Reverse Shinshinim Program
Spend a Gap Year in Israel
The Reverse Shinshinim program is a volunteer Israel-based journey for local high school graduates who want to immerse themselves in Israeli culture before college. This five-month experience is primarily focused in our Partnership Region in Yokneam Meggido, Israel.
During this life changing experience, you will live in a Kibbutz, learn Hebrew, volunteer with youth in need, teach English at the local high school and so much more.
In order to be eligible for this program you must meet the following requirements:
- You have not previously been on a long-term program to Israel (4 months or longer)
- Be 18-20 years of age
- Live in St. Louis
Your application will be reviewed by a committee of professional leaders from the Jewish Federation in St. Louis and from our partnership region in Yokneam Meggido, Israel.
In addition to this application, the process will include: 1) submission of a personal statement as part of this application; 2) an interview with a representative of the Federation and Yokneam Meggido; 3) a psychological assessment.
Qualities we’ll be looking for in the candidates to this program include:
- A strong desire to and passion for connecting with Israel and Israelis
- Ability to function independently
- Demonstration of leadership and initiative
- Sense of curiosity about Judaism, Jewish culture and history, and Israel
- Desire to share your experience in a positive light, as a Jew living outside of Israel, with Israelis.
Cost: $2000 plus air travel. This program is generously subsidized by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and MASA Israel Journey.
This program is a partnership of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Partnership2Gether, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and MASA Israel