PROJECT AMITIM: GLOBAL JEWISH RESPONSIBILITY

BACKGROUND
The AMITIM program sends small groups of young Jewish adults from Israel and North America to outlying communities in the former Soviet Union (FSU) where they work for a period of ten months. This program provides valuable educational and communal support to the host community while promoting understanding among the individual participants and strengthening their own connection to the Jewish world.

In their host communities, the volunteers organize a wide range of programs, including formal and informal Jewish education activities, Shabbat programs, summer camps and social service programs for the elderly.

Many of the North American volunteers are recruited at Israel Program fairs, often held in conjunction with birthright Israel trips. Prospective Amitim participate in a month-long orientation and training seminar in Jerusalem that focuses on Jewish studies, methods for teaching a second language, Jewish communal service, and group psychology. They also learn about their target communities in the FSU.

During the four to six weeks before they head to the FSU, the Amitim perform valuable community service in Israel, polishing their new skills and practicing for their work in the FSU.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
Once they arrive in their host communities, the Amitim begin to implement programs and serve as important local Jewish communal and educational resources. Among their many functions and roles, the Amitim:

• Plan and implement Jewish and Israel-related activities in local youth clubs, and conduct seminars for counselors.
  
• Teach Hebrew at Jewish Agency ulpans and provide enrichment activities for local Hebrew teachers.
  
• Teach English and portray Israel and the United States as two major centers of Jewish life.
  
• Teach about Judaism and Israel in local preschools.
  
• Focus on the multicultural aspects of Israeli society and the Jewish people as a whole.
  
• Teach classes on Israeli geography, government and society in preparation for aliyah-oriented educational programs.
  
• Organize Shabbat and Havdalah services and host Shabbat meals.
  
• Help deliver “meals on wheels” to elderly Jews in need.

AREIVIM: YOUNG EDUCATIONALVOLUNTEERS

BACKGROUND
The AREIVIM (“guarantors”) program stresses recognition of every Jew’s responsibility to the continuity of Jewish community and family. Activities and programs prepared by the AREIVIM are designed to increase Jewish awareness, knowledge and pride; bridge gaps among Jews of different backgrounds; and promote familiarity with Zionist ideals, Israel and her people. The project is rooted in the belief that positive identification can help stem assimilation and guarantee the continuance of the Jewish community.

After completing their mandatory military service, these 21-to 30-year-old Israeli volunteers work for one year in Jewish communities abroad supplementing local education and Israel resources. AREIVIM are recruited from the Israel Defense Force and various young leadership and informal educational frameworks. Whenever possible, the Agency sends out young couples without children to enhance their program impact.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION AND SERVICE Volunteers must be highly motivated, deeply committed to Jewish-Zionist values, and knowledgeable about Jewish history, Judaism, and Israel. Each Arev has demonstrated experience in Jewish education and the ability to reach out and involve the unaffiliated members of the community. As part of the comprehensive screening process, skills are matched to the specific needs of the host community.

To ensure the program's effectiveness, a detailed job description spells out community expectations and the Arev’s specific responsibilities. A local supervisor oversees the professional and technical aspects of each Arev’s work. Additionally, each community selects two adoptive families who will facilitate the Arev’s absorption into the community.

Areivim commit to a one-to two-year period of volunteer service. The Jewish Agency provides educational and logistical support throughout the year. All candidates are required to attend an intensive training program, which combines general information with material tailored to their particular host community.

AREVIM fulfill a wide range of roles, including:

• Work with youth groups
• Teaching adult education classes
• Teaching youngsters in formal and informal Jewish education programs
• Organizing Jewish activities on local campuses
• Running Jewish day camps
• Teaching Israeli dance and music
• Leading Shabbat/High Holiday services
• Conducting Shabbatonim for youngsters and students
• Conducting hasbara (information) programs
• Developing a Jewish resource center
• Preparing youth for travel and study programs in Israel
• Serving as the local aliyah coordinator
   

After their period of service, program graduates are urged to continue their involvement in Jewish renewal through other Jewish Agency programs. They are also encouraged to consider becoming longer-term emissaries in the future.