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Seasonal Options
If you were unable to or just never ended up going on a gap-year, there’s still plenty of options. The same reasons to go to Israel for a gap-year apply equally to those going for a shorter period (discussed at length here). You can take a semester abroad or do winter/summer programs. A common route is Birthright trips. However, within Birthright there’s a ton of subcategory programs. There are also many seasonal options asides from Birthright that are great programs.
Some people take a year off school to study in Israel whether it be for yeshiva, seminary, or any of the other programs. You can defer and treat it like two semesters abroad.
To narrow it down a little, here are some of the best seasonal programs (please note: this list is in alphabetical order- We're not suggesting which is better than the other. The list is subject to change, as we may be referred to another great program that should be added to the list):
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Akiva- Do hiking, walking tours, learn about Jewish ideas, experience a Jewish wedding, go to Tzfat, and more.
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Aish Essentials- 3-week program (but can be extended well beyond) where you learn about the basic tenants of Judaism such as why bad things happen to good people, the Torah's view on relationships, free-will, God's existence and providence, and more.
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Birthright Trips:
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Chabad On Campus: Israel Links- A ~2-week, Chabad-led Israel trip.
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Hasbara fellowships- Israel Advocacy training, trips around Israel, hearing from diverse speakers to be better prepared to answer anti-Israel redirect.
If you are looking to live/work in Israel, here are some recommended programs to pursue:
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Ascend- live in Jerusalem, get intern experience, guided trips throughout Israel, and more
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JInternships- Yeshiva/Intern Program in Israel
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Masa- they have a million summer program options. If you are unsure what you want to work in, you can contact a representative or fill out their Design Your Own Internship form.
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Rimon- Semester abroad program/intern in Jerusalem through Hebrew U. This program is for people of all backgrounds.
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Tamid- Develop Business expertise and pursue potential internships in Israel
Joining the IDF:
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Lev Hatorah American Hezder Yeshiva- Yeshiva/Army Service
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Lone Soldier Program- "A 'lone soldier' is a soldier in the IDF with no family in Israel to support him or her: a new immigrant, a volunteer from abroad, an orphan, or an individual from a broken home." There are several programs out there, but you should get in touch with someone to guide you through this process if you're interested.