The technology innovation lab at Sheba Medical Center – Michael Kozer
This March, I and the other students participating in Aardvark Israel’s Big Idea program took a trip to a unique location – the technology innovation lab at Sheba Medical Center. While Big Idea has toured several interesting places before during this year, this was the first time we had visited somewhere where we could see […]
The Language Barrier – How to Cope – Rachel Katz
When I got to Tel Aviv at the beginning of January, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Why would it be? Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, honestly. Especially when you’re going to another place that speaks one language (while also knowing English very well) and expecting them to understand, or at least, be […]
Big Idea Impact Month begins! – Elliot Kupchik
To start off our Impact Month, myself and the other students were introduced to the office of Nefesh B’Nefesh, located in the heart of Tel Aviv. We met several experienced workers in high tech, who talked to us about our upcoming work and helped us get acquainted with the office. After these initial seminars, we […]
Take a gap, follow your dreams – Rachel Katz
I promised myself that I would make it back to Israel this year, no matter what it took. If it took holding off on some things, or even, changing what my “dream” looked like. (bollywoodhungama.com) I know some people can do the traditional 4-year university path, but for me, sitting down with the pros and […]
About professional and personal growth – Shayna Dash
My time on Aardvark Israel is exactly why I choose a gap year. While on Aardvark, I have not only gained real work experience with my internship but also gained independence and lifelong friendships. (nelsongreerpainting.com/) Aardvark gives us the ability to learn about Israel and form deep connections with the land. I have gained knowledge […]
Chaimes Daycare
Volunteering at Chaimes daycare for kids with special needs has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have had already two years of experience working with individuals with special needs and coming to Israel I really wanted to continue in that field of work. In such a short amount of time, I […]
Adam Grossman – Leadership Seminar in Neot Kedumim
Yesterday, we were taken to a leadership seminar in Neot Kedumim. After splitting into two groups, we were taken around the nature reserve to undertake various activities centered around team building, communication, and cooperation. From herding cattle to obstacle courses, we learnt both how to effectively be part of a team as well as how […]
Sammie Wittenstein – Shabbaton in Peki’in
At the Shabbaton in Peki’in we experienced a taste of Druze culture. We first stopped at a home where we got to experience Druze cooking, and later on we toured the area for a more everyday perspective. We also participated in programs where we discussed our personal connections to Judaism and specifically Hanukkah. It was […]
Sam Lynn & Alex Sandler – Yad Vashem and Har Hertzel
Sam Lynn This week was an emotional whirlwind. We began our Siyur day at Yad Vashem, my personal favorite Holocaust museum. For me, Yad Vashem stands out because of its incredible attention to detail and its ability to tell as many individual stories as possible. While I have been to Yad Vashem before each time […]
Julian Frucht – Hanukkah tour in Bnei Brak
My experience in Bnei Barak learning about the orthodox community in that city was very interesting. We have been to religious areas of the country on other tiyuls, but this one, in particular, was very unique. Our tour took place during the third night of Hanukkah, and it was fascinating walking around the city and […]