On Sunday we started our cooking club with Chaya the madricha. We learned to prepare two kinds of lasagna Celeste Williams said that making lasagna with her friends was the highlight of her day., On Tuesday we headed north for an overnight trip with all of Aardvark. We woke up early in …
Hi, my name is Alex Kaufman.I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I decided to take a gap year because my parents and I felt that it would be a good opportunity for me to take some time and learn how to live independently before college. I am doing the core Aardvark …
Shalom Parents! The middle of November is here and its finally starting to feel like winter here. The skies are gray more often and the warm clothing is unpacked from the back of the closet. On Sunday, during our weekly apartment meeting, the madrichim brought crowns for each student. Inside …
Dear parents, This week at Aardvark, we worked introducing our students to Israeli politics. Here are a few of the activities they participated in: We started the week by teaching apartments #6 and #7 how to make pizza. Turns out they are pretty good cooks. The pizza was delicious. Its …
If you’re spending your gap year with Aardvark in Tel Aviv you’ll have plenty of time to explore the old city of Jaffa and even if you are based in Jerusalem there should still be plenty of time to visit and discover its hidden delights. Jaffa is an ancient port …
Tel Aviv November 10, 2016 Shalom Parents! Another great week on Aardvark is coming to an end, and as always, I have many experiences, pictures and stories to share. Find yourself a comfortable spot (couch is preferable) and we’ll be ready to start. On Sunday the students had their weekly …
There is plenty to do in Jerusalem and enough variety to keep you busy throughout your gap year. However, a few times a year there are various different festivals which are really worth making the effort to visit. Each year at the beginning of the summer the Jerusalem Light Festival …
Hi, my name is Ashley Amaltov. I grew up in Fort Lee, NJ and attended a Jewish high school in Manhattan, NY. I decided to take a gap year after finally visiting Israel for the first time this past May. I instantly fell in love as my brother showed me …
Being a somewhat out the way country in the Middle East many will assume that Israel is behind the latest fashions of Europe and America. However, while the fashions in Israel may not always entirely match up with other parts of the world, there is certainly a vibrant scene for …
While Tel Aviv is mainly known for its vibrant nightlife, its café and bar culture and its bustling beaches and streets, sometimes you may want to escape the crowds and settle down with a good book. Luckily, there are many places which offer the quiet and solitude needed while still …
Dear Parents, Last week was an eventful one here at Aardvark. Here is a breakdown of some of the amazing stuff we did. On Monday we had the annual MASA Mega-event. All the gap year students around Israel got together for an incredible happening full of food, friends and performers. …
Shalom Parents! On Monday evening, we all went to the MASA cultural event. It is a huge event taking place in the International Convention Center in Jerusalem – one of the biggest buildings in Jerusalem. The entire Masa community is invited to this event, International Israeli artists went on the stage …
My name is Joshua Carr, I am 18 years old, from Manchester, England. I decided to take a gap year as I feel this is a great opportunity to grow as a person, learn how to become independent as well as take a year off between school and university. I …
Dear Parents, I hope your week was as eventful and as much fun as ours! The biggest highlight of our week was our annual 3-day Ketura Seminar. On Tuesday morning, bright and early at 6:00 am, we departed for Kibbutz Ketura which is located in southern Israel in the Arava …
Shalom Parents! It is great to be back again I hope your holidays were relaxing and meaningful. Here are some of are highlights for the week – things were over the top here and there is plenty I want to share so make sure you are sitting comfortable. Simhat Torah is one …
Dear Parents, Mo’adim L’simcha! It seems that this year that October is full of holidays.At Aardvark we are busy, though also stuffed from yummy holiday meals! Here are some of the highlights of the week: Earlier this week all the students participated to build our gorgeous sukkah. It was amazing …
Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. As you explore the streets of both the new and old city you will come across countless stunning buildings, greenery and lovely views. However, often it is hard to get the best vantage point on street level and this is …
Shalom Parents, This week was a very special week due to Yom Kippur, as some of you know there is a different atmosphere in Israel than anywhere else in the world during Yom Kippur. Conversations about what is the best way to get past the fast are heard everywhere. Kids bother …
Dear Parents, Happy New Year and we hope you all had an easy and meaningful Yom Kippur. This week, in honor of the new year, we helped the kids turn their eyes within. At this time of the year, during the holidays, we asked the students to reflect their time …
Hidden right in the centre of Jerusalem is Yemin Moshe, one of the most beautiful and peaceful neighbourhoods in the entire city. The neighbourhood was built in the 1890’s by Moses Montefiore and the original stone buildings are mostly still there. The first few houses to be built were called …
