What is Hillel's Organic Farm Alternative Break?
It is a weeklong farm-immersion experience. During the two programs, students will be volunteering on sustainable farms located on the East and West coasts. Over the course of the week, participants will learn a wide range of skills in sustainable and organic agriculture such as planting, harvesting, natural building and composting. To complement the physical work, participants will have the opportunity to engage in texts and hear speakers discuss topics such as Jewish agricultural laws, medicinal herbs, and global food security. They will gain exposure to the growing food justice movement, both within the Jewish and secular worlds.
Who will staff this program?
The staff will be comprised of Hillel staff, staff from the Jewish Farm School, as well as farmers from the host farm.
Is this a religious program?
All Jews, regardless of background, affiliation or practice, are welcome on the program. Hillel's program will provide opportunities for participants to celebrate Jewish life together, though you will not be required to join in organized religious activities. In order to be as inclusive as possible, kosher food will be served and no travel will be required on Shabbat.
What is the cost of the program?
The program costs $200/person plus a flight to and from the local airport.
Participation and Eligibility
Who else will be going on these trips?
Young adults from campuses and communities from across North America will participate in Hillel's program. Please check back in Fall 2010 for an updated list of participating campuses.
If I apply, am I automatically accepted into the program?
Your online application is the first step in the process, after which you will be contacted by a Hillel professional for a phone interview. The interview will acquaint you with the details of the program. We expect that the majority of individuals will qualify for the program.
Where do I apply? Do I have to submit my application on line?
All applications must be submitted on line. Registration information is not yet available.
Who decides whether or not I am accepted? When do I find out if I am accepted?
Hillel and the Jewish Farm School will review the applications, conduct the phone interviews and make the final decisions.
Will my $200 be refunded if I am not accepted?
Students not accepted to the program will be reimbursed the $200 fee after the Organic Farm Alternative Break program is over.
What is the $200 for?
The $200 program fee is used to secure program sites, accommodations, food, transportation, and tools.
Travel and Logistical Arrangements
Before the Trip
How much luggage can I bring? Is there a limit to the size of my bags?
One bag will suffice. The accommodations are basic and will not fit excessive luggage. Please see the packing list to get an idea of how much to pack.
What should I pack?
Packing List (PDF File 12.8Kb)
[Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher.]
What happens when I arrive at the airport?
You and your Hillel have to coordinate your ride to and from the farm to the airport. Please contact your Hillel representative.
During the Trip
What is the work like?
Participants will learn a wide range of skills in sustainable and organic agriculture such as planting, harvesting, natural building and composting.
Do I need to have any prior experience in a garden or on a farm?
No! All levels of experience are welcome--all skills will be taught on site.
What are the housing accommodations like?
The accommodations are dorm style, bunk beds with communal bathrooms.
Are there any expenses while on the trip that I am responsible for?
There are no foreseeable expenses while on the trip.
What if I get sick? Do I need my own health insurance?
If you get sick during the break, doctors and hospitals are available. It is necessary to have your own health insurance. Please see the application for details on health insurance.
What happens in case of emergency?
Participants will be provided in advance with emergency contact information.
Programs, Meals and Free Time
Where is the program taking place this year?
Different farms across the country.
What are the dates for the program?
Please check with your campus Hillel to see if and when they are participating in the Organic Farm Alternative Break.
Who is providing the work for us?
The Jewish Farm School is partnering with the farmers at each location to develop projects and education.
What will the meals be like?
The meals will be kosher and vegetarian. They will utilize the produce of the host farm.
What does a typical day look like?
Each of the days on the farm will include two work project blocks each day, totaling a minimum of six hours. There will also be two educational sessions a day, one after lunch, and the second in the evening.
What happens on Shabbat?
Shabbat is observed as a community beginning at sunset on Friday and lasting until sunset on Saturday. There are many options ranging from traditional prayer to yoga to drum circles. No work project is scheduled on Saturday but students should be creative in designing to reflect their Shabbat interests.