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. There will be 30 people maximum on each break (60 people total over two weeks).

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.Applications will go live March 17, 2008. Please check back on this website for the application.

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 if I am unable to participate at the last minute, and the deadline to cancel has passed?
The cancellation policy states that all cancellations must be made in writing by midnight E.S.T. on May 2, 2008 and emailed to aborganic@hillel.org. You will receive written confirmation of your cancellation by return email. A $25 cancellation fee will be charged for all cancellations received by midnight E.S.T. on May 2, 2008. All cancellations received after May 2, 2008 will not receive a refund.

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)

[Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher.]  

What happens when I arrive at the airport?
When you arrive at the airport there will be a meeting place that will be communicated to you once you are accepted to the program. Please get your baggage and go to the assigned meeting place and look for a Hillel representative. There you will check in with a staff member. Transportation from the airport to the accommodation is already arranged.

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?
Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center close to Baltimore, MD and Oz Farm in Northern California.

What are the dates for the program?
June 11-18 Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center
June 24-July 1 Oz Farm, CA

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.