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

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 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.

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. 

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 nowWhat kind of personal and spiritual growth students should be focusing on during their yearThe type of support and environment that today’s Orthodox teens thrive inHow seminary can be a launchpad for long-term identity, confidence, and connection to Torah Rabbi Weinberg speaks openly about the mission behind Midreshet Ora and what he hopes students will take away - not just during their year in Israel, but for life. Want to Learn More about Midreshet Ora? Apply Now:https://www.midreshetora.com/applynow Join Rabbi Weinberg’s Torah WhatsApp Group:https://chat.whatsapp.com/HSQG6FMdDth47HVThSc2Ld Follow Israel Gap Year: Instagram:https://tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d Facebook:https://tinyurl.com/27syypmu

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 students, and the practical steps to explore your options without pressure. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering it, this conversation gives you real clarity on the mindset, the opportunities, and the next steps. Learn More / Contact JCT Rabbi Shlomo Anapolle - Director of JCT Machon Lev and Machon Tal’s International Programs ???? WhatsApp: +972 54-390-2681 ???? Email: [email protected] ???? Interested in JCT programs:https://forms.monday.com/forms/19df1e5bef43bc2f93667a9e4b9b73a8?r=euc1 ???? Website:https://www.jct.ac.il/en/  Checkout JCT on instagram @Jctinternational Follow Israel Gap Year ???? Instagram: tinyurl.com/2s3kx22d ???? Facebook: tinyurl.com/27syypmu ▶️ YouTube: tinyurl.com/ysxymr3w ???? Schedule a consultation: bookme.name/aviproctor ✉️ Sponsor an episode: [email protected]

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 questions about your direction in life. This episode is about starting that conversation the right way. With years of experience guiding hundreds of students toward personal and professional clarity, Rabbi Rapaport shares tools and perspectives to help students make thoughtful, balanced decisions — without losing sight of their values. In this episode, they discuss: Why your year in Israel is the ideal time to reflect on career directionThe biggest mistakes students make when thinking about their futureHow to ask the right questions — even if you’re unsure where to startBalancing growth in ruchniyus with planning for your futureThe mindset that builds confidence without rushing big decisions

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 a Torah lens. Together, they tackle key questions, including:How to handle Hilchot Shabbat issuesKashrut challenges when traveling or eating outHow to balance family expectations with halachic growthImportant day-to-day halachic situations that often get overlookedAnd much more~ Whether you're currently spending your year in Israel, planning your trip, or just want to strengthen your halachic awareness, this episode is packed with real-world guidance you won’t want to miss. Link to the ZnT kashrus list for restaurants- https://www.zntkosher.com/