The organization currently operates in 24 communities throughout North America. It is run by the alumni and involves get-togethers, the celebration of Holidays, hikes, community service, talks, and the like. After preparing in pairs, the students convene with a teacher to discuss the issues, problems and ideas raised by the texts. Pardes seeks to give students the skills for in-depth Jewish learning and to encourage students to grapple with the relevance of ancient texts to the modern world. Trips around Jerusalem and the rest of the country give students a chance to explore places, ground their learning in a broader historical and geographical context, and develop a relationship with the land of Israel.
Students devote one afternoon each week to volunteer work with disadvantaged children and adults.
With the belief that Jewish learning should not be limited to the realm of text alone, the program includes classes in artistic expression, community Shabbat activities and informal programs. While Otzma offers an extraordinary year of growth, discovery, adventure and friendship, it also demands hard work and commitment. Otzma is a 10 month program. For the first three months, volunteers live and work in large groups on a kibbutz. For the next three months, Otzma participants have the opportunity to live and work in small groups in a local community or neighborhood.