Why Go To Israel?

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The answers to this question are going to be different for each individual based on numerous factors. There are many advantages to taking a gap year and each one will speak differently to each person uniquely. While some may view certain advantages as pros, others may them as cons. There also may be many personal reasons as to why one may take a gap year will not be included here. However, here is an attempt to accurately account for the incredible benefits a year (or two) in Israel can offer:

 

A gap year in Israel is often referred to as a year of Jewish growth.

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There are dozens of gap year programs, each with its own unique culture and Hashkafa. There are programs that are more religious, more Zionistic, more spiritual, more Chessed focused, more touring focused, etc. Each with the goal to inspire growth in Jewish involvement. Each program has different types of teachers, guides, and mentors to facilitate growth in different types of ways. Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people and a flourishing religious society, which is why it makes for the best place to grow religiously.

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This can be a year of tremendous growth in identity. 

 

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At this point in your life, you are making a lot of big life changes, deciding what career path to take, and generally determining ‘who you are’. This can be a lot to take into account and can be quite stressful. One way to figure this all out can be by taking a breather, also known as a gap year. 

 

There is a huge opportunity for growth in independence.

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High school only has the potential for limited individual freedom. Usually, one is still living at home under their parent’s jurisdiction and they have a routine structure to their life. When one graduates from high school there is a huge transition to a life full of complete freedom. It is a transition to adulthood. This can be great in a lot of ways and also really hard. Freedom builds identity. How you choose to live your life and what you do with your newfound responsibility can set the tone for your life and really shows one’s values. Taking a gap year in a structured setting while also having adult freedom is a great way to transition into adulthood. A gap year in Israel, as mentioned, will solidify your religious values and your identity. Figuring those things out with a new sense of freedom can be really beneficial. You can totally make your own decisions about your life now while also focusing on who you want to become.

 

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Okay, but why Israel?

 

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Why can’t I do all these things anywhere in the world? Why does this have to be in Israel? The truth is- one can grow and learn anywhere, but there are so many perks about Israel that are hard to ignore. 

 

Firstly, Israel is the Jewish homeland. If one is looking to grow religiously and also find their Jewish identity- home is the place to do so. Israel offers a chance to be exposed to all types of Judaism and to really find what speaks to you. It is not enough to read about it or watch a video about it. You need to feel it and touch it and immerse yourself in it. I urge you to go fall in love with the land. 

 

Secondly, Israel is beautiful. And fun. You can eat amazing food that you won’t eat anywhere else. You can hike, swim, watch surreal sunsets on Tel Aviv beach- the list is endless. Israel will offer you your ‘backpacking through Europe’ experience but from the comfort of your own Jewish homeland. 

 

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College can wait.

 

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There is a misconception that college cannot wait. Sometimes, that is true, but rarely does a university decline a request for deferral. Many people believe that taking a gap year can set you back in life and that there will be much catching up to do. However, if during a gap year one takes the time to truly decide what they want out of life, and devise a thought-out plan to get there, as well as solidifying their identity; the likelihood is that they will be much more successful and productive in the years following. 

 

Many of us want to jump into life and believe that the best way to get ahead is to run as fast as we can. However, the saying is true that “slow and steady wins the race.” In the grand scheme of life, one year is not that much time. Life will be waiting for you. Your life will be so much more precious and productive if you take the time to truly figure out your values which will help you figure out your entire life. 

 

Any life decision is based on our values and identity. It is vital to figure out the big questions in life before we jump into adulthood headfirst. Of course, our whole lives are a work in progress, and we will never stop growing, learning, and changing. But really dedicating time for the sole purpose of developing ourselves is the key step in establishing a fulfilling life’s direction.