Shnat is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of invaluable experiences. The Shnat program provides an opportunity to connect to the Jewish homeland; to learn about Jewish history, culture and religion; to form friendships with other young people from Israel and around the world; to learn Hebrew; to explore oneʼs own identity; and to challenge oneself to learn and form opinions about the issues that affect Israel and the world today. Participants also gain important life skills such including teamwork, independence, responsibility, open-mindedness and self-confidence.

The Hineni Shnat year comprises of Machon- a 4 month intensive leadership program in Jerusalem run by the Jewish agency, a Yeshiva/Midrasha component, a Poland heritage and Holocaust tour, ‘Hineni Seminar’ including learning and volunteering in the framework of Hineni’s ideology, an options period in which the chanichim choose between MDA, Marva (an experiential army program), leading on summer camps and more, as well as countless tiyulim (trips), Shabbatonim and siyurim (excursions) all over the country.

Throughout the entire program there is an emphasis on hadracha, such that the Shnat program develops both formal and informal leadership skills within the participants, allowing them to return to Australia as future leaders of the movement, the community, and the Jewish world.

Hineni runs bi-annual camps during which madrichim (leaders) provide chanichim (participants) with a fun and educational experience, utilising an informal teaching format, in a relaxed environment. Our camps serve to strengthen both the Jewish and wider community through promoting involvement and activism. Our chanichim create lifelong positive Jewish experiences that ensure they remain engaged with and active within the community. It is a place where education and fun are mutually inclusive.

Hineni also conducts youth leadership and developmental programs, securing the future of the Jewish community through creating strong and active leaders. We send a group of enthusiastic school-leaving youth to Israel each year on an educational, leadership year course. Many Hineni leaders have gone on to take significant roles within the community, whether in Synagogues, community organisations, governmental organisations and abroad.

Hineni’s role in the community is not only limited to educational aims. Hineni provides a support network for community members, facilitating their participation in Jewish ceremonies, rites and activities. It promotes goodwill within and between the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, raises money and volunteers for charitable organisations, supports Jewish community events and in general promotes activism within the community.

The cost of the program includes flights, accommodation for 10 months, food, transport and everything else ensuring the participants are exposed to world class educators and to allow the participants to have incredible experiences in the holy land.