Aminadav is an

Israel Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in West Asia. It Borders of Israel, shares borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the north-east, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the south-west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Isr ...

-based non-profit organization which supports army-age religious women in Israel who have chosen to do national service (

sherut leumi Sherut Leumi (, ) is an alternative voluntary form of national service in Israel, as opposed to the mandatory military conscription prevalent in the country. It is designed for individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for service in ...

) instead of serving in the army. It is one of six organizations through which it is possible to sign up for service. There is a seventh organization, the Society for Social Equality and National Service, which serves the Arab population of Israel.

History

Aminadav was founded in 1990 as a means to place young women who have received army exemptions in volunteer positions throughout Israel. Instead of serving their country as soldiers, they serve as volunteers in welfare settings such as old age homes, schools and hospitals. The women commit to working full-time for between one and two years. Aminadav represents and promotes the philosophy of

religious Zionism Religious Zionism () is a religious denomination that views Zionism as a fundamental component of Orthodox Judaism. Its adherents are also referred to as ''Dati Leumi'' (), and in Israel, they are most commonly known by the plural form of the fi ...

, including improving social welfare institutions in Israel, community involvement in Israeli society, and unity. There are 35 coordinators found in every major city or region in Israel. Each coordinator takes responsibility for about 40 volunteers throughout their one or two years of service. There is also a national coordinator serving the 35 regional coordinators.

Services

The regional coordinators offer the girls weekly group meetings as well as individualized counseling. Lectures and workshops cover religious issues or other issues. Aminadav also provides its volunteers with housing nearby to their volunteer jobs. Monthly stipends are also provided to cover meals and travel expenses. There are quarterly full-day seminars which offer professional enrichment workshops. Once a year the volunteers are taken on a weekend getaway as a way to say thank you for their service. Representatives from Aminadav visit high schools throughout Israel to explain the benefits of national service and the options available for job placement.

References

{{Women in Judaism Organizations established in 1990 Jewish organizations based in Israel Charities based in Israel Women's organizations based in Israel Jewish women's organizations 1990 establishments in Israel Religious Zionist organizations