMPREHENSIVE AND INCLUSIVE Of all the MASA programs running, there is only one that combines all the elements of other programs’ emphasis in one comprehensive program . The Livnot U’Lehibanot To Build and Be Built, combines hiking, volunteering, environmentalism, Hebrew study, kibbutz experience, community involvement, workshops and seminars on Jewish and Israel-related issues and a chance to become part of the local community and its residents . Livnot’s MASA program registration fee includes room, 2 meals daily (with an open kitchen to prepare the third), three weekly hikes (at a minimum), Shabbat and holiday celebrations as part of the local community. Livnot participants live in the charming Old Kabbalistic Jewish Quarter of Tzfat in the Galilee mountainside. Mornings are spent volunteering while afternoons are spent hiking. The group lives on a kibbutz for two months, working in the kibbutz’s sustainable agricultural branch and learning Hebrew at an intensive Hebrew-study ulpan. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Check out Livnot for an amazing life-changing Israel experience |
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