Machon Tells Us What They Really Think

Posted in YJ Machon 1, YJ Machon 2 on 20. Jul, 2011

As you know, our summer groups are having a great time.  How great?  You be the judge.
Just take a look at our Machon chanichim, passing on some words of wisdom to their friends in Hadracha, the incoming eleventh graders at Camp Tel Yehudah in New York.  Hopefully ALL of Hadracha will be coming to Israel on Machon next summer!… Read more

Machon 1: Hot Times in the Desert!

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 10. Jul, 2011

Machon 1 spent another day at Ketura, where they woke up very early to have a fun desert art workshop. They expressed their creativity by making videos, sand art, and art using desert rocks. They also got to see some film parodies produced by Ketura. They then played games with members of the kibbutz, including geography games, and learning about YJ’s history in Israel. Afterwards, they had free time in the afternoon, where most of them took advantage of the time off by napping or hanging out in the pool.
After free time they had a pe’ula (educational activity) about… Read more

Machon 1: First Few Days

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 07. Jul, 2011

On Friday the kids went to the Haas Promenade for their opening ceremony.  This is a beautiful lookout point for Jerusalem. Then they drove to the Negev to Sde Boker and had a peula (educational activity) at Ben Gurion’s tomb about his life. On Saturday they had a Shabbat morning service led by the Machon 1 and Machon 2 madrichim. They then broke up in to groups to learn about va’adot, which are groups they can join that are in charge of certain aspects of the trip – like a luggage va’ad, memories va’ad, etc. They learned about peer leadership from a YJ perspective, then had… Read more

Machon 1 – 07.27

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 27. Jul, 2010

Happy to be back together, Machon 1 spent Friday in Tel Aviv. The chanichim had some time to explore the city as well as enjoy Nachlat Binyamin, a local artist’s craft fair which occurs every Tuesday and Friday. Friday afternoon the group headed to Rehovot for Shabbat.
Machon 1 spent Shabbat this week with a group of Israeli Tzofim (Scouts), who, like them, are part of a youth movement. The chanichim split up and each stayed with an Israeli scout! The group had Tfilot and activities together throughout the day, but this unique Shabbat experience was a great chance to… Read more

Machon 1 Update 0715

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 16. Jul, 2010

On Monday night, Machon 1 had a very special treat – a camp out with Machon 2!  Both groups woke up early Tuesday morning for a beautiful and refreshing hike at Nahal Amud. Mid hike, the groups took a break to swim in the cool waters of the stream.
Next, the groups split up as Machon 1 headed to Rosh Pina for a tasty falafel lunch! They continued to the ancient and mystical city of Tzfat. There they had free time to explore some of the artists’ market and a tour of some of the beautiful old synagogues. Afterwards, they… Read more

Machon 1 Update 0713

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 14. Jul, 2010

When we last left off with Machon 1, the group was thoroughly enjoying the south of Israel. On Thursday, the group had a fun-filled morning hike near Eilat in The Red Canyon. The group was eager to learn more about this desert region, and especially loved the fresh watermelon snack mid hike!
Next the group headed slightly north to the community of Arad for a special volunteer project. Here the chanichim had a unique opportunity to volunteer with Darfurian refugees, currently living in Israel. Machon 1 had a blast doing crafts projects, playing sports games like soccer, and genuinely getting… Read more

Machon 1 Update July 7th

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 07. Jul, 2010

Monday morning Machon 1 arrived at Kibbutz Ketura. (www.ketura.org.il) Ketura is located close to Eilat in the beautiful Arava Desert. The kibbutz was founded in the 1970’s by a group of Young Judaeans! Machon participated in some fun activities which were led by kibbutzniks themselves, and were able to learn a lot about the kibbutz movement as well as Ketura specifically.
After lunch, the group had some free time to relax in their rooms, or enjoy the gorgeous kibbutz pool. Later that day, Machon 1 enjoyed a hike of the nearby Kasui Sand Dunes. Everyone had a blast sliding and… Read more

Machon 1 5th July Update

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 05. Jul, 2010

Machon had a relaxing and rejuvenating Shabbat in Sde Boker. It was filled with fun ice breakers, and get-to-know you activities as they prepare for the busy summer which lies ahead! Sunday morning the group had an interesting and moving tour of the town of Sderot, which lies near the border with the Gaza Strip. Afterwards, the group had an exciting adventure rappelling down the Machtesh Crater! The madrichim were able to capture some fabulous photos of the group which they are excited to share. Next the group will continue their journey south as they travel to the southermost tip… Read more

Machon 1 and 2 arrive in Israel!

Posted in YJ Machon 1, YJ Machon 2 on 01. Jul, 2010

After a long, fun flight, our chanichim (participants) arrived safely in Israel and were greeted at Ben-Gurion Airport by the Israel staff members and madrichim (counselors). After making their way through customs and picking up their luggage, the chanichim boarded their buses for the first time.
Machon 1 and 2 headed off to Jerusalem where they each had their own opening ceremonies, and group ice breakers to get to know each other and their staff. The group will go over expectations and the schedule for the week. After a busy first day the groups will travel down south to Sde… Read more


  • YJ Focus

  • Participants Say:

    "We built huge rafts, painted the sails and sailed across the Kinneret - it was so awesome! I could never have done anything like that back at home."
  • Parents Say:

    "The fact that Young Judaea is supported by Hadassah was another great reason for me to send my son to Israel with YJ this summer."
  • Summer Photos

  • Young Judaea 100 years

    Founded in 1909, Young Judaea is the oldest Zionist youth movement in the United States. It seeks to build Jewish identity and Zionist commitment in American Jewish youth and young adults.