Shalom Parents, Students, and Partners,
As the holiday season has passed here in Israel, we’re excited to share all the wonderful things that have happened over the past month!
Celebrating the Holidays
During Chagei Tishrei, our students had the chance to fully immerse themselves in the festive Israeli atmosphere. Some students spent quality time with family here in Israel, while others chose to celebrate with their friends from the program. Many of our students took the opportunity to explore Israel further, connecting with new people and experiencing the holidays in Israeli communities. It was a season full of joy, exploration, and meaningful connections.
Chefs, Put on Your Aprons!
We’re thrilled to announce that our Culinary Track students have officially completed their course at Te’amim Culinary School. After countless hours spent learning new recipes, techniques, and exploring the vibrant culinary scene in Jerusalem, they successfully wrapped up their studies. What’s next for our aspiring chefs? They’re about to embark on internships in professional kitchens around Jerusalem, gaining hands-on experience and putting their new skills to the test in real-world culinary environments. Exciting times ahead!
And if you still don’t follow us on social media, here is a small taste of the amazing experience our students had in Culinary Track:
MDA Add-On Has Officially Begun
Last week marked the start of our MDA Add-On program! Our students are gaining hands-on experience as first responders with Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service. The first step in their journey is an intensive 10-day training course in Jerusalem, where they are learning the critical skills required to become certified EMTs. After completing the course, students will be stationed at various locations, where they’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact while developing life-saving skills. This unique program offers not only the chance to give back to the community but also a valuable experience for our students who are interested in medicine, healthcare, or public service.
Where did that sand come from? Probably from our annual Ketura Seminar…
Each year, our students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique world of Kibbutz Ketura, located in southern Israel. During a three-day seminar, they dive into the values, lifestyle, and traditions that define kibbutz living, gaining a firsthand understanding of this vital part of Israeli culture.
Throughout the seminar, students select from a variety of workshops, including bike riding, watercolor painting, and yoga in the desert, each offering a new way to connect with the landscape and community around them. The experience doesn’t stop there—they also enjoy a BBQ by the pool and a trip to the Kusai Dunes, where they can fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the desert.
This annual seminar is an unforgettable part of the Aardvark Israel journey, giving our students a true taste of the kibbutz lifestyle and memories that last a lifetime.
Tech, Podcast, and Journalism: Tech Track in the Spotlight
We’re excited to announce that Aardvark Israel’s Tech Track, in partnership with Methodian, was recently highlighted in a podcast episode featured by The Jerusalem Post. Hosted by current participants Corey Tusak and Ellie Esquenazi, this episode dives into Israel’s high-tech world and showcases how the Tech Track helps young Jewish adults discover more about both the industry and themselves.
In the episode, Corey and Ellie speak with Eitan Kipperman, Special Programs and Logistics Coordinator at Aardvark Israel, Maya Michaeli , a current Tech Track student, and Emily Poltrak, a program alumna. Together, they explore the full-stack coding course in Jerusalem, internships in Tel Aviv’s thriving tech ecosystem, and the personal growth that makes this experience so transformative.
As always, we’re proud to provide our students with opportunities to explore, learn, have fun, and, most importantly, grow. Now that the semester has passed its midpoint, we can confidently say that our students are truly making the most of their time here—learning more about themselves, the young adults they are today, and who they aspire to become.
We look forward to sharing more experiences with you next month!
Sincerely,
The Staff of Aardvark Israel
