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 they experienced once they arrived in seminary. The conversation also explores what actually matters when choosing a seminary, what students tend to focus on too much, and what advice they would give their younger selves during the application stage. The group shares practical insight for girls who are feeling unsure where they belong and offers guidance on how to find clarity when decisions feel overwhelming. This episode is a must-listen for any student currently applying to seminary - and for parents who want a clearer, more honest picture of what the process really feels like. Follow Israel Gap Year: Instagram:https://tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d Facebook:https://tinyurl.com/27syypmu

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 between ideals and reality, how Rav Soloveitchik’s hashkafa is often misunderstood, and the roles parents, schools, and communities play in shaping authentic Judaism. The episode also looks at why students are drawn to extremes — and what a healthier, grounded middle can look like post-Israel. This is a conversation about listening to hard questions — and asking whether the system reflects what it was meant to be.

Explore the essence of chessed with Rabbi Yudin as he unveils the mission behind Ashreinu Yeshiva in Beit Shemesh. Discover the integral role of chessed in their daily routine and delve into Rabbi Yudin's deeply personal connection to acts of kindness. Gain insights into Ashreinu's unique community and hear firsthand about Rabbi Yudin's plans for its future. Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with raw emotion and profound truths!" To sponsor an upcoming episode email [email protected] To schedule a consultation appointment for gap year programs with Avi Proctor click here: https://bookme.name/aviproctor To learn more about Yeshivat Ashreinu click here: https://www.ashreinu.org.il/ Follow Israel Gap Year:  Instagram: http://tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/27syypmu Youtube: http://tinyurl.com/ysxymr3w

Get ready for an eye-opening chat as we sit down with Rabbi Daniel Glanz, the Mashgiach Ruchani at Yeshivat Mevaseret Tzion. In this episode we delve into why having a rebbe in your life is so crucial, no matter where you're at. From building that special bond to tackling the hurdles along the way, Rabbi Glanz lets us in on what it's all about. And, of course, we address the deeper meaning behind Rabbi Glanz's pop hit song, 'I Need a Rebbe.' This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow and connect on a deeper level! Check out Rabbi Glanz’s song “I Need a Rebbe” at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSsJDp67nwo To sponsor an upcoming episode email [email protected] To schedule a consultation appointment for gap year programs with Avi Proctor click here: https://bookme.name/aviproctor To learn more about Yeshivat Mevaseret click here: https://www.ysmz.org/ Follow Israel Gap Year:  Instagram: http://tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/27syypmu Youtube: http://tinyurl.com/ysxymr3w

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 he 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 major influence on his philosophy is the Piaseczna Rebbe and the idea of “education of the soul” — individualized growth, real relationships, and speaking the language of today’s students. Thank you to the sponsor of this weeks Episode TheFutureIsCalling.org If you are thinking about staying in israel after Yeshiva or Seminary and you want to find a place with all the info to get that process started you must visit TheFutureIsCalling.org

In this episode, Rabbi Turtesky addresses the common phenomenon of 'flipping out' in seminary and yeshiva, offering invaluable advice for individuals at every stage of their journey—whether they're embarking on their gap year, in the midst of it, or transitioning afterward. Join us as we explore strategies for healthy, steady growth and avoiding burnout. Tune in for essential guidance on achieving sustainable personal development! To sponsor an upcoming episode email [email protected] To schedule a consultation appointment for gap year programs with Avi Proctor click here: https://bookme.name/aviproctor To learn more about Yeshivat Shaalvim for Men click here: https://www.shaalvim.org/yeshiva/ Follow Israel Gap Year:  Instagram: http://tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/27syypmu Youtube: http://tinyurl.com/ysxymr3w

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 conversation explores what really matters when choosing a yeshiva, what students tend to focus on too much, and what they wish they understood earlier about learning style, structure, rebbeim, social environment, and personal growth. The boys share what they would tell their younger selves during the application stage — especially when everything feels uncertain and high-pressure. This episode offers practical insight for guys who aren’t sure where they fit and are trying to figure out which yeshiva environment will help them grow the most — not just religiously, but emotionally and socially as well. A must-listen for any student currently applying to yeshiva — and for parents who want a clearer, more honest picture of what the process actually feels like from a student’s perspective.

The "Israel Gap Year B'Iyun Podcast '' features an interview with Mrs. Esther Grossman, a native of New York now residing in Ramat Beit Shemesh. She shares her motivation to launch her own seminary next year and some of her experiences being involved in a variety of seminaries over the years.  To sponsor an upcoming episode email [email protected] To schedule a consultation appointment for gap year programs with Avi Proctor click here: https://bookme.name/aviproctor To learn more about the future of Midreshet Lev click here: https://midreshetlev.org/ Follow Israel Gap Year:  Instagram: http://tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/27syypmu Youtube: http://tinyurl.com/ysxymr3w

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 mentors, the Mayers discuss:Why girls also need a “rabbi figure” in their lifeWhat to do if you're in seminary and haven’t connected with someone yetHow to build a meaningful spiritual relationship after you've already left IsraelThe difference these connections make — not just in seminary, but in lifeReal advice for students feeling like it's “too late” to find a mentor This is a must-listen episode for seminary students, parents, educators — or anyone who believes in the power of lasting relationships in Jewish growth.