This summer, Yachad (a division of the Orthodox Union) ran its epic annual Yad B’Yad program, creating an incredible community where teens with and without disabilities came together for five weeks for an adventure-filled, spiritually uplifting experience in Israel.
Yachad helps individuals with intellectual, developmental and learning disabilities participate more fully in the community, via social, recreational, educational and vocational programs in 10 regions across the United States, Israel and Canada. Yad B’Yad is its one-of-a-kind summer program experience.
Whether hiking the stunning landscapes of Israel, singing under the stars or bonding over shared interests, every moment was infused with energy, purpose and a profound sense of belonging. Participants pushed themselves to new heights, forged lifelong connections and embraced their diverse interests and capabilities.
The ruach was palpable throughout, as participants supported one another and created memories that will last a lifetime. From water activities to thought-provoking discussions, the Yad B’Yad experience empowered each individual to grow in remarkable ways.
Some highlights included waking up in Bedouin tents, camel riding, rock climbing, ziplining and rappelling. The trip was infused with spirituality and staff-led learning programs, chaburahs and shiurim. Participants traveled via the “Bus Beis,” which was packed with sefarim (Jewish books) facilitating learning both independently and by chevrutah, with a friend, everywhere they went. Volunteering was also a focus of the trip, and the group packaged food for the needy, cleaned up national parks, and visited older adults.
The personal transformations and unbreakable bonds formed this summer are a testament to the magic that happens when we come together b’yachad, celebrating and supporting everyone. The Yad B’Yad community returned home inspired, empowered and forever changed with new friends and leadership skills.
As one Yad B’Yad parent put it, “What an incredible, fun and meaningful summer! Thank you thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to make this happen and give our kids such an amazing and impactful experience!”
Another parent said, “The connections forged and deep meaningful self-reflection my son experienced is nothing I ever expected. He feels so tethered to all the kids on the program and is so grateful for the opportunity. Everything was so well executed, so intentional, and simply so perfect. We are grateful for his experience, the staff’s energy and hard work, and most of all for being a springboard for positive change in his development as a teenager.”
Participants are already counting down until their Simchat Torah reunion and getting excited to bring back all that Yad B’Yad taught them to their schools, shuls, and communities. They are eager to get involved in Yachad’s year-round Shabbatons, events, and special programs.
See the full schedule of national and international Yachad events at yachad.org/events. Registration for Yad B’Yad 2025 is at yachad.org/yby/pre-register/.
