Blog - Aardvark Israel Gap Year Program

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Parshat Mishpatim

February 14, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

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, ...

Student of the Week – Raphael Leo Leon

February 9, 2023 Student of the Week

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, ...

Parshat Yitro

February 9, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

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 ...

Traveling to the South of Israel

February 7, 2023 The Uniqueness of Israel

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. ...

Traveling to the North of Israel

February 7, 2023 The Uniqueness of Israel

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 ...

Student of the Week – Anna Felicia Hirsch

February 2, 2023 Student of the Week

My name is Anna Felicia Hirsch (חנה) I was born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida. I went to school at RASG Hebrew Academy for 12 years of my life. I chose to go on a gap year specifically at Aardvark Israel because they provided everything I have always wanted; ...

Parshat Beshalach

February 2, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

In this week’s Torah reading, Pharaoh finally lets the Jewish people leave Egypt following the final plague.. Almost immediately, he regrets his decision and pursues them with a large army. At this point, the wondrous separation of the Reed Sea occurs. The Jewish people make it across before the walls ...

Student of the Week – Katherine Alexandra Ruf

January 26, 2023 Student of the Week

My name is Katherine Alexandra Ruf, but I go by Alex. I am from Quito, Ecuador, where I was born and raised until I was 17. I went to an American International school, called Academia Cotopaxi. At 17, I moved to Maryland, USA on my own, to finish High School. ...

Parshat Bo

January 23, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

In this week’s Torah portion, we read of the final three plagues to afflict Egypt prior to the Jewish exodus. Regarding the plague of darkness the Torah states: “So Moses stretched forth his hand toward the heavens, and there was thick darkness over the entire land of Egypt for three ...

Student of the Week – Dalia Kornmehl

January 18, 2023 Student of the Week

My name is Dalia, I am Dutch and American, as I was born in New York City where I lived until I was four. When my family moved back to Amsterdam I went to school there, most recently at Maimonides high school. I heard of Aardvark from some close friends ...

The Aardvark Monthly – December 2022 – What a wonderful way to end the Fall semester!

January 10, 2023 Aardvark Israel Monthly

Shalom Parents, Students, Partners, and Staff, December was the last month of the fall semester and trust us, a lot happened in just one month. We said goodbye to some of our students and ‘See you soon’ to most of our students, who went on their winter break and will ...

Gap year in Israel coming from Canada

January 10, 2023 The Uniqueness of Israel

A gap year in Israel is a great opportunity to explore a new culture and expand your horizons. For Canadians, it is an amazing way to get out of their comfort zone and experience something completely different. (https://thehubmiddletown.com) Whether you are looking for adventure, physical fitness, or spiritual growth, Israel ...

Fitness in Israel

January 3, 2023 The Uniqueness of Israel

Israel is a country that is always on the go. Israelis are always looking for new ways to stay active, and they take the utmost care of their bodies. Israelis are not only committed to staying healthy but also to staying fit and strong. There are many fitness centers in ...

Weekly Updates – December 29, 2022

December 29, 2022 Weekly Updates

Shalom Parents and Students! This is it, this is the last newsletter of the semester! And we are sure you are sad as we are, but at the same time, proud of our students for their great accomplishments, and excited for the new adventures to come. How did the last ...

Nethaniel, david and elijah light the candles in jerusalem

Hanukah in Israel

December 27, 2022 The Uniqueness of Israel

Hanukah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar. The festival usually consists of lighting candles, eating fried foods and playing with a dreidel. In Israel, Hanukah is celebrated with lots ...

Winter in Israel

December 27, 2022 The Uniqueness of Israel

If you are considering coming to Israel for a gap year here is how you should prepare for the winter. Winter in Israel is a cold and rainy season. The average temperature is around 14 degrees Celsius. It rains quite often and the snow is rare, but it does happen ...

Student of the Week – Adam Halstuch

December 23, 2022 Student of the Week

My name is Adam Halstuch, I’m from Bogotá, Colombia and I studied at Colegio Colombo Hebreo. I decided to come to Aardvark Israel because I wanted to have an internship in Israel and at the same time be able to travel around and meet people from all over the world. ...

Weekly Updates – December 22, 2022

December 22, 2022 Weekly Updates

Shalom Parents and Students! This week was our students’ last week of internships and volunteering, and next week they will be packing and getting everything ready for winter break. Some of our students are going back home, some are staying with us for another semester (yay!), but most of them ...

Weekly Updates – December 15, 2022

December 15, 2022 Weekly Updates

Shalom Parents and Students! These are the last couple of weeks of our Fall semester, and the students are busy with finals, the last days of internships, and add-on closing events. Our Marva students just finished their eight-week IDF Boot Camp training in Sde Boker! They had an emotional final ...

Student of the Week – Julia Shadmon

December 14, 2022 Student of the Week

My name is Julia Shadmon, I’m from South Pasadena, California and I went to South Pasadena High School. My dad had found out about Aardvark through a friend who had done the program, and mentioned it to me as an alternative pathway. I liked the idea of taking a year ...

Student of the Week – Esther Michaela Nahmany

December 11, 2022 Student of the Week

My name is Esther Michaela Nahmany. I am French and English but I was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland. I went to school at Ecole Moser. I decided to go on a gap year because I didn’t want to go to university at 17 years old, having finished school ...

Weekly Updates – December 8, 2022

December 8, 2022 Weekly Updates

Shalom Parents and Students! This week was full of surprises and new adventures. As most of us continued traveling and exploring the country, some of our students were exploring the United Arab Emirates! Yes, you are not mistaken, our third international trip is now taking place in Dubai, where our ...

Finding my independence – Nicky Helfgott

December 5, 2022 Student Blog

My name is Nicky Helfgott, I am from London and I went to University College London. I have been doing Aardvark Tech Track for the last three months. I decided to do the programme in order to meet new people, broaden my horizons and develop my coding skills in the ...

Student of the Week – Eve Babai

December 1, 2022 Student of the Week

“My name is Eve Babai, I’m from London and I went to Highgate School. I chose to go on a gap year as I wasn’t ready to go to straight into work yet. I heard of Aardvark Israel from some friends that did it a previous semester, they said they ...