REFORM JEWISH COMMUNITY
Much of the joy of exploring ancient and modern Israel is in sharing this experience with peers from Reform communities across North America. This special group of Reform Jewish teens creates a dynamic Jewish community which becomes essential in discovering new ways of identifying Jewishly. Students struggle with new and interesting challenges that arise through learning and exploring their own Jewish identity.

The celebration of Shabbat, holidays and special events of the Jewish calendar enhances the sense of togetherness and highlights the value of Jewish life in the Jewish homeland. Taking time to stop, think, feel, and be thankful through daily tefillah (prayer) contributes to the growth of the individual and the kehillah (community). It is intended that the unparalleled experience that the NFTY-EIE High School in Israel has to offer will encourage active involvement in congregational synagogue and Jewish life for years to come.

REFORM JEWISH STUDIES
The EIE program is well grounded in Reform ideology, belief and practice. Throughout the semester, students participate in workshops and study about the history, philosophy, and ideology of Reform Judaism. Jewish holidays and festivals are examined and celebrated from a liberal perspective. Issues of social justice in Israel are investigated. Students meet with prominent Reform rabbis and community leaders and visit significant sights of Reform Judaism in Israel.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
EIE participants interact with North American and Israeli students studying to be Reform rabbis, cantors and educators. This adds additional opportunities for spiritual and leadership growth during the EIE experience. EIE students contribute to building a strong Reform Jewish community on the Kibbutz. Religious observance is incorporated into daily life through spiritual development, rituals and social action projects. Tefilla (prayer) is a gateway to spiritual growth and as such there is a daily tifilah experience at EIE with a NFTY style service. Services are usually student led and serve as an opportunity for students to take initiative and be creative. Birkat Hamazon is recited after meals. Shabbat services on the campus of Kibbutz Tzuba or at various movement synagogues allow EIE students to experience the unique Shabbat atmosphere in Jerusalem and throughout the country. Jewish holidays and festivals are celebrated as part of the Reform community on campus or with the students at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. Each semester students will have the opportunity to celebrate one Jewish holiday with carefully selected Israeli families, always under NFTY’s stringent security guidelines.

TZEDAKA
Community and acts of loving kindness are encouraged throughout the semester through volunteer projects and special visits to some of the following: old age homes, soup kitchens, residential hostels for developmentally disabled adults, a battered women’s shelter, an afternoon play center for severely handicapped children, Reform Movement pre-schools, synagogues and new immigrant absorption centers, and work towards improving Israel’s environment. Students learn about the special Jewish approach to giving of themselves as they engage in work projects. These visits often conclude with lively song sessions that bring joy into the lives of others. Students may receive credit from their home high schools and synagogues for their participation in this community service.