An Open Letter to Covid-19
by Danielle Dear Coronavirus, When you abruptly took the world on by storm, unannounced with a complete disregard for the seemingly momentous and transitional period of life I was entering, I resented you. I have lost unquantifiable memories and experiences due to the global pandemic that succeeded in quieting the city that never sleeps, and […]
An open letter to the Aardvark Israel community
by Sara Goldstein Since March 12th, when the legislators of the Greater Los Angeles area declared my hometown was to undergo a mandatory shut-down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I have felt overwhelmingly stagnant. Given that I am a sociable extravert who thrives on deep interpersonal connection, a pandemic which forces the global community into […]
The things I learned in quarantine
by Judah Huberman-Shlaes Quarantine, especially one mandated by the government, seems daunting at worst, and at best, is an incredible nuisance, especially with four strangers. Having quarantined with my family (whom I love very much), I knew how banal and frustrating it could get. Add in the fact that I had never met my four […]
Rosh Hashana and Hair Donation
by Yael Schwartz from Rockville, Maryland After growing out my hair for several years, one of the first things I did out of quarantine was get it all chopped off. I’ve donated my hair before, so this wasn’t a new concept. But when you’ve spent so long trying to grow it out, it can be […]
Reflections on the first week out of quarantine
by Ben Rubinstein from Los Altos, California The first week out of quarantine has been very eventful: from hikes to workshops to finally meeting everyone face-to-face, there’s a lot to speak about. However, this week has made me recall a story I was told in Day School: When Jews would make Aliyah to Israel, I […]
The First Week from Mya Levin, Los Angeles
from Mya Levin, Los Angeles Having officially passed the first week on Aardvark Israel, I can assure you I am more than alive and well. I chose Aardvark hoping to tackle a journey to fill a personal void. I expected to keep to myself, get through my classes and grow on my own. And if […]
Student of the week – Tamir Cohen
My name is Tamir Cohen. I am from Hillside, New Jersey. I am one of the few Aardvark students who has been through some college already. My decision to come to Israel has been one of the best decisions of my life. Coming from an orthodox background, I have always had a strong love of […]
Student of the week – Tamir Cohen
My name is Tamir Cohen. I am from Hillside, New Jersey. I am one of the few Aardvark students who has been through some college already. My decision to come to Israel has been one of the best decisions of my life. Coming from an orthodox background, I have always had a strong love of […]
Aardvark Plus Participant of the Week- Temima Mayer!
Hi! I am Temima Mayer from Johannesburg,South Africa. (the girl on the left with red hair) After having spent an incredible 4.5 months living in Tel Aviv I have traveled across the ocean to continue my gap year experience with Aardvark by working at an American Jewish Summer Camp. I have been working at Camp […]
Alumnus of the Week – Sara Hope
Hi! My name is Sara Hope and I am from a gorgeous coastal town in the States. I had an amazing time while I was on Aardvark. I was able to learn the language of my ancestors with the best ulpan, travel all over the country, and most importantly, learn about my jewish history and […]