My name is Camila Barmaymon and I want to tell you a little about my experience at Aardvark Israel. I had the pleasure of participating in Spring Semester 2022 and then going to Camp NJY in Pennsylvania, United States. At the beginning of the year I was a little nervous …
My name is Mayra Yohai, but I go by May. I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I went to an art school who calls Aula 21. I chose to do a Gap Year because I wanted to know what my life would be like in another country, I wanted to …
In this week’s Torah portion, we read of the many sacrifices that G-d commanded the Jewish people to offer in the Holy Temple. One might ask, what need does He have for these offerings? Does the Almighty feed on animals? We can see G-d’s response to this preposterous claim in …
My name is Josh Hanison, I am from London and I studied at JFS school. Having visited Israel with my school five years ago I knew I wanted to come back to further my experiences and connection with the country. Taking a gap year on the Aardvark programme has given …
In addition to the weekly Torah reading, this Shabbat we read Parshat HaChodesh. In it, we recount the first commandment given to the nation of Israel; the sanctification of the new moon. Even before the exodus and the giving of the Torah, G-d commanded the nation to pay attention to …
Shalom Parents, Students, Partners, and Staff, The semester has officially started and is now in session! In our biggest year ever, with six communities, nearly 340 students came to Israel from all over the world – Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, …
“My name is Karel Ohana. I am French but grew up in London, where I went to North London Collegiate School. I am currently interning at the Moshe Dayan Centre for Middle Eastern and African Studies, where I am learning about Israel’s relations with the Middle East. To me, women’s …
My name is Audra Rachel Rosenzweig. I’m originally from the US, but I grew up in Singapore. I went to the United World College of Southeast Asia. I chose to go on a gap year because I wanted to learn how to live on my own before going off to …
This week we read the Torah portion of Ki Tisa. Prior to Moses’ ascent to Mount Sinai, he told the nation that he would be gone for forty days. Unfortunately, there was a rather significant misunderstanding. The Jewish people were uncertain when the count should begin. Does that day count …
My name is Ilan Yair Wimpfheimer and I was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey. I went to The Frisch School and I chose to go on a gap year to learn more about my Jewish origins and to step out of my comfort zone. I ultimately came across …
This coming week we celebrate the festival of Purim. 2,500 years ago, while exiled and living under the rule of the Persian Empire, a cruel anti-Semite named Haman rose to a position of power. With his newfound power, he attempted to genocide the entire Jewish population. From the brink of …
This week we read the Torah portion of Terumah. Following the epic Giving of the Torah, the Children of Israel were commanded to construct the Tabernacle. By following the instructions and building the Tabernacle according to G-d’s specifications, G-d promises, vshachanti b’tocham – “I will dwell in them.” There seems …
My name is Gina Shankman, I am from South Africa, specifically Johannesburg. I went to school at King David Linksfield High school. I was always hesitant to take a gap year and never really wanted to but I knew I needed to as I wanted to meet new people, make …
Flying inside of Israel is a great way to get around the country quickly and easily. With two major airports, Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and Ovda International Airport in Eilat, travelers can get to their destination with ease. Planes are the most common form of transportation for …
My name is Linda Hannah Rhoads and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I’ve lived in Texas my whole life and I attended a school called Yavneh Academy of Dallas. My whole life I’ve always known I wanted to take a gap year in Israel, so my parents spent a lot of …
This week we read the Torah portion of Mishpatim. Following the giving of the Ten Commandments in last week’s portion, the Torah proceeds to explain many monetary laws. One law deals with the Jewish slave. The Torah states, “Should you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall work [for] six years, …
My name is Raphael Leo Leon, but I usually just go by Raphi. Given the fact that from 11-18, I went to a school called City of London School, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that I am from London, where I have lived my whole life. And yes, …
In this week’s Torah portion, we read of the epic giving of the Ten Commandments. We must ask the question; why is it that the Torah portion in which the Torah itself is given to the Jewish nation, is named after Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law? Yitro was an advisor to the …
Have you ever wanted to explore the South of Israel? From the desert of Ein Gedi to the beaches of Eilat and from the historical Masada to the salty waters of Dead Sea, this region is filled with plenty of activities and attractions that will make your gap year unforgettable. …
Are you considering taking a gap year in Israel? If so, you should consider traveling to the North of Israel! With its beautiful landscapes, unique culture and rich history, the North of Israel is a great place for a gap year adventure. From exploring ancient ruins to enjoying the Mediterranean …
