10 MONTHS・CO-ED・ENGLISH
AUSTRALIA・NEW ZEALAND・SOUTH AFRICA
Limmud is an experiential based Israel year program aimed at participants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It runs from January to December.
Operating in a religious Zionist, co-ed environment, Jewish high school graduates from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for a transformative year in Israel. Guided by a strong team of dedicated staff, participants experience an incredible process of learning, self-empowerment, and growth, preparing them for university and professional lives well into the future.
At a glance
Duration: 10 months
2023 dates: 1st February - 26th November
Australian partnership: 26th November - 24th December
Feb: Opening Seminar
Mar: Kibbutz - Pioneering Experience
Apr: Zionism, Pre-Pesach & National Holiday Seminars
May/Jun: Mechina, Europe & Poland Trip
Jul/Aug: Electives: MDA/Hatzalah/Marva
Sep/Oct: Yeshiva/Midrasha
Nov: Volunteering, Machon-Leadership institute and
Closing Seminar
Dec: WBA & Australian partnership seminars
Limmud is an uplifting, inspiring and empowering gap year program in Israel with World Bnei Akiva. You’ll learn new skills, enhance old ones, develop your Jewish identity and adapt to new environments - all while enjoying the group experience.
On Limmud you’ll spend significant time at Yeshiva or Midrasha, as well as the legendary Bnei Akiva experience of Israel, including Kibbutz, Shabbatot, seminars, community volunteering, Marva (army experience), internships.
During the Mechina period you’ll also experience orienteering, camping, physical training combined with learning about Zionism, Hasbara, Leadership, and all infused with the Bnei Akiva Ideology.
Limmud will also enable you to grow Jewishly. You will come back with a clearer understanding of what it means to be Jewish for you, and the skills, drive and passion to develop your own Jewish identity.
Limmud is all about learning and giving. It’s a year for yourself, but also a chance to contribute to society around you.
Mechina Olamit
The Mechina serves as the ideological Beit Midrash of Bnei Akiva. Through its learning programme, participants will deepen their understanding of our movement’s ideology, learn how to be leaders and gain practical hadracha skills.
The “Mechina” formula is a real Israeli success story. Each year tens of thousands of young Israelis join Mechinot around the country to prepare for the challenges of transitioning from school into the IDF. Many of them go on to leadership roles both within and after the army. Our Mechina Olamit programme applies this same successful formula for Limmud as they transition to university, community leadership roles, and their professional lives in the future.
Journey Poland
Limmud participants have the special opportunity to go on to a Journey to Poland.
The Poland Journey focuses on immense and beautiful Jewry of pre-war Poland, dating back 800 years, and you’ll examine the years of the Holocaust by visiting Jewish ghettos, death and labour camps, and other significant sites. The trip is prepared meticulously by our educational team so that the experience is a meaningful one. Whilst in Israel, you’ll prepare for your journey to Poland, and on your return, you’ll deal with processing and concluding the many concepts and issues that the trip covered.
Meet The Team
DINNA MEYER
Head of Program – Limmud
DAPHNA REFAELI
Director of Israel Programs
HOW TO APPLY
-
Click below on the APPLY HERE button | Once you have begun the application process, you can sign back in as many times as you like to continue the application.
-
Register with MASA at www.masaisrael.org | Masa is a project of the Israeli government that offers Hachshara participants an automatic grant, with further needs based funding available.
How much does Limmud cost?
The cost of Limmud for 2024 is 105,000 NIS. The cost will cover tuition, seminars, tiyulim, accommodation, special Shabbatot, group transportation, staff and medical insurance.
Not covered by the medical insurance are costs related to optical care and treatment of prior dental problems, medical care relating to pre-existing conditions, hepatitis and MMR vaccinations (required by MDA volunteers). The full Maccabi insurance policy details and it’s exclusions can be viewed here. In addition, you may want laundry done at certain parts of the year (eg. Marva/Mada periods), and you may be required to purchase your own books and learning materials for the study periods.
How will I know if I have been accepted?
After we receive and review your application, you’ll be invited for an interview. Your interview allows us to get to know you a bit better and assess your suitability for the program. It will also give you the opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have.
Shortly after the interview, you’ll be informed of your acceptance. Your place will be confirmed only after the payment plan has been agreed.
Jeremy, Australia
Limmud was amazing I got to meet new people and make new friends. I got to experience Israel and everything in it. I grew as a person and it really prepared me for going home!!!
Tasin, Australia
The best balance of fun, growth, amazing experiences and lifelong friends!
.png)
Samara, South Africa
Going on Limmud was the greatest decision I have made. I learnt so much about myself, my Judaism, my connection to Israel and my friendships. It has given me every tool I need to live a religious and Zionistic life while being involved in my Jewish community. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this Bnei Akiva family.
Ariella, Australia
My experience on Limmud was beyond incredible and I gained so much. I learnt more about myself, Judaism and Israel, all whilst developing the most special friendships.
Ben, South Africa
Limmud gave me the experience of a lifetime traveling around and interacting with the rich Israeli history and culture. I made so many new friends and met so many different people. I got to do things I've always wanted to do and experience things I didn't know I wanted to experience. Limmud changed my life, matured me, and helped me realize who I want to be in life.
Jacob, South Africa
An incredible year filled with amazing opportunities, memories and more. Meeting people from all over the world and learning so much. Gaining new skills and learning more about myself.
%20-%20Color.png)
