Outdoor Adventures in Four Regions of Israel
The six-week Kehillah Experience traces the development of the Jewish people in the land of Israel. We begin in the Negev desert, travel to the Galilee, reach Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and conclude in the Judean desert. In each region, we hike through diverse landscapes and explore connections with the land, the culture, modern Israeli society, and our own experiences.

“I liked moving around and seeing the land, feeling it. That is the way I will think of Israel.”

Benjamin Brenner, Ann Arbor, MI

Cultural Experiences and Arts Workshops
Modern Israeli culture and the arts provide unique opportunities to be part of a two-way conversation about what Judaism and Israel mean to you personally. Arts workshops provide opportunities to reflect on and respond to your experiences. Workshops are led by dynamic arts educators.

No special background or skills are necessary to participate in these workshops, which emphasize experimentation with ideas and techniques. The atmosphere is non-competitive, and most participants try areas of expression that are new for them.

“I discovered a totally new creative part of me through arts workshops. I became more confident and felt as though my opinions and ideas really make a difference.”

Ruby Gardner, Beverly Hills, CA

Community Service
In Kehillah we practice the art of giving, a fundamental value in Jewish life. Each Kehillah group completes at least one four-day community service project – usually in a residential school for children from troubled families. Projects have included building playgrounds, painting murals, teaching English, and leading camp activities with Israeli children and teens.

“The community service project was a unique and exciting experience. To stop for a moment and give of yourself to others. To go outside our closed communities and to see our power as a community to contribute to others and to build. It was a wonderful feeling to give to others and, at least for a little while, try to make them smile.”

Reut Amar, Pisgat Ze’ev, Israel

Israeli Peers, Home Hospitality, and Hebrew
Many people tour Israel, but few have the opportunity to live, study, and create a community with Israeli peers. Israeli participants and staff are full members of the Kehillah program. North Americans live, travel, and make lasting relationships with Israelis from secular, traditional, and religious Jewish backgrounds.

Israeli participants come from a range of backgrounds including kibbutzim, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, development towns, Ethiopia, and the former Soviet Union. North Americans stay for an extended weekend at the homes of either one of the Israeli participants or with family and friends.

The Kehillah Experience provides unique opportunities for North Americans to learn and speak Hebrew - regardless of prior Hebrew knowledge. Activities are conducted in both English and Hebrew.

“The fact that part of the group was Israeli gave an amazing point of view. I broke down my stereotypes and asked the Israelis what I wanted to know. I had never met an Ethiopian Jew before and being able to become good friends with them has been absolutely amazing...”

Liz Foreman, Niskayuna, NY

Judaism and Shabbat
Nesiya does not have a single point of view regarding Judaism or Israel. The program attracts participants and staff from Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, secular and non-affiliated backgrounds, as well as others who have little or no Jewish background.

Nesiya observes common denominators that are necessary for Jews of different backgrounds to live together and learn from one another. The program is strictly kosher, and no full group activities are conducted which violate traditional observance of Shabbat. Participants are encouraged to explore each other's practices and beliefs, without feeling coerced to change their own. Prayer is always optional.

Shabbat is a special time. We celebrate and explore Jewish rituals, spirituality and values. We welcome and close the Shabbat together. Participants create and organize many Shabbat experiences including prayer options and singing.

“I am looking at different kinds of Jews with different eyes - without judging them.”

D’vir Gezuntheit, Jerusalem, Israel

Community Building
"Kehillah" means "community" in Hebrew. Participants and staff build a dynamic community that values both independence and belonging. In a group of North Americans and Israelis who differ greatly from one another, individuals feel comfortable questioning others and expressing themselves, while participating in the development of a community.

Kehillah participants are given considerable responsibility for how their group functions. Daily chores and program leadership options rotate among participants. Small and large group meetings also provide opportunities for individuals to affect their group.

“I learned to respect people who are different than me, and still be able to stand up for myself. Living in this community allowed me to experience how different people get along with each other and how to create a community where everyone takes part.”

Carmel Avrahami, Efrat, Israel

Creative Study
Several times each week, participants and staff engage in creative study of both traditional and modern texts. We explore the relevance of Jewish culture through dialogue, personal stories, theater improv, and other creative activities.

“I studied texts for the first time with people who have very different views from mine. I have been studying Jewish texts since I was in first grade, but never in this way.”

Leah Dickstein, Teaneck, NJ

Fun, Recreation, and Free Time
Being on Kehillah is fun as well as challenging. While the program is highly structured, free time is provided every day, usually during the afternoon or evening at the base residence. Participants can rest, write letters, or enjoy a range of activities including swimming, sports, or just hanging out with friends.

Participants are also given opportunities to explore and shop on their own in designated areas - under the supervision of Nesiya staff and in accordance with Nesiya's strict security and safety policies.

“I loved the free time to shop and buy lunch in Tel Aviv, because we got to experience the city for ourselves.”

Julia Baskin, New York, NY