What is shnat hachshara?

Shalom!

As you might know, HDAo has run Shnat for many many years, and we’re very excited to be running the programme again in 2024.  Shnat is a historic event, with thousands of participants taking part throughout it’s history.  It’s many graduates have taken the skills and values they gained through their experience on Shnat Hachshara and applied it to many paths within life. 

Shnat provides the opportunity for a deeper connection to Israel, a Zionist education, an understanding of worldwide Jewry, and while these benefit participants from all over the world, for New Zealanders in particular, it has a more profound impact. Aotearoa has a very unique Jewish community in that it is very easy for one to disengage with their Jewish identity and assimilate into mainstream culture. Most of HDAo’s chanichimot don’t attend Jewish schools, a vast majority aren’t members of synagogues, and if it weren’t for Habo, wouldn’t have a Jewish space outside of their home. When our chanichimot go on Shnat they hold their Jewish and Zionist identities to a much higher regard, making them valuable to the youth movement, and to the wider Jewish community. Shnat provides a once in a lifetime opportunity, allowing our chanichim to deepen their Jewish identity, understand the Jewish homeland, and feel responsible for the Jewish people. 

HELP US SEND OUR CHANICHIMot TO ISRAEL!

This opportunity however comes at a cost, and unfortunately the cost is simply too much for many young New Zealand Jews. At Habonim Dror, we believe that no Jewish individual should be held back from deepening their Jewish identity by finances; when Shnat is accessible it allows more young Jews to care about the Jewish world. We are seeking donors to assist our chanichimot (members) in their Shnat Hachshara journey. Any amount is appreciated, and with this we hope that all our chanichimot will be able to see Shnat as a viable option, and not just a hypothetical. 

 Please contact our Gizbarut at gizbarut@habo.org.nz if you wish to contribute.

Aleh Ve’Hagshem (Go up and Realise),

Mya Danin 
HDAo Shnat Rakezet 2023 (Gap year coordinator)