The SEC’s Hamsa Teens program offers teens a once-in-a-lifetime Israel experience!
The SEC Hamsa journey will take participants all across Israel, where they will visit museums like Yad Vashem & Ammunition Hill, and landmarks including Masada, the Jordan River and Mount Bental. A taste of spirituality at Israel's holy sites, Shabbats in Jerusalem's Old City and tours of historic Safed foster a unique connection to Jewish identity.
In between the exciting adventures, Hamsa participants gain priceless insights through the lens of education. They will visit Machon Tzomet - the Institute for Halakha & Technology - learning about cutting edge innovations and their role within Jewish Law.
Meeting with Holocaust survivors and IDF Hero Avigdor Kahalani is another privilege Hamsa proudly offers. Visits to organizations like the Nachalat Eran Rehabilitation Village for Disabled Children and Adults leave an especially lasting impression, exposing participants to all the amazing facilities these organizations provide for persons with special needs.
The SEC strongly advocates acts of charity and community service, which is why we are so happy that Hamsa participants have the opportunity to volunteer at Israel's National Food Bank. This past year’s group was successful in packing 2 full crates of beets (900 pounds), which feeds over 400 needy families!
Hamsa is led by an expert staff that cares for their every need, providing each participant with personal attention. Their priority is to create a collective group experience that bonds the group as a family. Most importantly, Hamsa teens are hosted at the SEC's Sephardic House, a place known to build lasting memories & friendships!
PARENTS Rinah and Michael Benoliel, Seattle
“It is incredibly meaningful to us that our children have the opportunity to go on a journey to Israel that shares and reflects our values and lifestyle, and that also brings the FUN! Anna is our second child to experience the SEC Hamsa trip and it had a huge impact on her. We cannot wait for Joe to go in just a few short years!”
HAMSA PARTICIPANT Jakey Kahtan, Los Angeles
“I want to thank you so much for planning such an amazing and wonderful trip. I have been looking forward to Hamsa for 2 years, ever since my brothers got back from the same trip and said it was the best trip they had ever gone on. Thank you so much for providing me with the best experience in Israel I could ever ask for. The new friendships I made will last a lifetime, and the next time I go to Israel with my family I am going to be able to show them everything I saw. I would recommend this trip to anyone thinking about going on a teen Israel trip, I will definitely spread the word about SEC Hamsa! Again Thank you again for planning such an amazing trip that gave me such great experiences and wonderful new friends. Hamsa is something I will never forget.”
HAMSA PARTICIPANT Hannah Benji, Los Angeles
“I would like to thank Rabbi and Peni, and the SEC, for this amazing Hamsa Israel trip. I learned so much throughout the three and a half weeks we were together. I learned about Israel, its fascinating history and its complex yet amazing society. Ultimately, I learned that in 3 short weeks, 16 kids and 5 staff members can become a family. Our amazing staff of Rabbi, Peni and our counselors all taught me to never give up on something I believe in, even if it is challenging. This really is a lesson I will be able to take with me throughout the rest of my life. This was a trip I will never forget. Thank you so much!”