Alternative Break

JNF’s Alternative Break (AB) provides Jewish college students, graduate students and young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 with the opportunity to connect to the land and people of Israel through meaningful acts of tikkun olam (community service). It is designed for people who have already toured Israel on past trips and are now prepared to involve themselves in community service and give back to Israel. 

Since 2006, over 1,000 participants have had an amazing time on Alternative Winter and Spring Break trips while experiencing what the early pioneers of Israel did: building the land of Israel. In 2007, the trip was featured on MTV’s The Amazing Break.

Answering the needs of the Jewish homeland, JNF will send 300 people to volunteer in Israel during their spring and winter breaks to help with JNF's Blueprint Negev and Operation Carmel Renewal initiatives. Days will be filled with hard but fulfilling work, and nights with entertainment, music, and fun. The groups will also interact with the people they are helping and hear from environmental experts and scholars to better understand the complexities of the region.

A significant part of the AB program is the educational curriculum, designed to complement the service work by providing an opportunity to explore Jewish insights and personal reflections on the service experience.  Time is set aside each day for discussion, reflection and learning.

AB is a great way for American students and young adults to return to Israel and participate in a unique program that will transform their personal connection to Israel and JNF.

JNF will take the first 300 participants who reach the fundraising minimum. There are a limited number of tickets for each trip, and we close specific dates when they are no longer available. Once we have filled, we will post it prominently on our website and close registration so that you are not able to sign up for the trip.