Partnership 2000 Beit Shemesh/Yehuda Plains invites you to participate in a unique and challenging volunteer program which combines volunteer work with a unique opportunity to get to know Israeli society close up. Volunteers from the Jewish communities of Washington D.C. and South Africa coming to Israel are invited to join the program. Volunteer through one of the various organizations in the community and stay in our volunteers apartment.

The participant will gain an up - close familiarity with the life of the community in Israel and will get a chance to contribute and have an influence through personal ties with individuals and families. Dozens of volunteers from Washington D.C. and South Africa have already participated in the program. Whether or not this is your first visit to Israel, our program promises a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

What is Partnership 2000?

In 1995 the Jewish Agency announced the launching of Partnership 2000, and invited the city of Beit Shemesh and the settlements of Yehuda Plains to become the first Israeli members. At the same time, the leaders of the Jewish communities in South Africa and Washington D.C. were invited to join and create a unique global Jewish community in one of the most scenic areas in Israel. The idea, like any great idea, was brilliant in its simplicity. The Jews of Israel and the Jews of the partner communities become one family, living in different places. Through Partnership 2000, we get to know one another and meet regularly to discuss the state of the nation (or should we say, the state of the family). Today, Partnership 2000 is a success story beyond our wildest dreams. There are currently 42 partnerships in Israel that unite more than 500 Jewish communities around the world. Our partnership helps the region deal with its changing education and welfare needs, supports economic development projects, and facilitates a wide range of relationship-building activities.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount of time that I need to volunteer?

Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps participants are asked to volunteer for at least three weeks.

How many hours do I need to volunteer per day?

Each volunteer will be expected to volunteer at least 4 hours per day. Volunteers will not be required to volunteer seven days per week. It is assumed that volunteers will want to explore Israel on their own for a portion of their time in the Region. Therefore, volunteers will need to work out a schedule that is convenient for both themselves and their volunteer supervisor upon their arrival at their volunteer site.

What is the population of Beit Shemesh?

The population of Beit Shemesh is approximately 80,000 people. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Israel. It is surrounded by the regional council of Mateh Yehuda. Our partnership is with the city of Beit Shemesh and a part of Mateh Yehuda called Yehuda Plains. Yehuda Plains is comprised of 14 moshavim and 2 kibbutzim. There are about 15,000 people in the Yehuda Plains.

Will there be an Orientation prior to my departure?

We will meet with each volunteer prior to their departure and review pertinent facts and information that are necessary for a successful experience. Our Volunteer Coordinator in Israel will acquaint each volunteer with the region upon arrival in the area.

What are the accommodations like in the region?

Volunteers will be placed in a four bedroom, fully furnished apartment near the Community Center of Beit Shemesh.

What will happen once I fly in to Ben Gurion Airport? Will someone pick me up?

Transportation will be arranged from the airport to the region. Volunteers will be taken directly to their apartment. After their arrival in the region, a volunteer coordinator will meet each volunteer and provide them with a short orientation about their Volunteer Service Corps experience.

What are the options for volunteers?

The volunteer has a wide variety of options - formal and informal educational frameworks, care centers for the elderly or the handicapped, municipal libraries and social welfare organizations active in the region. Volunteers will be placed according to their skills and their interests.

How will I spend my free time?

Each volunteer will be given a packet of information about the sites of interest in the region as well as maps of the area. The Volunteer Coordinator will be available to make recommendations to volunteers about sites of interests upon their arrival.

Do I need to rent a car?

During the week that you are working, if you are planning on doing a lot of exploring on your own all over Israel, you may want to rent a car over the weekends. The public transportation system in Israel is very comfortable and reliable.

How far is it from Jerusalem to the region by car?

It is approximately 35km to Jerusalem. The car or bus ride takes about 30 minutes not during peak traffic. It is approximately 40 km to Tel Aviv. It takes about 45 minutes not during peak traffic.

Do I have to be fluent in Hebrew?

You do not have to be fluent in Hebrew, or any other foreign language. If you do speak Hebrew, Yiddish or Russian there may be additional volunteer opportunities available to you. Please let the Federation professional know if this applies to you.

Can families travel together on the Partnership 2000 Volunteers Service Corps program?

Adult family members are encouraged to volunteer together. Teenage children might also be able to volunteer alongside their parents. Parents should be aware that there is no babysitting arrangement for younger children.

Will I be in danger in Israel and in the Beit Shemesh/Yehuda Plains?

Beit Shemesh lies in a rural area far from the center of political debate. Israel is much safer than many big cities in the United States. The level of violent crimes is extremely low. Terrorism, except for extraordinary instances, is an unlikely occurrence. We suggest that you do not frequent any areas such as Gaza or Nablus where there may be a concern for your safety.

What is the climate like at any given time during the year?

The Beit Shemesh/Yehuda Plains lies at the beginning of the Jerusalem mountains. The climate is fairly mild, although it can get hot in summer. Average temperatures are 15 C in winter and 28 C in summer.

Does the Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps program have a resident translator?

No. Participants will be expected to communicate with their home hospitality families and work colleagues independently. Please keep in mind that when each Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps volunteer is placed in a work site or with a home hospitality family, they will be matched with a family or volunteer placement that will be able to communicate with them in reasonable English.

Are there places for me to go to synagogue for services?

Yes. Just let the Federation professional know that you are observant and appropriate arrangements will be made for you. In the Beit Shemesh area there are currently only Orthodox synagogues. There are Reform and Conservative synagogues in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Do I need to use a specific travel agency?

You may use any travel agency you would like to book your airline flight.

Can I extend my trip in Israel or another country, such as Jordan?

You are free to decide what travel arrangements you would like to make before or after your arrival to Israel. We need to know the exact date that you will be arriving in Beit Shemesh. You may work with your travel agent to extent your trip. Many travel agents offer a wide variety of trip extensions that are very exciting and intriguing. You should discuss your extension plans with Federation staff; they will be able to recommend possible extension opportunities to each volunteer.

Do Israelis speak English?

Some Israelis can speak English. The younger the individual, the more likely it will be that they speak English. English fluency is now required in most High Schools. If you are interested in working with older people, they may speak Russian, Yiddish, Kurdish or Arabic.

How does the Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps program differ from the Volunteer for Israel program?

In the Volunteers for Israel program, participants are placed on an army base or in a local hospital. They do not have the opportunity to interact with a home hospitality family nor have the connection to the larger goal of bringing four communities, such as Beit Shemesh/Yehuda Plains, Washington DC and South Africa closer together both culturally and socially. A major principal of Partnership 2000 is bringing communities of the Diaspora into closer contact with the partnered region. Personal ties is the ultimate expression in this relationship. Every effort is made not only to facilitate valuable volunteer opportunities but also strengthen ties between individuals of the two communities.