Chanukah in Israel

Chanukah in Israel is an exciting time, especially for those participating in a gap year program. It’s a holiday filled with joy, tradition, and of course, delicious food. One of the highlights of Chanukah in Israel is lighting the chanukiah, a special menorah used during this holiday. Each night, an additional candle is lit, creating […]

Parshat Noach

Friends, there is something incredible in this week’s Torah portion of Noach. Prior to the flood, the Torah relates, “Now the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth became full of violence [Literally: Hamas]” (Genesis 6:11). We know what happens next; G-d sends a great flood and commands Noach and his family to enter […]

Parshat Bereshit

We are currently in one of the most trying periods in our national history. We’ve experienced unimaginable darkness and devastation. How do we respond in such situations? We are the people of the Book. When we seek clarity we need look no further than the Book; our holy Torah. This week we read the Creation […]

Shabbat Simchat Torah

Once upon a time there was a king with an only daughter. As she reached marriageable age, the king sought a prince to wed his daughter. The greatest princes came for her hand but she turned everyone down. Fed up, the king decided the next person to ask would merit marrying his daughter. The next […]

Sukkot Dvar Torah

A revered philosopher once came to visit Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. The philosopher asked, “Rabbi what does it feel like to have bitachon (faith or confidence) in G-d?” The Baal Shem Tov responded, “What is it to you?” The philosopher began expounding upon the idea with a lengthy discourse. He journeyed through the opinions […]

Yom Kippur

A young man grew up in a very small and secluded village. He longed to journey beyond his village and see new places. After years of saving money, he managed to accumulate enough money to leave the village. With excitement, he took off to a neighboring town. Upon arrival, he was immediately captivated by his […]

Rosh HaShana Dvar Torah

The animals of the jungle were crippled with fear. Word had spread like wildfire to every corner of the jungle that the king of the jungle, the mighty lion, was furious at the animals. Every one of them worried for their lives. They convened an emergency meeting to discuss what actions to take given the […]

Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech

The anecdote is told of a man who took out a rather substantial loan. As the payback date approached, the borrower still did not have the finances to pay off his loan. The lender was pressuring him and it was causing him much stress. He came up with a plan to deal with the situation. […]

Sukkot in Israel

So you’re thinking about spending your gap year in Israel? Well, let me tell you about one of the most exciting Jewish holidays celebrated there – Sukkot! Sukkot is a vibrant and joyous holiday that takes place in Israel during the autumn season. It’s a time when people come together to celebrate harvest and commemorate […]

Holiday Season in Israel

Israel is a popular destination for individuals looking to embark on a meaningful gap year program. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Israel offers a unique experience for those seeking personal growth and exploration. During the holiday season in Israel, particularly around Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), the country comes alive […]