Keshet is the brainchild of innovative Jewish educators with years of experience in teaching and guiding North American youth, students and adults on scores of programs in Israel. Our programs integrate interactive encounters with Israel society with learning about Judaism and Jewish history, together with exploring the natural beauty of the Land of Israel.
- Naaleh
A summer experience for entering 12th graders with a special emphasis on Hebrew language. Na’aleh is run by Camp Yavneh, an affiliate of Hebrew College in Boston and is open to non- Yavneh participants. For more information, contact Camp Yavneh’s director, Debbie Sussman at: Debbie@campyavneh.org. - Dor L’Dor
A counselor training program for over 100 campers from the Cohen Foundation Camps (Tevya, Tel Noar, and Pembroke) of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. - Legacy Heritage Internships for Young Scientists
A 6 week summer program for High School juniors who have a strong interest in science and a desire to deeper one’s connection to Israel. Programming includes touring Israel as well as learning science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
For more information about this program, contact Marci Karoll at: mkaroll@lhfl.net.
Keshet Youth Programs
We believe that the route to identification with Israel and Zionism must include the enhancement of a Jewish consciousness. That’s why we specialize in building programs that integrate recreation and education towards Jewish pride and identity, as well as love for Israel.
Jewish Identity and Religious Content
As a completely independent and non-affiliated organization, Keshet is committed to maximizing the effect of the Israel experience as meaningful for all participants on our trips. Given the deep divisions in Israel between different religious and secular orientations, this is no simple task. The Talmud writes that there are seventy faces to the Torah, and we have adopted this approach in creating a very exciting type of Jewish education in Israel. We have received much acclaim for youth programs sponsored by organizations with an inter-denominational mandate. By developing a close cooperative relationship with program sponsors, we can ensure that the itinerary and educational ambiance of the program reflect their goals and needs, with an open, Jewishly positive approach. A concerted effort is made to recruit a staff whose personal observance will meld well with the movement and goals of the program.
All of the facilities and food served during our programs are strictly kosher and Shabbat is observed in any organized group activities. We make a particular effort to create wonderful Shabbat experiences that include services, walking tours, discussions and song sessions.
People Make the Difference
Since the staff of a program is its most important element, Keshet works exclusively with guides who are excellent teachers, educators and role models for American teens. Although Israeli society is often seen to be polarized between its religious and secular elements, our educational staff are people who seem to thrive in an atmosphere of pluralism, diversity and mutual respect. Our guides and counselors are purposely drawn from a variety of backgrounds, but they are united by a commitment to Jewish life and Israel that is both infectious and inspiring. All our staff share a commitment to teaching Judaism, Israel, Jewish history and Jewish identity in a way that is thoroughly respectful of the various traditions.
Our commitment is to maintain the highest possible standards among our educational staff, logistic staff, selecting professionals devoted to the safety and welfare of all participants.
Each bus is staffed by at least one senior tour educator who serves as guide and field teacher for the group, along with youth staff that is also able to teach and guide. As a result, we are able to divide bus groups up into two smaller groups for frontal guiding- an invaluable advantage when it comes to holding the interest of the group.
One of the Israeli counselors serves as the group's medic and guard and carries a weapon, unless we employ an extra guard as part of the staff as necessary.
Counselors are chosen very carefully and speak clear and understandable English. Many of our counselors are themselves long time immigrants or children of immigrants from English speaking countries.
Staff training is conducted throughout each spring by Keshet and includes many hours of educational seminars, technical briefings, and on-site training.
Keshet provides all the services required for a superb Israel program:
- Educational planning and staff training in Israel and the U.S.A.
- A thoughtful and creative itinerary balancing education with recreation and adventure and security
- Encounter program with Israeli youth, including home hospitality with Israeli families
- Three day discovery trek in the Negev
- Kibbutz experience
- GADNA option
- Sophisticated communications network with two cell phones per bus and twenty-four hour emergency backup from Keshet senior staff.
- Accommodations in Israel in Superior Youth Hostels, Field Schools, Kibbutzim and organized campgrounds
- Camping equipment and sleeping bags
- First class buses with authorized drivers and a national back up system
- Food services including delicious barbecues and lunches served throughout the program
- Medical insurance and regular visits of doctor.
- Full air travel service - reservations, ticketing, variances, and emergency service
- Mail, fax and e-mail service for participants.
- Dedicated website to group with information and pictures throughout the summer
- Free Shabbat option to spend time with friends or families living in Israel and placement with Israeli families for those without relatives
- Experienced and charismatic tour educators and counselors dedicated to the safety of the group and to turning the Israeli trip into a meaningful Jewish experience.
