Your next chapter could take you to Israel.
What if the next stage of your life became one of the most meaningful?
You’ve spent years building skills, gaining experience, making connections and finding solutions. You have knowledge to share, energy to contribute and perhaps a growing desire to do something different.
Shnat Sherut 50 Plus invites adults aged 50 and over from around the world to spend 11 months living and volunteering in Israel, bringing their experience to communities where it can make a real difference.
It’s an opportunity to discover a different side of Israel, build lasting friendships, become part of a community and find new purpose in everything you’ve already learned.
Not simply a year abroad. A year that matters.
YOUR EXPERIENCE. THEIR FUTURE. A SHARED JOURNEY.
Make a difference where it matters.
Across Israel, communities are rebuilding, growing and facing new challenges. Alongside the need for resources and infrastructure, there is an equally important need for people: individuals who can share their knowledge, offer support, build relationships and help communities move forward.
That’s where you come in.
Our volunteers contribute their professional expertise, life experience and personal strengths in areas including education, English language learning, community development, health, welfare and mentoring.
Whether you’ve worked in business, education, healthcare, technology, the arts, community organisations or another field entirely, your experience could make a valuable contribution.
We work closely with local communities to identify genuine needs and match volunteers with opportunities that reflect their skills, interests and abilities.
MORE THAN VOLUNTEERING. A DIFFERENT WAY TO EXPERIENCE ISRAEL.
Don’t just visit Israel. Become part of it.
Imagine living in an Israeli community, getting to know your neighbours, sharing everyday experiences and contributing to the place you temporarily call home.
Shnat Sherut 50 Plus is not a conventional volunteer holiday. It’s an immersive experience that gives you the opportunity to develop real connections with people and places.
You’ll experience the rhythms of daily life, learn about the challenges and strengths of local communities, and become part of the shared effort to build a stronger future.
And you’ll be doing it alongside other people who, like you, believe that life still has plenty of possibilities to offer.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE. DISCOVER NEW POSSIBILITIES.
A shared experience, a new community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Shnat Sherut 50 Plus is the people you’ll meet along the way.
You’ll join a group of volunteers from different backgrounds, bringing different skills, perspectives and life stories, but united by a shared commitment to making a difference.
Through group activities, learning opportunities, informal gatherings and everyday experiences, you’ll build friendships and connections that can last well beyond your time in Israel.
There will be challenges, discoveries, laughter and moments you’ll remember for years to come.
For some, this is a chance to reconnect with Israel. For others, it’s a completely new experience. For everyone, it’s an opportunity to explore what comes next.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Everything you need to make your year meaningful.
8-10 months in Israel
Our residential volunteer program runs for approximately 8-10 months, with the next intake beginning in September 2027.
Meaningful volunteering
You’ll undertake approximately 24 hours of structured volunteering each week, with additional opportunities to participate informally in community life.
Accommodation provided
Housing and utilities are provided by the host local authority, allowing you to live within or close to the community where you volunteer.
Monthly stipend
You’ll receive a modest monthly allowance of NIS 600 to contribute towards personal expenses.
A supportive group environment
You’ll be part of a local volunteer group, with opportunities for shared activities, learning, reflection and friendship.
Guidance throughout your journey
From orientation to ongoing support, our team will be there to help you settle in, navigate your placement and make the most of your experience.
IS THIS YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?
You have more to offer than you think.
You might be retired, approaching retirement, taking a career break or simply looking for a different way to spend the next chapter of your life.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to spend an extended period in Israel. Perhaps you’re looking for something more purposeful than another holiday. Or perhaps you’re ready to use your experience in a way that feels fresh, challenging and rewarding.
You don’t need to have all the answers or a perfectly mapped-out plan.
What matters is that you’re willing to contribute, open to new experiences, adaptable and genuinely interested in becoming part of a community.
We welcome enquiries from adults aged 50 and over with a wide range of skills, professional backgrounds and life experiences.
GREAT IDEAS DON’T RETIRE. THEY FIND NEW PURPOSE.
The experience you’ve gained over a lifetime still has enormous value. So does your curiosity, your energy and your ability to connect with others.
What if you could put all of that to work in Israel, alongside people who share your commitment to making a difference?
Our next volunteer intake begins in September 2027.
We’d love to hear your story and explore what you could bring to Shnat Sherut 50 Plus.
Have questions? Contact Jane Levy at jane@elul.org.il
Your experience matters. Your next adventure awaits.
Why This Program Is Different
At this stage of life, you bring something deeply valuable.
Experience, perspective, and the ability to make a real impact.
This program is designed for people who:
- Are looking for meaning and purpose in their next chapter
- Want to give back in a way that is both personal and impactful
- Feel a connection to Israel and want to stand alongside its communities
- Are open to new experiences, relationships, and learning
What You Will Be Doing
Volunteers take part in ongoing, real community needs, with a strong focus on English language support.
- You will:
- Work with students in schools and community settings
- Support small groups or one on one learning
- Strengthen existing local initiatives
- Take part in everyday community life
- Time commitment: approximately 18 to 24 hours per week
- You will also have time to explore, rest, and enjoy life in Israel.
Where and How You Will Live
- Private room within a local community
- Integration into daily life, not separate volunteer housing
- Warm connections through local families and community members
- A supportive group of fellow participants nearby
- You will not be alone, but you will have your own space
Support Along the Way
We understand that coming to Israel for an extended period is a big step.
The program includes:
- A full orientation week upon arrival
- Ongoing guidance and a dedicated facilitator
- Weekly group sessions for reflection, learning, and connection
- A cohort of Israeli and international participants
Hebrew learning support is provided before arrival and throughout the program, helping you feel more confident and connected in daily life.
Why Now
Communities in Israel are not only rebuilding. They are looking for people.
People who bring:
- Stability
- Experience
- A willingness to show up and be present
Your presence matters.
Not only what you do, but the fact that you are there.
Who This Is For
- Adults aged 50 and above
- Living outside of Israel
- With or without Israeli citizenship or residency
Basic Hebrew is required.
What matters more is openness, flexibility, and a genuine desire to take part.
Join a Moment That Matters
This is more than a program.
It is an opportunity to:
- Live a meaningful chapter in Israel
- Form lasting relationships
- Be part of something larger than yourself
If you have been waiting for the right time to come, this may be it.
Questions and Answers
Do I need to speak Hebrew?
Basic Hebrew is required. Support is provided before arrival and throughout the program to help you engage more comfortably in daily life.
Where exactly will I live?
Participants live within communities in Israel, in a private room. The exact location is determined based on program needs and participant fit.
What are the living conditions like?
You will have your own private space within a community setting. The goal is to balance independence with meaningful integration into daily life.
Is it safe?
Participant safety is a top priority. The program operates in coordination with local authorities and only in areas where it is appropriate to host participants.
How much time will I be volunteering?
Approximately 18 to 24 hours per week. The rest of your time is free for personal activities, travel, and rest.
Will I be alone?
No. You will be part of a cohort of peers, along with Israeli participants, and supported by a facilitator throughout the program.
Is there an age limit?
The program is designed for adults aged 50 and above.
What costs are involved?
Accommodation and program support are included. Additional details about costs and personal expenses are provided during the application process.
What happens about Healthcare?
Volunteers joining the program will need to take out their own private health insurance. This insurance provides access to the Israeli healthcare system and the cost is determined based on personal circumstances and pre-existing conditions. Please contact Jane Levy via email jane@elul.org.il for further information.
What Next
Stage A – Register on the website and complete the Stage A questionnaire (with a link)
Stage B – Zoom interview
Stage C – Complete the Stage B questionnaire and sign the contract
Stage D – Opening seminar (September 2027)
Join the Journey
This is not just a program.
It is a chance to step into a moment that matters, to stand alongside communities in a time of rebuilding,
and to take part in a shared effort of renewal and growth.
Applications / expressions of interest are now open.
👉 Contact: Jane Levy, jane@elul.org.il
Places are limited and allocated based on fit and timing.
