This October, English speakers already living in Israel are invited to join a unique new English-speaking track within the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program alongside participants arriving from around the world.
Volunteers relocate together for a year of meaningful service in communities across Israel’s south and north, becoming part of a shared English-speaking cohort within the wider Israeli program.
This is not occasional volunteering.
It is a structured, immersive experience built around community, contribution, and connection.
Participants live together, volunteer together, learn together, and become part of communities working to rebuild, strengthen, and grow following the events of October 7 and the ongoing challenges facing these regions.
A Different Kind of Volunteer Experience
Shnat Sherut 50 Plus was created around a simple belief:
Experience matters.
Communities often need more than short-term volunteers. They need mature, skilled people who can offer continuity, perspective, calm, and practical support over time.
The program brings together adults aged 50+ who are ready to dedicate a meaningful chapter of their lives to service, community engagement, and shared purpose.
Participants contribute in areas such as education, English language support, community resilience, informal education, welfare services, arts and culture, agriculture, mentoring, and local initiatives shaped by community needs.
At the same time, the program creates a strong group experience. Volunteers become part of a supportive cohort of people navigating a meaningful new stage of life together.
For English Speakers Already Living in Israel
This track has been designed specifically for English speakers who already live in Israel and want to take part fully in the program experience.
Participants relocate to the host communities and join all aspects of the program, including:
- Volunteer placements
- Group living
- Learning and reflection sessions
- Community activities
- Shared cohort experiences
The October 2026 cohort will also include English-speaking volunteers arriving from overseas, creating an international English-speaking community connected through shared service and shared purpose.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to English speakers aged 50+ living in Israel who:
- Want to make a meaningful contribution
- Are ready for a new and purposeful experience
- Enjoy working with people and communities
- Bring professional skills, life experience, or practical knowledge
- Value community, learning, and shared experience
- Are able to commit to a year-long program
People from many different backgrounds are welcome, including educators, healthcare professionals, social workers, creatives, administrators, business professionals, retirees, semi-retirees, and community-minded individuals looking for a meaningful next chapter.
No previous volunteering experience is required.
Program Structure
Participants relocate to host communities for the duration of the program.
The program includes:
- Accommodation within the community
- Structured volunteer placements
- Ongoing learning and group sessions
- Community-building activities
- Support and guidance throughout the year
Volunteers contribute approximately 18–24 hours per week in their placements, alongside wider community participation and group activities.
The program begins in October 2026.
About Elul
Elul was founded in 1989 and works to strengthen and deepen open, pluralistic Jewish-Israeli identity through learning, dialogue, and community engagement.
Following October 7, Elul adopted and developed the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus initiative as part of its commitment to strengthening Israeli communities and civil society.
In 2026, the program received the President’s Volunteer Award in recognition of its contribution to Israeli society.
Interested in Joining?
Applications for the October 2026 cohort are now open.
To receive further information or express interest, please contact: ronit@elul.org.il
