Israel Gap Year B'IYUN

In this episode of the Israel Gap Year B’Iyun Podcast, Avi Proctor sits down with Mrs. Shira Melamed, head of Midreshet Torat Chessed, for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to be “on the derech” — and why that definition may need to be reexamined in today’s educational and spiritual climate. Together, they explore the role that chessed plays in a student’s year in Israel, and wha...

This week on the Israel Gap Year B’Iyun Podcast, I sit down with Rav Yair Halevi, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah, to discuss his journey in chinuch and how they built Torah V’Avodah into what it is today. We talk about what shaped him as an educator, the challenges students face in this generation, and how to create a yeshiva experience that develops not just the mind — but the soul. A ma...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with four yeshiva ambassadors for an honest conversation about the yeshiva application process. Together, they talk about what was going through their heads when deciding where to apply, what confused or overwhelmed them most at the time, and the biggest surprises they experienced once they actually arrived in yeshiva. The conversat...

The year in Israel is meant to be transformative — but for many students, it’s also emotionally overwhelming. Anxiety, loneliness, identity pressure, and quiet struggles are more common than people realize. In this episode, Avi speaks with the director of Crossroads Jerusalem about why student mental health looks different today, why many students don’t ask for help, and what real support on the g...

In this episode, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Reuven Schrier for an honest conversation about Modern Orthodoxy, student identity, and what often shifts after a year in Israel. Many students return from yeshiva or seminary questioning the label “Modern Orthodox.” But are they rejecting the vision — or reacting to how it’s been lived and taught? Together, they explore where gaps may exist betwee...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’IYUN , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Yamin Goldsmith from Sha’alavim for Women to talk honestly about the challenge of Ahavat Yisrael .  Rabbi Goldsmith shares why loving every Jew doesn’t come easily, what that mitzvah actually demands, and how the events of October 7th reframed the way he thinks about Jewish unity. Through personal stories and real exampl...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’IYUN , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Michael Olshin and Rav Shlomy Eichler from Yeshiva Torah Shraga for an in-depth conversation about the launch of Shraga’s new Hesder program, set to begin this upcoming September . The goal of this episode is simple: to understand why Shraga chose to start a Hesder program, why now , and why specifically within this yeshi...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’IYUN , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Taragin of Yeshivat HaKotel for an honest conversation about what happens when the structure of Yeshiva is no longer there - and how to build something that lasts beyond it. Together, they explore the difference between routine and internal ownership, why so many people struggle once the “bubble” ends, and what it actuall...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rav David Milston , longtime leader of Midreshet HaRova , for a thoughtful conversation about what a year in Israel is supposed to lead to — not just during the year, but long after it ends. Rav Milston reflects on his personal journey to Eretz Yisrael, the early years of building Midreshet HaRova, and what it takes to create an...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Ben Leybovich to talk about how comparison and pressure have reshaped the way people experience personal and spiritual growth. They explore why growth today often feels performative instead of personal, how constantly measuring ourselves against others leaves so many feeling stuck or behind, and what authentic growth can l...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with four seminary ambassadors - Eden Fusman, Hodaya Greenwald, Rhyan Rackman, and Eliana Winer - for an honest conversation about the seminary application process. Together, they talk about what was going through their minds when deciding where to apply, what confused or overwhelmed them most at the time, and the biggest surprises t...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Dr. Noam Weinberg to talk about his exciting new initiative - the launch of a brand-new seminary opening this coming year: Midreshet Ora. But this conversation goes deeper than just a school announcement. It’s an honest, inspiring look at: Why Rabbi Weinberg felt called to start a new seminary now What kind of personal and...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Shlomo Anapolle of JCT Machon Lev to break down the question every student is asking: Should you stay in Israel after your gap year? They discuss why so many students are considering staying, what staying in Israel actually means, the fears around career and college, how the landscape has changed for English-speaking stude...

In this season finale of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Ben Rapaport , co-founder of TRIO Academy, to talk about something that’s often overlooked during a student’s year in Israel: How and when should you start thinking about your future career? Your year in yeshiva or seminary is focused on spiritual growth — but it’s also the most pivotal time to begin asking the big...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Dani Kunstler of Yeshivat Torat Shraga to explore a question many yeshiva and seminary students quietly ask themselves: Does the music I listen to actually affect me spiritually? A gifted educator and musician, Rabbi Kunstler shares insights from years of experience speaking in various yeshivot and seminaries, where he’s...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Mayer from Tiferet Seminary to explore a powerful topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: the importance of seminary girls having a spiritual mentor — whether a rabbi or rebbetzin — both during their year in Israel and long after it ends. Drawing from their own transformative relationships with their men...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Aryeh Ifrah, a Rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga, to discuss the halachic challenges that students commonly face during their year in Israel—and beyond. With his deep knowledge of halacha and years of experience working with yeshiva students, Rabbi Ifrah shares practical advice on how to navigate everyday situations through...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , we sit down with Rabbi Yisrael Feld , a beloved Rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga, to discuss one of the biggest challenges for students spending their year in Israel: Pesach break. After eight months of intense Torah learning and spiritual growth, returning home for the first time can feel overwhelming. You’ve changed—but your family and old friends may no...

In this episode of The Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Adi Isaacs, head of the Nitzavim Fellowship program, to discuss a crucial topic for many students—transitioning from yeshiva or seminary in Israel to a secular college campus.  With years of experience guiding students through this transition, Rabbi Isaacs shares insights on the challenges students may face, the mind...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , Avi Proctor sits down with his wife, Yali, to break down one of the most common topics students ask about—how to choose the right yeshiva or seminary. With over five years of experience running the Israel Gap Year platform and working closely with 75+ student representatives each year, Avi has gained deep insight into what really matters when making this...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun , we sit down with Rav Jonathan Cohen, affectionately known as Joco, a powerhouse of inspiration and dedication within the Jewish community. Joco works tirelessly with Yeshiva University, recruiting students from their gap year programs to continue their education at YU, and with NCSY, helping young couples find their place within Jewish communities across...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rabbi Rich, a mashgiach at Shalavim, and Rebbetzin Dena Rich from EFG at Aish, to discuss the transition back home after a gap year in Israel. We explore what lessons and values to take with you, and how to balance your newfound growth with your previous life. The Riches share valuable advice on adjusting to family dynamics, respecting pa...

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we explore the profound question of why someone should be frum with the insightful Rabbi David Aaron. Known for his relatable and inspiring books, Rabbi David Aaron breaks down Judaism into its fundamental parts, making faith accessible and meaningful. We tackle questions about maintaining religious observance despite doubts and uncertainties, and where t...

Join us for an enlightening episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun as we speak with Rabbi Dr. Zvi Ron, a compassionate Rabbi at Midreshet Harova and Midreshet Moriah. Known for his dedication to shining a light on the neglected, Rav Ron's journey is marked by his natural advocacy for marginalized individuals, including his instrumental role in resettling Ethiopian Jews in Israel. Beyond his humanitaria...

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rabbi Rosner to explore his journey of moving to Israel, leaving behind his community, and establishing a new one. We delve into the question of whether Shana Alef students should consider staying in Israel after their gap year, particularly with opportunities like Machon Lev’s English Beis Medrash now available. As Rabbi Rosner takes on his new role a...