RSY-Netzer - The Zionist Youth Movement for Reform Judaism

A: Shnat Netzer is a “gap” year programme and is for people who have graduated school and not yet begun university or work.

A: Participants come from all over the world including the USA, England, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. Many, but not all, of our participants are former participants on RSY-Netzer events. All of our participants share a love of Judaism, Israel, want to grow as people and leaders and are looking to have a memorable year.

A: The Netzer Year is an 8 month programme that currently runs from October until May, please contact the office for exact dates.

A: The base cost of the programme for 2012-13 has not yet been finalised, but it will cost around £12,400.  This includes all accomodation theroughout the year, a professional staff contactable 24/7, flexible flights, and food for all programmed periods.

A: Financial assistance is available to those who are unable to afford the full cost of the programme.  The UJIA Israel Experience Bursary Fund and the RSY-Netzer Bursary Fund have been set up to try to ensure that no child be deprived of the opportunity to take part in an Israel programme because of their financial circumstances.
The UJIA Israel Experience Bursary Fund awards more than £300,000 each year through the UJIA Israel Experience Bursary Fund Committee to families/participants from across the British community to attend all programmes in Israel.
The Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) Bursary Fund Committee works with Reform Synagogues and fundraises to give bursaries, awarding around £15,000 each year.
MASA offers personal scholarships to individuals from across the globe. In addition, any participant applying for a MASA approved programme is entitled to a $1,000 universal grant..

A: All participants must hold a passport valid to 6 months after the return date from Israel.  Visas must be obtained from the Israeli consulate before participants leave for Israel..

If the applicant or applicant’s parent is a citizen of Israel or a national of another country, please contact Alyson on 020 8349 5666.

A: All participants will be covered by medical insurance while in Israel. This policy does not cover previous conditions or routine/maintenance medications. If you would like more information about the medical coverage, please feel free to contact Alyson on 020 8349 5666.

A: At most universities it is possible to defer entry once they have made you an offer. Speak with your university admissions director to see how to do this. The process is usually very easy, although a few will require you to reapply for next year. Many University admissions department favour a gap year, and the content of the program can be very helpful with UCAS applications.

A: While a computer is not required, you may find it easier to keep in touch with family and friends if you have a laptop.Wifi may be limited in some areas, but is available in the Beit Shmuel apartment where Etgar is based.

A: All participants must have a mobile phone while in Israel. It is the easiest and quickest way for the Shnat Netzer staff and parents to be in contact with participants. We recommend that participants get a phone or SIM card through 'Israel Phones'. 'Israel Phones' is an Israeli company which provides phones or SIM cards to participants on educational programmes in Israel. They have very competitive rates and their numbers are cheaper to call from abroad. They also have the added benefit of providing free calls between participants and staff.

A: We welcome visitors. Your year in Israel is a great chance for those you love to spend time in your new home. A lot of the year is made up of chofesh (holiday) periods, and these times are often ideal for visitors. To find out about chofesh dates if you are a parent of a Shnattie, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A: Most universities really encourage students to take a “gap year”. Employers and universities want students and employees who are as mature and responsible as possible. Spending a year in Israel is a great way to gain life skills, learn how to live as an adult, be part of a Reform Jewish Community and have a great time!

A: Yes you will, not just as a tourist but as an inquisitive, thoughtful, and engaged Jew.