Times of Year Course

Your hub for all things exciting, transformative, educational and adventurous on a gap year in Israel.

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Islam Beyond The Buzzwords

By Emily Hecht, current Year Course Participant

“In a multiracial society, trust, understanding, and tolerance are the cornerstones of peace and order” - Kamisese Mara

Growing up in America, buzzwords likes “Islam” and “terrorism” are thrown around a lot in conversations, and often the same sentences. After 9/11 happened, American politicians started to heavily associate Islam with global terrorism, and in turn, security became a large focus within the American public and government. I grew up in a majority white town in New Jersey where there was little diversity economically and racially. However, my involvement in Jewish studies and out-of-school programs allowed me to have an open mind about different religions, cultures, and customs. Being part of the Jewish minority in a Christian majority also allowed me to understand what it is like to feel discriminated against and sometimes an outlier. With all of this in mind, I still was never truly educated on the differences between the three monotheistic religions that my life has been influenced by, until on my gap year in Israel.

Comparative Religions is a once a week course that explains the biblical and historical context of the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course is based in Jerusalem with a focus on how each of the religions have historically built the city and how they continue to impact the city and its residents today. The Islam portion has been particularly interesting to me, because it was the religion that I knew about the least. One of our trips was to Ein Raffa, a small Arab village outside of Jerusalem. There I met with Yasmin, a British woman who converted to Islam, married an Arab Israeli, and moved to Ein Raffa to raise her family. Yasmin talked to me and my class about the 5 Pillars of Islam, traditions of the religion, customs, and about her life and what it is like to be a converted Muslim woman. This was one of the first experiences I had where I not only felt that I could finally understand Islam but feel comfortable to factually prove the Islam/Terrorism assumption wrong. I always knew that Islam was not a violent religion, but Yasmin taught me why it is not a violent religion and that Muslim people should not be generalized because of this. Each class on Islam has given me more reasons to be tolerant to different religions and peoples. In addition, it was truly inspiring to hear from not only a Muslim, but a Muslim woman. As a woman in Islam, Yasmin told us that she felt equal to men, a common misconception about the religion. She explained to us that if Muslim women are treated unfairly it is usually because of the government that rules over them, who cannot justify their inequality with the religion. These governments are usually extreme in their policies and are not following traditional interpretations of Islamic text.

Living in Jerusalem has not only deepened my connection with Judaism but opened my eyes to the many realities of Christianity and Islam. I believe that education is the best way to beat ignorance, and being on Year Course has given me the opportunities to do so. Jerusalem is a city of many faiths, and it is important to understand why all three religions feel that they have a place here, because Jerusalem is so heavily enriched with history. I am so thankful to have had the chance to meet with Yasmin so that she can share her story and so I can pass it on. I hope that more people will challenge themselves to learn more about religions and cultures different than their own so that tolerance can be achieved, and generalizations can be broken.

Yasmin Barhum, lives in Ein Rafa and spoke to us about Islam.

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! 

Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Applying For College During Year Course

During his senior year of high school, Dovy Ehrenreich knew he wasn’t exactly ready to jump into college. He wasn’t sure where he wanted to go to school and he still had questions about his future.

On choosing Year Course, Dovy says that “I knew I loved Israel so this seemed like the perfect option!” Year Course offered him the perfect compromise- while in Israel, he has been able to gain volunteer experience, take classes for credit, gain independence, and get ready for college. According to Dovy, “Year Course taught me so many things that are important in college, like being able to live on your own and with roommates. I’ve also been able to gain more musical experience, which will be incredibly helpful!” He has also been able to travel around the country, both through trips organized by Year Course and during his free time on the weekends and during holidays.

Dovy will be attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston this Fall, which was his top choice. He was able to apply to the college while on Year Course- he even auditioned from Israel! During his application, he mentioned that he was taking a gap year and the school found that interesting and attractive.

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Young Judaea Has A New Home in Tel Aviv-Yafo!

Participants on Young Judaea programs officially have another city in Israel to call home – Tel Aviv-Yafo! Expanding on our base at Beit Ar El in Jerusalem, Young Judaea Israel’s program participants and staff have a new home on Beit Hillel Street, in Tel Aviv-Yafo’s centrally-located Montefiore neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from the famous Sarona market and neighborhood and Azrieli Mall, and a 15-minute walk from the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, Rothschild Boulevard, and Habima Square.

Sarona Market

While most recently the volunteering semester of our Year Course program has been based in Bat Yam, Year Coursers joining us in Fall 2017 will now call Tel Aviv-Yafo home during their four months of volunteer work, taking advantage of the more varied and developed opportunities to volunteer and intern in a vibrant and diverse community.

We are particularly excited that our Year Course participants will be able to live as locals in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel’s two biggest cities with very different vibes. Our new center will welcome its first residents this coming summer, housing our summer internship program participants, before opening its doors to Year Course 2017-2018.

Just as exciting as the move is the new center itself! In Tel Aviv-Yafo, most of our program participants will now live together under one roof, creating a stronger and more cohesive sense of community. In addition to the co-op style dorm living, the center is equipped with common areas for socializing and educational activities, and a large space for guest lectures. There are communal kitchens on each floor where residents will be able to master the art of cooking local dishes, a laundry room, and a great rooftop garden to hang out and relax.

Independence Hall

As a Zionist organization, we are thrilled to plant new roots in the city where Israel was first declared a Jewish state, and where the revival of the Hebrew language made Tel Aviv-Yafo the first “Hebrew city.” The diverse kehilah (community) of Israelis, immigrants and refugees provides opportunities to experience true pluralism and co-existence, putting Tikkun Olam and leadership development at the forefront of our daily lives.

As the cultural and economic capital of Israel, Tel Aviv-Yafo is also the top choice for many international conferences, concerts, cultural events, and celebrations in which we can participate! Its beautiful beaches and promenade are widely considered some of the world’s best, and Tel Aviv-Yafo is fast becoming a global culinary hotspot. Young Judaea program participants who have been visiting Tel Aviv-Yafo for years will now be able to experience this exciting and diverse city as true residents, taking full of advantage of the vibrant cafés, shops, and cultural spots that make Tel Aviv-Yafo a Mediterranean metropolis.

Tel Aviv-Yafo’s world famous beach

Questions? Recommendations for how we can get the most out of our move?  Just want to share in the excitement?  Be in touch with us – and come visit our new home in Tel Aviv-Yafo!

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Learning How To Save Lives With Magen David Adom

While our Year Coursers are in Bat Yam, they have the option of volunteering with Magen David Adom, the emergency health services of Israel. This special program  teaches our participants life saving skills and allows them to put them to use in action. While the MDA program finished recently, our participants enjoyed their experience so much that they have applied to continue the program during the rest of their time on Year Course! Here is what a few of our participants have to say about the experience:

“Over my brief 3 or so weeks of volunteering for MDA, not only have I expanded my knowledge of very important life schools, but I have also learned how MDA operates—in general but also in a place like Rishon. For the last few years, I have been obtaining many medical credentials from water safety to CPR. Through the 10 day training course, I was able to reinforce those skills I’ve learned. More importantly, being in the ambulance gives me the opportunity to put the theory to practice. Volunteering for MDA also showed me what hardships some of the denizens of Rishon have to go through. I’ve also learned about how MDA functions and some of the bureaucracy behind the life-saving society.” 

- Jakob Allen

“I’ve wanted to join ever since I knew that it was a possibility. I made a wonderful decision. We interact with all kinds of people who we would otherwise never meet. I am getting a glimpse into the different cultures that Israel has to offer just by walking into people’s homes and looking at their decorations and stylings. I have improved my Hebrew immensely by conversing with the patients and MDA teams who speak little to no English. I believe I am truly making an impact. I could not imagine a better volunteer placement.”

- Jessica Lefkowitz

“Over the last few weeks my experience as a volunteer for MDA has been both eye opening and life changing. Being able to help others in the region has provided me with a better understanding of a whole new side of Israeli society that I had never seen before. Volunteering with MDA has allowed me the opportunity to both make connections with people outside of year course and learn more about myself. Upon returning home in May, I plan to enroll in an EMT course and apply what I have learned to my everyday life. Throughout these past few weeks I have done things that I had previously thought I was not capable of and I am so grateful for all that MDA has taught me.”

- Sami Bernstein

“The lessons I've learnt from MDA and the experiences I have gained from it are invaluable and almost impossible to replicate in any other workplace. I've learnt how important it is to work in a team and to think before you act. I have learnt never to rush into anything, better to assess a situation with care and evaluate the best possible solution I can work towards.”

- Sam Goldberg

We are so proud of everything you all have learned and accomplished!!! 

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course,

click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Volunteering at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center

We are so proud of current Year Courser Kayla Taus, who volunteered at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center during her semester in Bat Yam. Read on to learn more about this center and what you can do to help. Kol hakavod, Kayla!

My name is Kayla Taus, and I am currently participating on Young Judaea’s Year Course, a nine-month gap year program in Israel.  For the first half of the year I am living in Bat Yam, a suburb of Tel Aviv.  During my time in Bat Yam, I have begun volunteering at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center.  This center was founded in 1978 as a part of the Israel Feminist movement and in 1982 became an independent, fully accredited and non profit organization funded by public and private donations.  

Statistics have shown that 1 in 3 Israeli women and 1 and 6 Israeli men are sexually assaulted during their lifetimes.  The topic of Sexual Assault, amongst both women and men, is not discussed often in Israel due to the stigma surrounding it.  This is where the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center, the largest Sexual Assault center in Israel, comes into the picture.  The center works tirelessly and to address the problem of sexual assault in Israel by providing support, comfort, validation and next-steps.  Currently, the center serves 1.8 million people which is close to 23% of the Israeli population.  In 2015, the center received well over 10,000 calls which is 30% of all calls received from any Sexual Assault center in Israel.   

The Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center has three 24/7 hotlines; one for women, one for men and another for religious men and youth.  The Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center also offers one-on-one meetings for those who need, 28 different types of support groups, educational programs for Israeli youth, educators and at-risk teens and more.  For more information on the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center, you can visit their English website at http://www.1202.org.il/en/local/tel-aviv.

Although the center has an incredibly passionate and hard-working staff, 94% of the work is completed by various volunteers throughout the year.  The volunteers do various tasks from answering calls from the hotlines, facilitating support groups or helping with fundraising.  For the upcoming months, I am spending a large portion of my time at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center and I am helping to prepare the largest in-house fundraising event, the Annual Bazaar.  The Bazaar contributes to over 40% of the center’s income, but it cannot fully fund the center and all of the programs that it has to offer.  Unfortunately, the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center is currently facing financial challenges because two of the largest donors are unable to fund the center.

 One of Judaism’s many values is Tikkun Olam, the idea that with small actions one can help to repair the world.  I believe that the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center embodies this value in everything that they do and that this center should continue to help make a difference in the lives of Israelis for years to come.  In order for this to be possible, I am asking for you to make a donation to the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center.  Any donation, $1 or $1,000,000 will not only help to keep the center functioning as it has been, but it will also help to improve the lives of Israelis who are victims of sexual assault.

I should inform you that online donations are not tax deductible in the US. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation, you can do so through the public charity, PEF. In addition, if your child is having a Bat Mitzvah or you know someone looking for a project to undertake, check out this website: http://garinkollnashim.wixsite.com/chanceforchange/donate-now. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have any questions or thoughts about the Center.

Even though you may not live in Israel, your support is essential to helping the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center continue to make a difference in the lives Israeli women, men and children who are victims of Sexual Assault by providing support groups, resources for recovery and more.  

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity to help ensure that survivors of sexual assault will have access to assistance and crucial programming,

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Visiting Temple Mount

By: Emily Libowitz, current Year Course Participant

 As I listened to my alarm go off that morning, a different feeling fell upon me. I didn’t moan or whine when I heard the beeping, I just simply slipped out of bed and looked forward to what the day would present me with. I had always heard about the Temple Mount but i never really understood what it was. I just figured it was a place with a big golden dome that as a Jew, I was not necessarily welcome to visit. At least, that’s what i had been told. However on the morning of tuesday december 6th, I was taught what the temple mount truly was.

Confused. I was very confused at the fact that the entrance to the site was overlooking the kotel, a place considered very religious and holy by many Jews. I never knew that this structure led to the Temple Mount entrance, I just thought it was merely construction that had never been finished. Walking through the tunnel of wood, overlooking the people deep in prayer, I thought to myself how lucky I am to be in this country and visiting a site so important and holy to so many different religions, a place that many Jews have never even gotten the chance to visit.

Waiting in line I had no idea what to expect. I really wasn’t educated enough on the holy meaning of the Temple Mount to each religion.

I had learned in the previous siyur about how Islam revolves around being devote to God (Allah). Islams follows the Koran, said to be written by the prophet Muhammed and they enforce the 5 pillars of Islam, Shahada (testimony), Salah (prayer), Sam (fasting), Zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)

The Temple Mount is the third holiest site in Islam, and is open to any Muslims to come and go freely, but it doesn’t hold the same rules for Jews and Christians. The site consists of two large buildings, The Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque. The Dome, completed in 692 C.E, makes it one of the oldest Islamic structures. The Dome was built originally with a gold covering, which was removed years later to pay for renovations of the mosque. When this happened the top was replaced with a fake gold cover, however it was recovered with real gold years later. The Dome sits in the center of the Temple Mount, where the previous Holy Temple once stood, while the Al Aqsa Mosque sits on the southern end facing Mecca, where Muhhamed was born.

Today The Temple Mount is a place where the Arab-Israeli conflict can be very prominent. Although Israel has soveriengty over the land, it is run by the Muslim community and is only truly welcoming to those of Islam. Many quarrels, fights, and acts of terror have been committed on this site between the two religions in spite of one another in such a holy area.

It is holy to the Jewish people because it is believed to be where the world was created and expanded from. It was also the location of the first and second holy temples of Judaism, the holiest place of prayer for Jews in history. If the Jewish Messiah ever come, the Temple Mount is said to be the location of the third holy temple. In Islam it is believed that this is where Muhhamed rose to heaven, making it the third holiest site in the religion. The mount is a primitive place for prayer for Muslims and is known for having the “farthest Mosque” to heaven (Important in the Koran).

Interestingly enough we couldn’t discuss the Jewish connection while visiting the mount, we only conversed about the Muslim connection, making sure not to risk safety in such a controversial place. After leaving we were able to reconvene and process all of our thoughts to conclude the day. This siyur truly meant a lot to me and really made me think more about my religion and its connection to others.

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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The Impact of Young Judaea

By: Katia Carrady, Current Year Course Participant

One of the most impacting experiences for me this semester was having the opportunity to listen to Young Judaea Alumni talk about their personal experiences in the business world. These people were in our same shoes, and it was inspiring to learn from them and hear their stories. I was able to identify myself within each speaker, and thus could appreciate what they were saying to a higher degree.

Among the panelists were economic investors, Wall Street men, and business owners. Although they varied in generation, they were all successful or on the road to success. The fact that the panelists were varied in age allowed us to gain more perspectives of the business world and their individual struggles. More importantly, they agreed that Young Judaea and its ideals helped prepare them to take certain leaps in the business world. I found this particularly encouraging.

As today’s world has become that much more competitive, every action tends to be calculated. The way one spends their summers in high school can affect what college one gets accepted in to. For this reason, the choice of attending Young Judaea camps has come into question for many. I have always believed that Young Judaea has prepared me more for life than summer internships or college programs. This panel only confirmed my strong conviction that Young Judaea teaches its participants to live up to their potential.

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Visiting The Abu Gosh Monastery

By: Alisa McRee, Current Year Course Participant

     On our siyur (trip in hebrew) we went to two monasteries in Abu Gosh, which is an Arab neighborhood outside of Jerusalem. The first was the Benedictine Monastery built by Crusaders in the 12th century. Here we met a monk who talked to us about his life. He grew up in a secular Christian home in France, and when on a school trip to Israel visited a Monastery and felt a pull to the life of a monk. It took him awhile but he worked up the courage to tell his family and his girlfriend the path he wanted to take. This upset his parents and ended the blossoming relationship he had with his, as he described, beautiful, blonde, and blue-eyed girlfriend. It’s remarkable what a drastic decision he made and the turn he took in life when the expectation for him was to lead a life similar to those of his parents by assimilating in French society. It baffles me at times that as a recent high school graduate, I for the first time in my life have the power to decide to where to go from here and what kind of a life I want to live, and even more so all the options if front of me. He has an Israeli passport which is unusual for a non-Jewish immigrant to Israel like himself. To obtain Israeli citizenship he would have normally had to renounce his French citizenship, but a special exception was made for him. Why? He did not say. The entire time he spoke to us he was smiling.

     He took us inside the church where he briefly sang for us with a beautiful voice. As usual the church had lovely architecture and the building itself was a work of art, with art on the walls.

     Afterwards he took us into a “secret” room under the gift shop. He asked us not to take pictures, and I obliged, but inside was a plethora of badges from different units of the Israeli Army that soldiers had given him. There was also t-shirts and other knick knacks given to him, as well as some photographs of him including one where he was sitting on a couch with the previously mentioned girlfriend. The room was rather large, and I didn’t understand that if it was a secret room then why would he let a group of about forty American and British teenagers inside. I guess it wasn’t that secret.

     We visited another Monastery where a German monk spoke to us. He talked about how it was remarkable that we had come to visit and were sitting before him as a group of Jews. A hundred years ago they would have tried to convert us, as it is big in the Christian religion to try to convert others to Christianity and gain more followers. Inside the church here the bible was written in Hebrew. Behind the bible there were objects from both the Christian religion and Judaism, such as shabbat candles, a picture of Jesus, a cross, and a menorah. I had never seen these things together in a place of worship. For the people at this monastery they saw no difference in the symbols. For them Jesus was the messiah but he was also a Jew so these objects in Judaism hold value to them. They respected that we were descendants of the Hebrews and that is why they didn’t try to convert us.

     I enjoyed this trip very much, and although I grew up in a Christian majority it was still educational and new to me. It was interesting to see other ways of living.

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Kibbutz Ketura- A Judaean Oasis in the Negev

This January, 6 students from Year Course 2016-2017 will be heading to Kibbutz Ketura for two months where they will volunteer in the kitchens, dining halls and laundry rooms alongside Kibbutz members, Israeli scouts and international visitors. Kibbutz Ketura, established by Young Judaeans in 1973 has been a major source of personal growth and fond memories for Year Coursers over the past 40 years where they got a taste of the traditional kibbutznik life. These 6 students will experience communal decision making and gain a different sense of familial responsibility.  Local host families will also play a major role in their daily lives illustrating how they take the founding values of Young Judaea and apply them into their daily life.

“One of the most special things we did last year when I was on Machon was when we were at Ketura and we went to the nearby sand dunes. The sand is so soft and you can jump off and hit the ground. It’s like landing in a pillow. At the end of the day we found our own spot in the sand and meditated. I think this was the most spiritual 20 minutes I have ever had in my life. Every time I go into the Negev, I get really inspired and am amazed at how connected I am to nature in that moment. I cannot wait to spend more time at Ketura as a part of my Year Course experience.”

                                               -Milo Satinsky, Year Course 2016-2017 upcoming Ketura volunteer

“For these students, I hope that they see that the Kibbutz lifestyle as a way to connect to Israel’s land and community and making it a lifestyle. ”

– Kate Nachman, Director of Year Course

בינואר הקרוב, 6 חניכי התוכנית השנתית 2016-2017 יעברו לקיבוץ קטורה לחודשיים בהם הם יתנדבו במטבח, בחדר האוכל, ובמכבסה לצד חברי הקיבוץ, חניכי הצופים ואורחים מכל העולם. קיבוץ קטורה הוקם בידי חברי תנועת יהודה הצעיר ב1973 וזכור כמקום לצמיחה אישית ולזכרונות טובים של חניכי התוכנית השנתית ב40 השנים האחרונות, כשקיבלו טעימה מחיי הקיבוצניק. 6 החניכים יחוו טעימה מחיי קבוצה, מקבלת החלטות יחד, ומדרך חיים ייחודית ואחרת. המשפחות המקומיות יהוו חלק משמעותי בחיי היום יום שלהם שם, ויראו להם איך ליישם את ערכי ורעיונות התנועה בחיי היום יום.

"אחד מהדברים המיוחדים ביותר שעשינו בשנה שעברה, כשהייתי חניך במכון, היה להגיע לקטורה וללכת על הדיונות. החול היה כל כך רך, ואפשר היה לקפוץ וליפול על החול. זה היה כמו לנחות על כרית. בסוף היום, מצאנו לעצמנו פינה על החול ועשינו מדיטציה. אני חושב שאלו היו ה20 דקות הרוחניות ביותר בחיי. בכל פעם שאני הולך לנגב אני מתמלא השראה ונדהם לגלות כמה אני מחובר לטבע באותם רגעים. אני לא יכול לחכות להגיע לקטורה ולבלות שם כחלק מהזמן שלי בארץ."

- מיילו סטינסקי, מתנדב בקטורה בתוכנית השנתית 2016-2017

"אני מקווה שהחניכים האלו יראו את דרך החיים הקיבוצית כדרך להתחבר לארץ ישראל ולקהילה, ולהפוך את החיבור לחלק מהחיים שלהם."

- קייט נחמן, מנהלת התוכנית השנתית

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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Surf In The Morning, Volunteer In The Afternoon:

 Just Another Day In The Life Of A Year Courser

Half of Year Course is spent living in Bat Yam, a small, underserved, coastal city near Tel Aviv. While in Bat Yam, participants volunteer in the community. Because Bat Yam is on the Mediterranean Coast, there is a Sea School, where local students come for water safety classes. They learn how to swim, kayak, surf, and more. The Sea School also happens to be a volunteer placement option for Year Course!

Currently, Bram, Max, and Joseph are Year Course volunteers at the Sea School, and they couldn’t be happier with the placement. They have quite a few different duties, including helping with the classes, keeping the water equipment clean and working, and keeping the school organized. According to Bram, it is “a lot of physical labor, but I don’t mind because it’s on the beach”. Bram, Max, and Joseph especially enjoy working with the kids who have special needs, according to Joseph, “the kids always have a good time in the water”, which is rewarding to be a part of.

Another perk of the Sea School- the opportunity to surf in the morning, before volunteering! This is something that Bram used to do as a kid in Miami, and he is excited to be able to get back to it- in Israel, of all places!

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

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I Like Helping People- Volunteering with MDA on Year Course 

One of Year Course’s major tenets is the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam- to repair the world. Because of this, one of Year Course’s main focuses is community involvement and volunteerism. Participants spend half of the program volunteering in the small community of Bat Yam, and underserved city outside of Tel Aviv. Our participants are actually able to volunteer with Magen David Adom, Israel’s Emergency Response program. This volunteer option is intense, exciting, and rewarding. Before they are allowed out into the field, there is a 10-day course that volunteers must undergo, where they learn the basics of emergency response. They must also have previous knowledge of Hebrew in order to be approved for this volunteer option.

Rafi, Adi, and Ben are all current Year Coursers volunteering with MDA this semester. Rafi was inspired to volunteer with MDA because, to put it simply, “I like helping people”, while Adi “wants to make a change”. According to Ben, “more people need first responder training. Tragedy can strike at any time and if more civilians are trained, it can save lives.”

Year Course currently has 9 students volunteering with MDA this semester, and they are all making a big difference in their community. Kol Hakavod!

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

[timesofyearcourse-blog]

Zaatar, Zaatar, Zaatar

By: Allison Abrams, current Year Course participant 

I'm sitting on my porch looking out at strange trees and listening to Israeli mothers yelling at their children in Hebrew. 

We've started Ulpan- of which I am proud to say I was put in the highest level- Israel advocacy class, and optional elective classes. I chose God Talk, in which we discuss the importance of names in Judaism, specifically God's name, taught by an adorable professor who sings, and makes us listen to, folk music. Muy interesante.

Besides a beautiful hike in the Judaean Mountains, leading up to the famous Sataf water caves, nothing much exciting has happened this week. It's mainly just getting into our routine of classes, grocery shopping for our 12-person flat, and trips to bars in Ben Yehudah ;). 

The other night we had a fun yet stressful communal dinner for half of my section. My friends and I made Israeli salad, and some other rooms made Mac 'n Cheese. It's nice to have our little bubble within the complexity of Israeli society, though I'm eager to get off campus and explore on my own.

Later, we are going shoe shopping on Ben Yehudah to snag those Israeli hiking boots everyone wears, at a cheaper price, and then spice, cheese, and fruit/veggie shopping at the Shuk, of course. I plan on buying over a pound of Zaatar, because you can never have enough.

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

[timesofyearcourse-blog]

A Tale of Two Lenses

By: Noa Emas, current Year Course Participant

We awoke in the desert town of Yeruham, plopped right in the middle of the Negev. If you took an aerial shot of it, you would see miles upon miles of desert, with a small, tiny speck of green in the center.  Fifty years ago if we arrived in Yeruham, we would be standing in just some sand. Absolutely nothing was here except a few wooden shacks for immigrants and Israels crater, which was used as a quarry.  We were told stories of immigrants who, when moving to Israel, asked to be placed in Haifa or Tel Aviv, but instead found themselves stuck in the middle of nowhere. It was the Romanians who started in the quarry and worked on roads. Then came Morrocans, Indians, Russians, Christians, Jews, and Muslims. People from all walks of life settled here, creating a miniature Israeli biome-a wonderful example of plurism and how everyone still works and lives together.

Now, while Yeruham has truly thrived, it is still a very small town representing the past and the present. Right outside of town is a Bedouin village, which we were lucky enough to be invited into someone’s tent. This village is just some tents set up, with a few temporary metal shacks, and lots of metal scraps and trash surrounding it. We were able to experience first hand the Bedouin hospitality, with our host, Selema, ushering us in and serving us delicious tea in her tent. In Hebrew with a translator, she told us about the old nomadic ways of the tribe, as well as the present situation. She explained to us how women in the tribe have no rights, they do all the work around the house, and are always second to the men. Selema then said that when she was 28, she went to her first library, which was where she learned about feminism.  Knowing what she knows now, she said she wishes she could do something to change the system of the Bedouin, but she is powerless in her position. If it wasn’t for a Jewish man she met in town, she wouldn’t have been able to even open her own business of welcoming  tourists.  

One student in my group asked how she met her husband, to which she responded all marriages in the tribe are arranged. However , with a giggle and her cheeks blushing, she explains that after she met this man that she fell in love with, she marched up to her dad and said she would not marry anyone else, and was permitted to marry the man she loved. It was at this moment one of her seven children ran barefoot across the hot sand into the tent to grab an iPhone and run back out. “Cartoons,” Selema sighed to us.

Funny little story here, Selma told us that the first time she heard the word “vegetarian” was when she had Jewish guests, as no  bedouin is a vegetarian!

But take a look back inside the town of Yeruham, and you’ll see the future again. Yeruham has a top rated science center for students, which hosts the world champions team in robotics. Yeruham has the highest robotics team per capita in the world, with over 70 teams in their small town. After being shown the amazing robots kids build, we were told they start teaching robotics to kids in kindergarten. This, they explained, is so they have an incredibly useful skill that will help them get amazing jobs in the future, breaking the poverty cycle in the town. No student is ever turned away from the robotics team, and it is this wide acceptance that truly helps the kids.

Through these two opposite lenses, we were able to get a broader picture of a city which, from a glance, seems like a lifeless desert town. When, in reality, it is a bustling and pluristic town offering up any and every walk of life. 

Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.

Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who aren’t afraid of eating too much falafel.

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here! Join the gap year trend- join Year Course!

[timesofyearcourse-blog]

Love Is Love Is Love

An Essay On The Orlando Tragedy

By Brett Kleiman, YC ‘15/’16

When I woke up Sunday morning, I was smacked with the tragic and horrific news that 50 people had been killed at a gay club in Orlando. 

At first, that number -50- was just a number. But as I kept scrolling and reading news reports about what happened, the idea of 50 people being killed by a lone gunman started to sink in, and that number -50- made me less numb. As Americans, when we see that people have died from a shooting (be it 1, 6, 15, or 50) we don't think about it, since we've become numb to it. That needs to change. We have become desensitized to this gory violence. We have somehow let this disgusting violence infiltrate our normal routine. We have become complacent in desensitizing pointless murders. We must come to respect each person, each life, for what it is, precious. We need to think about the 50 mothers and 50 fathers, the 50 groups of friends, the 50 souls who lost their lives, to truly understand the extensive nature of this cold blooded attack. We need to think, could this act of evil been stopped? Could it have been changed? There is talk of this being terrorism, and all violence that is perpetrated against human beings in the name of a quest for justice is an act of terror against the world and ought to be fought in all ways. In this fight, we must fight terrorism and hate with all our might, but we cannot give up our own sense of what has made us so great as a society- compassion, understanding, courage, tolerance, and pragmatism. We need to strengthen the gun safety laws in America- our current laws are not protecting us. It is too easy to get these killing machines. Now some who are still reading this might want to criticize me by saying not to politicize a shooting like this. The reality is that responding to crises with political agendas is one of the things that we are supposed to do, and doing nothing is a political and policy decision by itself (Vox). For us not to politicize the mass shooting in Orlando, where 50 individuals died because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, would be a great disservice to the memories and lives of the victims. To stand cowardly and idly by and refuse to take any action gives an opportunity for this horrific episode to repeat itself. To stand by as literally thousands of people die from pointless gun deaths each year and shrug our shoulders and just say " well, we cannot change the 2nd amendment" is dangerous to us all. The constitution and the Bill of Rights were intended to be read, understood, and interpreted differently in different eras, and we ought to consider doing that for the 2nd amendment if we are serious about stopping this disgusting epidemic. As President Obama said earlier, “This massacre is a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon that lets them shoot people. And we have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be. And to actively do nothing is a decision as well.” It is worth noting that every day, police and law enforcement have no idea what their day will entail. Most of them will never have to discharge their firearm or deal with anything of this nature. But the Orlando police department and other law enforcement officers acted quickly and valiantly to neutralize the shooter and the fact that America has so many heroic law enforcement officers is a privilege that we shouldn't take for granted. As I write, the line for donating blood for the remaining injured at an Orlando blood bank has not stopped growing for hours and has "wrapped around the block" (MSNBC, live). This shows the true hearts and compassion of Americans, and this gives us a blueprint of how we can fight all terrorism and LGBTQ hate: through love, understanding, togetherness, tolerance, and pragmatism.

-Brett Kleiman, YC ‘15/’16

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My Year In Israel: By Aaron Krakow

Tonight was an emotional night for Year Course- it was the closing ceremony for the program. We can’t believe that 9 months have gone by so quickly. We are so proud of every single one of our participants and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of you. 

At the closing ceremony this evening, many participants spoke about what this year has meant to them. Read this speech, delivered by Aaron Krakow, about what he is taking home with him from this incredible experience!

Good evening Year Course, parents, guests, and honorees. We’ve come a long way. Nine months ago, we all stood crowded together in Ben-Gurion Airport, tired but excited, wondering where this year might take us. For many of us, including myself, the idea of Year Course had existed in our heads for a long time. What was for so long future tense, “Yes, I will be going on Year Course.” Will soon forever be past tense, “Yes, I went on Year Course.” It is amazing how fast this year has flown by. 

I’d like to focus today on a question I’ve been asking myself for months now. “What have I gained this year, and how can I use it going forward?” 

The first thing I gained is knowledge. During the first few weeks of Year Course, my roommate, Brett, and I were having a conversation about how Barak Obama has treated Israel during his two terms as president. The discussion was only going on for a couple of minutes when I realized; I knew absolutely nothing about what I was talking about.  It happened to me like that several times at the beginning of the year before I realized that I needed to start really learning about Israel. And it was pretty convenient that I had just started a year in Israel - learning about Israel. Its great the way that worked out.

Throughout the year, with the help of Young Judaea, my friends, and my own curiosity, I have learned a great deal. In Marva, I learned all about the inner workings of the IDF, and my respect for soldiers, both ordinary and combat, skyrocketed. In my Power of Persuasion class, I learned about Israel’s history, and how to advocate for the truth on campus. And from my fellow Year Coursers, I have learned how people can come together when they need each other, and I have come to appreciate how amazing it is to be surrounded by people who love you. There is no greater feeling.

The next thing I have gained from this year is passion. After having those realizations at the beginning of the year, that maybe I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew, my confidence was shattered. I thought, “How can I care so much for this country and this people that I know so little about?” I discovered my passion for Israel and the Jewish people in two different and unexpected places. 

The first was Poland. For me, growing up, it had been difficult to understand the Holocaust. I knew that it had happened, and the affect it had on history, but I didn’t truly understand it. That began to change two years ago when a best friend of mine, and many others here, died in a tragic car accident. Only after experiencing such a shattering loss, and knowing what it is like to loseone extraordinarily precious life, did I begin to appreciate the magnitude of the Holocaust. Standing in Auschwitz and Treblinka I understood that the murder of six million Jews was not one single tragedy, it was six million individual tragedies. Each and every one – a heartbreak; a family tragedy; a ruthless murder; a shattering loss.  It was out of this understanding that my wholehearted passion and love for the State of Israel grew. Israel was an answer to these unimaginable horrors.

The second place was at the Dome of the Rock. Our whole Year Course section had spent a morning touring around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and we went from there to the Dome of the Rock. After waiting in line and going through security, we entered into the courtyard that surrounded the Dome. At first, I felt the same feeling I had looking at mosques and Muslim holy sites in Morocco, like an outsider looking in. For a few minutes, I felt like a stranger in my own homeland. It was only when I went up to the dome and looked around and saw the Mount of Olives that I remembered that I was standing right next to where the Holy of Holies had once stood. All of a sudden I wasn’t an outsider looking in. I was standing in a place that Jews have worshiped for thousands of years. Oddly enough, standing under that dome, I felt like I was home. 

So how can we Year Coursers take the knowledge and the passion that we have gained this year and make our world a better place?

o   First, we can take all that we’ve learned from one another and, and about ourselves, and use it to try to be the best people we can be. I think that a lot of the people sitting here today are really amazing people, but we can always push ourselves to be even better.

o   Second, we can treasure the people around us who we love. We have all learned this year how precious and fragile life is, and we must take advantage of the time we have and tell our friends and family how much we love them as often as we can.

o   And lastly, we must harness all of our knowledge and all of our passion and use it to advocate for the truth about Israel on our college campuses next year. Having this unique experience under our belts, and being passionate and dedicated Zionists, we must do all we can to be ambassadors for Israel. I wish everyone an amazing summer, and a fantastic time at college. Am Yisrael Chai!

-Aaron Krakow, Year Course ‘15-’16

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Year Course Is Turning 60!

This year we are celebrating Year Course’s 60th Anniversary! It will be an exciting year, filled with special events and a Young Judaea alumni mission to Israel! To kick off the celebrations, we have created an archives called 60 Years Of Year Course. Take a trip down memory lane- relive your favorite moments from your time on Year Course and explore the evolution of Year Course through the years.

Check out the different decades here:

Year Course in the 50s and 60s

Year Course in the 70s

Year Course in the 80s

Year Course in the 90s

Year Course in the 2000s

Year Course in the 2010s

Year Course Today!

60th Anniversary Mission To Israel!

Have photos, videos, and stories that you want to be featured in the archives? Send us an email at [email protected] and share them with us!

Join the gap year trend- join Year Course! To learn more about Young Judaea’s Year Course, click here!

Year Course is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year! Have memories, photos, or videos that you want to share with Young Judaea from your time on Year Course? Email us at [email protected]!

To be the first to know insider information about Young Judaea’s programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

[timesofyearcourse-blog]

Dear Future Year Course Parent,

We are so glad that you are sending your children to Year Course, and we can’t wait to welcome them to Israel in a few short months! You are sending your kids on Year Course for an adventure with a purpose.  They are coming here to learn and grow, examine and challenge, gain and give. 

Now it’s your turn.  You can’t do Year Course in 4 days, but you can get a taste of the way your YCers are experiencing Israel from the bottoms of their feet to the corners of their brains.  We are excited to offer you the traditional Year Course Family Tour, which will take place this year between December 26th-29th, 2016.

Throughout the trip you will have the chance to live, learn, hike and explore like a Year Courser all in an atmosphere geared for families. From the Old City in Jerusalem, to Osafia, the largest Druze village in Israel, to Tel Aviv, the city that never stops- this tour will give you a taste of what your children have been experiencing on Year course. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Year Course team, other families, and your children’s friends. Take a look at the itinerary below, to learn more.

For more information and to register for the Family Tour, contact Rachel Jetter at [email protected] or 1866-599-2534. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Israel this winter!

Sincerely,

The Year Course Team

Year Course Family tour - Tentative itinerary

Monday, December 26th 2016

We all know the quote, “my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” See the reality of what this idea means today in the Old City of Jerusalem. Join Adam Jenshil, our Young Judaea Israel Programs Director (and a qualified tour guide), on a unique tour of the Old City by exploring the religious and cultural diversity of Jerusalem.

Learn Hebrew like a Year Courser! Take a special Hebrew class in the famous Mahane Yehuda Shuk. Come prepared to bargain!

Get to know the other families on the trip with a dessert reception at Beit Ar El, hosted by Year Course staff. Enjoy a riveting discussion about the religious diversity within Judaism in Israel with a panel of representatives from across the religious spectrum.

Over Night – Jerusalem

Tuesday, December 27th 2016

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict ceases to exist when you enter Hadassah Hospital. Meet the doctors behind the headlines as you tour Hadassah Hospital, one of the world’s leading medical facilities. You will have the opportunity to experience this coexistence firsthand by spending the morning volunteering in the special “Mother and Child” department.

Option 1: Take in one of the most beautiful hikes through the Jerusalem mountains, the Sataf, and breathe the famous mountain air that Naomi Shemer wrote about in her famous song, “Jerusalem of Gold”.

Option 2: See the blooming Israeli wine industry in action by touring (and tasting) at Tzuba Winery.

See the only democracy in the Middle East in action! Visit The Knesset and meet an Israeli member of parliament to talk about some burning issues facing contemporary Israel.

Enjoy a free night on the town in Jerusalem!

Over Night – Jerusalem

Wednesday,  December 28th 2016

Drive up north and meet the people of the secret religion, known as the Druze. Visit Osafia – the biggest Druze Village in Israel. We will be hosted by a local family in the village who will teach us about their traditions. They will open their house and their kitchen for us, and we will share a special Druze lunch with them.

After digesting lunch, we will explore Haifa’s hidden “garden of Eden”- the Hanging Bridge at Nesher Park. This short hike will give us breathtaking panoramic views of the Carmel region.

“Start Up” is such a common phrase in Israel that some people think it’s Hebrew! Israel is the Start Up Nation for a reason- see it in action by visiting high-tech offices in Haifa.

Drive to our Hotel in Tel Aviv.

NaLaga’at center. Experience the day to day life in a way you never have before- through the lens of the deaf-blind community.  NaLaga’at which means “please touch” in Hebrew, is home to unique productions that incorporate alternative communication accessibility techniques.

Over Night – Tel Aviv.

Thursday, December 29th 2016

Bicycling is a very popular mode of transportation in Israel so why not experience Tel Aviv the same way a local does- on two wheels! Get to know Tel Aviv on the go, by taking a bike tour of the city. An alternative walking tour will be available for bicycle haters, because bicycling is an acquired taste.

Taste your way through the Levinsky Market in the heart of Tel Aviv. We will learn about Israeli diversity through a culinary tour of this market.

Take a long lunch break to wind down and absorb the Tel Avivi atmosphere. Enjoy the beautiful coastline of Tel Aviv or relax in one of the famous, fashionable coffee shops of Tel Aviv.

Visit Bat Yam, where your children spend half of their year in Israel. Learn about where your students spend their time by taking a city tour and visiting a typical Year Course apartment and volunteer placements.

Good bye, and enjoy the rest of your time!

*Actual itinerary may vary and will be re-confirmed prior to the trip.

Dates:

December 26-29, 2016

Costs:

Single room hotel occupancy: $1150/pp

Double room hotel occupancy:$ 950/pp

Triple room hotel occupancy:$ 890/pp ( $750 for kids under 18)

Early bird discount (Register by July1, 2016)  -$50/pp

What’s included:

Licensed Israeli Tour Guide throughout the program

Luxury bus

Three nights accommodation in 4/5 star hotels, centrally located in the heart of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Five group meals, including tax and gratuities at restaurants/hotels.

Site activity fees, activity costs, and programming

All applicable taxes

What’s Not Included:

Travel to and from Israel

Local medical insurance

Travel insurance

Cell phone service

Meals not marked as included in itinerary

Hotel incidentals

Israeli staff gratuities

For more information and to register for the Family Tour, contact Rachel Jetter at [email protected] or 1866-599-2534. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Israel this winter!