Masorti Programs: Garinei Nahal
NOAM members of high school age, many of whom serve as counselors for the younger groups, convene for their own activities and seminars. Each year, between 20 to 30 members decide to form a Masorti Garin (group) to serve in the Israel Defense Forces together, within the framework of the Nahal (Pioneering Youth) Unit.
Members of NOAM’s Masorti Garinim devote a year to serving the community, during which they live together in a development town or on a kibbutz. They assist new immigrants with their absorption into Israeli society by educating both in schools and in the absorption centers. The Garin members also have their own educational program, overseen by NOAM officials.
For example, during 2002-03, Garin Keves lived on Kibbutz Ketura,
near Eilat. In addition to regular employment on the kibbutz, Garin
members worked with disadvantaged populations in Eilat, including children
from dysfuntional homes, Ethiopian immigrants and the elderly. They also
volunteered at civic organizations, such as Magen David Adom and the Civil
Guard. A regular study program, with input not only from local teachers, but
also from Masorti and guest lecturers, was made available, and Keves members
also took an active role in leadership counseling in NOAM and in the
Ramah-NOAM Summer Camp.
Members of garin also typically take part in the nationwide
activities of NOAM, often running a local chapter of the youth movement.
Members of each garin enlist together in the army, serving in
combatant units as well as in the Education and Communications Corps of the
IDF. In effect, garinim cultivate the future educators and leaders of NOAM
and the Masorti movement, enabling them to learn through action and role
modeling.
Once they enter active service in the army, garinim members
continue to meet several times a year for educational and social activities
and stay in touch with NOAM staff on their bases. Some garinim
members request and are granted special leave to work as counselors at the
Ramah-NOAM Summer Camp.
Contact Information
Director: Omer Pickholtz
Rabbi: Claudia Kreiman
Address: P.O. Box 7559, 91074 Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Telephone: +972 (2) 624 6850
Fax: +972 (2) 624 6871
Email: noam@masorti.org
This program is supported by grants
from the Jewish Agency for Israel.