2022 Hakhel Israel Summit

Over 8 days we will explore together the world of Israeli intentional communities, established since the 1980s, glean from their experience, develop connections, and take back with us invaluable inspiration and tools to amplify our communal work back home.

The May Israel Trip/Summit will begin on Monday morning, May 9th, and will conclude on Sunday afternoon, May 15th. The trip will be divided into 4 full days of touring (May 9th-12th) followed by a Hakhel Conference for communities from around the word for an immersive weekend experience (May 12th-May 15th) with an optional add on day for community leaders.

As noted above the trip will take you inside the world of intentional communities in Israel as you hear from people from across the religious/political/ethnic divide in Israel. From Ethiopian and religious to secular and Druze, we will explore what it means to be an intentional community in Israel, what problems they are addressing and what is their vision for the future of Israel.

On Thursday, May 12th, all of the trips will meet up at Maale Hachamisha, located in the Jerusalem hills, for an incredible conference celebrating Jewish intentional communities from around the world.

We will delve into the 5 pillars of Hakhel (community building, leadership, JOFEE, Jewish learning and Israel-Diaspora connection), as well as envision and strategize together how Hakhel should look like in the upcoming Shmita cycle (2023-2030).

Here is the basic structure of the conference:
Monday-Thursday: Israel trips.
Thursday night: Exploring our global network.
Friday: Professional training (Community building, leadership and more).
Shabbat: Shabbat experience & Israel-Diaspora connection.
Sunday: Envisioning and strategizing the Shmita cycle of Hakhel.

*PLEASE NOTE, we have very limited spaces in the Israel Summit and we want to ensure that the attendance is as diverse and global as possible. Completing this registration form is the first step in the process. We will accept participants on a rolling basis. The sooner you register the better, don’t wait until the last minute. REGISTRATION DOES NOT MEAN ACCEPTANCE- PLEASE WAIT TO BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A FINAL CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM HAKHEL.

Please note: according to Israeli regulations, (things are changing rapidly and we will update with new regulations as they come out).You do not need to be vaccinated in order to enter the country but everyone must, test negative before the flight, and take another test at the airport in Israel. Upon leaving the airport you quarantine until you get your test results (usually within 24 hours).

If, G-d forbid, it’s positive you will have to remain in quarantine and not attend our trip. (Hakhel staff will support you in finding suitable accommodation for the duration of your quarantine). Click here for the most up to date regulations re entry to Israel in the COVID era.

Given the timeline of these rules, you need to arrive in Israel by Sunday, May 8, in order to get tested and receive your results before the trip starts on Monday morning. If you arrive a few days earlier, and need assistance to find accommodation, do let us know.

IMPORTANT: Hakhel can reimburse flights only for people who actually arrive in Israel AND fully participate in the trip. Registering alone does not guarantee your flight will be reimbursed.

You will receive reimbursement for your flight based on attending the entire weeklong experience. The reimbursements will be done following the trip together with your advisor and based on the following amount depending on where you are flying from. The amounts are based on the average cost of the flight. Please keep in mind, the program will start at 12:00pm on Monday, May 9th from Ben Gurion Airport and your flight should be no earlier than 3:00pm on Sunday, May 15th.

Flights from:

NYC – $800

San Francisco – $845

Los Angeles – $800

Buenos Aires – $1,500

Sydney (and Melbourne) – $1,250

Paris (and Western/Central Europe) – $275

The last two years taught us what uncertainty really means. Please make sure you book a refundable or transferable flight, or purchase a travel insurance that covers flight cancellations due to Covid restrictions (that might be in place either at your homeland or in Israel). Please be in touch with Gabe Axler (gabe.axler@hazon.org) before booking your flight to confirm.

To register for the trip, please fill out the following form.