THE EISENDRATH INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

For more than 45 years, the Eisendrath International Exchange has been offering North American participants a unique opportunity to spend a semester in Israel. The program is based in Kibbutz Tzuba, just outside of Jerusalem, and offers Hebrew Ulpan, an intensive class in Jewish History, field trips, tfilla (worship), and enrichment programs. For the first time ever, the NFTY-EIE High School in Israel will be offering a summer semester beginning in 2007.

The NFTY - EIE High School in Israel - is named for the late Rabbi Maurice N. Eisendrath, past president of the World Union of Progressive Judaism and, for over a quarter of a century, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now the Union for Reform Judaism, the congregational body of Reform Judaism in the United States and Canada. The initial program was established in 1961 by the youth arm of the Reform movement, the North American Federation of Temple Youth.

OUR VISION

The Reform Movement believes that a fundamental aspect of a healthy Jewish identity is a relationship to Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel) and optimally a love for Eretz Yisrael. Based on this belief, the EIE NFTY in Israel summer program provides participants with an opportunity to learn our history, travel the Land and connect with the people of Israel, all within a uniquely Reform/Progressive ideological context. Examining issues such as social justice, a commitment to pluralism in Israel and the Diaspora, and our personal connection with historical and modern Israel through hands-on activities and discussion, participants will find a variety of ways to explore their own Jewish identity. Visits to historical sites, a mifgash with young Israelis, liberal worship experiences, social outings, and educational programming provide a transformative experience and open a dialogue for participants to discuss their relationship with Israel.

OUR GOALS

• Instill Jewish Identity
• Foster Long-term Commitment to the Ideals and Values of Reform Judaism
• Increase the connection to Israel
• Teach the history of the Land, People and Culture of Israel
• Teach the Hebrew Language
• Create Today the Reform Jewish Congregants of Tomorrow

NFTY-EIE IS COMMITTED TO...

Chinuch: Jewish Education
EIE NFTY in Israel is committed to providing young Reform Jews with a solid foundation of Jewish history and information necessary to help them make informed Jewish decisions. What rituals will they observe? What is their connection to Israel? What values will they espouse and pass on to their children? NFTY in Israel strives to make Jewish learning both accessible and enjoyable through experiential informal Jewish education that combines touring through Israel, learning, and fun.

Tradition and Zehut Yehudit
EIE NFTY summer programs reinforce positive Jewish Identity by developing a sense of pride in oneself as a person, as a Jew, and as a member of the Jewish people.
By gaining an awareness of the history of Israel, its people, land and culture through learning about and visiting historical sites both ancient and modern, each participant connects to our Jewish tradition.

Eretz and Medinat Yisrael: The Land and State of Israel
EIE NFTY in Israel provides opportunities to learn about the challenges and issues facing the modern state of Israel. The issues are presented through seminars, meetings with individuals, and visits to sites and institutions.

Mifgash and Am Yisrael: The Jewish People
EIE NFTY in Israel participants meet with young Israeli peers in a sharing environment in order to facilitate the meeting of two cultures and to remind both sides that we are one people, Am Yisrael.
NFTY is part of a larger Reform Jewish and Jewish picture. NFTY is a snif (branch) of Netzer Olami (Noar Tizioni Reformi), the international Reform Zionist youth movement. Being a member of NFTY also means being an active Jew, whether through study, dialogue, or action. NFTY in Israel provides an opportunity to meet with Netzer Olami youth during the summer.

Hebrew
NFTY EIE is committed to providing a comprehensive Ulpan to participants. Participants will engage in interactive Hebrew lessons. Throughout the summer, EIE NFTY in Israel exposes participants to the Hebrew language, which as our national language, remains a cornerstone of Jewish Identity.

T’filla: Worship
EIE NFTY in Israel wants its young people to have meaningful experiences for living and praying Jewishly. NFTY helps young people find their connection to God and discover the role that faith can play in their lives. NFTY worship services are unique for Reform Jewish teenagers in setting, style, and choice of music.

Kehilah Kedoshah: Reform Jewish Community
NFTY EIE strives to create a holy Jewish community in which all participants feel a sense of belonging, friendship, safety, and purpose. Throughout the summer, paticipants experience a meaningful Jewish community where each person is considered made B’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God.

Hitpatchut: Personal Growth and Ethics
Through Jewish community, adult Reform Jewish mentorship, leadership development, Jewish study, social action, and spiritual exploration, NFTY aims to give Reform Jewish youth the ethical tools to make decisions in their day-to-day lives.

Tikkun Olam: Religious Action
NFTY recognizes that young people are extremely concerned about the fate of the world in which they live. Commitment to Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—has always been a major component of the NFTY experience. Through community service, NFTY in Israel remains committed to learning, caring and making a difference in the world.

Manhigut: Leadership Development
In order to create the Reform Jewish leadership of tomorrow, NFTY in Israel fosters the Reform Jewish Youth Leadership of today. Adult advisors serve as role-models and guides in these endeavors.