Find out what it was like for one Haredi participant, Shlomo, in Nitzana…

Derech Eretz focuses on Israeli youth and young adults, providing social-educational programs for those entering the army, and those exiting the army. These are critical life stages during which people begin to assume increasing ownership over their identities. At Derech Eretz, participants are constantly forming their life views and establishing their social and individual identities, as Jews and as Israelis, as they make their way towards adulthood. Part of what we do at Derech Eretz to facilitate this personal growth is expose our youth to a wide range of views, people, organizations, places and issues so that they can form their own informed opinions, and learn critical thinking, based on knowledge and first-hand encounters.

One of the topics we cover, both in and out of the classroom is Judaism, exposing Israeli youth to their Jewish heritage, history and customs, to Jewish peoplehood and to different denominations. Unfortunately many participants are lacking knowledge in this field and these studies provide an ideal opportunity for them to connect to their own identity. Since our programs take place at a time when participants are formulating who they are and whom they want to be, connecting to their Jewish roots is crucial both for each individual’s personal journey, and for finding a common denominator with their peers and country.

One of Derech Eretz’s core values is inclusiveness, giving youth access to a program that can give them the leadership and life skills to succeed. Our campuses are heterogeneous and participants of different religious, socio-economic, social and cultural backgrounds, as well as from underprivileged backgrounds, come from across the country to participate. One particular participant who recently graduated the Derech Eretz social-educational pre-military preparatory program (mechina) is an Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jew named Shlomo. Jerusalem-born Shlomo Min Hahar came to us from Ramat Beit Shemesh. The Derech Eretz mechina in Nitzana is the first co-ed framework he has ever attended.

“What was completely new to me,” says Shlomo, “was the challenge of living together in a group of such different people – being with the same people 24-7 and gaining the tools needed to overcome challenges.”

On campus, Shabbat is a special time where participants prepare their meals together and formulate their own Kaballat Shabbat rituals. As the program progresses along with learning, sharing, open dialog, and bonding, each groups ends up forming their own unique tradition, making sure everyone feels at home. “…Shabbat at Derech Eretz has been very special to me… and doesn’t compromise anyone’s unique way of celebrating it. Some of my peers, whether traditional or secular, join me to pray, and I am always pleasantly surprised that the rest of the group waits for us to come back before eating dinner together. They have been incredibly considerate and will hopefully remain my friends for many years to come.”

“Ultimately, before I joined Derech Eretz, I had plans to leave the country after serving the country. Today, I am motivated to stay, despite the hardships, and will perhaps pursue a career in education, or in politics – somewhere where I can make a difference.”