Israel Fair Magazine

DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

ISRAEL FAIR

MAGAZINE ISRAEL FAIR GUIDE PAGES 5-22

IN THIS ISSUE ISRAEL FAIR GUIDE Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 17 Page 21

Israel Fair Schedule How Does The Israel Fair Work?

Who’s Who At The Israel Fair?

Intro Session Worksheets The Real Deal

GUIDE TO STAYING HERE NEXT YEAR Page 25 •Page 29 •Page 31 •Page 35

Page 41 •Page 47

Page 53 •Page 57 •Page 64 •Page 67 •Page 69

Page 75

University & Life in Israel Interview: Engineering Israel’s Future Standardized Testing Interview: Here Next Year...A Few Years Later

Magazine Staff Editors-In-Chief Bracha Lamm & Peninah Lamm Kaplansky Editorial Assistant Shira Cohen Talya Engelhart Penina Meltz Dalia Newman Rena Rapps Art Director Peninah Lamm Kaplansky Contributers Becca Burg Lottie Kestenbaum Rebecca Charytan-Spitz

Sherut Leumi

Interview: Fighting Illness With Love

IDF Service Interview: The Making of Ma"k Top 5 Tips For Surviving Basic Training Meet Our Chayalot!

It's Not All About The "Wassach"

Upcoming Events

Copyright © 2017 by Here Next Year & Nefesh B’Nefesh All rights reserved.

For general inquiries email: info@herenextyearisrael.com

WORDS OF WELCOME Dear Here Next Year participant, Welcome! Spending a year in Israel in Yeshiva or seminary, experiencing the culture, people and the atmosphere of the land where our forefathers walked, is a lifechanging experience. Take advantage of every moment, of every opportunity as you explore Israel and spend time touring, exploring and experiencing the country. This year is one that can help you imagine the many greater possibilities as you consider your long-term goals.

One of the most beautiful things about Israel is that no matter who you are, you can find your place. Israel is a land where you can grow spiritually and personally, achieve greater heights and pursue your personal goals. It is a place to call home.

You have already taken big steps in coming to spend the year in Israel and in joining the Israel Fair to hear from people who have already started on their journey and can speak to you about your plans. Whether you have questions about university, army, Sherut Leumi, the Aliyah process, your rights and benefits, or just want to meet with other people who are on a similar path, you have come to the right place.

Ask questions, discuss your options, explore the endless possibilities that exist for you in Israel, and take the first steps realizing your potential future.

B’Hatzlacha,

Rabbi Yehoshua Fass Executive Director, Nefesh B'Nefesh

What an unbelievable statement we are all making by being HERE tonight!

In an age when we, as Anglo Jews, are afforded almost every freedom in the Diaspora and when Israel is no longer our escape from horrific persecution, we are choosing Israel. We are choosing to give purpose to all of the amazing opportunities we’ve been given by our communities, families and shuls back home. We are taking the lessons and values we were taught our whole lives, and turning them into action. By being here tonight, we are showing the world, ourselves, and God that we are proud Jews and proud Zionists. We are ready to be the writers of the newest chapter in the Jewish story.

As you learn and gain insights about your options in Israel at the Israel Fair tonight, take a moment to look around you and be proud of this movement you are building. Notice the hundreds of other young people who, along with you, are pursuing a meaningful future in Israel. Think of the dozens of volunteers, former shana ba’aretz students themselves, who are HERE tonight to share their wisdom and serve as inspiration. Take a deep breath, and realize that our generation is making history.

Please know that we are here to support you throughout your decision-making journey, whether you ultimately choose to stay in Israel or not. We wish you a productive night and look forward to getting to know you throughout the year!

With admiration,

Peninah Lamm Kaplansky & Bracha Lamm Co-founders, Here Next Year

2./

2

e r e H XT NE R YEA

2 >G

:

2

WORDS OF INSPIRATION Dear Participants in the Israel Fair, There is no story like ours in world history. Two thousand years ago we were exiled from our biblical and ancestral homeland and for two thousand years as we were persecuted all around the world we held onto the hope and belief that “Next year in Jerusalem.” And here we are. After two thousand years we have come home. The ingathering of the exiles and the reflourishing of the land of Israel are happening before our eyes.

Each and every one of you should give some thought to what your ancestors would have given up for the opportunity to breathe the air of Jerusalem for a few minutes. And here we are – studying, eating out, playing ball, and just walking around the streets of our eternal capital – in peace and tranquility. We are not spending a few minutes here – we are spending a semester, a year, or two years.

Or more…

And that is where Here Next Year comes into the picture. You don’t have to guess or speculate regarding your options for spending more time in Israel. Here Next Year will provide you with all the information you need to make an educated decision whether it be university, army, national service, or anything else which you may want to do in Israel.

I applaud all of you for taking the time to explore how you can spend more time in Israel. Read. Ask. Think. Decide. I can tell you all one thing – you are making your ancestors proud by standing up in this incredible time in our history and through your actions declaring: I want to be part of the most important turn of events for the Jewish people in 2,000 years and not sit back on the side and watch it from afar. I want to be where the Jewish future will unfold and in the land of Jewish destiny.

I also applaud Here Next Year for providing you with this incredible service and hope and pray that they will be blessed with great success in their holy work.

Wishing all of you a productive fair and hope to see you HERE NEXT YEAR!

Dov Lipman Member of the 19th Knesset

Shalom U'vracha!

My name is Oded Negbi, I fought as a "chovel" (explosives and sabotage expert) from the ranks of Battalion 53 of the Givati brigade. I was sent to Kibbutz Negba by my commander, who is today Judge Avraham Ben-Dor, in Jerusalem. The date was May 23, 1948, eight days after the Egyptian forces penetrated the country's borders. We had no heavy weapons in the IDF, we did not have tanks, we did not have any guns. We did not have airplanes. And yet we went to defend the homeland. For me, Negba was my fortress and the most important school in my life. I learned what brotherhood is in battle. I learned to expel from myself any emotion of selfishness.

It was also a school that taught me the deepest and most accurate lessons of my life.

I served for 20 years in the IDF. At one point, while neutralizing a 50-kilogram bomb, the bomb exploded and I lost one hand, one eye and the hearing in one ear. Despite the injury, with only a single hand and with hearing loss in the right ear, I returned to command my unit after 37 days.

But the 20 years I spent in the army were the most beautiful and wonderful years of my life. I enjoyed every hour, every month, every year of military service. I loved and respected my soldiers and my subordinates, and they gave me respect and affection. I say this today when I am 91 years old.

Be blessed when you come to join the IDF. It is protecting our one and only homeland.

About Oded Negbi: Born in Jerusalem in 1926, Oded is now (in his own words) 91 years young. He served in the IDF for 20 years, having drafted a couple of days after the Declaration of the State of Israel. He volunteered to learn about explosives and counter terrorism and fought on the border in Arab Yafo and Tel Aviv, and took initiative and planted mines along the borders during his service. In 1966 he became head of Human Conditions in the Air Force, and in 1972, when he left Tzahal, he was appointed head of Wounded Veterans and Bereaved Families. He now lives in Petach Tikva, is the father of two sons and has four grandchildren, two of whom have already served in the IDF. 3

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ISRAEL FAIR EXPERIENCE! ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BOOTHS, SESSIONS, REPRESENTATIVES AND VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE AT THE ISRAEL FAIR! PAGES 5-22

FAIR

SCHEDULE

BOOTHS

REAL DEAL

Speak with representatives from over 30 organizations and institutions throughout Israel!

Speak with soldiers, students, and bnot sherut about what it’s really like to stay!

INTRO SESSIONS 8:00-8:40 Intro to IDF, Intro to Sherut Leumi, Intro to Aliyah 8:50-9:30 Intro to IDF, Intro to University, Intro to Sherut Leumi 9:40-10:20 Intro to IDF, Intro to University, Intro to Aliyah

Intro to Aliyah - Room 2 Intro to IDF - Room 3 Intro to University - Room 1 Intro to Sherut Leumi (8:00-8:40) - Room 1 Intro to Sherut Leumi (8:50-9:30) - Room 2 5

WHERE ARE THE

INTRO SESSIONS?

HOW DOES THE ISRAEL FAIR WORK? INTRODUCING YOUR HOSTS - HERE NEXT YEAR AND NEFESH B’NEFESH! Staying in Israel can be exciting, meaningful, inspiring and fun, as well as quite stressful, overwhelming, confusing and complicated. For anyone who has thought about staying in Israel or making Aliyah, this year is really the first time the practical questions start to appear. How do I actually stay? Who would my friends be? Who would my support system be? Do I actually even want to stay? How hard am I willing to work to make this dream a reality? Who do I turn to for more information?

Here Next Year is an organization fully staffed and run by hundreds of us who were in your shoes just a few years ago. We were all in seminary or yeshiva in the past five years, stayed in Israel and built successful lives here. We all want to give back; to pave the way for future generations, to help you avoid unnecessary hurdles or mistakes, and to help you make the decision that is best for you. Based on the collective experiences and first-hand knowledge of our staff, we have built a tailor-made program to best prepare you and guide you through this exciting journey. We will be with you throughout your decision-making process, with helpful events, guidance, resources and support.

Nefesh B’Nefesh makes the Aliyah process easier, facilitates the integration of new olim into Israeli society, and educates the Jews of the Diaspora about the centrality of Israel to the Jewish People. By removing professional, logistical and financial obstacles, and sharing the Aliyah story of olim actively building the State of Israel, Nefesh B’Nefesh encourages others to actualize their Aliyah dreams. Nefesh B’Nefesh is dedicated to making each oleh, and every Aliyah, a success.

WHAT IS THE ISRAEL FAIR? Now in its fourth year, the Israel Fair is here to help set the stage for the journey you are to begin this year and show you just how many people and resources will be available to you throughout your decision-making process. The Israel Fair is an introduction to your options and support system and is uniquely designed to help you gain a basic understanding of your next steps for each option, including options you may never have heard of or considered.

The Israel Fair is not your final step, but rather your first step, to be followed by an entire year of helpful Here Next Year and Nefesh B’Nefesh events. While your personal drive and perseverance, as well as your willpower and dedication to your motivations, are the key to your success here, the community, guidance, and mentorship provided by Here Next Year, Nefesh B’Nefesh and the dozens of other organizations present tonight have the potential to shape and enhance not only your next step in Israel, but your entire life.

HOW DOES THE ISRAEL FAIR WORK? Intro Sessions The Intro Sessions will provide the fundamentals of Sherut Leumi, IDF service, higher education, and Aliyah in Israel. You will walk away with an understanding of basic important terminology, the sign-up or application process, relevant programs for you and practical next steps.

Knowledge is power so start taking notes!

Schedule and rooms are on page 5. Worksheets for the Intro Sessions are on pages 17-20.

The Real Deal The Real Deal tables will give you insight into what it is actually like to stay in Israel from those who have done it. The tables are staffed by 50+ men and women who served in the IDF and Sherut Leumi, attended Ulpan, or studied in college in Israel in the past five years. They have tons of first-hand experience and knowledge and are available to answer your questions tonight and throughout the year. Don’t be shy! Head on over and ask them about their journeys in Israel!

Bios about each of the Real Deal staff can be found on pages 21-22.

Booths The 35+ booths are here to expose you to options you may not have known existed before, to answer your specific questions, or to give you a bit of insight into programs you may already be considering. Each booth has official representatives who can answer your questions about tuition, services, tracks of study, programs specifically geared towards English speakers and more. Go ahead, take a flyer from a random booth! Strike up a conversation with a rep!

A full list of booths is available on pages 7-16.

Our hope is that, by the end of the night, you will walk away with more questions, albeit more insightful and informed questions, than when you came in. We hope you leave with practical next steps, new programs and options for consideration, a newfound excitement for all of your possibilities, and the realization that hundreds of others are going through the same process as you and are here to help! And now that you’re left with even more questions, it’s on to our next events, where we’ll help you turn those questions into practical steps forward. Staying in Israel is a process, but it’s a process that has the potential to be one of meaning, fun and growth. It is one in which you will not be alone. 6

HIGHER EDUCATION Bar-Ilan University “Bar-Ilan University is the one and only research university in Israel where cutting-edge scientific research meets eternal Jewish values.”

One of Israel's largest universities, and a world-renowned comprehensive research institute, Bar-Ilan offers B.A./B.Sc., M.A./M.Sc., PhD, and Post-Doc degrees in 53 different departments and study programs ranging across 8 faculties: Law, Social Sciences, Judaic Studies, Medicine, Exact Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities, in addition to Interdisciplinary Studies and Advanced Torah Studies. Bar-Ilan’s 21,000 students are provided with an opportunity to become knowledgeable Jews, both formally and informally. Bar Ilan has a unique program which requires every student to take academic level Jewish studies courses, thereby grounding them in the basics of Judaism, and also provides a multitude of Jewish experiences on campus. It is this ability to fuse a reverence for Jewish legacy and heritage with the rigors of academic study which makes Bar-Ilan University like no other. Bar-Ilan also offers a strong student life, with special programs directed at the large Anglo community who have made Bar Ilan their home.

Contact: Ms. Solange Offner – solange.offner@biu.ac.il, 03-738-4247 Website: https://www1.biu.ac.il/

Bar-Ilan University Mechina Bar-Ilan University’s Mechina Program aims to familiarize students with university education and prepare them for continued education in any institution of higher education in Israel. The program covers a broad spectrum of subjects including Judaic studies, math, Hebrew, and elective courses. Courses are taught in simplified Hebrew and adapted to the specific needs of visiting students and new immigrants who have just arrived in Israel. The Mechina program consists of required courses and electives. Instructors and administration fully assist the new student to successfully adjust to studying at BIU and to take part in campus life. In addition to the focus on education, the Mechina also focuses on the students’ integration and naturalization processes through organizing social gatherings, tours and weekends all over Israel.

Contact: Ms. Keren Rozmarin - mechina.office@biu.ac.il, +972-3-531-8653 Website: https://www1.biu.ac.il/en_mechina

7

LIFE IN ISRAEL TIP: Have any questions about life as an Anglo student in Givat Shmuel or Bar Ilan University?

They've probably all been answered on the Facebook group “Camp Givat Shmuel/Bar-Ilan”, which has over 4,000 members!

Bar-Ilan University International B.A. Program Bar-Ilan University is home to several international programs that attract students the world over. Classes are taught in English and include Ulpan from level 1 and up. The degrees offered are: Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (psychology, criminology, and sociology/anthropology), Communications and Political Science, Communications and English Literature, and Economics & Business Administration.

Contact: Josh Weixelbaum or Miriam Perl – intl.office@biu.ac.il, info.intlba@biu.ac.il, 03-738-4210, 03-738-4245 Website: http://biuinternational.com/

Ono Academic College Ono Academic College is a leading academic institution, established in 1995, with a commitment to both academic excellence at the core of its academic mission. The excellent teaching staff recently won the Best Professors award for three years in a row from the National Union of Israeli Students. Ono Academic College offers Bachelor degrees in Education, Law, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Music and Business Administration (with majors in Marketing, Finance and the Capital Market, Information Systems and Accounting) and a variety of Master's degrees. The main campus is in Kiryat Ono close to Tel Aviv, with other campuses in Jerusalem, Or Yehuda and Haifa. Ono is dedicated to making higher education accessible to previously excluded populations and has special programs for the ultra-Orthodox community. The Ono degree programs equip students with the practical tools and skills needed to succeed in each student's chosen profession. Ono's unique Simulation Center simulates real-time professional environments and prepares students exceptionally well for the job market. They have a network of legal clinics on all of their campuses, programs for honor students, multicultural campuses and activities, and applied research institutes. They offer graduates professional career advice for required internships in law and accounting, and for other professional positions. Under the creative leadership of its founder Ranan Hartman, Ono Academic College is a highly entrepreneurial institution, continuously responding to the social and economic needs of Israeli society and taking the lead in developing innovative approaches to education.

The College of Law and Business For over 18 years, the College of Law and Business (CLB) in Ramat Gan continues to combine academic excellence with social outreach to cultivate leaders who champion the values of excellence, professionalism and human rights.

CLB integrates English-speaking students into the local and global legal world by offering the only Bilingual LL.B. law degree studies available in Israel. The 3.5 year program, taught in Hebrew and English, qualifies those interested to practice law in Israel as well as to take the NYS Bar exam, and includes an optional fast-track LL.M. at Yeshiva University's Cardozo Law school and summer programs at Harvard, Oxford, Kassel, ICC-Paris and more.

For the out-of-the-box thinkers, CLB offers a unique entrepreneurship - and social responsibility - focused Business Administration (BA) undergraduate degree taught entirely in English in 3 years. Based on the ivy-league Case-Method format, students develop multidisciplinary, big-picture analytical thinking, and are trained to act as international business entrepreneurs in the Eco-Hub incubator in their final year of studies.

Contact: clb@universityinisrael.com Website: http://po.st/visitclb or www.universityinisrael.com/clb

Website: www.ono.ac.il

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - DEVORAH SPIGELMAN For my personal field of study, it makes almost no sense to study anywhere but here. Law is a graduate level degree outside of Israel, while here in Israel it is an undergraduate degree and is recognized in the United States; so essentially I skipped the four years of undergraduate school and the strenuous LSATs, but my law degree is recognized in New York, too.

PICTURE The College of Law and Business (CLB) is the only law school in the country that offers even part of the curriculum in English, so that’s obviously a HUGE advantage. CLB is really good at Hebrew integration, and the integration process is done slowly and effectively. During my first year, I took a judicial Ulpan class, but all of my other first-year courses were in English. Now in my second year, I have a mix, but even in the Hebrew core classes, I can take my exams in English.

The school is conveniently located in Ramat Gan, next to a Cofix, and is only one bus ride away from places like Givat Shmuel, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beit Shemesh. There is a special academic coordinator for English speaking students, and she is there for everything, so the language barrier isn’t added to the challenges of learning to navigate a foreign academic system. Being a small, private school there really is a personal feel; the staff knows you, and they offer many amenities a larger school wouldn’t be able to, such as one-on-one “staj” (law apprenticeship) guidance, and individual academic counseling.

I owe so much hakarat hatov to Here Next Year, because I had never even heard of my school until the 2015 Israel Fair.

8

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel’s leading research-university, offers degree programs in over 100 areas of study. The University encourages students to choose an interdisciplinary program in the form of a dual-major track or a structured program (e.g.

Biopsychology; PAKAM – Philosophy, Economics and Political Science).

Established in 1955, the Rothberg International School at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers the oldest and largest Undergraduate Study Abroad Program in Israel as well as Graduate Study Programs, Summer Programs, Short-Term Programs. Intensive Hebrew Study (Ulpan), and a Preparatory Program (Mechina) for those wishing to complete a full degree at the Hebrew University.

Although there are quite a number of courses offered in English, especially in advanced years, the undergraduate degree programs require proficiency in Hebrew. A Mechina – Preparatory Program is offered through The Rothberg International School.

Contact: Orit Krakover oritk@savion.huji.ac.il Website: http://info.huji.ac.il/overseas

A large variety of courses are offered in English in a number of areas including: Religious, Israel and Middle Eastern Studies, Business, Psychology, Law, Archaeology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Management, and Philosophy as well as special study tracks in Art, Dance, Music, and Arabic, and Informal Jewish Education. The Rothberg International School boasts over 50 programs with over 2,000 students from over 90 countries around the globe.

Contact: risinfo@savion.huji.ac.il, 02-5882600 Website: overseas.huji.ac.il

Technion International Technion, located in Haifa, is among the world’s top ten research and technology universities. Technion is dedicated to the creation of knowledge and the development of human capital and leadership, for the advancement of the State of Israel and all humanity. A variety of Technion accredited academic programs and research opportunities, taught entirely in English, are offered in a wide range of exciting fields.

Technion’s unique blend of high-level academics, interdisciplinary attitudes and hands-on learning approach, facilitated through top-notch faculty and cutting-edge facilities, makes for learning experiences that prepare students to excel in their future academic and professional careers.

Contact: apply@int.technion.ac.il, 077-887-1912 Website: https://int.technion.ac.il/

Touro College in Israel Touro College in Israel (TCI) can help make your dream of spending next year in Israel a reality. The number one argument against spending another year is "What about your college education? “At TCI, you can have Israel AND a quality higher education at an accredited American college*. TCI offers all the core courses you need to Jump Start your college career as well as a large array of advanced courses in Psychology, the Sciences – we have a fully equipped lab - Business, and Speech. For your convenience, TCI is in sync with your yeshiva or seminary schedule, offering separate schedules and classes for men and women. Women’s courses are scheduled for mornings and afternoon, while men study in the evenings. Vacations are designed to coincide with yeshiva/seminary calendars. The Touro name is recognized around the world as an institution dedicated to excellence and maximizing potential for each and every student. Come join us and make the most of your Israel experience! *Academic Courses taught by Touro College in Israel are part of the curriculum of Touro New York, Accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education and are limited in Israel to students who are not Israeli citizens or permanent residents. Additional courses must be taken in New York.

Contact: Rabbi Josh Gerstein - Joshua.Gerstein@touro.edu , 0527988787 Website: http://tci.touro.edu 9

IDC Herzliya IDC Herzliya is a non-profit organization modeled after Ivy League universities in the U.S. IDC Herzliya’s success has drawn both international recognition and world renewn lecturers and researchers from around the world. IDC Herzliya is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education and research and the training of future leaders by providing educational programs which combine academic study with practical, hands-on training and encourage innovative thinking. BA and MA degrees are offered both in English and Hebrew.

Programs offered in English: BA: Business Administration, Business & Economics (double major), Communications, Government, Government & Sustainability (double major), Psychology BSc: Computer Science (One Semester / One Year /Full Degree) MA: Counter- Terrorism & Homeland Security Studies, Diplomacy & Conflict Studies, MA Government Research, Financial Economics, Organizational Behavior & Development (OBD) Global MBA: Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Strategy & Business Development One-Year MBA: MBA Healthcare Innovation Contact: rris.registrar@idc.ac.il, 09-9527272 Website: https://www.idc.ac.il

Ten questions to ask yourself when choosing where and what to study in Israel: 1. Have other Anglos had positive experiences in this program?

2. What is the student community like? How important is community to me?

3. What extra curricular or enrichment activities does my school offer?

4. What are the expenses in the place I choose to live? Are there part-time jobs available?

5. What is the job market like in this field? Does my school help with the job search?

6. Do I need Mechina, SATs or psychometry in order to apply?

7. What is campus life like in my school? How important is that to me?

8. What is the reputation of my school in the minds of potential employers?

9. How supportive is the administration of its students?

10. Are there special benefits for Olim? Can I submit tests and papers in English?

OU JLIC at IDC Herzliya Something big is starting - the first ever OU-JLIC in Israel. JLIC is at every college campus you know of with a large Jewish community in America. They place couples on college campuses to help build up Jewish life, raise the level of Torah learning and overall create a sense of community. Coming to Israel, there was no better place than to start at IDC in Herzliya, where there are hundreds of Yeshiva day school students and a desire for Torah learning and spiritual growth. Students would commute because they were unsure if Herzliya was a good place for them socially and religiously. International School students are often there without family and Margot and Josh Botwinick (and their son Yoshi!) serve as a home away from home. So far, they have had 2 shiurim a week, challah bakes, Kiddush Luncheon’s in the Park, Seuda Shlishit, musical havdallah, Oneg’s, general hangouts on college campus, lots of chavrutot and much more. They have been doing Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat that hundreds of students have attended. The excitement for the growth of JLIC is there and it’s only continuing to grow.

Give a “like” to JLIC at IDC Herzliya on facebook and you’ll see more of the amazing things that are happening! Herzliya’s an amazing place to be -- go join the family!

Contact: Margot and Josh - 0586927715, botwinickm@ou.org.

10

Tel Aviv University International

GMAX Test Prep

Tel Aviv University is located in Israel’s capital of innovation and culture. Ranked as one of the world’s top 10 cities, Tel Aviv is known for its entrepreneurial atmosphere and exciting social lifestyles.

Ranked among the world’s top 100 innovation universities, TAU has a strong interdisciplinary focus and collaborates closely with leading institutions worldwide. TAU is Israel’s leading university, attracting talented students and renowned faculty from around the globe.

TAU International (TAUi) offers a wide variety of programs taught in English (Study Abroad, Gap Year, Undergraduate Degrees, Graduate Degrees, Internship, Language and Summer programs).

Classes are enhanced by field trips, cultural and overnight excursions, social events, and much more. As part of your experience at TAUi the Madrichim (social counselors) will provide a full program of unique social events that will enable you to immerse in the Israeli culture. You will also gain real-world professional expertise through internships, guest lectures, and workshops with some of Israel’s leading experts.

Contact: International.tau.ac.il, study@tau.ac.il Website: https://international.tau.ac.il/

GMAX Test Prep is a test prep company that is especially designed for English speakers in Israel. We help students from around the world to prepare for the SAT and English Psychometric with the very best tools, materials and teachers available. GMAX’s courses are given online or in person. Students who want to study from their computer are given all of the materials, online videos, web-tools and take part in weekly, live-interactive online lessons.

Classic style, in class learning, is available in 2 locations, Tel Aviv, at 227 Ben Yehuda Street, and in Yerushalaim, at Hebrew University, Givat Ram Campus. Our course is custom-designed to fit each student’s needs. We offer around the clock telephone-based service and have every tool needed to guarantee a top result on the SAT or English Psychometric test.

GMAX is very proud to be recommended by Nefesh B’Nefesh. This trust is built on years of excellence in achievement. GMAX is also recommended by Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, Bar Ilan University, the Inter-disciplinary School in Herzliya (IDC) and the American Consulate in Tel Aviv.

Courses are held throughout the year and students are encouraged to register for the course of their choice 4-6 months before test date.

Contact: 03-6021014, 08-6735512 Website: www.gmax.co.il

Jerusalem College of Technology (Machon Lev English Program) Are you planning on living in Jerusalem next year? Are you are a religious male and interested in getting a college degree, while also studying in English?

If so, then JCT is the place for you! The Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT), recognized by Israel's Council of Higher Education, is one of Israel's leading academic institutions of higher education. JCT provides 2 tracks for students seeking an undergraduate degree in English: Computer Science and Business Administration. With flexible scheduling, JCT's English Speaking Program is ideal for men seeking to receive a college degree in English, at a highly discounted rate, while studying or working, in Jerusalem.

Contact: Rabbi Eisenberg - 058-7558007, stevene@g.jct.ac.il Website: http://www.jct.ac.il/en

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT - MORDY DEROVAN Mordy grew up in Los Angeles, where he attended Yavneh Hebrew Academy for elementary school and later the Yeshiva University of Los Angeles (YULA) for high school. He loved his upbringing there, but the Zionistic values instilled in him by his parents and role models kept him striving towards his true goal: Aliyah. It was only after high school that he joined the small international English-speaking program at Birkat Moshe, a Hesder Yeshiva in Ma'ale Adumim, and began to experience living in Israel for the first time. During that year, Mordy understood that he could take action and turn the values on which he grew up into a reality, which led to his decision to make Aliyah towards the year's end. After successfully moving to Israel, Mordy joined Hesder full time, committing to five years of yeshiva learning and army service. When the time came for Mordy to join the Israeli army, he enlisted with his yeshiva to the Kfir Brigade, where he was selected to be the heavy machine gunner. There, he was awarded the Outstanding Soldier award. Once he finished Hesder, he began his studies at the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) – Lev Academic Center. "I chose JCT because I wanted to study in Jerusalem. Students go to JCT with an understanding that they are going to work hard for their degree." Despite beginning his studies in the Industrial Engineering and Management Department, he soon realized that "I was much better with words than I was with numbers." So, he changed his major to Business, which was then only offered in Hebrew. After completing his first year in Hebrew, JCT re-opened its International Program where he continued his Business studies in English.

"The business degree at JCT was everything I was looking for; it allowed me the flexibility to support myself by working on the side as well as to gain my academic degree" He also saw it as beneficial, "that the majority of my professors had so much professional experience. They had not only worked in America but also in Israel, and could teach us the differences between the two markets and how to balance the cultural discrepancies in the future. I felt as if I left with the upper hand, because I was constantly gaining experience and knowledge throughout my time at JCT. When I wasn't learning from my professors at school, I was learning from the different job positions I held during that time period." Upon completing his degree, Mordy began working at Finn Partners, a PR and marketing agency in Jerusalem, where he 11 has been utilizing his degree for over six months and works with clients from the hi-tech sector.

Ulpan La-Inyan When Ulpan La-Inyan's founder, Ami Steinberger, came to live in Israel in 2007, he saw that English speakers in Jerusalem were struggling to learn Hebrew. They had gone from Ulpan to Ulpan, but they were stuck, unable to open their mouths and express themselves.

These people weren't unintelligent - rather, the methods with which they had been taught just weren't working for them. So Ami drew upon his near-native Hebrew from home, as well as his exposure to the Pimsleur language learning system, and devised a conversational-Hebrew curriculum that just might help these idealistic people learn to speak Hebrew with confidence. It worked. Since 2008 Ulpan La-Inyan has served thousands of English speakers all over Israel, via group courses, private lessons, at Masa programs and at the workplace. In 2017 we began serving new olim, who receive a full government refund on their 5-6-month course, in a group of 4-8 students, anywhere in the country.

Visit us at ulpan.com to explore all our free Hebrew-learning materials, including Your Daily Dose of Hebrew.

Contact: 073-796-2228, contact@ulpan.com Website: https://ulpan.com/

ULPAN

Ulpan-Or Ulpan-Or is an innovative center for Hebrew learning, connecting you to Israeli culture with campuses located in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and anywhere in the world via our online programs and self-study kits.

After 20 years of research, Ulpan-Or founders Orly and Yoel Ganor have developed a revolutionary methodology for learning Hebrew online or in-person called Rapid Language Acquisition (RLA). RLA allows students to learn Hebrew rapidly, while making the ancient language of Hebrew come alive today in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you or your group or family come to Israel for a week, a month or longer, or you just want to learn Hebrew online from the comfort of your own home, Ulpan-Or has a customized program for every learning style and schedule. Whichever program is chosen, students at Ulpan-Or learn more Hebrew at a faster pace than other Hebrew programs, whether they focus on learning Hebrew online or in a physical classroom.

Ulpan Sde Eliyahu

Please learn more about our programs and start learning Hebrew at the speed of light with Ulpan-Or!

Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu offers two Ulpanim per year - in the spring and the fall. The program is supervised by the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Jewish Agency, and encourages immersion by alternating classroom lessons with the opportunity to work and practice speaking. Since its founding in 1968, Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu has hosted over 99 Ulpan semesters and taught thousands of students. We will be opening our brand new campus for Ulpan students and lone soldiers in late Spring of 2018.

The program welcomes both olim and tourists.

Whether participants are already observant or simply looking to grow religiously, Sde Eliyahu’s Modern Orthodox environment provides a beautiful, pastoral environment for work and study.

Contact: office@ulpanor.org Website: https://www.ulpanor.com/

Contact: ulpan@sde.org.il Website: http://www.ulpan.sde.org.il/

We are proud to be the official provider of Hebrew programs to the American Embassy in Israel.

More than 50 schools and universities in North America, South America and Australia successfully use Ulpan-Or’s unique iHebrew™ curriculum.

Participants of various Masa programs, Onward Israel, “Magen David Adom” and many more study Hebrew with Ulpan-Or.

POP QUIZ -

‫בוחן פתע‬

‫אוצר מילים‬ ‫נשמה שלי‬, ‫ יאללה בלאגן‬,‫ חבל על הזמן‬,‫ חי בסרט‬,?‫אפשר מזגן‬-‫ נהג‬,‫איזה באסה‬

1. When you’re telling your parents how amazing morning seder is: 2. When you want to express to your cab driver how much he means to you: 3. When it’s late Thursday night and you’re ready for mishmar to start:

4. When you’re on your way to Ra’anana for Shabbat in June: 5. When it’s “cottage cheese for dinner ” night: 6. When your friend thinks he’s making it back from Tzfat before curfew:

Netzah Yehuda Netzah Yehuda provides a complete range of services for Haredi soldiers such that they can maximize the success of their military service, strengthen their religious bond received in their upbringing, and upon completion of their service, return to their family and community as proud ambassadors of Netzah Yehuda. Our Rabbinic Mentors validate their enlistment and motivate them to compete at the highest level. The facts on the ground speak for themselves as the battalion continues to take first place in inter-brigade competition.

Email: bzweisinger@netzahyehuda.org Website: www.nahalharedi.com

IDF SERVICE FIDF & Nefesh B'Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program “The FIDF & Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program will act as the address for every Lone Soldier to provide resources, support and guidance for a successful IDF service and life in Israel. All activity will be complementary to the IDF’s treatment of Lone Soldiers.”

The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and the Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program (LSP) cares for Lone Soldiers who have come to Israel from all over the world in order to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. Currently, LSP provides services and support for over 3000 Lone Soldiers in active service. Lone Soldier coordinators are available at all times to meet the needs of our soldiers, according to their demanding schedules and in their mother tongue language. Our call center operates 24/7 to meet the needs of our future and current lone soldiers: 1-8000-71400. As such, the Lone Soldiers Program provides a holistic approach to supporting every Lone Soldier as they work towards a successful life as an Oleh, IDF soldier, and Israeli citizen. Here are a few of the many services LSP offers: Army Preparation Days: Before each major draft, LSP invites the soon-to-be draftees to an Army Preparation Day. The preparation day is a half-day seminar, the goal of which is to familiarize soon-to-be Lone Soldiers with the structure and cultural nuances of the IDF. 2500 NIS Grant before you draft: This grant is in order to ensure that all Lone Soldiers are able to purchase items necessary for their draft and time in active service.

Presence at IDF Ceremonies: Recognizing the inherent alienation this creates for Lone Soldiers, LSP makes sure to be there for them during cermonies in order to support, encourage, and express the pride and gratitude that IDF supporters around the world have for Lone Soldiers.

Yom Siddurim: Over fifty vendors, representing many government offices, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Absorption and Integration, and Ministry of Housing, in addition to other supporting organizations come together for one day to help all Lone Soldiers take care of their Aliyah and Israeli citizen related tasks.

Post-Army Education & Employment guidance: The Nefesh B’Nefesh employment and higher-education specialists assist soldiers with determining employment options, writing CVs, and exploring higher education options.

If you want your parents to fly in for your army ceremonies, we may also be able to provide them with a subsidized El Al flight! Have them reach out to LoneSoldierParents@nbn.org.il for more information.

For the latest LSP updates, Pictures & Videos: INSTAGRAM.COM/LONESOLDIERSPGM/, FACEBOOK.COM/LONESOLDIERSPROGRAM/

Contact: 1-8000-71400, lspen@nbn.org.il 13

The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin helps thousands of lone soldiers - young men and women who leave their family and friends to serve in the IDF. The Center was founded by friends of Michael Levin z"l, a lone soldier from Philadelphia who fell in battle during the Second Lebanon War. We provide lone soldiers with "a home away from home", housing, guidance, counseling, a strong community, social events and Shabbat meals. Our volunteers, former lone soldiers, work tirelessly to help lone soldiers thrive before, during and after their military service.

Contact: Jerusalem Office: 02-5022211, Tel Aviv Office: 03-5601931 Website: www.lonesoldiercenter.com

Otzem English Program (Atzmona) The quiet and serenity of Cholot Chalutza make it a perfect environment in which our students can build strong and healthy spiritual foundations in preparation for the tasks of contributing productively to Israeli society in general and serving proudly and successfully in the IDF in particular.

The pre-army yeshiva is designed for idealistic, religious young men who aspire to deepen their Torah knowledge, strengthen their spiritual convictions, and take responsibility for all aspects of their lives both during and after their military service. The Otzem Yeshiva has been active for twenty five years and is constantly developing and rising to meet new challenges. This year the Yeshiva is serving more than 300 students (about 160 in the first year program and 140 in the second year and graduate programs).

The Yeshiva’s continued contact with its graduates during and after their military service constitutes an important element in our educational success. The “Torah of the Yeshiva” becomes more and more of a “Torah for Life” for its graduates.

Contact: yaron@otzem.org.il, 0523121398 Website: https://www.otzem.org.il/otzem

BIG IDEA & Garin Lotem BIG IDEA redefined the cutting edge of tech training when we launched BIG IDEA Gap Year. Gap Year is an unparalleled one- to two-semester hi-tech training program in Be'er Sheva that focuses on programming, design, and app development. Through our unique, hands-on courses, you'll gain all the skills necessary to become a front-end developer, and at the end of the program you'll walk away with not just resume-ready skills, but also an official developer's certification. In addition to the courses, you'll go on weekly field trips around Israel, take Hebrew Ulpan, and intern alongside Israelis at leading startups in Be'er Sheva's CDI Negev.

Garin Lotem is an incredible new army program in cooperation with BIG IDEA and Garin Tzabar. After one semester in BIG IDEA Gap Year's intensive hi-tech training program, participants of Garin Lotem draft directly to the IDF's elite computer unit, Cheil HaTikshuv. BIG IDEA and Garin Tzabar will be with you every step of the way, from preparing you for your Tzav Rishon to helping you find and furnish an apartment. Garin Lotem is THE program for anyone who hopes to serve their country through tech!

Contact: 072-251-3509, gapyear@bigidea.co.il Website: https://bigidea.co.il/gap-year/

“‫”שומרים הפקד לעירך כל היום וכל הלילה‬ Lev Lachayal Lev Lachayal provides a supportive Yeshiva environment to religious young men who choose to serve in the IDF, through a learning program which combines high-level Torah study, army-designed physical training, and an advanced Hebrew ulpan, in order to provide the absolute best ideological, spiritual, and physical preparation for their contribution to Am Yisrael. Lev Lachayal also provides guidance for each student as he navigates through the immigration and military bureaucracies and serves as a “home base” for students preparing for the IDF and for the duration of their army service. Lev Lachayal was recently granted Hesder status, allowing those who enlist through the program to draft to Hesder, Machal Hesder, Machal or regular draft.

Contact: Rav Dudi Winkler - 0586300049, info@levlachayal.org Website: http://www.levlachayal.org/

Garin Tzabar The religious Garin of Garin Tzabar was started in 2007, in order to provide a group framework and support for young observant olim who wish to take the IDF journey with a group of like-minded people.

Upon their arrival in Israel, the religious co-ed group is adopted by an Israeli religious Kibbutz that quickly becomes their home away from home, throughout the duration of their army service. Garin Tzabar provides assistance before and during the IDF service process in order to make the experience as smooth as possible. The kibbutzim are spread all over Israel, including Be'erot Yitzchak, Sa'ad, Lavi, Beit Rimon, Tirat Tzvi and Kvutzat Yavne (amongst others).

Garin Tzabar Seminar Dates for 2018 Orientation Day- 11/1/2018 First seminar- 23-24/2/2018 Second seminar- 23-24/3/2018 Third seminar- 26-28/4/2018 Fourth seminar- 24-26/5/2018

Contact: garinco@zofim.org.il Website: https://www.garintzabar.org/ 14

Tzahali Academy Tzahali Academy, in memory of Tamar Ariel, was founded by the Yaacov Herzog Center of Kibbutz Hadati in 2006. It is a pre-army Academy for religious women who want to serve meaningfully in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and was the first of its kind in Israel. It has grown from 18 cadets in its first year to about 100 women who are participating this year (Tzahali's Bat Mitzvah year). Tzahali cadets are successfully breaking through what was a glass ceiling. Tzahali graduates serve in a much wider array of IDF units, while also helping to prepare these units for more religious women in the future. Tzahali alumni also integrate themselves into Israeli society and subsequently take on significant roles as women in Israel without losing their religious identity.

The program includes intensive Judaic studies, classroom learning and experiencing the diversity of Israel through four "excursions/trips" to different areas in Israel, as well as becoming physically and mentally prepared for army service. The cadets are responsible for their daily schedule; and prepare special programming including the "excursion/trips".

Goals: 1. Strengthening the participants' religious and feminist identities through in depth study of a diverse and open Judaism.

2. Leadership development, learning responsibility, group living skills, and empowering each individual.

3. Exposing the participants to Israeli society in all its diversity and complexity and developing pluralistic thinking.

4. Preparing the women emotionally, mentally, and physically for meaningful army service.

Contact: tzahali@gmail.com

Aluma Aluma works with thousands of young religious women from the start of the draft process until after their service, providing mentorship, hotlines, access to information, and group and community activities. Through Aluma, religious girls receive the information and support they need to make educated decisions about enlisting in the IDF and finding positions in which they can observe their religious practices, grow professionally and contribute to the State of Israel. Aluma partners with community members, the IDF, the Ministry of Education, local municipalities, and more and is regarded as an expert in its field. Aluma has a 24 hour hotline, available through Facebook, phone, email and their website.

Hotline: 0524767252, info@aluma.org.il Contact: Maayan Blum - olothadashot@aluma.org.il, 0548102161 Website: www.aluma.org.il

Bnei Akiva Mechina Olamit World Bnei Akiva in partnership with Kol Ami Mechinot and the Jewish Agency opened the International Mechina in 2017.

The Mechina is a pre-military and Preparatory school for life, half year course in a Religious Zionist, mixed gender environment for Israeli and Bnei Akiva graduates ending high school from across the globe. The mechina campus is on Kibbutz Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion.

Together the participants experience an incredible process of learning, self empowerment, preparation for the army and or community service. Participants gain life experience with guidance from a team of dedicated leaders of the highest quality. The program is run in English for the first 3 months.

The mechina is about experiential Torah learning, deepening of knowledge of Jewish Peoplehood and Israel, Diaspora connections, community involvement, hasbara, fitness, training and so much more.

Contact: mechina@worldbneiakiva.org Website: www.worldbneiakiva.org/mechina

15

Amutat Bishvil Amutat Bishvil, a Hebrew acronym for Bnot Sherut Bodedot BiYisrael, creates a platform where lone bnot sherut from all the different sherut organizations can come together to meet other girls who are going through the same experiences. Bishvil assigns big sisters who visit the girls in their apartments, provides adopted families who happily invite the girls for dinner or Shabbat, accompanies girls to open bank accounts, arranges for girls to be picked up from the airport, stores luggage over the summer and much more.

Contact: Atara Goldsmith - 0503336780 Website: http://bishvil.org/

SHERUT LEUMI LIFE IN ISRAEL Nefesh B’Nefesh

The OU Israel Center

Founded in 2002, the mission of Nefesh B’Nefesh is to make the Aliyah process easier, facilitate the integration of new olim into Israeli society and to educate the Jews of the Diaspora as to the centrality of Israel to the Jewish People. By removing professional, logistical and financial obstacles, and sharing the Aliyah story of olim actively building the State of Israel, we encourage others to actualize their Aliyah dreams. We are dedicated to making each oleh, and every Aliyah, a success.

In the heart of Jerusalem, the OU Israel Center provides a friendly environment, spiritual inspiration, and a familiar social framework for English speakers of all ages. Each year more than 85,000 people take part in the many activities of the OU Israel Center ranging from regular weekly shiurim with renowned Torah personalities ,tiyulim, special events and our popular Torah Tidbits weekly magazine. With more than 80 weekly programs it truly has something exciting for everyone.

Yerushalayim's Thriving Anglo Community Center

Contact: info@nbn.org.il Website:http://www.nbn.org.il

The Jerusalem Municipality

Hillel’s Homes Looking for a home in a new country, in a foreign language, in a highly competitive market can be a daunting task. Add to that all of the nuances of bargaining and negotiating over prices and contract conditions with Israelis can be downright scary. That’s where Hillel’s Homes comes in. Hillel has helped over 100 olim from almost every continent on the globe (still waiting for the Antarctican Aliya) find their home in Givat Shmuel and the surrounding areas. He is focused on making the house-hunt more manageable, successful, and enjoyable for people like you. His team is dedicated to finding all available properties for rent and sale, and to providing helpful information about real estate in Israel.

Hillel will walk you through the entire purchasing or rental process, beginning with identifying your ideal living situation and ending with the keys in your hand. Feel free to contact him to help you find your next home or for a general consultation. To receive the first updates about properties available, follow him on Instagram@hillelhomes.

Contact: hillel@hillelshomes.com Website: www.hillelshomes.com.

Jerusalem Aliyah Directors are here to help guide you through the process of making Aliyah to Jerusalem. This takes place from before olim begin their move. We provide information, advice, tips to assist on deciding where to live, how to obtain employment, which schools are available for children and how to obtain benefits. We provide personal meetings in order to truly understand individual needs and make sure that olim have all the information available to make a fully informed decision and integrate successfully into Jerusalem. When needed, we will also go with olim to various government offices to help with translation, filling out forms, etc. There are times when olim are not sure what they need to do, or where they need to go, for that we can direct them.

Contact: 025456906 Website: https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en , https://www.facebook.com/aliyah2jerusalem/

16

Intro to University When considering staying in Israel for university, students tend to have many questions. Will I be able to handle studying in Hebrew? What will campus life look like for me if I stay in Israel? How much does university in Israel cost?

Join a Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah advisor for an in-depth discussion on higher education in Israel. The session will give a basic overview of the university experience in Israel and will try to answer the major questions people have when considering attending university in Israel.

We will discuss: - The Student Authority benefit and other scholarship opportunities - Education opportunities in English and Hebrew - Mechinat Olim - Applying to Israeli universities and colleges - Academic privileges provided for new olim - Campus life in Israel If you have any questions about higher education in Israel or the Aliyah process, please contact Nefesh B’Nefesh at 1-866-4-ALIYAH or send an email to aliyah@nbn.org.il

NOTES:

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

17

Intro to Aliyah Making Aliyah takes a lot of preparation and planning and you may find you have a lot of questions. What benefits am I entitled to if I make Aliyah? What does the actual Aliyah process look like? How long does it take to make Aliyah? Where should I live when I make Aliyah?

Join a Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor for an in-depth look at Aliyah and have your major questions about the Aliyah process answered!

We will discuss: - Your Aliyah rights & benefits - The Aliyah process and required documents - Planning for Aliyah If you have any questions about higher education in Israel or the Aliyah process, please contact Nefesh B’Nefesh at 1-866-4-ALIYAH or send an email to aliyah@nbn.org.il

NOTES:

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

18

Intro to Sherut Leumi Because Sherut Leumi has a unique sign-up process that is unlike a regular job, an internship or the army, it is important to familiarize yourself with all of the relevant information involved in signing up. How do I sign up for Sherut Leumi? How do I figure out what my options even are? How do I prepare for interviews? How do I get started with the process?

Join Here Next Year for a comprehensive overview of all you need to know in order to begin the Sherut Leumi sign-up process and find the Sherut Leumi position that allows you to use your unique strengths and skills to give back to the State of Israel!

We will discuss: - Rules, regulations and requirements - Timelines - How to find the right placement - Benefits - The Here Next Year Sherut Leumi system - Next Steps If you have any questions about Sherut Leumi, please email Here Next Year at info@herenextyearisrael.com

NOTES:

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

19

Intro to IDF Ensuring a successful and meaningful IDF service takes a lot of preparation and research. Which jobs are available to me and how do I sign up for them? When should I begin the sign-up process? What guidance and resources are available to me throughout the process?

What is it like to be a religious soldier in the IDF? What are my benefits?

Join the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin and the Lone Soldiers Program for a comprehensive overview of all you need to know to in order to begin your journey of joining the IDF. We will discuss: - Expectations - Timeline and Pre-draft - IDF Programs - Religious programs and talk - Benefits and housing If you have any questions about IDF service as a lone soldier, please email the FIDF & Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program at army@nbn.org.il or the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin at info@lonesoldiercenter.com.

NOTES:

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

20

THE REAL DEAL

Get the real deal from those who have actually stayed in Israel! Check out the Real Deal booth to hear about first-hand experiences in Israel.

Noah Abramowitz studied at Yeshiva Hakotel and is currently serving in the Foreign Affairs Unit of the IDF.

Eliana Feldan went to MMY and served in Sherut Leumi at Beit Sefer Reishit in Gush Etzion. She is currently studying Business Management and Communications at Tel Aviv University.

Moshe Ackerman studied at Aish Gesher and is doing full service in the Givati Unit of the IDF.

Deena Felsenthal studied at Migdal Oz and served as a Weapons Instructor in the IDF through Machal. She is currently studying Social Work at Bar Ilan University.

Liad Arussy studied at Migdal Oz and is currently serving in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

Shoshana Frend studied at Shaalvim and served in Sherut Leumi at a Maon in Kiryat Menachem. She is currently studying Photocommunications at Michlelet Hadassah.

Lielle Barth studied at Midreshet Harova and served in Sherut Leumi as a tour guide at the Herzl Museum. She is currently studying Psychology and Education at Bar Ilan University.

Julianna Gershbaum studied at MMY and served in Sherut Leumi at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. She is currently studying at the Hebrew University Mechina.

Miriam Blum studied at Migdal Oz and served in Sherut Leumi as a tour guide in the Old City of Jerusalem. She is currently studying Political Science and Communications at Bar Ilan University.

Tali Ginsberg studied at MMY and served in Sherut Leumi at Nefesh B’Nefesh. She is currently studying Communications and Education at Bar Ilan University.

Maya Borzak studied at Hadas Chul and is currently serving in an Elite Commando Unit of the IDF.

Rachel Gold studied at Migdal Oz and served as a Weapons Instructor in the IDF through Machal.

Yosef Brander studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and served in the Golani Brigade through Machal Hesder. Yosef is currently studying Law and Philosophy at Tel Aviv University.

Yakir Greenberg studied at Orayta and then Otniel and is serving in the Paratroopers Unit of the IDF through Machal Hesder.

Jennifer Brenis studied at Midreshet Harova and served in Sherut Leumi at a special needs school in Kiryat Shemoneh. She is studying Communications and Educational Administration at Bar Ilan University.

Eli Greenfield studied at Emunah V’Omanut and is serving in Sherut Leumi as a medic in Magen David Adom.

Sara Castelnuovo studied at Bnei Akiva Hachshara Shalev and served in Sherut Leumi as a medic in Magen David Adom. She is currently studying at the Bar Ilan University Mechina.

Simcha Herschman studied at Netiv Aryeh and is currently studying Electrical Engineering at the Tel Aviv University International School.

Ariel Cohen studied at Tiferet and is currently studying Psychology at IDC Herzliya.

Maayan Janus studied at Nishmat and served in Sherut Leumi at an elementary school. She is currently studying Biology and Psychology in Bar Ilan University.

Rivka Coleman studied at Migdal Oz and served in Sherut Leumi at Chorev Elementary School. She is currently studying at the Hebrew University Mechina.

21

Alex Katz studied at Yeshivat Hakotel and served in the IDF as a Commander in the Totchanim Unit of the IDF. He is currently studying Electrical Engineering at Bar Ilan University.

Naomi Kolsky studied at MMY and served in Sherut Leumi at an elementary school. She is currently studying Biology at Bar Ilan University.

Lala Schwartz studied at Midreshet Harova and served in Sherut Leumi at a gan. She is currently studying Special Education and Jewish History at Bar Ilan University.

Hannah Korelitz studied at Nishmat and served in Sherut Leumi at Nefesh B’Nefesh.

She is currently studying Art History at Tel Aviv University.

Leora Sherman studied at MMY and, after a year at Stern College, is currently studying Business at IDC Herzliya.

Tamar Lesser studied at TVA and served in Sherut Leumi at Rachashei Lev. She is currently serving for a second year in Sherut Leumi at Shalva.

Rafi Snyder studied at Orayta and then switched into the Otniel Hesder program for his IDF service. He is currently serving in the Handasah Kravit Unit of the IDF.

Samuel McCartney studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and served in the Paratroopers Unit of the IDF. He completed his degree in Informal Education at Bar Ilan University and is currently serving as a volunteer firefighter.

Jordana Sojcher studied at Midreshet Harova and served in Sherut Leumi at a gan. She is currently studying nursing at Tel Aviv University.

Yael Partouche studied at Harova and served as a tour guide at Machon Hamikdash. She is currently studying to become a tour guide at Yad Yitzchak Ben Tzvi.

Shmuel Somer studied at Yeshivat Hakotel and served as a mefaked (commander) in the Kfir Unit of the IDF. He is currently studying Biotechnology at Bar Ilan University.

Sarah Posluns studied at Midreshet Harova and served in Sherut Leumi at a special needs gan. She is currently studying Social Work at Bar Ilan University.

Devorah Spigelman studied at Darchei Binah and is currently studying Law and Business at the College of Law and Business.

Marine Riveline studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum and is currently serving in Sherut Leumi in the Police Force.

Shlomo Weber studied at Lev Lachayal and served in the Kfir (Infantry) Unit of the IDF in Netzach Yehuda.

Devorah Goldson studied at MMY and served in Sherut Leumi at Nefesh B'Nefesh. She is currently studying Communications and Educational Administration at Bar Ilan University.

Shimmy Weinbach studied at Yesodei Hatorah and served in the Kfir (Infantry) Unit of the IDF through Machal. After a year at Ariel University, Shimmy is currently studying at the Jerusalem School of Literary Arts.

Maddie Rosen studied at Midreshet Amit and is currently serving in the Palchatz (Combat Search and Rescue) Unit of the IDF.

Shani Weinmann studied at Midreshet Harova and is currently serving in the Totchanim (Artillery) Unit of the IDF through Garin Tzabar.

Jacob Rosenbaum studied at Yeshivat Orayta and served in Shiryon through Garin Tzabar.

He is currently studying Asian Studies and International Relations at Hebrew University.

Jonny Wesfield studied at Yeshivat Maalot and served in the Tzanchanim (Paratroopers) Unit in the IDF. He is currently studying Computer Science in IDC Herzliya.

Atara Saltzman studied at Tiferet and served in Sherut Leumi at an old age home in Jerusalem. She is currently studying at the Bar Ilan University Mechina.

Rachel Zucker studied at Migdal Oz and served in Sherut Leumi at Gan Sulam, a gan for children with autism. After a year at the Hebrew University Mechina, she is currently studying Nutrition at Hebrew University.

Efroni Schlesinger studied at Yeshivat Hakotel and served in the Nativ Unit, which guides soldiers through the conversion process. He is studying for smicha at Yeshivat Hakotel.

Shira Sohn studied at Migdal Oz and served in Sherut Leumi at Torah Mitzion. She is currently studying mechanical engineering at Tel Aviv University.

22

READ ON FOR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND INSPIRING STORIES FROM THOSE WHO HAVE STAYED, TIPS AND HELPFUL INFORMATION, AND OUR EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS! PAGES 25-74

LEARNING HEBREW

Tips for Learning Hebrew in Your Year in Israel

Order food in Hebrew - One of the first things you should do when you get to Israel is learn how to order food in Hebrew. Whether it’s mastering the toppings of a pizza, or stuffing your shawarma with all the fixings, it’s a great way to learn and master Hebrew words. It also serves to get you speaking as much Hebrew as you can in everyday, low-stake situations. After you master ordering food, move on to only speaking Hebrew in cabs, stores or wherever possible.

Learn a sefer or read a book with easier-to-understand Hebrew - If you’re in a program with Israelis, set up a chavruta with someone.

If not, find an English-speaking friend, who’s willing to learn a modern Hebrew sefer, such as P’ninei Halacha. Have an English-Hebrew dictionary by your side, underline all words you don’t understand, and look them up. Keep underlining and checking the definition until it sticks. Alternatively, pick a book you’ve read before in English and read the Hebrew version. You can have a dictionary by your side, but knowing the context of what you’re reading can be very helpful as well.

Go to different and interesting places for Shabbat - You know your second cousins who live in Haifa who always invite you for Shabbat?

Or your counselor from camp who lives in Be’erot Yitzchak? Grab a friend from yeshiva or seminary and go enjoy an authentic Israeli Shabbat. Spending a Shabbat in a unique community offers many opportunities to meet new people, explore different areas of the country, and work on your Hebrew.

Serve in the army or Sherut Leumi - Hey, if all else fails, you can always volunteer!

My Only in Israel Moment I was once on a packed bus in Yerushalayim on a warm spring day. We were at a stop in Gilo, and, as the driver closed the doors and started slowly pulling away, a voice suddenly cried out from the back of the bus: “NAHAG, ANI TZRICHA LALEDET!!!” (Translation: Driver, I need to give birth!)

Everyone towards the front of the bus started freaking out and screaming for the driver to open the doors again, as there was clearly a woman in the back in labor. The driver stopped and opened the doors, and I turned to see a small, and clearly not pregnant, seminary girl get off the bus. I realized at that moment that she probably had meant to say “Nahag, ani tzricha laredet”, (Translation: Driver, I need to get off) but must have gotten confused with her words.

Did this girl freak out an entire bus full of people without even realizing it? Yes. But when you’re thousands of miles away from home, trying to make it in a language you’re not 100% comfortable with, these things will happen, and that’s totally ok. Israelis will generally appreciate the fact that you’re trying your hardest, and the best way to learn Hebrew is to not give up.

25

And worst-case scenario, you might give a bus full of Israelis an amazing story to tell their friends.

TOP FIVE 5 Israeli TV Shows To Binge Watch

1. Fauda 2. Chatufim (Israeli version of Homeland) 3. Srugim 4. Shtissel (you'll learn Yiddish too!)

5. Mekimi

At Home in Herzliya By: Daphna Hoffman Midreshet Torah V’Avodah, Aliyah Date: 2016 Hi, my name is Daphna Hoffman, and I am currently a second-year student studying Communications at IDC Herzliya. I made the decision to go to college in Israel while I was still in high school. I also chose to defer my acceptance for a year and study at Midreshet Torah V’Avodah, so that I could have that time to broaden my Jewish education. The summer following TVA, I realized I couldn’t really see myself living anywhere other than Israel, and that I wanted to make Aliyah. America is awesome, but everyone who’s been to Israel knows there’s something in the air that will always bring you back, whether it’s just to revisit or, in my case, to stay.

Living and studying in Israel is a really special and fun experience. Specifically, IDC is special in that it is full of international students, which allows me to meet people from all around the world - I even live with them! Last year I lived in an apartment through IDC housing with girls I didn’t know beforehand. It was a great experience because all four of us were from different countries! This year I live with two awesome girls I met at IDC, one from Brazil and one from Belgium, and we live in a Shomer Shabbat/ Shomer Kashrut apartment we found on our own in Herzliya.

Thankfully, there is a great religious life on campus, and my apartment is not my only source for a fun Shabbat experience in IDC. It used to be a bit difficult to seek out the religious life on campus, and many times I felt like I needed to make my own effort in that sense. Just recently, however, the OU-JLIC (Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) sent us an amazing couple, Margot and Josh Botwinick, to come and light up the community. Now we have consistent shiurim and events throughout the week in Herzliya, and staying in for Shabbat is a much more enjoyable experience, because there is a growing community. IDC is a unique university, and I’d be happy to answer any other questions about my experience here for anyone who’s interested! I wish everyone good luck on their Israel Journey!

WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME?

A quick glance at the pros and cons of three communities young Anglo olim have moved to. Don't forget that there are other great student communities elsewhere in Israel!

At Home in Givat Shmuel

At Home in Jerusalem

Living in Givat Shmuel as a university student has been one of the most important elements of finding my footing here as an Israeli. When I finished Sherut Leumi I had so much anxiety about being lonely and not knowing where to go next. I hoped that I could find a community that made me feel welcome and a part of something bigger than just myself.

Givat Shmuel has become just that place for me.

Pros: 1. There is always so much going on. From museums to festivals, free shiurim, light shows and the shuk, the city is always hustling and bustling!

2. There is lots of public transportation around Jerusalem, making it pretty easy to get around. And don't forget the light rail!

3. If you have friends and family visiting from abroad, chances are Jerusalem is where they’ll be.

4. It's hard to miss the amazing fusion of old and new that is unique to Jerusalem. Streets are built of beautiful, ancient Jerusalem stone, with the sleek new light rail passing right through them!

5. The weather! If you miss those cold winters from back home, you'll love the cozy feeling of bundling in your coat, scarf and gloves in Jerusalem. You might even get to see some snow if you stick around long enough.

6. It's the holiest and most significant city in Judaism. Living in Jerusalem is fulfilling a thousand-year-old prophecy and dream!

Some things I love about the Anglo Givat Shmuel community: 1. It is full of like-minded, and yet non-cookie cutter, people.

2. You'll always have a Shabbat meal, and usually it'll have at least 15 people at it.

3. There are so many learning initiatives and opportunities to be a part of a wider community.

4. The location could not be more convenient if you are a Bar Ilan student.

5. There’s a great organization, called The GSC, which provides events, programming and services for the Anglo Givat Shmuel Community.

Some things to know: 1. Givat Shmuel is really hot!

2. The community is pretty tight-knit, which in general is a great thing, but it could also feel a bit claustrophobic.

All in all, Givat Shmuel is an amazing place to call home as a student.

Stay tuned for information about the Givat Shmuel Shabbaton in March so that you can check out the community!

Cons: 1. Beware: lots of cats (but at least there aren't mice?)

2. It's a city so it's easy to feel a bit lost if you've just arrived in Israel knowing no one. Finding the right neighborhood and community to live in can be tough.

3. You might have to walk 40+ minutes on Shabbat to get to a friend or meal in a different area of the city.

26

MECHINA

Mechina From Those Who Have Done It! Pros & Cons of Mechina By: Lielle Barth Midreshet Harova, Aliyah Date: 2016

Beginner's Guide to Mechina By: Nefesh B'Nefesh Staff Mechinat Olim is a year-long preparatory program for new immigrants who have not completed the Israeli Bagruyot (high school matriculation exams) and would like to study in an Israeli university. The goal of the program is to help students attain the education levels required for regular study at the university and proficiency in both Hebrew and in English.

There are three pre-university Mechina programs available to choose from. The Hebrew University offers 2 tracks; Humanities and Social Sciences and Exact and Life Sciences.

Bar Ilan University has one general track for all students and the Technion has an engineering track. Each program has different costs and admissions requirements.

Choosing a Mechina At universities which require students to complete a Mechina as a condition of acceptance (such as Hebrew University), the Mechina must be chosen according to the requested field of study.

Acceptance into the natural sciences and engineering Mechina tracks is dependent on passing a mathematics exam. Track placement is determined by exams administered at the beginning of the academic year. On average, weekly study hours range from 25-38 hours, depending on the track.

Exemption from Mechina Students who meet the following criteria are usually exempted from the Mechinat Olim requirement: UK students who earned a GSCE + at least 3 A-level exams (in certain subjects) Canadian students who earned a OSSD (in certain courses) or a high school diploma + CEGEP diploma US students who took at least 4 AP exams (in certain subjects) Eligibility for Preparatory Programs from the Student Authority If you have made Aliyah at the time of starting your Mechina, you may be eligible to have your studies subsidized by the Jewish Agency as part of your Aliyah benefits.

To qualify you will need: A high school completion certificate Completion of a five month Ulpan or Hebrew knowledge equivalent to completion of advanced-beginner’s Ulpan (approximately Ulpan level 2) To begin the program before your 23rd birthday To begin studies within 3 years of your Aliyah date For more information, please email nbnstudents@nbn.org.il.

27

Need a year to study for the SATs or psychometry? Want to boost your Hebrew reading and writing skills before starting university? Trying to figure out whether you should go to school in English or Hebrew? Then Mechina is for you!

I attended the Mechina at Bar Ilan from 2016-2017. It was a year full of an abundance of Ulpan, Judaic, and history classes; meeting diverse classmates from all over the world; and most importantly for me, the chance to prepare myself for college in Hebrew (which to many, is obviously a scary feat!). The Mechina program simulates a real Israeli college experience including homework, tests, and intensive learning in Hebrew by placing you in real classes. To many olim chadashim, this program is an immense help, allowing them to adapt to being in a constant Hebrew speaking environment.

I would personally advise against any Mechina for people who already have a relatively high level of Hebrew understanding (most schools will accept you into the Israeli program if you rank at Ramah Daled or above on the Hebrew test provided by colleges). If you already are at a high enough level, of course studying in Hebrew will still be challenging, but you will already start university with the skills necessary to improve your reading and writing along the way. No matter what, it can definitely be a helpful year if used properly, but it all depends on whether you just want to jump into your college career, or if you want to take time to acclimate into Israeli society.

Why You Should Study in Mechina By: Aleeza Hartstein Midreshet Moriah, Aliyah Date: 2017 When deciding what university to attend in Israel, it is important to find out the requirements for acceptance. For example, some universities (like Hebrew University, where I am currently in school) require you to do a one year pre-university Mechina program, which is essentially instead of the high school bagrut exams that students take in Israel. After going to seminary and doing Sherut Leumi for a year, I still didn’t feel like I was ready to go straight into university, so I attended the Mechina at Hebrew University. I personally enjoyed the program there and felt that it enabled me to transition back into school life while enhancing my Hebrew and giving me the opportunity to meet other olim who were in the same boat as me.

There are several pros and cons of doing Mechina. First, I think Mechina helps prepare you for learning in an Israeli school setting, especially if you haven’t been in school in a few years. Second, the Mechina is a great way to get practice learning academic Hebrew in an Ulpan setting that is catered to helping olim enter the Israeli university system. However, like any school, there are classes that aren’t as interesting and feel like they aren’t the most productive use of your time. Ultimately, if you aren’t in a rush to finish your degree and feel that a year of improving your Hebrew and adjusting to the Israeli school setting could be beneficial then consider doing Mechina; otherwise, going straight to a university that doesn’t require doing the Mechina may be a more worthwhile option.

Aleeza Harstein

Mechina at a Glance By: Jordana Sojcher Midreshet Harova, Aliyah Date: 2015 So you’re finishing your gap year? Army? Sherut Leumi? Looking into university is probably your next step. Add a degree in Hebrew to the mix and the thought becomes quite daunting. At least it was for me.

Following a year of Sherut Leumi my conversational Hebrew skills had skyrocketed, however, I felt nowhere near prepared to face the academic Hebrew needed to study at a university level. This is the main reason I chose to do the Mechina for olim at Hebrew University. The Mechina offers university-style classes in conjunction with intensive Ulpan, designed specifically to prepare you for studying in academic Hebrew.

Why might someone do the Mechina besides to improve their Hebrew? As an oleh, certain universities will require you to have a higher psychometric score or equivalent SAT score than someone with an Israeli Bagrut certificate (high school diploma), to be accepted to the same program. If your SAT scores do not reach that requirement you can still be accepted by doing Mechina.

Although to some, spending an extra year in Mechina might feel impractical, it is crucial to consider that doing a year of Mechina alleviates the task of doing your degree in Hebrew. Doing your degree in Hebrew will ease your path later on, especially if you are interested in a field that requires you to work in Hebrew. Whatever reason leads you to a Mechina program, it is a great way to ease your transition into higher education.

TOP FIVE Top 5 Ways

to Make It I was on a complete high my first year living in Israel. I would even describe it as the best year of my life, nearly perfect.

Time and time again, people warned me that the honeymoon period would wear off, but I refused to believe them.

Fast-forward to my second year living in Israel, and the honeymoon has ended; however, what has resulted is extreme growth and lots of learning about big life End of Year BBQ 2017 things. The ideal honeymoon has come to its end, but a new honeymoon has emerged. Here’s how to make it through and continue moving forward, even when the initial honeymoon period has come to its end.

1. Enjoy - Enjoy yourself. When you have the opportunity to have fun, take that opportunity. When you’re bored, explore the country. It’s a beautiful place. Enjoy the country and all that it has to offer. Don’t ever trick yourself in thinking that you’ve seen it all on one of the thousands of summer programs you were probably on. Enjoy the country.

2. Laugh - Israeli culture and other cultures could not be more different even if they tried really, really, really (did I say really?) hard. If you find yourself having a rough time with the new culture in general, or with a specific situation, laugh.

3. Cry - When laughing just doesn’t work, cry it out. You’re in the market and you feel tears forming? Let yourself fall apart. You’ll take the time after to piece yourself back together.

4. Gratitude - Stay thankful. Remember that you’re living the dream of your ancestors, make them proud and stay thankful that you had the opportunity to live this dream. Don’t forget how hard you worked to get it, or how hard you’re working to stay here. Stay thankful for every little piece of it, even when the going gets tough.

5. Reminder - It is really easy to forget, which is why it’s so important to make yourself reminders. Life gets so busy and hectic; that it is essential to make for yourself ways of remembering the great beauty and love you have for Israel. Whether it’s a post-it note you wake up to every morning, a picture, a drawing, a literal reminder on your phone… whatever it is, make for yourself a physical reminder that you can look at and remember what got you here.

28

STRAIGHT TO

UNIVERSITY! By: Lauren Allen Midreshet Amit After I graduated from high school, I spent a year at Midreshet Amit, a seminary in Gilo that is also home to over 100 Israeli children who come from broken homes. My experience there was life-changing. I spent that year surrounded by people who dedicated their entire lives to chessed and who viewed every Jew as a member of their family. As I spent that year traveling all over the country for Shabbatot and Chagim, I met more and more incredible people and experienced so much of the beauty that this country has to offer. As my year in seminary was coming to an end, I just couldn’t fathom that I would be going home to New York without any plans to return.

The following year I spent my first semester of college at Johns Hopkins University, an amazing school that I had been so excited to attend, but I realized that it wasn’t where I really wanted to be. The following semester, I transferred to IDC Herzliya’s Psychology Program in their International School. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I barely knew anyone living in Israel, but once I moved into my apartment in Givat Shmuel, everyone was so quick to offer their help with anything from inviting me to Shabbat meals to helping me build my new Ikea furniture.

Now that I’m in my last year at IDC, I only look back on my decision to move to Israel with gratitude and relief. Moving to Israel right after seminary allowed me to meet so many other people like me, who shared my passion of living in Israel but were also there to cheer me up after a day filled with the bureaucratic ordeals of being an Olah Chadasha. I still miss my family and friends in America, but I feel so blessed to be able to call Israel my home.

INTERVIEW ENGINEERING ISRAEL'S FUTURE

REBECCA HESS tells us about life as an Anglo student in the Technion and her hopes for the future.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you are studying.

After studying at Nishmat, I made Aliyah and was accepted to the army’s Atudah program. I am currently living in Haifa and studying in the Technion. I am studying water engineering, a sub-discipline of Civil Engineering, which covers efficient use of water resources, design and monitoring of water supply systems, sewage treatment and recycle, irrigation, and reservoir systems.

Why did you choose that field?

I enjoy the field because it combines engineering aspects of math, physics, computer science, biology and chemistry and puts me in a place where I can be part of solving the water challenges in Israel and developing the technologies and techniques which supply a vital resource to people around the world.

What is the student community like in Haifa and the Technion?

The general student body at Technion is made up of top-notch good-hearted people. I have heard almost unanimously that the students are not competitive and very willing to share learning material and help each other out. The Technion student organization and Dean invest a lot into creating a vibrant student life. I constantly see student events, cooking workshops, parties, interesting speakers, and exercise classes being advertised.

Many students live in relatively nice dorm apartments with private bedrooms.

What is Shabbat like at the Technion?

The Technion Shabbat community is quite vibrant and united around the main shul/beit midrash on campus. Many students stay on campus for Shabbat including French, Belgian, South American, and Anglo olim, as well as native Israelis. One of my favorite parts about the community is that while I have a strong circle of Anglo olim friends I am fully a part and have made many great friends in the larger international and Israeli religious community. On any given Shabbat people organize meals between friends or join a communal meal run by ASAT, which is the Technion student organization. There is also Chabad on Campus, Technion Midrasha, French Student Organization, the Technion English Speakers Committee, and Beyachad, which is basically a student-run Israeli version of Hillel that organizes communal Shabbat meals, tiyulim, and weekday events.

Every Shabbat there is a communal seudah shlishit that is open to the community.

Throughout the week there are community events and shiurim held in the central beit midrash and other places around campus.

What is the Anglo community like at the Technion?

There is a sizable and growing Anglo community in the Technion and surrounding Neve

29

Sheannan neighborhood. The Anglo olim community which centers around campus is comprised of 30 to 50 people. We hosted a Shabbaton last year in co-operation with NBN Go North and had around 90 participants! The observant community is very warm, close knit, and down to earth and probably comparable to a medium-small observant college community, like Cornell. People frequently organize Shabbat meals together and often spontaneously make soup or cookies and invite everyone over. Additionally, there is an English shiur every Shabbat after davening and occasional get-togethers throughout the semester.

What do you love most about being at the Technion?

I would say I love the diverse but tight knit community here, which enables me to have a strong core group of Anglo olim friends but also bridge out and build great friendships with Israelis and olim from other countries. I personally enjoy building connections with people from diverse backgrounds and see it as a great stepping-stone towards better integrating into Israeli society.

What are your biggest challenges with the path you’ve chosen in Israel and how have you overcome them?

I have yet to start the Atudah portion of my journey, so I can’t speak to that as much. What I can say is that in Atudat Olim, there isn’t really anyone in charge of you or looking out for you until you enter the army. Towards your giyus (draft) the army will arrange interviews for potential positions in your field, but I have heard it is important to simultaneously research fitting positions and contact the commanders of those positions directly. In terms of Technion, my biggest challenge studying in Hebrew, was going from feeling very comfortable asking questions and partaking in classroom conversation to feeling self-conscious about my ability to articulate and follow up on questions. This caused me to wonder if I had made a mistake studying in Hebrew. The way I grew to see it, is that as a new immigrant with less than fluent Hebrew, it’s reasonable to feel intimidated or uncertain in your ability to follow and contribute to the discussion, but at some point you want to improve. I figure it’s best to make mistakes and overcome that challenge in the somewhat forgiving college environment rather than reaching your first job, sitting down at a meeting with co-workers and being limited in your ability to contribute to your full potential. I overcame the challenge when my ability and confidence to converse about the material intelligently in Hebrew improved after working with Israeli classmates on homework assignments and projects and by compelling myself to contribute despite my hesitations.

What advice would you give to someone considering the Technion?

I would advise someone considering the Technion to talk with current Technion students about the various acceptance options. Many people start in the International school and then transfer to the faculty of their choice, some stay in the International school, some start in the Mechina, and the lucky few are qualified to start directly in mainstream Hebrew. The options are confusing, so it may help to talk to someone who is familiar and can refer you to a friend who may have pioneered the path you hope to follow. Additionally, I would advise everyone considering to visit for a Shabbat whether it be through the Prospective Student Shabbaton on April 28th or any other Shabbat.

What type of job are you hoping to get after university?

Well, the first four years I plan to serve in the IDF as an engineer who works to introduce efficient and innovative water infrastructure on bases. After that, who knows! The field of water engineering is broad, and I haven’t decided which subdiscipline most interests me yet.

-By: Rebecca Charytan-Spitz

REGISTRATION

IS OPEN!

EC TECHNION SHABBATON E Going to college in Israel? Thinking about Technion?

EC TECHNION SHABBATON T Want to learn more?

SHABBATON TE EC TheTECHNION Technion English Speaking Community and Beit Knesset invite you to The TECHNION SHABBATON TECHN TECHNION SHABBATONTECH For psospective students TECTECHNION 2018SHABBATON TECHNION APRIL 28thSHABBATONTEC TEC TECHNION SHABBATON TECTECHNION SHABBATON Experience a communal Shabbat,

SAVE THE DATE:

tour the campus, meet current

RSVP HERE: goo.gl/4Zegwx

QUESTIONS? Call Rebecca 0526712756

2./2

HereXT NE R YEA

and prospective students and learn about the programs Technion has to offer!

2>G:

30

The Beginner's Guide to Standardized Testing By: Nefesh B'Nefesh Staff

Psychometric Exam

The psychometric exam is the Israeli equivalent to the American SAT exam. It is comprised of three sections – Verbal, Math and English Comprehension. Scores on this exam range from 200-800 with 800 being the highest. Your score on this exam will be calculated together with your GPA from high school to determine your eligibility for acceptance to different university programs.

Note: If you have taken the SAT exam in the US, your score will be accepted by many (but not all) programs in lieu of the Israeli psychometric exam.

Preparing for the Psychometric Exam in Israel The psychometric exam is offered in English twice a year – in February and July. It is offered in Hebrew five times a year – approximately every two months. In order to apply for the next academic year, you must have taken the exam by March. If your score is not sufficient to get into the program you are interested in, you will need to wait a full year and apply for the following academic year.

Many students choose to take a preparatory course, offered by various companies.

Soldiers and Sherut Leumi volunteers are eligible for a discount for these courses.

SAT Exam

The SAT is an entrance exam created by the College Board that is used by most US colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The exam consists of three parts: math, evidence-based reading and writing, and an optional essay.

The SAT in Israel Many university and college programs accept SAT scores including Hebrew University, Haifa University, Bar-Ilan University, Ben Gurion University and several others. Please note: Even if a university will typically accept SAT scores in place of psychometric scores, there are certain programs that specifically require a psychometric score. This includes all medical schools in Israel.

The SAT exam will be offered in Israel in March, May and June of 2018 in Tel Aviv.

Registration for the exam takes place five weeks before the exam. Space fills up quickly so it is important to register as early as possible. You can register for the exam on the College Board website in the international testing section.

For more information on the psychometric and SAT exams, please email nbnstudents@nbn.org.il.

A,B,Cs of the SAT By: Lala Schwartz Midreshet Harova, Aliyah Date: 2017 During my year of Sherut Leumi in 2015 I took the SAT’s in order to apply to Bar Ilan University. The main reason I took the test in the middle of Sherut was because I am from Canada, and in Canada one is not required to take the test in order to apply to university. The second reason was because I only decided I wanted to apply to BIU during my year of Sherut. When I began looking into applying, I was informed that without a Psychometric score or an SAT score I wouldn't even be able to begin the process. I decided to take the SAT’s over the English Psychometric test because I heard it was easier and the date of the test worked out better for me. I borrowed an SAT study and practice book and I studied via skype with my sister-in-law almost every night for about 5 months. Coming back from a long day of Sherut, it was hard to study and stay focused. I found this set time with a tutor to be extremely important to my studying. Taking the test itself was very straightforward, as all of the instructions were in English and the proctors spoke English as well. Sherut Leumi was very accommodating to me when I asked to take a day off to take the test.

Overall the whole process was not complicated and I got into the program at Bar Ilan that I wanted.

31

STANDARDIZED TESTING

How To Ace The Psychometric Test By: Lia Bederida Midreshet Harova, Aliyah Date: 2016 In order to study for the English Psychometric, many people choose to sign up for an English preparatory course that provides classes, as well as study materials and resources. Preparing without a course can also be sufficient (personally that's how I prepared for my Psychometric). This path is for motivated people who know they can sit down for hours a day through self-discipline and go through practice test after practice test.

More than the difficulty of the content, the Psychometric is generally known for its difficulty because of the short time available for each section. Practicing with a timer and completing many full practice tests (in order to test resistance over the whole time of the test) is an effective way to study for the Psychometric. For improvement, hours and hours of work are necessary. You know what they say, practice makes perfect!

Since taking the Psychometric in any language other than Hebrew means you will be skipping out on any testing of your Hebrew language skills, many universities require you to take the YAEL Hebrew Proficiency Test. This test is about two hours long and the score is out of 150 (when applying to schools, ask what YAEL score they require). The YAEL is offered for free right after the Psychometric. I suggest taking it then, even if you are exhausted, just to see what score you can get.

You can always pay to come back and take it on a different day to improve your score.

Don't be afraid to take the Psychometric again in order to improve your score (I took it three times and many Israelis take it even 5-7 times). However, in order to avoid taking the Psychometric several times, make sure you give your all on the first try.

Practice, practice, practice!

Behatzlacha on the Psychometric and on getting into the school of your choice!

University Financial Aid and Scholarships By: Nefesh B’Nefesh Staff In addition to the subsidy that olim receive from Minhal Hastudentim (the Student Authority), students can apply for dozens of scholarships from various foundations and organizations. Each scholarship program has different eligibility criteria.

Students can also apply for student loans with low interest rates and deferred payment plans through most Israeli banks as well as through the universities themselves. If you are an American citizen, you may also be eligible for financial aid from the federal government (FAFSA) to help you pay for education expenses. Additionally, several major cities in Israel offer scholarships and subsidized housing to students to encourage them to live in neighborhoods that need a young dynamic population. These scholarships are often specific to certain fields of study and often include mandatory volunteer work.

For more information on specific grants and scholarship opportunities, please send an email to nbnstudents@nbn.org.il or visit the NBN website at www.nbn.org.il.

The following is a list of several organizations that offer scholarship opportunities: ISEF FOUNDATION

THE PERACH TUTORIAL PROGRAM

NIRSHAMIM

ZOOLOO

LIMUDIM B’YISRAEL MISRAD HACHINUCH NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS

The Monster Hiding Under Your Bed By: Talya Herring Midreshet Moriah, Aliyah Date: 2013 A month after my Aliyah I cried to my friend that in Hebrew, “I'm just not funny.” I have always been the goofball youngest child, the sarcastic comedian of the group, making everyone feel comfortable and, all of a sudden, I couldn't translate my personality in this foreign language. It wasn't just the jokes I missed, but the leadership qualities I once employed at ease. In Sherut Leumi I had a lot of responsibility but always nodded to other girls for their initiative to start. I observed and automatically muted myself.

So I started to talk to myself. I had this little dialogue in my mind setting up goals: "Talya, now you are going to pick up the phone in Hebrew and it's going to be ok." And sometimes the receiving end didn't understand my accent or didn't respect my authority.

Sometimes I got advice that maybe a law degree in Hebrew would be too hard or that I should at least do Mechina first. And those hits to my self-esteem hurt. All those surprised looks that I could be a tour guide in Hebrew or confused expressions when I mixed up a tense or gender pronoun dug deeper than intended. Sometimes I listen to that voice and walk into a job interview, pitying myself and wondering how they could want me when they can have someone with perfect Hebrew. The confidence that explodes when someone compliments my Israeli sounding accent lingers with me for days, which also discomforts me because I want to be independent of that.

It was in my first year of law school when the professor called my name to explain one of the eight court cases assigned for homework. My body shrank into my seat, searching for the nearest cave to hide in like those illustrations from Lizzie McGuire. Giggles escaped followed by tears, all in front of the hundred other students in the class. The professor's expression of horror magnified all those previous voices of doubt. What am I doing in law school?

Self-doubt is like the monster under your bed. If left unchecked, it can keep you from getting to those dreams. But if you face your fears and look under your bed, you will see with your own eyes

that there's nothing to worry about. The next class, the “Talya Dialogue” sounded: "Talya, before the break you are going to raise your hand and answer a question." To the surprise of my stunned professor and classmates, a somewhat cognizant sentence about tort law flew out of my mouth. Chills and a sigh of relief followed.

The professor nodded and said, " ‫תקנת את עצמך‬ .” There's no monster under my bed.

When interviewing interns for Shurat HaDin, where I worked, I understood that hirable qualities are not the standard terms we might assume. The lack of 100% perfect Hebrew is not going to be the thing that keeps you from a job. It's the person behind the resume who wins the race. It's the personality, work ethic, and drive that shine through- native Hebrew or other things that olim might be missing are simply not as big a deal as we make them out to be.

The self-pity ought to disappear as we prove to ourselves time and time again that we can be hilarious in Hebrew or that we can compete for that job.

I'm now in my third year of law school and studying abroad in Hamburg, Germany. I am filled with appreciation for this opportunity that Bar Ilan University has allowed me to experience.

It's an opportunity to refocus on my belonging to Israel through the contrast to the parallel life I could have lived if I had not made this step. The American law students might sound a lot more intimidating with their legal jargon, but I couldn't be happier that I chose to silence all those doubts about studying in Israel. Law school would be challenging regardless of location. Life will have its challenges regardless of living in Israel or not. I'm terrified about my upcoming interviews at law firms, but I wouldn't be any less nervous about the same interviews in America, so there's no real point in holding myself back. That's the thing about underestimating yourself; it's just a fictional barrier. All it takes is a little push, and the result will give you the self-assurance you need to take on any task you choose.

32

The Beginner's Guide to Medical School By: Nefesh B'Nefesh Staff Doctors are a valuable resource in the State of Israel, which is expecting to experience a shortage of doctors in the upcoming years due to factors such as population increase and the retirement of immigrant doctors. Medicine is a prestigious field in Israel and getting accepted to medical school is a journey of its own. Below is a brief overview of medical school in Israel and the criteria for acceptance. For more information, please email nbnstudents@nbn.org.il.

Tracks of Study: There are three ways to study medicine in Israel: 1. Full seven-year program - These programs are offered at Hebrew University, The Technion, Tel Aviv University and Ben Gurion University.

2. Four-year program, available for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree - These programs are offered at Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University.

3. Completing medical school at one of the three international schools of medicine that are taught in English - Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, The Technion American Medical School and The Medical School for International Health at Ben Gurion University.

These programs are intended for those already holding a relevant bachelor’s degree and may require you to leave Israel for part of your studies.

Requirements for Acceptance: Psychometric A psychometric score is mandatory to apply for medical school in Israel. Unlike other university programs in Israel, medical schools will not accept the SAT as a substitute for the psychometric. If you are applying for an international program, the programs will accept an MCAT score in place of a psychometric. The scoring on the psychometric exam ranges from 200-800 (800 being the highest score). To qualify for medical school, you will need a near perfect score. Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University require a minimum score of over 735.

Mechinat Olim Olim will be required to study for a year in a Mechina program unless they qualify for an exemption from Mechina. For more information please see page 27.

Hebrew Level Requirement You will be required to take a Mivchan Yael, a Hebrew proficiency test. In order to qualify for acceptance, you will need to have near fluency.

Entrance Exam and Interview Different programs have different acceptance criteria and some may require you to come in for a placement test. All medical school programs will require you to attend a face-to-face individual interview and participate in a group interview.

THE SCIENCES Another Path in the Sciences By: Tikva Shore Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2011 My name is Tikva, I am 26 years old, and I have been living in Israel since I graduated high school. I am originally from Toronto, Canada and am currently living in Jerusalem. When I first moved here, I spent a year learning at Migdal Oz and then completed an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at Bar Ilan University. After taking a 2-year break to be a madricha (again at Migdal Oz), I began a Master's degree in Human Genetics at Hebrew University.

Currently, I am at the beginning of my PhD studies in genetics. In Israel, higher degrees (second+) in research come along with a stipend - so I get paid, and my tuition is covered, to do research all day, every day. My project is focused on ovarian development and on a (human) genetic disease, which causes the ovaries to not develop in women. Pretty interesting stuff:) While my days are spent in a research lab, I have also begun to work part time (evenings) at a private fertility clinic. There, I get to interact with and help young couples who are suffering from infertility. While it was overwhelming at first to have to discuss such a sensitive topic in Hebrew, I find that I have acclimated quickly, and interacting with our patients is now my favorite part of the job. The lab work there includes all sorts of specialized analyses and tests, some of which are actually only done in Israel!

33

Words of Wisdom from The #NewestSabraOnTheBlock By: Lottie Kestenbaum Midreshet Harova, Aliyah Date: 2012 I have always loved to laugh and truly believe in not taking yourself too seriously. Moving to Israel has only enhanced this belief.

Yes, the bureaucracy is unnecessarily annoying (for lack of a better word), but here’s a secret: If you have a good sense of humor, your Aliyah will be a breeze. Believe me.

Situations that have happened: You will wake up on a Tuesday morning at the crack of dawn and head to Misrad HaKlita (Absorption Ministry) to be the first one there when they open only to realize they are closed on Tuesday. #TrueStory You will (ok fine, I hope it won’t happen, but we’re all human) lose your tuedat zehut (identification card) at some point (my point may or may not have come a day after I made Aliyah) and need to head to Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of Interior) for a new one only to be yelled at about how irresponsible you are. #TrueStory #AlthoughIGuessIWasIrresponsible You will need to open a file at Minhal Hastudentim (Student Authority) and not be able to, because you don’t have your original high school diploma with your high school principal’s fingerprints on it. Oh, and even when you finally present the principal-DNA-filled diploma, Minhal Hastudentim won’t believe you. #TrueStory However, with all the stories I have throughout my five years here, what has kept me going is being able to laugh it off. When I first made Aliyah, I started a blog called Newest Sabra on The Block (ok fine, I’ll shamelessly promote my blog (www.newestsabraontheblock.blogspot.com) in order to show my friends and family back in America, as well as future olim that yes, the bureaucracy here is tough, but crying and being frustrated doesn’t need to be the only solution. I find the more you laugh and say to yourself, “Oh my God, now I have another great story to add to my list,” the better your life in Israel will be!

“Embrace and love your body, it is the greatest thing you will ever own.”

054 • 494 • 0415 cmnutrition.co.il chavi@cmnutrition.co.il /chavimonheitrd cm.nutrition

34

INTERVIEW

HERE NEXT YEAR...

A FEW YEARS LATER After serving, working and starting a family in Israel, EITAN RAPPS shares his perspective on life in Israel, IDF service and what it takes to succeed in the Jewish homeland.

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Teaneck, NJ and went to TABC for high school. After graduating in 2006, I went to Hakotel for yeshiva. I was there for 1.5 years before I drafted into the army where I served in totchanim artillery for a 1.5 years. When I finished, I moved to Givat Shmuel and started at Bar Ilan in 2009. I completed a BA in clinical science and communications, and then an MA in Communications. Right now I’m working in marketing for a large high-tech company called Amdoc. I still live in Givat Shmuel with my wife Kayla, and daughter Hodaya.

Why did you join the army?

I grew up in a Zionist home, and all my friends were Zionists, but it wasn't until after going on the Mach Hach summer program in high school, and touring the country, that I knew I wanted to be here.

That was my first interaction with people who served in the army, including lone soldiers, and that really put Aliyah in my mind. Once I was in Hakotel which is also a Hesder yeshiva, I became really caught up in that world. Around the same time, my brother joined the army, and I was

meeting more and more guys who finished the army and heard more about their experiences. It made me feel like the army was part of something I believed in.

No one pushed me to go to the army, but as a Zionist you know how important it is.

I felt a sense of duty and national obligation. I had already registered at NYU and deferred for a year in yeshiva, but after a certain point I decided to stay and pass that up altogether. I chose to do the army and see what happened from there.

What was it like staying in Israel immediately after yeshiva?

You really get to the opportunity to be on your own, away from home, which can be very exciting. It definitely opens doors for you that you might not have necessarily had if you had not stayed in Israel. There's a lot of unique opportunities in Israel that people can take advantage of that are only available to people around that age and stage in life.

How has your army experience contributed to your life in Israel?

Being in the army is definitely an

experience where you interact with lots of different parts of Israeli society, both socially and culturally. You feel like you’re taking a part in defending your country, which has helped me a lot in living here.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out their journey in Israel?

Being in Israel on your own is hard. For some its harder than others. It is not a walk in the park, and it really forces you to grow up in a positive way and become more mature. Taking the “cookie cutter” scenario, where someone goes to college close to home, they don't have the same challenges as someone in Israel. Being on your own you’re forced to do certain things, whether

“I really like history and like to think that in the historical context we are now in, something huge is happening. It means a lot to be a part of that...” its bureaucracy, figuring out an apartment, cooking, and all of that really helps you grow into a stronger person. You learn skills that you will have for the rest of your life.

You have a lot more opportunities to learn, grow, and challenge yourself.

What is your greatest challenge with the path you have chosen?

35

For me it was doing university in Hebrew. I had great Hebrew going into it, but it can still be challenging. Even just the little different nuances of the Israeli classroom

setting can be a challenge. Of course nothing is perfect in America either, but your challenges here can sometimes feel greater because of the physical distance from home. Thats certainly not a reason to not study in Israel though. Anyone who can do it definitely should. Also, doing a different thing than you were expecting to, or not going through the same things that your American friends are going through can be hard. But at the end of the day, I don't regret my decisions for one second.

What is your driving force for being in Israel?

I really like history and like to think that in the historical context we are now in, something huge is happening. It means a lot to be a part of this movement. This is the first time in history when the Jews really came back to Israel in this size and you have a chance to be part of it. Even the most skeptical person can not deny that something is happening. I know that message doesn't

speak to everyone, but to me that means a lot. It’s challenging, and you need to know that going in. It will be hard, and it takes time to understand the difference in cultures, but it is not impossible.

-By: Rebecca Charytan-Spitz

36

Employment in Israel By: Nefesh B’Nefesh Staff Establishing a successful career in Israel is one of the biggest priorities of most olim. The goal of the Nefesh B’Nefesh Employment Department is here to provide you with the knowledge, resources and support you need to find suitable employment that fits your skills and helps advance your career. To schedule an appointment with an NBN employment advisor, please send an email to employment@nbn.org.il.

recipe for success in the Israeli workforce. There are lots of jobs in Israel where English will be considered an asset but having a higher level of Hebrew will be to your advantage.

How can I find a job in Israel?

Who you know is almost as important as what you know in Israel.

Making connections with people and putting yourself out there is an important part of growing your network and establishing yourself in the Israeli job market.

What does it take to get a good job in Israel?

Israel is a skills-based society. Highlighting the skills you have acquired over time, through your education and previous work experience, will help make you more marketable in the Israeli work force.

Networking is important. Take the time to create a LinkedIn network and find olim working in your future field. Speak to people you already know and find out what your future career would look like in Israel.

Will going to university in Israel help me get a job?

When considering your future in Israel and what to study in college, it is important to choose a field of study that interests you.

Within that field, do some research into which skills are in demand in the Israeli market and focus on developing and improving those skills.

If you decide to go to school outside of Israel, it is worthwhile to consider a summer internship in Israel. This is something that will help you network and build your contact list before you make Aliyah which can help you in the job search later.

Check out the NBN Professions Index to read more about over 90 different career opportunities available in Israel at www.nbn.org.il/professions.

Do I need a high level of Hebrew to work in Israel?

A working knowledge of Hebrew, together with relevant professional experience, skills and academic background is the

If you are planning on making Aliyah and building a career in Israel, there are many advantages to pursuing a degree in an Israeli university. In certain professions (nursing and law, for example), it pays to study in Israel because US-trained professionals must get their degrees in the US and then go through a lengthy process after Aliyah before they can practice. In other professions, it is worth training in Israel because you graduate well-prepared to work in an Israeli work place. Learning first-hand about cultural norms and field-specific Hebrew vocabulary, and studying current issues related to Israeli society, are natural parts of your studies.

Additionally, it is valuable to have studied in Israel because it provides you with a strong network of professional contacts, which are critical in helping you find a job later.

If you have any questions about employment and university in Israel or Aliyah in general, please give NBN a call at 1-866-4-ALIYAH or send an email to aliyah@nbn.org.il.

Getting a Head Start in Hi-Tech By: Nefesh B'Nefesh Staff Want to join the Start-Up Nation but don’t know how?

Israel is often referred to as the “Second Silicon Valley,” because hi-tech products and services account for more than a quarter of all Israeli exports!

NBN has assisted hundreds of olim either transfer their skills or adapt themselves to find jobs in this exciting market. Hi-tech offers career opportunities in sales, marketing, PR, graphic design, web design, technical writing, administration, customer service, technical support, finance and law, in addition to programming and quality assurance.

Consider working on and expanding your skills for hi-tech-related fields now, because professionals with this experience are always in demand!

37

Fireman Sam By: Sam McCartney Yeshivat Har Etzion, Aliyah Date: 2010 After studying in Yeshivat Har Etzion in 2007 and then a year back in Australia, I returned to Israel in 2009. I spent my first years back in Israel on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu. Although I’d always been fascinated with the fire brigade (I attended almost every open day at my local station in Sydney), it was only on Sde Eliyahu where I received my first taste of fighting fires.

One afternoon, I received an urgent call from a very good friend that he needed my help to fight a fire in a field across the road from our kibbutz. Before I knew it, I was dressed in long sleeves despite the summer heat, and standing amongst the flames and smoke of the brush fire. My job: make sure that the hose wasn’t getting tangled on any rocks and trees. By the time we had successfully extinguished the fire, I was exhausted and smelled of smoke, but I was exhilarated and buoyed by the fact that I’d put out my first fire.

Although that fire on Sde Eliyahu was my first fire, it certainly wasn’t my last. I am now a volunteer firefighter at the B’nei Brak fire station.

I attend every emergency call that the regular firefighters attend: car accidents, burning garbage, even apartment fires. And when there are no fires to fight or people to help rescue, I spend the time with the firefighters helping keep the station clean and the trucks ready for our next call out.

Fighting fires is hot, and the Israeli summer heat doesn’t help, especially in our heavy bunker gear. But the Hebrew that I’ve learned, the self-respect I’ve gained, the wealth of knowledge that I now have, plus the fact that I know I’m saving members of society, makes all the effort spent well worth it.

ABOVE & BEYOND One Call Away By: Gidon Kadry Yeshivat Hakotel, Aliyah Date: 2017 It's a feeling that’s difficult to describe. I didn't become a volunteer EMT in Magen David Adom because of a feeling of responsibility to serve the country like army or Sherut Leumi. I volunteer because the looks of gratitude and comfort I receive from patients, whether it is a child, father, or mother are simply out of this world. Sometimes the only thing I can do is hold the hand of an old lady as we rush her to the hospital, and even that little bit is helpful as she visibly relaxes a little from the small gesture.

I learned for two years in Yeshivat Hakotel and made Aliyah in January 2017 in order to serve as a medical volunteer in the army. For a year I have been fighting my way to be able to draft into the army, as I was given a medical exemption due to having Crohn's disease. After months of feeling helpless I decided that nobody would hold me back from doing my part and took the course in MDA. I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

The benefits of my choice to join MDA constantly show themselves. Being immersed in a Hebrew environment and in Israeli culture, and learning an amazing life skill that has come in handy in my everyday life are just a few of those benefits.

At the end of the day, there aren’t just the standard two ways of contributing to the country, doing your part for a couple of years, and then moving on. It's simple to find other paths to serving the country and the Jewish nation. And the best part is, I love what I do.

38

39

STUDY LAW AND BUSINESS IN ISRAEL Become a Global Lawyer / Entrepreneur / Social Catalyst

CHOOSE: Bilingual Law Degree, BA in Entrepreneurship in English, or BOTH

Schedule a visit to our campus in Ramat Gan UNIVERSITYINISRAEL.COM

HTTP://PO.ST/VISITCLB

40

SHERUT

LEUMI

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SHERUT LEUMI By: Here Next Year Staff Sherut Leumi (National Service) is a one to two year voluntary national service option for religious women, who are exempt from military service. Sherut Leumi provides the unique opportunity to give back to Israeli society in a truly meaningful way, while simultaneously fostering personal growth and improvement within each volunteer. Service placements reach all areas of Israeli society, including education, welfare, at-risk youth, government, health clinics, immigrant assistance, disadvantaged communities, and more. Hundreds of social welfare and community-building projects exist in Israel thanks to these young women, bnot sherut, who enthusiastically dedicate themselves to the improvement of the Jewish future in Israel.

Who can serve in Sherut Leumi?

A recent change in the Sherut Leumi system mandates that only Israeli citizens who have an exemption (ptor) from the IDF can serve in Sherut Leumi. This means that non-citizens must make Aliyah, receive a draft letter to the IDF in the mail, then receive an exemption from IDF service before they begin Sherut Leumi on September 1st. In order to receive your exemption by September 1st, you must make Aliyah in the middle of the previous year. Most Sherut Leumi placement organizations will allow you to apply to Sherut Leumi before you have made Aliyah on condition that you will make Aliyah before your service begins.

How does Sherut Leumi work?

Bnot sherut are required to work 40 hours per week from September 1st to August 31st.

There are several agudot (placement organizations) for Sherut Leumi, including Haaguda Lehitnadvut, Bat Ami, Shilo, Shlomit Aminadav. Each of these agudot is responsible for a chunk of the 41

hundreds of Sherut Leumi positions. This means that each Sherut Leumi place is connected to one of the agudot. The aguda is responsible for hiring and caring for the bnot sherut who serve at their designated Sherut Leumi locations. For example, if someone wants to do Sherut Leumi at a specific hospital, she needs to find out which aguda is connected to that hospital and apply through that aguda. Alternatively, she can choose an aguda and search through all of the options they offer. Each aguda runs separately and offers different benefits and varying degrees of assistance. They each have their own application process and requirements. For more information about agudot, visit herenextyearisrael.com/sherut-leumi.

How do I sign up for Sherut Leumi?

In order to sign up for Sherut Leumi, you must choose the Sherut Leumi tkanim (positions) that appeal to you, apply for sayarot (interviews) at those placements, go to the interviews, and choose your Sherut Leumi teken!

Sherut Leumi has the potential to be the most meaningful, uplifting and life-changing experience, but will also invariably come with many challenges and frustrations. That’s why it is so important to prepare and research as much as possible before you sign up.

Here Next Year is here to guide you through every step of the Sherut Leumi process. We offer one-on-one guidance and mentoring through our Here Next Year Sherut Leumi Rakazot Program, which begins mid-December. Every prospective bat sherut is paired with a Here Next Year Rakezet who attended midrasha and served as a lone bat sherut just a few years ago.

You will be given personal guidance throughout the entire research and sign-up process. If you would like to be paired with a Here Next Year Sherut Leumi Rakezet email info@herenexyearisrael.com.

Sherut Leumi Timeline

Sherut Leumi Guidance Events

January 3, 2018 - January 7, 2018 - Sheelon Haadafot (advance sayarot sign-up for competitive placements) January 17, 2018 -Sayarot dates are posted January 21, 2018 - January 23, 2018 - Sayarot sign-up February 18, 2018- Sayarot end

December 10, 2017 - December 28, 2017 - Here Next Year seminary visits to begin the personalized guidance process.

January 8, 2018 - Getting to Know Sherut Leumi January 22, 2018 - Sayarot Prep Night

Learning From Teaching By: Rivka Coleman Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2017 I did my Sherut Leumi service at Beit Sefer Chorev, which is a boys elementary school in Jerusalem. When I was originally looking at different Sherut options, I was really against going to a school because I thought that those type of positions would not be challenging and meaningful enough. However, I was very wrong about both of these preconceived notions. My responsibilities at the school included tutoring kids in English, helping olim chadashim with their Hebrew and adjusting to their classes, and helping run and coordinate different events and activities at the school. I think one of the reasons I really loved my experience was because I had the freedom and flexibility to really see what my strengths were and apply them to the school. I was not given a list of things to do and then have to get them done. Rather, I saw what things the school needed more help with and what I could be beneficial to and that is how I created my schedule. At times, especially at the beginning, all that freedom and flexibility was extremely difficult for me because I did not know how to utilize my time well and felt that I did not have enough direction of where and how to help. However, as the year progressed I learned how I could best give to the school. The school is like a community that I felt more and more a part of as the year continued, creating meaningful relationships with both staff and students.

I think the most meaningful part of my year was being able to see the impact that I made, especially with the olim chadashim and seeing not only how much their Hebrew improved, but also how well and comfortable they adjusted to their new environment in Israel.

The most important piece of advice I have to girls starting the sherut process is be open minded. Don’t look at jobs as what is going to be the most difficult or most life changing for other people. The smallest things and the seemingly small impacts you make on even one person really goes a long way and makes a huge difference.

Sherut Leumi Dictionary Teken ( ‫ ) תקן‬- Sherut Leumi placement Sayarot (‫ ) סיירות‬- interviews Ptor ( ‫ )פטור‬- military exemption Rakezet ( ‫ ) רכזת‬- supervisor appointed by the aguda Here Next Year Rakezet - Here Next Year advisor who will guide you through the sign-up process Aguda ( ‫ ) אגודה‬- placement organization

Just What the Doctor Ordered By: Julianna Gershbaum MMY, Aliyah Date: 2016 I chose to do my Sherut Leumi at a hospital because I wanted to understand what it was like to work in the medical profession in Israel. I was lucky enough to be placed in the Pediatric Surgery ward, which was an amazing experience. I really liked the doctors and the nurses who I worked with. They made me feel like I was right at home and were always there to help me out when I needed it. My daily tasks varied from making sure the supplies room was stocked to helping out in medical procedures. Some days I had a lot to do with the medicine itself, like running important errands, helping place IVs, and helping out the nurses with pre-operation checkups, while other days I had to do the dirty work like make beds or be the receptionist. I didn't really have a set schedule and a lot of times I had to find things to do, but since I was in Pediatrics that made it much easier. I helped out a lot with the children by giving the parents a well-deserved break, and I was really able to make special connections that I still keep up today. You never know what a child or a parent is going through, and I felt that by being a presence that wasn't a scary doctor I was able to make the children feel more relaxed. My advice for those interested in Sherut in a hospital is that you have to be able to stand up for yourself and not let the nurses push you around.

42

TALI WEISINGER Bat Sherut at Kav Or

“I am doing Sherut Leumi because it is my way of giving back to the country that I plan to call home for the rest of my life. It’s also been an incredible way of integrating into Israeli life and culture.”

“What I love about Israel now that I’m in Sherut is how Israel really just feels like a giant family”

NOMI RABHAN Bat Sherut at Har Herzl

“My advice to future Bnot Sherut is to remember that it’s not always going to be easy and amazing. Some days are hard, but always keep in mind the greater picture.”

ELI GREENFIELD Bat Sherut at Magen David Adom

OM

CU

ER

R

F

ZEHAVA WEISS Bat Sherut at Shalva (Baby Nursery & Office)

RR

ENT BNOT

SH

“My advice to future Bnot Sherut is to go into the experience with an open mind. It’s not going to be the best unless you make it the best for yourself.”

“The best part of my Sherut is watching my babies develop new skills each and every day!”

MIRIAM SERKEZ Bat Sherut at Ofek

“The advice I ‘d give to someone who is considering Sherut is...do it!”

43

“My advice to future Bnot Sherut is don't take no for an answer. If you want it, go for it.”

UT

ERUT...

H S .

“The best part of my Sherut is learning about the different types of people I work with and their different connections to Judaism.”

LEAH LIEBERMAN Bat Sherut at V’Hadarta

“What I have gained so far in Sherut is a better understanding of the history of our people. And of course... I’ve improved my Hebrew!”

“The best part of my Sherut is making a real difference in the lives of people who would otherwise be alone.”

INTERVIEW

situations, and that might include making them lunch during the day, giving them extra attention, and taking them out after school to do something fun. After school I would stay late to help olim chadashim with their homework.

What did you gain from your year in Sde Chemed?

I definitely learned a lot of Hebrew and gained a better understanding of Israeli culture. No one in the school spoke English so that really forced me to learn a lot of language and culture that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Also, because I was constantly giving throughout the year, I learned a lot about myself.

What were your biggest challenges as a lone bat sherut?

A CLOSER LOOK AT SHERUT LEUMI RUTHIE SANDERS tells us about her decision to volunteer in Sde Chemed Elementary School and gives us insight into what she gave and gained throughout her year in Sherut Leumi.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m originally from Boston, I went to Maimonides for school, and then to Shaalvim for Women for my gap year. After Shaalvim, I did Sherut Leumi in Maale Adumim in an elementary school. After that I moved to Givat Shmuel and have been studying in Bar Ilan University for the past few years.

Why did you decide to do Sherut Leumi?

I knew I wanted to live in Israel but I didn’t know exactly when I wanted to make that move. Growing up, I often visited Israel with my family, so Israel was always a place of vacation for me and not necessarily real life, and I thought doing Sherut Leumi would help break that conception.

How did you decide on Sde Chemed Elementary School?

I went with a group of girls from Shaalvim for two days to a bunch of sayarot (interviews). We had several interviews and tours of different schools, but I had a really good feeling about Sde Chemed. The girl who had done Sherut the year before me was also from Shaalvim and had great things to say about her experience there. I also knew that I wanted to be somewhere near Jerusalem without being in Jerusalem, so Maaleh Adumim was a great location.

What was your role as a bat sherut in Sde Chemed?

A few different things, but mostly my role was helping kids one-on-one who couldn't learn in the classroom full time, whether because of behavioral issues or learning disabilities. Also, around holidays I would help plan events in the school. A big part of my job was looking out for kids who we knew had difficult family

In the beginning, the language and cultural barrier were hard to overcome. But everyone was very understanding, and over time I learned Hebrew and began to understand. It's something you really need to work at and not give up on.

How has Sherut contributed to your life here?

I think it was very important for me to have done Sherut Leumi, both socially and culturally, for where I am now in life. Learning in Bar Ilan, whenever I meet a new person they always ask me what I did in the army or Sherut. Having done Sherut Leumi makes me feel more a part of Israeli society, like I really contributed.

What are you studying, and how has the experience been so far?

I am studying law in Bar Ilan. Although Sherut really helped my conversational Hebrew, academic Hebrew is something else entirely, especially in law. It’s a specific language that even lots of Israelis don't know. I definitely need to give 120%, since things sometimes take me longer to read or write , but my professors are very accommodating, and so is Bar Ilan.

What has helped you through this whole process?

Definitely my friends. I love my friends and the people who stayed in Israel with me. I have a really solid group of friends who are all in the same situation, and we’re going through it together. In general, people who stay in Israel are really special, since they are all making a big sacrifice to be here.

What is your best piece of advice to people starting their lives in Israel?

Take everything one day, one week, or even one year at a time.

Sometimes people try to make these grand long term plans, but it is important to recognize it’s all a process and it’s okay for the plan to change. It’s Israel, things are relaxed, and you can change your mind.

Don’t forget to enjoy life here. It can be stressful, but it’s also fun.

What are some pros or cons of the path you’re taking in Israel?

By staying right after Shaalvim, I was able to do Sherut Leumi. It’s an experience that is limited to a specific stage in one’s life, and if I had gone back to America, I would have missed out on that. Although it was very hard, it was one of the best years of my life. It was also the push to stay here after college. It’s hard to get a degree somewhere else and then try to apply it to Israel. Studying in Hebrew is a challenge, but I think it definitely pays off in the end.

- By: Rebecca Charytan-Spitz

44

INTERVIEW

FIGHTING ILLNESS WITH LOVE TAMAR LESSER shares her perspective on life in Israel, Sherut Leumi and why she decided to do two years of National Service.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m originally from Toronto and went to CHAT for high school. I lived there my whole life except for one year when I was 7 and my family lived in Israel. That’s when I decided I was going to make Aliyah. After moving back to Toronto I actually wrote a letter to Nefesh B’Nefesh and asked them if I could make Aliyah on my own, even though I was only 8. They told me I had to wait until I was 18, so during my gap year at MTVA I made Aliyah on my 18th birthday.

When and why did you decide to do Sherut Leumi?

I felt like serving my country was a given for me from a young age. When

47

I was in Israel for my year in midrasha, I was deciding between doing the army or Sherut.

In Sherut you have a lot of options to choose from which was very exciting for me. Also, volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and I want to work in the nonprofit world.

What did you do for Sherut?

For my first year, I worked for Rachashei Lev, an organization that works with children with cancer in Tel Hashomer hospital. My job was primarily to build strong connections with as many children as possible. It may sound cliche, but we were fighting illness with love. We worked with all the kids in the oncology ward as well as outpatients, which meant that we might have over 100 kids a day coming in. You go to chemo with the kids, you play with them, and you talk to them. Our job was also

to be there if their parents needed anything. Technically our hours were 8-4 but we would always stay late and spend more time with the families.

What was that experience like?

It was both challenging and inspiring. It was really the most extraordinary experience of my life. At Rachashei Lev they treated us really well, which is very important in this kind of job. They supported us through everything. I met the most amazing people I will ever meet, who were going through the hardest thing in the world. Both the kids and their families are very inspiring to me.

How did the sayarot process work?

First I had to apply to Aminadav and give them my info, and then I rated which places I wanted to work at most on a scale of 1-5. We were assured a spot at at least one of those places.

From there, there were interviews, and the official bnot sherut were selected.

here, it’s fun and yet there’s inherent meaning to it as well. There are people living outside of Israel who can live life with no purpose, but here you can't.

Living in Israel means living somewhere where history, religion, and state are not separate and that is an amazing thing. I loved Sherut and would never look back. There is a meaning and a purpose here, it’s your homeland.

What did you gain from your year in Rachashei Lev?

- By: Rebecca Charytan-Spitz

Like with any volunteer job, you get as much as you give. On the most basic level, I learned so much about Israeli culture, and my Hebrew improved significantly. Seeing young children go through cancer treatment taught me so much about life. I learned not to take anything for granted. I feel closer to God. After seeing one of the most terrible things daily, you know that there's something so much bigger than you.

Shout Out!

Why did you decide to do a second year of Sherut, and what are you doing?

I am doing a second year of Sherut because I believe that in the same way that girls in the army do 2 years, I, too, should be doing 2 years as an equal service. I am now working in Shalva, which is an organization for people with special needs. I work in the afternoon program with most of the other bnot sherut. After the kids finish school, they bus over to Shalva where we provide educational and recreational programming. We have swimming, art, and once a week the participants sleep over. Once a month we run a shabbaton for the boys, and once a month for the girls.

Any inspiring anecdotes from Sherut Leumi?

One of the girls I became very close with in Rachashei Lev just passed away a month ago. She had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Her parents knew from the beginning she wouldn't survive. The whole year they kept telling us we were the light in this, and how much joy we brought them.

After she passed away, they invited some of the bnot sherut who were close with her over to their house. Her father told us, “I’ve been to hospitals and have seen bnot sherut and never understood why they were so important until meeting you girls. You girls were our light.”

What are your biggest challenges on this journey?

I find it really hard being away from my parents and my family. Sometimes it’s very overwhelming. There is just all this stuff that is expected of you, it’s a huge country with a lot of bureaucracy, and that can be hard to navigate on your own. Building a support system is very important.

What is your driving force for being in Israel?

I love life here, it’s very meaningful and I love living in a country that is full of other Jewish people from every different sect of Judaism and different countries. I feel like there is a certain spirit to this country. Like when you walk in the shuk, or on Friday when you can really feel Shabbat is coming. Israel has been handed to our generation on a silver platter, and I’m here to take it. I love being here, I love the life

By: Miriam Schottenstein MMY, Aliyah Date: 2017 Here Next Year I am currently doing Sherut Leumi at Keren Or, a school for children who are blind and have multiple disabilities. I came into my year of seminary knowing I was going to make Aliyah and do Sherut Leumi the following year, but that was all I knew. I didn’t know the first thing about how to pick a Sherut or even where to look. I was so thankful when I heard of Here Next Year, an organization created to help yeshiva and seminary students stay in Israel.

In December I attended my first event, the Here Next Year Fair. I was provided with lots of information about Sherut Leumi and what it all entails. Following the Fair, HNY had many different events to help prepare girls who wanted to do Sherut Leumi. The events were not only informative but they helped introduce me to other girls, who would be doing Sherut Leumi after seminary, just like me.

These events included information sessions and question and answers with girls who were currently in Sherut Leumi, events about how to sign up for Sherut Leumi, and even practice interviews to prepare us when we went. In addition to that, HNY provided me with a Sherut Leumi rakezet (advisor) who helped me through the whole process and was always there to answer my many questions.

I also used the HNY website as an aid to guide me. On their website I found different places that had bnot sherut in the fields I was interested in, testimonials from girls of previous years, and even translations from Hebrew to English of how to navigate the different organizations websites. HNY was there every step of the way guiding me through my Sherut process. With the help of Here Next Year, I was able to be here this year, next year, and forever.

Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah was never a question for me. It was always a reality, but that reality would not have been possible without Nefesh B’Nefesh. I entered my year of seminary with the idea that I would be making Aliyah that summer on a charter flight, but as they say, man plans and God laughs. Around December time I decided to fill out an Aliyah application to secure a seat on the charter flight. After I submitted my application I had my first Aliyah meeting. During the meeting I learned that my dreams of going on the August charter flight were not so realistic. In order for me to fulfill my dream of doing Sherut Leumi, I needed to get my ptur (army exemption) before the August charter flight, so my Aliyah advisor and I began discussing other options. They informed me that Aliyah would still be possible, and I could do it from within Israel. I was a little hesitant at first, but then I was told that all the benefits were the same, with the exception of a free flight from America, and I wouldn’t need that. After deliberating my options, I decided that making Aliyah from within Israel would work best for me. Having reached a decision, I needed to begin gathering documents and different paperwork. This seemed very overwhelming but Nefesh B’Nefesh was there for me every step of the way. I attended a Nefesh B’Nefesh event specifically for filling out the Aliyah paperwork which was very helpful, and Nefesh B’Nefesh was also there to answer all of my of questions via email and phone. If it weren’t for Nefesh B’Nefesh, I wouldn’t be here #LivingTheDream.

48

Income and Benefits for Lone Bnot Sherut By: Amutat Bishvil Staff Monetary Benefits as an Olah Chadasha: Misrad HaKlita: 1. Sal Klita, literally “basket of integration”, is given in order to facilitate your Aliyah. Sal Klita totals 2,622 NIS per month for 6 months. When making Aliyah from outside of Israel, you will receive the first part of your Sal Klita payment upon landing at the airport - a total of 1250 NIS in cash. The rest of the month’s Sal Klita (a payment of 1,430 NIS) is deposited in your bank account.

2. Stipend of 540 NIS per month due to status of being a Lone Bat Sherut.

Misrad Hashikun: Once the Sal Klita payments end, you will receive 223 NIS every month until 12 months after your Aliyah. From months 13-48 after your Aliyah, you will receive 400 NIS per month, and from months 49-60 you will receive 89 NIS per month. You receive monthly payments for a total of six years after your Aliyah.

Monetary Benefits as an official "Bat Sherut": Monthly Stipend: When you’re doing Sherut, even though it is volunteer work, you receive a stipend to cover basic needs. The amount depends on your teken (Sherut job). The following list explains the stipends according to the type of job:

Volunteers living in Sherut apartments Volunteers who receive two meals in their job

557.54 NIS per month

538.53 NIS per month

Volunteers who receive two meals and live at their place of service

538.53 NIS per month

N/A

Volunteers who buy their own food

867.72 NIS per month

780.68 NIS per month

We recommend calling your Sherut Leumi Rakezet to clarify the amount that you will receive before choosing your Sherut position.

Free Transportation in all of Israel (not including Eilat): In order to receive this benefit, you must go to your local Central Bus Station with your Sherut Card and they will change your Rav-Kav for free. But, if you lose it - you have to pay 10 NIS to get a new one.

Provided Living Arrangement: There are two types of living arrangements for a bat sherut: a “teken bayit” (home placement) or a “teke dira” (apartment placement). If your Sherut placement is a “teken dira”, you are entitled to a space in one of many Sherut Apartments where you will have roommates also serving in Sherut Leumi. Bnot sherut serving in a “teken bayit” are not provided with a place in a Sherut Leumi apartment. Bnot sherut serving in a “teken bayit” receive a lower monthly salary due to lower living expenses.

Ma’anak and Pikadon: Both sums of money are provided after the completion of your service by the Division and Fund for Veterans (HaAgaf HaKeren L’Chayalim Meshuchrarim).

49

Volunteers living in their houses

The Ma’anak: For those who serve 12 months as a bat sherut, a sum of 4,548.3 NIS is deposited directly into your bank account at the end of the year. If you don’t receive the Ma’anak at the end of the year call 03-7375555 or 03-7776770 for clarification.

The Pikadon: A sum of 6,583.5 NIS that can be used for any of the following reasons: -Studies -Vocational Training -Driving lessons -Starting a Business -Marriage -Purchasing an Apartment (not renting) After the first five years, you have two years to get the Pikadon; it can be used for any purpose. If you have not used the money in the first five years, you may take it and use it as you see fit. To receive the Pikadon, you must go to Bank HaPoalim or Bank Leumi and they will forward the sum to the intended cause (even if you do not have a bank account with them). The money will not go through your account, unless you are getting married. * All regulations and amounts listed above are subject to change.

It Never Gets Old By: Atara Saltzman Tiferet , Aliyah Date: 2017 For my year of Sherut Leumi, I worked at Melabev, a day center for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia, located in Talpiyot, Jerusalem. Since Melabev is only a day center, the seniors do not live there. Each bat sherut is assigned to a hasa’ah (van) that travels to different neighborhoods of Jerusalem, to pick up and drop off the seniors from their homes in the morning and afternoon. My responsibility on the hasa’ah was to make sure everyone was picked up and sitting safely. I was assigned to work in French Hill. Once at Melabev, the bnot sherut help the staff members serve breakfast and get everyone settled. Throughout the day we have different activities such as music, exercise, word games, and art. As a bat sherut, some of my responsibilities throughout the activity times included helping to set up, preparing the day’s snack, and being an “extra” pair of eyes and hands to help the staff. I also spent a lot of time with the seniors, sitting, singing, and conversing with them. After the activities we have lunch. I would set the tables, and help the staff serve and clear the tables. After dessert, at 2:30, the day is finished. The seniors are guided to the hasa’ot that travel to their neighborhoods, and we leave with them.

I wasn’t supposed to work at Melabev, but my plans changed very last minute and it’s where I ended up. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. As a bat sherut, I had many jobs that some would consider “tiresome.” But to me, it was not only fun, but also an honor to work at Melabev. I was able to work everyday with many people who are Holocaust survivors and veterans of different wars. In addition to the seniors, I loved the staff, and became good friends with the other bnot sherut. I learned so much from working with the elderly, such as patience, appreciation for the the things I have, and many Yiddish songs. I had an extremely positive experience at Melabev, and by the end of the year I felt completely at home at Melabev, and I still do when I go to visit.

Bringing Jewish History to Life By: Miriam Blum Seminary: Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2016 There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to serve Israel while doing something you’re passionate about. Last year, I was a bat sherut for a Tourism and Government office in the Old City called, The Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter. Early in the summer before Sherut I participated in a tour guiding course to learn all the history needed to be an active tour guide in the Old CIty. My job as one of the four bnot sherut was to give walking tours to tourists and Israelis around the Old City and the Jewish Quarter and to also give tours at our many archeology and history museums all throughout the Jewish Quarter.

I have always loved history and Tanach, and grew up with a tremendous thirst to learn more about the Old City and archeology in Israel. Last year, my knowledge in all those areas grew exponentially.

My daily routine as a bat sherut was pretty normal. I’d wake up every morning at 8:00, leave my dira (apartment) in Kiryat Moshe at around 8:30, take the Rakevet Hakalah (light rail) to City Hall and walk through Shaar Yaffo to our offices in the Cardo.

Sometimes I would rush to catch shacharit at the Kotel and then make it to the offices to start my day. We would start the day with a quick meeting with our rakezet (supervisor), we would talk about important events or dignitaries visiting the Rova that week and we would be given our tour assignments and projects we would work on in between tours. The day would finish at around 5:00, and then I would head home to Kiryat Moshe, make dinner and later enjoy some free time in the center of town with friends. There were some days when I had three tours and some when I only had one. And in the beginning I really only gave tours

in English, but over time my Hebrew improved and I started guiding Israelis from all over the country.

Giving tours in the Old City was by far the most exciting thing on Earth. The number of interesting people I guided and the kinds of conversations I had after my tours would never happen anywhere else but the Old City. Meeting Evangelical Christians, Muslims, political officials, and even guiding some famous Hollywood actors were definitely a couple of highlights in my year as a tour guide. Additionally, there were always so many festivals, events and performances going on in the Old City, which was always super fun and exciting.

We also worked on various projects throughout the year, one of them being our Bar and Bat Mitzvah program. This involved preparing bar and bat mitzvah tours for Israeli families. As bnot sherut we would train the bar and bat mitzvah girl/boy to guide in one of the museums and then we would help them guide on the day itself. It was so gratifying for me to be part of an experience like that, remembering my bat mitzvah and how important it was to me.

Notwithstanding the amazing experiences, Sherut Leumi did take a toll on me emotionally. Being alone in Israel and not knowing the day-to-day technicalities makes things difficult.

Things as mundane as going to the doctor, buying groceries, and even finding places for Shabbat were not easy. But to my surprise, almost every time I had a question or fear about something there was always someone willing to help me: a fellow bat sherut, a rakezet, one of the office secretaries, etc.

Almost every person I met in Sherut would constantly tell me how they were so inspired by my decision to do Sherut and make Aliyah. Getting that kind of respect made such a difference to me as a bat sherut bodedah and as an Olah Chadasha. It just goes to show you that when you give a year of your life for a greater purpose, you get such an amazing life-changing experience and you meet people with such kindness and compassion that really have an effect on you and make you love Israel even more!

50

How to Receive Your Exemption from the Army for Religious Reasons By: Nefesh B’Nefesh Staff For religious girls interested in doing Sherut Leumi in place of the army, there is a possibility to get an exemption from serving in the IDF on religious grounds. One can start the process of getting a Ptur (exemption) before or after receiving their Tzav Rishon (first notice).

In order to get a Ptur (exemption) from the army for religious reasons, you must: 1. Go to the Rabbanut. Bring 2 passport pictures. There is a 45 NIS processing fee (the Rabbanut accepts only Israeli credit/debit cards).

2. State to the Rabbanut that you don’t want to go to the army for religious reasons. Some girls are asked to meet with a rabbi who might pose questions to see “if they are religious.”

3. Once you have the Hatzharah (declaration), you must take it to the Lishkat Hagiyus and hand it in. Handing in the Hatzharah only takes a few minutes, but receiving the Ptur from the Army can take around two months.

4. When you receive your Ptur in the mail, make sure you hold on to it since without it you will not be able to do Sherut Leumi.

From Student to Teacher: My Time in Gush Etzion By: Ayelet Reiss Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2016 Two years ago, when I was in Migdal Oz, I went through a lot of the initial transition of “life in Israel.” The culture shock, not being able to express myself with the same ease, and adapting to new mentalities were all challenges I faced. Coming from a strong Bnei Akiva community in Toronto, I knew that I wanted to make Israel my home at some point, and I knew that if these were challenges I was going to face, I might as well do it now. I made Aliyah and started Sheirut Leumi.

So what made the continuing struggle with my new life in Israel different than in midrasha? How did last year help me to further integrate into Israeli life? What made last year so meaningful?

At its very core, last year had a different focus. In my year in Migdal Oz, the focus was to receive all the time. But this year I was learning through giving. The struggles, the frustrations, the uncertainties had a greater purpose than my own acclimation. They were for a greater good than for my own personal goals. Everything I received last year, I used to give back, to dedicate myself to my job, to being here, to serving the state of Israel.

In my first year of Sherut, I worked in an elementary school called Reishit, located right outside of Alon Shvut. I loved the school, the kids, the mentality and the staff. Going to work was something I generally looked forward to. I loved being a part of such a special institution, and bringing up the next generation of Israelis. Our apartment was in Elazar, and the community opened their doors and welcomed us into their homes. Doing Sherut Leumi, I felt a part of the Gush because I gave to the community there. I would get a ride to work with parents driving their kids to school, they would hear my accent in the short few words shared through the window, and immediately I would be writing their number into my phone and being invited over for dinner. I walked through Rami Levi, a place I never stepped foot in during my time in Migdal Oz (although it was a five-minute drive from where I lived) and I recognized teacher after teacher. I learned to understand each Yishuv and their unique personalities through the students and parents from my school. I walked past the Alon Haboded, the symbol of the return to the Gush, on my way home from work. I jogged my way through the beautiful hills and scenery around the Yishuvim. I attended political gatherings of the community. I taught kids whose names sound all too familiar from the loss of family members in the news. I enjoyed cookies in the teachers’ room during recess brought by a teacher as a “mesibat hodaa” in gratitude for the safety of her daughter, who was standing at Tzomet Hagush the day before while a car-ramming attack occurred on the sidewalk where she was standing. I loved Shabbatot where I would walk into shul and the lady who had helped me with my laundry ran over to give me a hug.

Sherut has shown me what it's like to be a part of a real community, to be a part of Israeli life. My exposure went beyond my Shabbatot out of midrasha. I interact with Israelis, no longer as an observer, but, rather, as an active participant. Although it's hard for me not to be with my family and keep in touch with friends back in America, I am learning to build support systems here. And that's why these years here were so important. This is where my foundations have been built.

51

Recognizing the opportunities that Sherut gave me; the acclimation to Israeli society, the Hebrew language skills, the zchut of serving my country, and the experiences you gain from doing a service in this country, I decided to do another year of Sherut in a women's shelter. And as I give even more of myself and my energy to this place, I continue to receive even more from the people around me.

And it's hard to feel that I'm not at home.

TOP FIVE Top 5 Ways to Make Your Sherut Leumi Apartment Home By: Rena Bierig Shaalvim for Women 1. Actual Toranut….but actually: In the beginning of Sherut Leumi everyone has this grand ole plan that they are going to make a cleaning chart and actually stick to it! You might have made it a circle one or just a schedule but how many of us know that those last for maybe 1 week, if even. So my number 1 tip is to make one that can actually work. If girls in the apartment all have different schedules try and work with it and make everyone’s cleaning job just for before Shabbat. Don’t make the jobs too much work because then no one is doing it and it’s usually good to put two people together so they can help each other out with squeegying the floor (is that even a real word?).

2. Don’t Leave Your Stuff In The Sink: It is soo easy to eat quickly and then remember you are 10 minutes late to work and just throw your stuff in the sink and never look back. This is how kitchens start to smell so try to allow yourself time to wash your cutlery before running out. I know I know, one bowl isn’t the end of the world but once it becomes a habit there is no turning back.

3. ...But if Someone Didn’t Listen to that Tip Pick Up the Slack: If someone sadly has not read this incredibly informative list of tips and did in fact leave their dirty plates in the sink pick up the slack! It is so easy to just get annoyed at the person and walk away but at the end of the day that’s just hurting you more. Just wash their dishes it’s not a big deal and then a) they owe you a favor and b) your kitchen will be less nauseating.

4. Decorate!: Yes this sounds extremely girly I know, but it actually helps. Sherut dorms are generally white walled and brown floored with not much aesthetic beauty. One way to make your sherut home feel a bit more homey is to decorate. Whether it’s just coloring on papers and hanging them up or classic sukkah decorations, some color really comes a long way.

5. Know That It’s Temporary: One of the hardest parts of Sherut Leumi is the living situation. No one really talks about it and obviously there are soo many more challenges but living on your own for the first time with girls you don’t necessarily know, and may or may not speak English, is extremely hard. Just know that it’s temporary and you learn ALOT from it. You gain a lot of independence in your Sherut year (or years) just by the fact that you are on your own and taking care of yourself. Even when it’s hard and your bathroom is grossing you out and you may or may not have seen a mouse, know that you’re not living here forever and it’s free.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS TO HELP CURE BLOOD CANCER • • • • •

Help coordinate lifesaving donor drives Run in the Jerusalem Marathon with Team Gift of Life Participate in Gift of Life sponsored events Help save lives and meet new friends Part time job opportunities available throughout Israel

Contact Halana Rosenfield Israel Recruitment Coordinator Tel: 561.982.2900 hrosenfield@giftoflife.org 52

SERVING IN THE

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCE

IDF BASICS I just made Aliyah! Do I have an army requirement?

The army counts your “Age of Arrival” from when you first arrived in Israel for an extended period of time (at least 120 days), not necessarily from your Aliyah date.

Your Age of Arrival will determine if you have an army requirement and if so, how long you will have to serve for.

How do I reset my age of arrival?

1. If you were in Israel on a MASA Program you must leave Israel for 12 months in order to reset your age of arrival.

2. If you were in Israel for more than one year or spent time in Israel not on a MASA program, you must leave the country for 24 months to reset your age of arrival.

Take a look at the chart below to see what your status is. This chart does not apply to Ezrachim Olim and Ktinim Chozrim. If you are one of the above please email army@nbn.org.il for more information.

Age of Arrival

18-19

20

21

22-27

24 months

Volunteer service: Min. 18 months

Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service

Single Male

32 months

24 months

Married Male without Child

24 months

18 months

18 months

Volunteer service: Min. 18 months

Married Male with Child

Volunteer service: Min. 24 months

Volunteer service: Min. 18 months

Volunteer service: Min. 18 months

Volunteer service: Min. 18 months

Single Female (All Aliyah statuses)

24 months

12 months

Volunteer service: Min. 12 months

Volunteer service: Min. 12 months

28

Exempt/Not eligible for volunteer service

*this chart is subject to change

If you are a Ben Mehager (Ezrach Oleh or Katin Chozer), your Age of Arrival is determined by your entries and exits to Israel, as well as the length of stay of each visit.

53

To this end, you may report to the Israel Ministry of Interior and request a “Berur Pratim L’Noseya” (a report of one’s entries and exits into Israel).

How do I start the draft process?

Once you’ve officially made Aliyah, the army gives you one year called a “Shnat Histaglut”, or a “Year of Acclimation”. It’s time to get settled in Israel and learn Hebrewbefore drafting straight into the army. About 9-10 months after your Aliyah you should receive your Tzav Rishon (or “First Notice”) with the date of when to first show up at the Recruitment Office. That’s how the army process begins.

I want to draft as soon as possible. What should I do?

A lot of people want to forego their “Year of Acclimation” and expedite their draft. In order to do so, you must fill out a form called a “Ptichat Reshuma”. Reach out to your Nefesh B’Nefesh Army Advisor who will help you complete this form and submit it to the army!

Once the form has been submitted it can take 4-6 weeks to receive a date for your Tzav Rishon. The entire process until you draft can take between 6-8 months.

First Step: Tzav Rishon

E

ES

Your Tzav Rishon is the first step of your draft process. The day itself will be split into a few different parts: a personal interview, Hebrew exam (written and spoken), medical assessment, psycho-technical exam (a computer IQ test), and a meeting with a Mashakit Tash (an army social worker). The Mashakit Tash will be able to confirm your status as a Lone Soldier. In addition, boys who are most likely drafting into combat will have a meeting with an army psychologist.

At the end of your Tzav Rishon you will receive a medical profile. The profile is a range of numbers that the IDF uses to indicate the medical suitability of a soldier for various positions.

Basic overview of the profiles:

Our Mesibat Giyus is an opportunity to network and meet other Lone Soldiers you’ll be drafting with. Food and drinks are on us, and most importantly it’s where you’ll get your Lone Soldiers Program Grant Check and 80L Army Backpack!

Lone Soldier Rights and Benefits As a Lone Soldier you are entitled to certain rights and benefits: Financial Assistance: All Lone Soldiers are entitled to an additional base salary on his/her IDF paycheck as well as 120 NIS monthly for purchases at the supermarket. New immigrants are additionally entitled to a few hundred NIS monthly from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and an a few hundred NIS monthly from the Ministry of Construction and Housing.

Both of these rights need to be renewed annually.

Leave From Base: One day every two months Lone Soldiers are entitled to a “Yom Siddurim”, or a free day to run errands.

When parents come to visit, a Lone Soldier can get 4 days of leave every 6 months. These days do not include Friday, Saturday or holidays.

21: not fit for military service but you can volunteer 24: temporary profile – at the point in time when you receive this profile you are unfit for service but this status may change (examples: if you underwent surgery or were in an accident.)

45 or 64: fit for non-combat positions, can still hold combat-support positions 72, 82 or 97: fit for combat 72: unfit for infantry but eligible for combat positions in the armored corps or artillery 82: fit for infantry but unfit for elite combat units 97: fit for infantry and elite combat units

After the first eight months of service, Lone Soldiers are eligible for overseas leave once a year. This means that he/she can fly home to his/her family for 30 days. It is important to note that the dates are chosen by one's commander and he/she may not get the exact dates that he/she requests.

Additionally, Lone Soldiers receive one paid roundtrip ticket during their service.

Miyunim, Yom Sayerot, Yom Hameah

Apartment: The army can provide you with a 1,300 NIS Rent Stipend in addition to your regular salary if you have Lone Soldier status. You will have to bring your rental contract to your Mashakit Tash in order to receive the army’s assistance. As a Lone Soldier, you also have a number of discounts on bills such as water, Arnona, gas and electricity.

After completing your Tzav Rishon the army may call you for further Miyunim (testing). These Miyunim often consist of interviews or evaluations to see if you are suitable for specific units.

Boys who are fit for combat roles may be called to Yom Sayarot or Gibbushim. These are special days involving mental and physical tests in order to examine your readiness to train and serve in a special forces unit.

Girls under the age of 21 with a high level of Hebrew will be called for Yom Hameah, a Miyun that tests your social abilities such as teamwork, leadership, teaching, etc.

Nefesh B’Nefesh Yom Hachana & Mesibat Giyus The Lone Soldiers Program at Nefesh B’Nefesh holds two unique events before every big draft of Lone Soldiers.

Yom Hachana is an army prep-day where we share our collective years of knowledge with you so that you’ll arrive to the IDF well-prepared for your service. Yom Hachana includes topics such as: how to prepare for your draft, Lone Soldier benefits, financial management on a Lone Soldier salary, a Q&A session, and much more.

In the case of financial troubles, soldiers can request special work leave.

These requests are made through his/her Mashakit Tash. In the event that you are not receiving the benefits that you are entitled to, you can be in touch with Moked Bodedim, or the Lone Soldier Hotline: 03-7375200.

Lone Soldier Housing Options

Kibbutz: As a Lone Soldier, you can be adopted by a kibbutz. There are a number of Kibbutzim all over Israel, some that are religious and some that are secular. It can be beneficial to seek Kibbutzim that have other Lone Soldiers living there, so that you know already they are treated fairly and are familiar with the procedures.

Lone Soldier Center Housing: In the past few years, The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin started offering a few different types of housing solutions to Lone Soldiers wanting to live in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv/Merkaz areas. Each location is unique in its own way. All apartments come furnished, including a washer, dryer and a fridge. There is also a main lounge and kitchen area available for use, in each building to those living there. Some “houses” are fit for secular or religious, while others are mixed.

It depends on what atmosphere you prefer to live in. Keep in mind that the spaces fill up quickly, so timing is everything.

Habayit Shel Benji: Habayit Shel Benji was established in memory of Major Benji Hillman z”l, killed in action in the Second Lebanon War. The home is located in Ra’anana and can house 75 Lone Soldiers. There is usually a long

54

waiting list to get in. More info can be found on their website http://www.benjihillman.org.

Host Family: Another housing option is to live with a host family during, and sometimes even leading up to, your army service. This entails moving into a room in a house with a family that will take care of you and help with any situations that may arise over the course of your service. In these houses, you will have meals provided by the family when you get home from base and a place to do laundry.

Beit HaChayal: Beit HaChayal is a government hostel that can be found in major cities throughout Israel. Lone Soldiers can stay there temporarily. Keep in mind that you are not offered more than a bunk bed in a shared room without a closet or private bathrooms, so you will be living out of your backpack.

It’s Draft Time! Course Ivrit & Course Moledet at Michve Alon Most olim chadashim and Lone Soldiers draft into one of two courses at Michve Alon.

55

Course Ivrit: All olim chadashim with low-level Hebrew (determined by the IDF at your Tzav Rishon) are required to begin their army service with a three-month Army Hebrew Course at the Michve Alon base. The course includes one month of basic training, and the rest is devoted to giving olim chadashim the necessary Hebrew skills to succeed in the Army. Participating soldiers in this course will meet a placement officer near the end of the course to determine unit placement.

Course Moledet: This course was established for olim chadashim with proficient Hebrew.

During the course soldiers embark on tours throughout Israel, visiting museums, theatres, and government buildings. They explore their Jewish heritage, engage in Israeli culture, and study the structure of the Israeli government. In addition, they acquire tools and skills for adapting to the military system and ultimately complete basic training (level 02). The course is between 6-8 weeks long, and participating soldiers will meet a placement officer near the end of the course to determine unit placement.

If you are not placed in either course at Michve Alon, you will draft straight into basic training for the job and unit you have been assigned to.

End of Year BBQ 2016

Shichrur Once you near the end of your army service, reach out to the Lone Soldiers Program to schedule a one-on-one Post-Army workshop. It’s an opportunity to meet withtrained professionals and gain practical help and access to the tools you need for those important next steps after your Shichrur in Israel.

- By: FIDF & Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program and Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin Staff

Daniel Bar-Levav

The Perks of Serving Through Machal By: Yoav Shumacher Yeshivat Hakotel My name is Yoav Shumacher, and I was an infantry soldier in Givati brigade through Machal, after a year and a half in Yeshivat Hakotel.

Drafting is a big decision and fully understanding what you are getting into is crucial to a successful army career. Here I will try to highlight the pros and cons of Machal through my experiences.

The best thing about Machal is that you can draft with little to no commitment in terms of staying in Israel beyond your service, yet have the window to extend the service and make Aliyah. That worked well for me because I didn't know what I wanted out of my service. Once I drafted to Machal I was treated like any other soldier apart from the required benefits of a lone soldier, such as yomei siddurim (day off each month), meyuchedet (free flight back to country of origin for 30 days), salary (significantly more than a soldier whose family lives here) and parent days (if a parent comes to Israel up to 8 days can be given to spend with them).

Although a year and a half might seem like a long time to serve, a downside of the Machal program is that over half of my time in the army was spent training.

The army pushed me to my physical and mental limits as expected. Most people picture the army to be mainly a physical challenge, but for me, it was mostly mental because of the difference in culture and language. It got better over time as my Hebrew improved and I spent more time around Israelis, but it's an ongoing struggle for any oleh. The army is the backbone of Israeli culture and experiencing it has definitely helped me connect to people even after the army in university.

I very much enjoyed my Machal experience, and I hope you will too.

Didn’t Make Aliyah but Still Want to Join the Army? Join Machal Machal is an IDF volunteer program with the goal of allowing young men and women to contribute to Israel by serving in the IDF, without going through the official Aliyah process.Mahal soldiers have the same rights and can expect the same treatment as any other soldier. Mahal soldiers who draft into combat units will enter the army in either March, April, July, August, November, and December. They will complete a one-month preparatory course followed by 18-months of active service.

Eligibility for Machal: Men: Must be between the ages of 18-23 Women: Must be between the ages of 18-20 Doctors: Until the age of 31 A Machal soldier must be Jewish according to the Israeli Law of Return.

In order to qualify for Machal, one may have been in Israel 12 months on a non-recognized program and 18 months on a recognized program such as Masa. Recognized programs include: MASA high school, Yeshiva, Sherut Leumi, Army Mechina or other MASA programs.

Bnei Mehagrim are permitted to be in Israel for 4 months on a non-recognized program and 12 months on a recognized program (Machal Hesder, he can be in yeshiva for up to 18 months).

If you want to serve through Machal, make sure to begin the sign-up process at least four months prior to the date you wish to draft. You must be in Israel to complete the Machal application process. Be in touch with a Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Advisor (lspen@nbn.org.il) if you have questions about the process.

56

INTERVIEW It was challenging for me to really take advantage of my time in yeshiva because of all the distractions. With a strong group of guys pushing each other to make the most of it, it really helped prepare me religiously and build up for the army.

Rumor on the street is that you also went to Course Makim (Commanders Course) and became a mefaked! Can you tell us why you chose to do that?

THE MAKING OF A MA"K SHMUEL SOMER, a Memphis native, grew up in a very Zionistic family in which Aliyah and the army were always being discussed. Shmuel believed in these ideals but was not too interested in pursuing them for himself. However, through actually living in Israel, meeting Israelis and spending Shabbat all over the country, Shmuel realized how doable it is to live in Israel and activate the ideals he grew up with. Seeing Jews live their dream of building the Jewish homeland, Shmuel realized that the notions of enlisting in the army and Aliyah are in fact possible and something he wished to do himself. As Shmuel said, “I believe God wants us in Israel, but I only realized how feasible this is once I came to Israel for the year and experienced living here for myself.”

Shmuel felt that drafting into the army with Machal Hesder was the first necessary step to start his new path in Israel. So, he drafted into the Kfir unit with Hakotel in March 2015. His service, like any Machal soldier, was initially only a year and four months, however, Shmuel soon realized that he had more that he wanted to give.

We had the pleasure of speaking to Shmuel last month about his Aliyah, his experience in the army as both a chayal and mefaked (commander), and advice he has to offer future olim and chayalim.

Ok, so it’s March 2015, what’s going on?

Well I was already in Israel for a year and a half at Yeshivat Hakotel and was drafting into the Kfir unit with Machal Hesder.

What was the process like to draft into the army especially while you were also in yeshiva?

Personally speaking, since I drafted with Hakotel, the yeshiva took care of a lot of the bureaucracy and really helped me along the way. They told me where to go to next and who to speak to in order for the process to be as easy as possible. However, on the other hand, it is tough to enlist in the army while in yeshiva, since you do end up missing shiurim due to appointments and meetings. What I learned was that you need to prioritize and know which pre-army meetings are important and which ones you can skip in order to maximize your time in yeshiva before drafting.

Being that you went straight from yeshiva to the army, did you use your time at Hakotel to religiously prepare for your draft?

57

The rumors are true. I did indeed go to Course Makim and became a mefaked, thereby adding an additional 8 months to my service. I chose to do this because I wanted to go above and beyond the call of duty and not just go through the motions. It was important for me to not just be a good soldier myself, but also to teach future soldiers too. The influence you can have by being a mefaked is something that really motivated me, too. I felt like I had the ability to make a huge difference for my soldiers both in how they performed as soldiers and in their personal lives. It was very important to be a positive role model as a soldier, but even more importantly to be a positive influence as a person.

Speaking of being religious, what was your experience like being a religious soldier?

There were parts of the army that were easier for me religiously and parts that I really needed to make it a priority. Since I drafted with Hakotel, the first 8 months, which consisted of basic and advanced training, was very religiously uplifting. We always had a minyan and were able to motivate each other when the going got rough, which really built me up.

After those 8 months, I was then with both religious and secular guys for 4 months, which I found very eye-opening. We still had daily minyanim, but I was one of the few religious soldier in my machlaka (platoon), which forced me to leave my comfort zone. During Course Makim I was the only religious soldier in my kita (squad). Many times I would even have to wake up early in order to leave myself time to daven in the morning. Luckily, I was placed to be a mefaked for baneishim (Hesder soldiers), so again it became easier to daven in a minyan, etc., but also put on this added responsibility of being a religious role model for them because they knew I was in the same boat.

This, of course, built me up even more, religiously.

That’s amazing! Now that you are done with your service, is there something you wish you knew before starting the army or something that you tell future soldiers?

Be confident! Confidence is key both in the army and in Israel. If you don’t know something, pretend you do and you will eventually learn. Keep in mind, no one knows what’s going on at the beginning, but if you are confident and motivated you will eventually figure it out. My Hebrew was not great when I drafted, however, I soon realized I need to be confident and speak up and/or pretend I know what to do. Anything in Israel can be done with a lot of confidence and a bit of aggression. Just go with it and you will see yourself succeed.

Ok, enough of the army talk. Let’s talk Israel. I’ll ask the million dollar questionwhat do you love most about being here?

Million dollar question, indeed. Well, I love that my extended family is here. All my cousins have made Aliyah at some point in the past 2-20 years, so that’s amazing. I love the community here. Being a part of a community of olim is something I don’t take for granted. It’s really incredible how everyone understands each other and is ready to give advice and help out a fellow ole/ah. It’s this sense that we all came here to build Israel and make this country even better that I find very special.

And one final question- what are you up to these days?

I am now living in Givat Shmuel and just started studying Biotech at Bar Ilan University.

Job Spotlight!

By:Rafi Jacobson Yeshivat Torat Shraga I learned in Yeshivat Torat Shraga before enlisting in the IDF, where I currently work as a Mashak Shalishut (Human Resources soldier) in Netzach Yehuda (a.k.a.

Nachal Chareidi). I was placed there after basic training without any prior requests.

In order to understand my job fully, you need to understand a bit about the army.

Netzach Yehuda is a sub-unit of Kfir (Infantry), but I'll use Tzanchanim (Paratroopers) as an example, since Americans love Tzanchanim. Tzanchanim is made up of a few gdudim (battalions). In each gdud there are four plugot (companies) that are combat and one plugah that is combat support. The combat support plugah’s job is to make sure that all the plugot in the gdud have everything they need in order to continue fighting, whether it’s making sure they are fed, have working guns, or have their medical needs taken care of. The Shalishut’s office is in the combat support plugah, and its job is to make sure that every soldier is accounted for in the gdud. Some examples of what that entails would be doing the attendance report each day, processing soldiers when they enter our gdud, and checking them out when they leave.

What I love most about my job is the fact that I get to work for the army that protects Am Yisrael. That means that almost everything I do throughout the day is inherently a mitzvah no matter how unimportant the task seems. I specifically like my job because it entails a lot of work. Since the IDF has so many people working for it, it's very possible for someone to fall between the cracks. That is not the case in the Shalishut in Netzach Yehuda.

Although there are many aspects to my job that I love, there have also been some major challenges. The hardest hurdle I've faced so far is not being with my family and friends that I grew up with. The second biggest challenge I face is the Hebrew.

Although my Hebrew is okay, there are times when I will not be given a task since my commanders feel more confident with my coworkers who have much better Hebrew.

There are many different jobs in the army, and I am very happy I was placed in the Shalishut.

So if we know of any future olim who are interested or have questions about the army, Hesder, Course Makim, Givat Shmuel and/or Bar Ilan can we send them your way?

Please do!

-By: Lottie Kestenbaum

58

Innovating in the IDF By: Ilan Regenbaum Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Aliyah Date: 2014 The Israel Air Force Innovation (IAF) Department is the first of its kind in any military in the world. Its goal is to create a culture of innovation within the military by providing soldiers and officers the tools and mechanisms to more easily solve problems. The unit bridges the gap between the military and startup worlds, by exposing the Air Force to the most up-to-date innovation methodologies that the private sector is using and creating partnerships between the IAF and civilian world. I am the Head of this Department.

I heard about this job through networking and reaching out to anyone I could find via LinkedIn and personal connections who had a semi-interesting job in the IDF. Eventually, I was introduced to my first commander and went to meet him at a startup conference in Jerusalem where he offered me a job in the unit. Finding a good job in the IDF (and Israel in general) is all about networking. You need to speak to anyone and everyone, even if their roles do not sound so interesting, because you never know who will eventually introduce you to the right person.

Always Be Prepared By: Sam Cohen Mechinat Eli, Aliyah Date: 2010 I served for four years in the Home Front Command. The common denominator between the three jobs I did was preparing the civilian sector for emergency situations. I started my service as an Emergency Preparedness Instructor, going to elementary schools, offices and factories to help teach how to prepare for, and act correctly during, different types of emergencies (such as rocket attacks and earthquakes).

Later on, I also commanded a team of Search and Rescue (SAR) Instructors and worked on planning and training for reserve SAR units and regional councils.

The relevant question in my mind is not HOW I got my job, but, rather, what did I do with the job I got.

Many of us, and especially those of us who are not in combat, will not be assigned the job we want. Before joining the army, I was asked to rank different jobs. When I joined the army, I was sent to a totally different job. In my opinion, the way to ensure success is to make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in. Work hard. Have fun. Learn new things. Make friends. Find and create opportunities for success.

Doing My Part By: Jacob Epstein Yeshivat Orayta, Aliyah Date: 2014 I served as a line technician on F-15 fighter jets in the Air Force. In my job I was responsible for performing daily inspections on the planes, both before and after routine and operational flights. In addition, I performed routine maintenance, including fueling, changing the oil, other routine part changes as well as loading a variety of bombs and missiles. Every job has its challenges and mine was no exception. I was one of few religious soldiers in my unit and regularly had to fight for my religious rights. In addition, food is brought from the kitchens to the hangars, and we were expected to reheat and serve the food. This led to a multitude of kashrut problems that were not simple to deal with. But putting that aside, I believe my service was a positive experience filled with meaning. I am thankful for the many nights and days of operational and routine activity that meant doing my part in the defense of Israel.

59

"The Big Zionist" By: Noah Abramowitz Yeshivat Hakotel, Aliyah Date: 2015 I want to share with you my experiences thus far with being a “jobnik”, a non-combat soldier in the IDF. Before anything, I must say this. There is glory, pride, and responsibility in being a jobnik. One could argue that life as a jobnik doesn't require as much bravery as a combat soldier, and they would be right. By definition, most non-combat jobs are not inherently dangerous. In fact, most of them are safe and secure, many in offices and away from the battlefront. But if you made Aliyah and decided to serve in the army, it took bravery to make that decision regardless of where you end up serving, and anyone should be impressed. I remember how after we watched a film about Michael Levin Hy”d during training, my fellow soldiers came up to me to tell me how impressed they were with my decisions as a lone soldier, despite the fact that Michael Levin was a paratrooper, and my army career would likely be based behind a desk. One involves the risk of life, but both involve incredible lifestyle changes and integration into a new system, which are hard, to say the least. You don't see as much action, and you won't have adventures like your friends will. But you are still serving Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, and you should always remind yourself of that.

As a jobnik, there are good jobs, there are “eh” jobs, and then there are the kind of jobs your mother warned you that you'd best do well in school or you'd become one of them. The important thing is to immediately start looking at the options. Don't cut corners, don't take anything as a given. Be pushy, be insistent, talk with friends who have friends who dated someone who knew a guy somewhere. Protexiot (connections) of any kind are incredibly important, even the weirdest ones. Make sure to search the web for more information and then check with people who were actually in the job. Certain positions sound great in theory, and then end in three years (or however long you are serving) of frustration, boredom, getting a new stripe every ten or eleven months, and then leaving and going to India. But if you can get in with the right people, and find yourself in the right job, then you've got it made...in theory.

Remember that what you are doing is incredible. People will respect you to no end for it. Right before my Tekes Hashba'a (swearing-in ceremony) my mefaked (commander) sat me down for a personal evaluation, with a huge smile on his face, despite the army's requirement for distance between commander and soldier. He told me my scores (yes, you are graded on certain things in the army), and then said something I don't think I'll forget for a long time. “When I meet people like you, I react the way you said every Israeli you meet reacts: what an idiot. You left behind everything you had, your friends and family, everything, back in America or wherever you came from. But then I get to know you, and I realize that everything is back there except for your heart, which is here, and that is more important than anything else.

All the commanders here call you ‘the big Zionist’, and we all respect you to no end and are impressed with you”. I literally almost cried, but what he said was important for any oleh or olah who has joined the army. Yeah, it's hard. You'll do more pushups than you want, run more than you can, and have to pick up individual leaves out of a rock garden which serves no purpose at all, except to fill your time.

Don't forget what it took to get here and the motivation you had when you began. That will become the main force to move you in this hard time. I'm proud of the fact that there were nights when I almost cried and felt like I made a mistake. But the fact that I put up with it ensured that the next time I cried in the army was when I was handed my certificate for being outstanding soldier in my machlaka (platoon). It pays off, and if you're not proud of yourself yet, there are dozens of others who are.

You are truly living the dream. Don't forget that. Hopefully your placement, training, and service will be easy and enjoyable, and remember, brave soldier- measure a person not by the strength of their arms, but by the strength of their resolve.

60

Learn, Pray, Serve By: Kobi Greenfield Yeshivat Hakotel, Aliyah Date: 2015 So you're interested in Hesder? Allow me to introduce myself and help you out!

My name is Kobi Greenfield and I love Torah, Eretz Yisrael, and Football (American, of course). I grew up in Chicago and have always been in the Orthodox schooling system. For me, a connection to Israel and helping other people is extremely important, but so is my religious life. When the dream of drafting into the army was starting to become a reality I wanted to ensure that my religious lifestyle wasn't going to be compromised. Therefore, I decided to pursue my dream within the structure of Hesder. I've already served my year and a half of combat in the Givati Brigade and am now continuing Hesder for the next two years learning in Yeshivat Hakotel. I've been very happy with my decision so far and I’m going to share a little of my thought process in order to give you an idea of what Hesder is and what it has to offer.

So, what is Hesder? It’s a 5-year program that enables religious soldiers to combine learning in Yeshiva with serving in the army.

Most places (HaKotel included) split the time as follows: 1. One and a half years in yeshiva (shana aleph and bet), until in March of shana bet, you 2. Draft to active service for a year and 5 months. The unit you end up in is kind of random but they all do basically the same thing…

Training takes 7-8 months and then you go to kav (active duty).

After 8 months of guard shifts, border patrols, pillboxes and field exercises, you return to 3. Two final years in yeshiva, shteiging away and preparing yourself for what life holds after your time in Hesder is up. Depending on when you make ‘official’ Aliyah, this can sometimes be just one year.

Looking back at my time in the army, the importance of Hesder becomes ever clearer. Drafting with Hesder meant I got to be with some of my closest friends (actually all from Chicago, except one

Brit) throughout my whole service. The importance of having these friends with me was vital. We all came from the same place. We understood each other. We helped each other out. I literally can't imagine having to go through the army without this group of friends by my side. We were only guaranteed to be together because we all drafted with the same Yeshiva. Serving with my English-speaking friends alone was enough of a reason to draft with Hesder.

Another huge advantage to drafting with Hesder for me was the fact that my whole division was made up of religious soldiers from other, similar, Hesder yeshivas. The struggles I was told that I'd face in the army were greatly relieved because of the strong group of Hesder guys by my side. We had minyanim and learned every day.

We helped each other out and really had each other's backs - we even broke distance with Kolom. We all understood the importance of what we were doing, which is something that the average unit cannot entirely comprehend; that we were fulfilling the will of Hashem by protecting His people and land.

If you feel like Hesder is right for you, then I have a few tips on how to really maximize your time and make the most out of your service: 1. Understand the importance of what you're doing - As religious Jews we view it as our obligation and privilege to be able to defend our homeland and protect our people. To your benefit, most Hesder soldiers share the same values. When times get tough for you or your friends, it's important to constantly remind yourselves of the importance of what you are doing. It can really help push you through the dark times.

2. Take it upon yourself to learn something each day - Don't let one day go without learning Torah. Understand that even in the hardest of days you can always open a sefer (pocket sefarim are the best!!!) and connect to Hashem through your learning. Even better, take advantage of the friends with you and learn with them. (Make sure it’s something you will want to learn - after a day of crawling in the mud, you might be reluctant to pour over a daf of gemara, whereas halacha is written in easier language and split up into convenient se’ifim.)

3. Prayer and meditation - There's a good chance that before you drafted you learned for multiple hours every day. Learning is a great way to connect to Hashem and it's important to fill that gap of lost learning with extra intent and concentration during prayer.

According to army law, you'll always be given three times a day, and in a Hesder unit that will mostly be with a minyan, to pray to Hashem. Don't let these chances slip away.

In addition, you'll spend countless hours sitting alone doing guard duty, most likely in the middle of nowhere. Don't let this precious silence go to waste. Use these moments alone to reflect, meditate, and pray.

Good luck in whatever path you end up choosing! May Hashem always be with you, and may you always allow Him to be with you.

61

How I Avoided the Culture Shock By: Zach Zlatin Mechinat Otzem As a shminist (Hebrew slang for senior in high school), I knew that making Aliyah right after high school meant going into the army straight away. Therefore, it was important for me to go to a yeshiva/Mechina that would prepare me for the army, life and Israel in order to give me the tools to succeed and thrive. After much searching, I found a Mechina (Mechina Otzem/Atzmonah) that felt like home. I learned there until I drafted into a commando unit. My time in Mechina drastically improved my Hebrew to a high enough level to function in the army and really prevent much of the culture shock that most chayalim bodedim (lone soldiers) have. The Mechina also broadened my friend group to others who were going to serve in similar combat roles and go through many of the same experiences. But all of that is on top of all the mental and many other types of preparation that a Mechina gives to its students. To anyone who is thinking about drafting into the IDF, I would highly recommend looking at an army Mechina as a way to give yourself a head start at acclimating and integrating into the Israeli society and mindset.

"You Are Too Much Nice" By: Daniel Bar-Levav Tiferes Yerushalayim, Aliyah Date: 2015 I remember getting my call to draft in the mail and the emotions that came with it. On the one hand, I'd been waiting my whole life for this letter, and on the other hand, it was a whole new world (the whole thing was rather Hogwarts-esque). But life is all about taking new steps, I told myself as I walked into the Lishkat Giyus (IDF Induction Center). It was mid-November, 2015, three months into my Aliyah journey. As you might guess, my Hebrew was way less than subpar, which just added to the natural anxiety of everything. The first thing that hit me was the wave of Hebrew coming at me from every direction. After that were the lines and the stares at the tall, flushed guy who obviously didn't know what on earth to do. Thankfully, a wonderful soldier named Sarit took me over to the side and explained the process to me in very broken English. Her parting words were "you are too much nice, smile but push them for your want.”

Probably the best advice I've gotten in Israel to this day. With Sarit's wisdom in hand, I made the long journey through the different offices from physical exams to intelligence tests, and made it out eight hours later, exhausted but happy.

To anyone reading this who plans on drafting, congratulations! You're doing an amazing thing, wherever you end up. Here is a short list of tips for your draft interview (tzav rishon): 1. Leave as early as possible and triple check your paperwork and ID; you want to have as much time to deal with bureaucracy as possible.

2. Don't be afraid to approach people. Tell them what you want, be firm and polite.

Making My Ancestors 3. Bring snacks, because you'll be there for a while.

Proud 4. Remember to smile. It always helps.

By: Chaim Kanarek Mechinat Elisha I’ve wanted to make Aliyah for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey, I always had the feeling that Israel is where I truly belonged. After graduating high school, I studied for a year at Yeshivat Orayta, six months at Mechinat Elisha, and then enlisted in Tzanchanim (Paratroopers) in March 2016. I was the ‘negevist’, or light machine gunner, in my unit. Anyone who’s served in a combat unit in the army knows that this role is no picnic. Intense training, impossibly long guard shifts, and, at times, subpar living conditions all add up to what at first seems like a pretty bleak experience. But, as someone who’s done it, I can tell you that the opposite holds true. I never once regretted my decision to enlist.

As the great-grandson of Holocaust survivors, I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that everything I did was actively protecting the Jewish people. I was a part of a greater whole; an army that represents Jewish strength and resistance. The idea that my great grandparents, when they were my age, couldn’t even imagine that there would be a Jewish state, let alone a Jewish army, which their grandson would be a part of, is not something that I take for granted.

Over the course of my service, my love of the land and respect for the Jewish people was strengthened greatly. I guarded in places I would never have visited otherwise and met people from all walks of life. I ended my service proud of what I had accomplished and with a greater appreciation for and understanding of Israel and my Jewish identity than I had ever imagined.

62

My Answer is Yes By: Josh Lehman Yeshivat Hakotel, Aliyah Date: 2016 There are really two questions that I had when deciding to do the army: 1. Did I make the right decision?

2. Can I really do this?

Over time I realized that the way to build the confidence within myself to answer ‘Yes’ to these questions was by ensuring that I viewed the army as an experience that was building me as a person. If I could feel good about myself, who I was becoming, and what I was accomplishing, then I would have no doubts about my decision to enlist or my ability to have a successful service.

While there are many difficult decisions that come into play when deciding whether or not to stay in Israel, for me, doing the army through the Machal Hesder system was not one of them. Contemplating whether or not to do the army was a complex process that led to many pro-and-con lists. One of the factors that unwaveringly came to the top of my mind was how was I going to succeed in the army religiously. You see, I was in yeshiva at the time and the decision to join the army wasn’t coming from a perspective of escaping oppression in chutz la’aretz, nor did it come from my inability to decide what to do with my life; rather, my decision to join the army was a decision of ideals. The Torah ideals that I worked so hard in yeshiva to build up were what led me to the conclusion that volunteering for the IDF was the religiously moral thing to do. This being the case, I knew that the difficult nature of the army combined with the surrounding pressures could, in certain ways, undermine or reverse the principles that led me to the army in the first place. With all this in mind I needed to find a way to positively impact Israel without losing myself.

As I said earlier, Machal Hesder was a no-brainer for me.

The opportunity to go to the army with not just religiously motivated people, but the very same religiously motivated people who were in yeshiva with me just days before, was an opportunity that I would not let pass. Not only did I not decline in my connection to the yeshiva world, but the responsibility of representing to a secular world what a Torah Jew is in fact helped me grow in these aspects. My closest friends were with me from the first day to the last, and while we didn’t know Hebrew or feel totally comfortable in Israeli culture, we went through and overcame these challenges together.

If anyone asks me why I did the army, I tell them that I thought it was the right thing to do. If asked why I chose Machal Hesder, I give the same answer: because my fellow soldiers come from the same place; a place of, not just ideals, but Torah ideals that I was determined to uphold.

63

My Service and Nobody Else’s By: Yakir Greenberg Yeshivot Orayta & Otniel, Aliyah Date: 2016 Everyone is unique. Just like the seven billion fingerprints there are on the planet. Nobody has the same experience. What I mean by this is that most of you who are reading this are probably going through a pretty tough decision process. In my time before drafting, I contacted every person I could find to figure out what was the best path for me. The most liberating part of my decision was when I realized nobody has the same trajectory as me. My path, just like my fingerprint, is different from every other prospective chayal in this land. When I tried scraping people’s lives off of them and trying to replicate them on my own, I was only damaging myself.

You must acknowledge who you are, and why you are here to serve your country. Whether that is in yeshiva, midrasha, Sherut Leumi, Mechina, army, university or buying a schwarma, you are contributing to the betterment of this beautiful land we call home. Just be yourself, and take your own path. I created something I didn’t think was even a possibility, but there are certain benefits to living among the craziest people and most loving nation on the planet; they’re here to help you, and get you on your path. So ask people.

Interrogate them. But don’t get yourself into a situation where you simply do something because you saw somebody else succeed in it. Be yourself, and you will succeed. Oh, and always smile. People in this country love a good smile. Okay, no more advice.

College Grad to IDF Soldier By: Hillel Davis Yeshivat Har Etzion, Aliyah Date: 2013 I decided to complete my degree at Bar Ilan University prior to drafting into the army as an Academic Officer for the IDF’s Center for Behavioral Sciences in order to both have a potentially mature army experience and fulfill my parents’ wishes of continuing my academic career. There were a number of advantages and disadvantages to this decision: Advantages:

Disadvantages:

1. Continued my higher education while my math, reading and writing skills were still relatively fresh.

2. Was able to continue some of the Torah studies I started in yeshiva the year before.

3. Planted my roots in Israel, in a community, in a more stable fashion than if I had been in the army.

4. Went into the army more mature, prepared for whatever they would throw at me.

5. Joined the Atuda track in the army (undergraduate degree prior to IDF service), so I started with a higher ranking, higher salary, and was taken more seriously.

6. Was able to start working and getting involved in my community while in college, and was able to continue all of that once I drafted.

7. Through the Atuda track, I was able to complete my master’s degree over the course of my service.

1. Most of my male friends in college were post-army, so I missed out on that social bond.

2. Was bound by the army commitment and travel restrictions at a later age.

3. Had to sign on for potentially a much longer service because of the Atuda track.

4. Many people’s Hebrew improves dramatically during the army, which helps them in school, while I had to study in English.

TOP TOP FIVEFIVE 5 Tips for Surviving Basic Training

By: Shimmy Weinbach It's day one of Camp Tzahal and you're geared up in your crisp green uniform ready to fend off all of Israel's bloodthirsty enemies with nothing but the army mandated toothbrush you've been handed. Well, hold on there, buddy! It's true, you've navigated your fair share of bureaucratic loopholes and have arrived relatively unscathed at Bakum (absorption and screening base). But you've got a long way before you become the super-sabra, terrorist-fighting machine you've always dreamed you'd become. To get to that lofty goal you'll have to go from your high pedestal of suburban teenager to the bitty bottom of the military food chain. And there's only one way that's happening-- basic training.

Fear not though, “tzair nechmad!” With these 5 tips your basic training experience will be easy peasy. Kind of.

1. Buy locks - Your tziud (equipment) is your life in the army. There's no mommy or nanny to clean up after you. If you leave your stuff lying around you can bet your green bottom it's going to get taken. But unfortunately even if you do have all your “tziud” nice and neat in your bags, there are those in the army who’ll be brazen enough to take it. The solution? Locks. I suggest buying 3 number or letter combination locks that you can quickly open and close when needed. This will not only deter thievery but will put your mind at ease when you’re out in the field.

2. Take it easy - Most of the commands and collective punishment in the army are to psyche you out and make you feel like a child. You'll be doing pointless, repetitive, inefficient tasks from dawn till dusk some days. Just remember, it's all a game. Their job is to make you feel like a child, and your job is to let them. It's your fifth time running up the same hill? Fine by you, you can do ten. You're mister cool and this is your playground.

3. Stand up for yourself - Just because you're the volunteer soldier filled with ideology and drive, does not mean that you have to take everything without a fight. If you feel like you've been given an unjust punishment, don't just accept it like a willing sheep. Go talk to your commander respectfully, sometimes it can make a big impact. On the same note, DO NOT volunteer to stay on base. Ever. You'll get a nice pat on the back and, most of the time, that's it. You came to the army of your own volition. You've already volunteered plenty, buddy.

4. Extra equipment - The urge to gear yourself up with all kinds of unnecessary gadgets is unbelievably tempting. I mean look at that laser-flashlight-shocker-spark-bug repellant thing! Admittedly, there are some helpful items that will make training easier for you, but don't get carried away. Make sure you have a G-shock watch and a solid pocketknife. Buy some green thermal long sleeved shirts, as well. Besides that, you won't need much for training. It might look flashy, but usually it's less helpful than you think. Wait to see what you need as training goes along, then buy it.

5. Off base - Every so often you get to breathe in the fresh air of freedom that is known as society. When this happens, enjoy yourself! Hang out with friends and eat whatever you were craving while you were eating tuna all week. If you don't let loose and recuperate, the next week will be all the more straining. Treat yourself. You've never deserved it more.

Remember, we are here for you. If you're ever having a rough time, lean on your support group. All us lone soldiers are one family. We were helped in the army, and we want to do the same for you. You're defending your country, and we're here to help you do that as best you can.

64

EFRONI SCHLESINGER always knew that he would eventually end up in Israel. He grew up listening to stories about his grandmother’s time in the Haganah and about the early days of the newfound State of Israel. After attending Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis, Efroni began studying at Yeshivat Hakotel, and a year and a half later, in March 2014, he drafted into Nativ, a non-combat unit which guides soldiers through the Jewish conversion process. A few months into his service, Efroni decided to do Course Ktzinim (Officer’s Course) and eventually was placed as an officer at the army’s educational headquarters. After his year and a half in the army, Efroni decided to remain in the field of education and pursue smicha, a decision that has enriched not only his wealth of knowledge but also his desire to share Torah with all those around him.

INTERVIEW

OK give us the deets- When did you draft and into what unit?

I drafted in March 2014 with Yeshivat Hakotel.

I started off in Nativ, a unit focusing on Jewish conversion and then became an officer at the army’s educational department.

So what led you to join the army?

I always knew I was eventually going to join the IDF. My grandmother was in the Haganah, and I grew up listening to her stories. Just from hearing her stories, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and do my part to contribute to Israel. I actually have a photo of my grandmother in her uniform and holding a gun in my room as inspiration.

Since you drafted straight from yeshiva, did you utilize your time in yeshiva to prepare for the army?

A lot of guys who draft into combat usually study practical halachot during the weeks leading up to their draft date. However, since I was drafting into a non-combat unit, I really used the time to strengthen my sense of self.

The army is a melting pot, which is great in some ways, but it is also very easy to lose yourself and your sense of identity. It was important for me to maintain my strong sense of self during the army, so I really worked on myself internally during those final weeks in yeshiva.

What was the army like at first?

A balagan. Just a bit of a balagan! Unlike most of the Hakotel guys, I wasn’t with other Americans, so I did feel disconnected, but once you are in a framework and routine, like anything, it gets easier.

What would you say to someone who is 65

EDUCATION FOR OUR NATION drafting into a non-combat role?

First, aim for something that is meaningful to you and that you have a proper skill set for. If it is something that is important to you, it only enhances your overall army experience.

Second, don’t forget that what you are doing is critical. It is easy to feel less important in a non-combat unit since we tend to assist the combat soldiers with their work. However, remember that if your role wasn’t needed, it would not exist. Ultimately, search for meaning in all you do and constantly seek out opportunities.

Great answer! So we hear you decided to go down the smicha track… Mind giving us the 411 on that?

Well smicha is definitely a lot more difficult than I expected! I had been in yeshiva for a few years before going down this path, but smicha is more intense than what I imagined.

However, the process has given me so much

clarity on aspects of Judaism and has deepened my knowledge of why we do what we do. Ultimately, I decided to get smicha for my own personal religious connection but also to help others to facilitate theirs.

What was your driving force for being here in Israel, and has smicha strengthened that?

For me it’s always been clear that I am meant to live here, both on a personal level and on a religious level. I have grandparents, cousins, siblings and close friends in Israel and there is this sense of pride that has become integral to my identity. Truth is, before moving to Israel, I would ask myself, “If today was my last day, would I be proud of how I spent it?”

Very rarely was I able to answer yes. However, when I made Aliyah that changed. There is a meaning to living here, which I am also always reminded of when I study for smicha.

You simply can’t ignore the fact that Israel is a focal point in the Torah. We were told to go

to this land. We were told to fight for this land. We were told to return to this land. It’s very hard to go through the Torah without reading about this small piece of land.

Additionally, this idea is also seen throughout halacha - most mitzvot are only relevant in Israel. There’s a value in embracing every day to it’s fullest, and since living in Israel I can confidently say that I believe I am taking advantage of that.

Amazing! Well there are two sides to every coin, so what would you say are some of your challenges in Israel?

I can’t complain about having a lack of friends and family here, but, ultimately, my parents, some of my extended family and several friends are in America, which is challenging. I also find that even though my Hebrew has improved over my five and a half years in Israel, it’s something that will always be an issue. When I was in the army, I had to learn army Hebrew. In university I will need to learn academic Hebrew and when I get a job I will need to learn professional Hebrew. It can be frustrating to be doing the same thing with the same level of difficulty as Israelis, but having the extra challenge of the language to overcome.

How can future olim tackle these challenges?

I think it is important

very to be

confident. Whether you are naturally confident, or need to pretend a little, people will listen to you if you sound like you know what you are talking about. Most important, though, is to build a very solid support structure of family, friends, and connections. When I came here I had to start from zero and rebuild my support system, but it is crucial to have people to go to when the going gets tough. Finally, don’t forget why you came here! Even after a rough day, reflect on your personal motivations and inspirations for making Aliyah.

Last question: You were in yeshiva, the army, and now getting smicha, so I am sure you have a good inspirational story up your sleeve. Do tell!

So I arrived at Nativ during the beginning of Tzuk Eitan in July 2014. The course of the soldiers converting was almost over, but they needed to go to the Beit Din a few months before their official conversion and then again for the actual conversion. On the day that one of the soldiers was meant to go to the Beit Din for his initial meeting, his commander called him and told him that he was being sent to Gaza the next day.

When he went to the Beit Din later that day, he told them that he was going to Gaza the next day and did not know if he would return. He told them that, if he was killed, he wanted to die as a Jew. Instead of waiting a few more months before converting the soldier, the Beit Din sent him to the mikvah and converted him. The next day he went down to Gaza as a Jew. I must have told that story hundreds of times, but every time I tell it I am reminded how blessed I am to be here.

IDF DICTIONARY By: Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center and Nefesh B’Nefesh & FIDF Lone Soldiers Program Staff

UNIT Kitah (‫ – ) כיתה‬class/squad Tzevet ( ‫ – ) צוות‬squad/team Machlakah (‫ – )מחלקה‬platoon Plugah (‫ – ) פלוגה‬company Gdud (‫ – ) גדוד‬battalion Chativah (‫ – )חטיבה‬brigade Sayeret ( ‫ – ) סיירת‬special

RANK Chayal (‫ – )חייל‬soldier Chayal Boded (‫– )חייל בודד‬ lone soldier Toray ( ‫ – ) טוראי‬trainee Mefaked ( ‫ – ) מפקד‬commander Mak = Mefaked Kitah ( ‫= מ״כ‬ –‫) מפקד כיתה‬-squad commander Sammal ( ‫ – ) סמל‬sergeant Mem Mem ( ‫מפקד = מ״מ‬ ‫ – ) מחלקה‬platoon commander Samech Mem Pay (‫סגן = סמ״פ‬ ‫ – )מפקד פלוגה‬assistant ‫מ‬ company commander Mem Pay (‫)מפקד פלוגה = מ״פ‬ – company commander

- By: Lottie Kestenbaum

“You simply can’t ignore the fact that Israel is a focal point in the Torah. We were told to go to this land. We were told to fight for this land. We were told to return to this land."

66

MEET OUR CHAYALOT! These inspiring women describe their jobs, accomplishments and challenges as religious women serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

COMBAT GAL ARTILLERY INSTRUCTOR AND LOVING IT

By: Madeline Rosen Midreshet Amit

By: Michal Sundy Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2015

I am currently serving as a combat soldier in the IDF’s Search and Rescue Unit. I grew up in Teaneck, NJ, attended the Frisch School, and went on to learn at Midreshet Amit after high school.

I currently serve as an artillery instructor in a base called Shivta in the Negev. I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and after my year of learning at Migdal Oz, I decided to make Aliyah and draft to the IDF. Two years ago, drafting as a religious girl was much less common, so the journey to my giyus (draft) was a bumpy one. Since my family was making Aliyah, I didn't qualify for Machal or Garin Tzabar, so I fought my way in with the Israelis.

I drafted to the army through Machal and just finished my 8-month training period. As a combat soldier, I guard borders and do my best to keep Israel’s citizens safe. Not only does my unit do guard duty, but we specialize in searching and rescuing people from natural disasters and rubble.

Enduring all that, I ended up drafting to a course at Michve Alon, to a 7-week program called “Moledet”. If I had to explain it, I would say it was basically a cross between tironut (basic training) and Mach Hach Ba’aretz. I met olim from all over and, despite it feeling slightly useless, it was a positive experience. From Moledet I fought to become an artillery instructor, a job I’d been eyeing for awhile.

Being a combat soldier is hard but it’s worth every second to know that when people see me on the street holding my gun, they can feel a little bit safer. Being a woman, and especially a religious woman in the IDF, has taught me that breaking stereotypes is important and it’s vital to step outside of your comfort zone for something you believe in.

I love my job. It’s the perfect combination of working in the shetach (field) and teaching in a classroom. Every week is a new course, so I get to meet all kinds of soldiers from different cultures, backgrounds, and cities in Israel.

The entire artillery corps relies on 15 girls to teach every driver how to drive their respective vehicle. It's pretty rewarding.

Being religious in that type of environment is definitely challenging, but what I’ve learned through my experiences is that if you respect yourself, others will respect you. You set the standards and rules and only you decide if others follow them. I was and always will be known as “the religious one” and people will always make fun of me for that, but I am proud of it, and I've learned to laugh with them. While being a religious soldier isn't always easy, it's rewarding. It's demanding and comes with great challenges, but I came out stronger for it. I honestly feel like I am contributing to my country while also remaining true to who I am.

ADVICE FROM THE "SHETACH" By: Hannah Defore Midreshet Yeud I served as a combat soldier in Pikud Haoref, which is the Home Front Command. We specialize in search & rescue and chemical warfare. We spend most of our time in and around the West Bank doing all kinds of missions.

I drafted straight from seminary, which was a big jump, however it was really nice to be able to come back to seminary for Shabbatot and learn with my friends. My service was insane, but having a good support group like that when I was off base was a lifesaver. Originally, I wanted to be a Mashakit Tash (Social Worker), but my Hebrew wasn’t good enough and the placement officer I met with suggested I join combat. I had no expectations and totally didn’t realize what I was getting myself into. It was incredibly challenging at times, both physically and mentally.

There would be periods of time when I didn’t sleep for days, but I still loved every minute. It’s really important to have a good attitude and not to complain even when things are tough. I’m fortunate to have served with friends whom I consider family, who kept each other laughing, from training to active duty.

67

The unit was 70/30 male to female ratio and there weren’t very many religious soldiers with me. People would always tell me that the army isn’t a great place for religious girls. Unfortunately, there were moments where I found that to be true, but you learn to work through the ups and downs. I was determined to make the environment I was in compatible with my religiosity, and the soldiers in my unit were respectful of that. This job is great for someone who is ready to work hard, but also won’t be disappointed by days without a lot of action.

It’s all about breaking your own records. If you can do that with a smile on your face it will be a meaningful experience.

Looking Back at My IDF Service By: Rachel Gold Migdal Oz Hi everyone!

It is a little weird to be writing an article based on my army experience for Here Next Year, because it seems like just yesterday I was an extremely confused seminary girl at the Here Next Year Israel Fair. I had no idea what I wanted to do in the army, how to even get into the army and whether or not I was sure that joining the army was something I wanted to do. However, with the help and guidance of Here Next Year and their volunteers, I was able to make a rewarding decision that would give me the two greatest years of my life.

In October 2015 I enlisted into the army with sixty other girls. Together we enlisted to become weapons instructors (madrichot chir). The course to become a weapons instructor was a two-month long intensive course. We learned about every weapon and armored vehicle that is used within the army’s infantry sector. We were taught how to be good instructors, how to deal with all different types of soldiers (disruptive soldiers, class clowns, soldiers who are not interested in learning the material…) and how to properly give over material to a class/group of soldiers. The course was both mentally and physically challenging. At the end of the course each girl is assigned the weapon she will spend the rest of her army service teaching! I was assigned sniper rifles and had absolutely no idea what to expect. After each girl is assigned a weapon she begins another course to learn how to teach her specific weapon. The course to become a certified sniper and sniper instructor is three-months long. During those three-months we learned everything about snipers, sniping and sniper rifles! After almost half a year I was officially and finally (!!!!) a sniper instructor. I then began teaching, training and certifying soldiers. After a couple of months on the job I realized that I was having the most incredible time. I loved almost everything about my job. I found the work to be incredibly fulfilling, meaningful, fun and challenging. I spent the rest of my army service training snipers and absolutely loved it until the last day.

The most challenging part of my army service for me was being the only religious girl on my base. My base is known for not being the “most religious” base in the army and I found that to be a little difficult at the beginning. Not only was I the only religious girl, but I was one of the only religious people on base! It took a little time for me to slowly feel more comfortable as the only religious girl and, when I started to embrace that, I realized that it became less difficult for me on base. It definitely was a challenge but, as I began to feel more at ease, I realized how cool it was that I was able to connect with so many people regardless of whether they were religious or not.

Having finished the army and now looking back, I can confidently say that those two years taught me many things, but I would have to say that my favorite part was getting to meet so many people. I met hundreds and hundreds of soldiers and made some of my closest friends that I would have never met otherwise. My friends from the army are really the only people who truly understand what that experience was like-how intense, unique, crazy and exhilarating it was. Though the army was challenging at times, throughout my service, I learned how to embrace the challenges that helped me have such a positive experience. I hope that everyone who is considering staying in Israel, joining the army or doing Sherut Leumi can make the right choice for himself or herself and have an incredible and meaningful experience too!

The IDF Life By: Naomi Stochinsky Midreshet Amit, Aliyah Date: 2016

After spending a year in seminary, I decided to make Aliyah, join Garin Tzabar, and draft to the IDF. In the three months preceding my draft, I did the tzav rishon (the first meeting with the army) and yom lochamot (a day for girls wanting to draft to combat). Later on, I was informed I would be drafting to my first choice, Chilutz Ve’Hatzalah (search and rescue)!

Chilutz Ve’Hatzahlah is a coed combat unit that specializes in infantry, chemical warfare, and search and rescue. Prior to receiving my beret, I went through seven months of extensive training, in which I was taught all of the necessary skills and techniques pertaining to my job.

I am currently stationed in Gush Etzion. There are various mesimot (missions) given to us each day. These include different shmirot (guard duties), patrols, and arrests. If there is a situation where people have become trapped in collapsed buildings or under rubble, we will be called in. Members of my unit have been sent to help with various disasters, most recently in Mexico after the earthquake that occurred there this past September.

I would say the most unexpected part of the IDF for me was the adjustment to army life and the Israeli mentality. No matter what people had told me before, I never truly realized the extent of the culture shock that I would experience upon drafting. It took a while to adapt and get used to, but now I wouldn't change a thing!

68

It’s Not All About the “Wassach” By: Talya Engelhart Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2015 The excitement and adrenaline from basic training came to a screeching halt as I arrived on my new base, welcomed by my new officer with a hug. I was acquainted with my desk and the other soldiers in my office, and I was told to just take it easy and chill.

At this point in time, in my head, alarms were sounding as red lights flashed and voices blared saying “No discipline?

No saluting to officers? A computer and a desk?!”

“So, for all you out there looking for a unit that’s right for you, I’m going to tell you something I wish someone would have told me: The notion that combat is the only way to have a “real service” is false.”

The painful realization began to sink in. “AM I….A JOBNIK?!”

I think back to all the pictures I saw on Facebook. Women, face painted, mud covered, holding a gun larger than my leg.

I looked in the mirror. A confused American in a khaki uniform, wearing sandals and a skirt, looked back at me.

Crushing disappointment washed over me as I quickly began to doubt all the decisions I’d made in my life up until this point.

The beginning was hard. Words stuck to my throat when people asked me how the army was going. I would smile and nod at Shabbat meals, pretending to understand the combat slang that was being thrown around by my friends.

I forced myself to keep it a secret, the fact that I wasn't a “real soldier.” That I wasn't in the “real army”.

The crazy thing is, when it came down to it, I had a pretty awesome job. I coordinated the elite visits of other military generals on my base. I met the Air Force commanders of India, Brazil, and Germany. I had exposure to confidential information and took part in visits that made it into the newspapers.

But, I only held a gun when I was on guard duty.

But, I didn’t paint my face or get muddy (trust me, in that khaki uniform I avoided all things mud).

But, I didn't sleep in a tent, take a cold shower, or eat tuna out of a can. Rather, my base had a swimming pool, movie theatre and tennis courts. I was living a rather glamorous army life, not the cool hardcore mud-filled one my friends were experiencing.

After a year at Tel Nof Airbase, I switched to Foreign Affairs and Protocol located in the Kirya. Diving even deeper into the world of jobnikim, I now had a job in which I went home every evening.

With the demotion of wassach (a term used for looking hardcore and cool), the value of my work was promoted.

In Foreign Affairs I was given the responsibility of coordinating visits and international training exercises, and

69

worked closely with military ambassadors from Air Forces worldwide. In this position I was given exposure to all the inner workings of the Air Force, truly contributing directly to the success of our Air Force and collaboration with our allies.

Still no face paint.

Still no mud.

Still no gun.

At this point, none of that bothered me anymore. Yeah, I’d love to have a tough muddy picture of me holding a gun (who wouldn't?!) but the personal contributions I’ve made in Kishrei Chutz (Foreign Relations) I wouldn't have been able to achieve anywhere else. The experience I’ve gained I wouldn't have gained in combat. And the professional connections and relationships I have with foreign dignitaries are something I could only have gotten here.

So, for all you out there looking for a unit that’s right for you, I’m going to tell you something I wish someone would have told me: The notion that combat is the only way to have a “real service” is false.

The notion that being a jobnik is an embarrassment is false.

The concept of what it means to be in the “real army” just simply doesn't exist. (If you want “real army” join the Marines. Tzahal is a glorified summer camp.)

Serving in the army is not all easy. It’s not all fun and games, and it’s certainly not something to take lightly. It’s important to choose a unit based on where your strengths lay, and what is most fitting for you.

I look back on my service, and I feel pride.

I feel like I made my mark on the Air Force.

My contributions will always remain there, along with the connections and experiences I’ve gained. The only regret I have is not realizing that sooner.

So, as I shook hands with the four-star US Air Force commander only a few short months ago, I finally found the strength to answer my question.

“AM I…..A JOBNIK?!”

“Yes, I am a jobnik. And I am proud to be one.”

Talya Engelhart

Pilot Program: Air Force Innovation Team By: Ilan Regenbaum Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Aliyah Date: 2014 My unit is running a pilot program in conjunction with Meitav and the Israeli Air Force HR branch to help improve the matching and placement process for olim who have university degrees. Up until this point an oleh with a degree had two main options.

1. Sign up for Academazia (also called Atudat Olim) and serve for three to five years as an academic officer in a job that utilizes your degree.

2. Network and ask around and hope that you get lucky and find a job that requires a specific background or degree.

The issue with the first option is that it is limited mostly to engineering and psychology majors, it requires one to sign up for extra time, and there are not so many jobs available. The second option is a big gamble, and one could volunteer for the army hoping for a good job and get a bad job.

Our pilot program focuses on all the degrees that are not relevant for Atudat Olim, and helps connect commanders who want someone with a certain background to an oleh with the matching degree. It basically makes the whole matching process less random. In order to participate, sign up using our Google form when you are approaching your draft date or are already in Michve Alon (army Ulpan).

You can also email us at iaf.innovation@gmail.com if you have any questions.

IDF DICTIONARY By: Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center and FIDF & Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program Staff

TRAINING Bach (‫ )בא״ח‬- training base Tironut ( ‫ – )טירונות‬basic training Imun Mitkadem (‫ – ) אימון מתקדם‬advanced training Masa ( ‫ – ) מסע‬hike, forced march Shetach (‫ – )שטח‬field Sha'at Tash ( ‫ – ) שעת ת״ש‬hour of free time Pakal ( ‫ – )פק״ל‬soldier's specialty assignment Bochan Maslul ( ‫ – ) בוחן מסלול‬kilometer run and obstacle course Baror ( ‫ – ) ברור‬physical test of pushups, sit-ups and 2k run

ENLISTMENT Giyus ( ‫ – ) גיוס‬enlistment Tzav Rishon ( ‫ – )צו ראשון‬first notice and screening process, first step in the drafting process Bakum ( ‫ – ) בקו״ם‬absorption and screening base, where a soldier is processed on his/her first day Gibbush (‫ – )גיבוש‬tryouts Yom Sayarot (‫ – )יום סיירות‬tryouts for elite units Choger ( ‫ – )חוגר‬military ID

70

INTERVIEW The Nation Builds The Army, The Army Builds The Nation LIBA HORNSTEIN tells us about Garin Tzabar, the importance of education in the IDF and what she gained from her service.

Tell us about your job and your unit in the army.

I was a Mashakit Chinuch in Cheil Ha’Chinuch Ve'Hanoar, so I was in charge of the education of all the soldiers in the unit that I was placed in. I planned out the content before the soldiers came, gave their commanders classes and activities to give over during their four months of advanced training , brought speakers, and took the soldiers on trips. My Unit is responsible for pre-army programs for teens, Ulpan for olim chadashim, courses to finish a full high school diploma, a conversion course for those who aren't Jewish by halacha, and many other programs. It is also responsible for the day-to-day education of all soldiers in topics about history, values and Zionism, and more.

What was is like being religious in the army?

Out of 70 girls in my course, four were religious. We also had two religious commanders, which was very helpful, but the other commanders often didn't understand. There were times when they didn't give us everything we needed, but once we explained what we needed and why, we almost always got it. It was very important that we knew our rights, because the commanders didn't necessarily know them. The other girls were very respectful, but many of them were also unfamiliar with most of halacha. But again, once we explained, they were really good about it. By the end we even had two more girls join us in davening every morning. Shabbat was the most difficult, because even if I kept Shabbat to a tee, the atmosphere can really affect the experience. I found that if I brought Shabbat clothes to wear in my room during free time, that helped me have a more “shabbosdik” Shabbat. It takes a lot of willpower to be religious in the army, and it's definitely not easy. The other difficulty is shmirat negiah. People have a really difficult time understanding it, and even even more difficult time remembering it. The best part about being religious in the army is that I got to show the other soldiers the beautiful side of Judaism. I could explain halachot and minhagim that they never heard of, answer their questions about things they've seen, and tell them the stories of the Chagim and Tanach.

What was it like to do Garin Tzabar?

I did Garin Tzabar at Kvutzat Yavne. Garin Tzabar helped with basically everything. I had a place to live, food to eat, emotional support from my Garin, a rakezet (advisor), and adopted family on Kibbutz. It was really nice knowing that when I left the army I was coming home to something. They also helped with the pre-army things, like tzav rishon, yom hameah, and just general advice and information, as well as with Aliyah issues, bank issues, and all the other bureaucracy. They also have contacts within the army, so if I needed help with something after I drafted they sometimes helped with that. I lived on an amazing Kibbutz and my Garin was really close, so I got very lucky. As with any program, there were 71

obviously restrictions that I wouldn't have had if I lived alone, but personally they didn't bother me, and I think the benefits were worth following a few rules. The experience you have in Garin Tzabar is very dependent on a lot of factors. The Kibbutz you live on and the dynamics within your Garin and with other garinim on the Kibbutz have a huge impact. In religious Garinim, not everyone is necessarily at the same level of observance, which could also have an impact for some people.

What was your favorite part of your army service?

In the army, I met so many different kinds of people that I never dreamed I would meet, let alone become friends with. I have friends who are Christian, Druze, Atheist, Non- Observant Jews, Traditional Jews, Modern Orthodox Jews, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, formerly Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Ethiopians, politically left wing, right wing, and center, olim from all over the world, Israelis from all over the country, people who hate the army, people who love the army, people of all different ages, and people who couldn't care less about any of that and just want to know when their next meal is. And that's not even including all of the people outside of the army whom I've met through my job as a Mashakit Chinuch. I don't think there is any other way I could have met so many different kinds of people. I've learned to be more open-minded, and that I can find something in common with everyone, no matter their backgrounds or opinions. I've made friends that I'll keep for the rest of my life. "The nation builds the army and the army builds the nation”.

Any good stories stand out from your army experience?

In my course, there was a girl who was almost completely deaf. She could speak and she read people's lips when they spoke, but at home she mostly communicated in Sign Language. During the last week of the course, we were practicing for our ending ceremony, in which everyone sings Hatikva, and one girl asked her to teach her the words of Hatikva in Sign Language. This quickly caught on, and she was soon teaching the whole course. We decided to request permission to do the motions during the actual ceremony. The commanders agreed, as long as we could get it totally in sync. We managed it, and during the ceremony as everyone sang Hatikva, we sang with our voices and our hands. I'm filled with pride and and emotion every time I hear Hatikva these days, but that moment was on another level. It reminded me that one of the incredible things about our army is that even in the midst of all the structure and discipline, we also make time for the individual. We provide accommodations so that every soldier gets what they need and feels included, whatever their personal challenge may be. We are an army with a purpose and a heart, and we care about our soldiers, because we aren't just an army, but also a nation. That is something so special about the IDF, and one of the reasons that I am so honored to have had the privilege to wear our uniform.

TOP FIVE

The Sky's The Limit

Top 5 Things to Know About the Drafting Process: 1. Confidence is everything - People don’t always listen to WHAT you say, but HOW you say it. As Americans we often take a polite approach, apologizing frequently and accepting the first answer we're given. NOT ANYMORE LADIES. Roll up them sleeves and get ready to fight!

No confidence? That’s fine. Fake it till you make it! Just pretend you have confidence. Nobody will be able to tell the difference.

2. Embrace the fact that you are AMERICANNN! - Don't rush to become a complete Israeli so you'll be taken seriously. The fact that you're a brave and courageous American volunteer who is giving up two years of her life to serve in the IDF speaks volumes.

We grew up in a great country, and there is no shame in that.

So what if my accent is funny?

So what if I spoke to you in the wrong gender pronoun?

So what that I'm always the earliest to everything?

GUESS WHAT? I AM AMERICAN. 3. "No" is always the first answer you'll get - It’s like a test. To see if you REALLY want whatever you're asking for. I'll give you a hint: You do.

Call again.

4. You will never be 100% prepared for whatever hits you - So be prepared not to be prepared.

5. At the end of the day, remember that the army is run by a bunch of 19-year-olds - Remember that you are also a 19-year-old. Don't take anything too seriously. Nothing's personal. And if people are mean and you keep getting messed over, start a blog about it. It’s a real crowd pleaser.

By: Maya Bordan Midreshet Torah V’Avodah, Aliyah Date: 2016 I’ve always known I wanted to draft to a combat unit, despite constantly being told it wasn’t a good place for a religious girl. During my year at TVA, I started thinking about what that would look like practically. For me, that meant connecting with Garin Tzabar and learning more about the army process. At the same time, I worked hard on making connections with people currently serving in units and doing jobs that I thought I was interested in. Through that process, I was able to narrow down where I wanted to serve, and was lucky to get my top choice.

After I made Aliyah in August 2016, I spent time on a kibbutz with my Garin where we had Ulpan, and I made it a priority to get in the best physical shape I could. In November, I drafted to Totchanim (artillery) and then passed the Gibush (tryout) for Rochev Shamayim (drone unit). The next eight months were about learning to fly the drone and how to operate in the field. Now that we’re in active service, we work in small teams and get all different kinds of missions to fly to gather intelligence.

I’ve gotten a lot of advice during my service, but some things have really stuck with me. Most importantly, because there are very few religious people in my unit, and especially not girls, it makes this very challenging position even more difficult. Remember that you’re different, and that even if it makes things a bit harder sometimes, it’s a good thing. Also, being part of a small group means you play a crucial role in how the group works as a team, but don’t give up on the things that are really important to you. Ultimately, being in the army has been more difficult than I could have possibly imagined, but also brings me together with people from very different backgrounds in a meaningful way.

-By: Talya Engelhart

Hi everyone! My name is Deena Combat Boots and a Skirt Felsenthal, and I was a weapon’s instructor in the IDF. I taught combat By: Deena Felsenthal soldiers of all ranks from many Migdal Oz, Aliyah Date: 2016 different infantry units how to use grenade and rocket launchers. I had an extremely meaningful and exciting service, but the process leading up to my draft wasn’t easy.

When I was looking into drafting, most of my teachers and role models advised me against drafting into the job that I wanted. At the time, most religious girls didn’t draft, and the ones who did, drafted through a Garin to very specific jobs. Despite the lack of support, my heart was set on becoming a weapons instructor, so I did everything in my power to become one. It was challenging to be the only religious girl on my base, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. People knew me on base as the girl with combat boots and a skirt. I gained a lot of respect from my soldiers and friends for serving our country while sticking to my religious beliefs. I loved being able to do my job in the classroom and in the field - it was the perfect mixture of combat and noncombat. I took my job very seriously - the information I was giving over to my soldiers was critical to ensuring their safety. One of my favorite memories during my service was when I taught the American Navy Seals. They did all of the exercises my normal infantry soldiers did on land AND on water (so cool!). My service gave me the tools and confidence to truly make Israel my home.

72

INTERVIEW

FULFILLING A LIFELONG DREAM MAYA BORZAK tells us about Hadas Chul, a program for religious women who draft into the IDF, and how making Aliyah and serving in the IDF is the fulfillment of a life-long dream.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m from Boca Raton, Florida, and I went to Weinbaum Yeshiva High School. I am now a navigation instructor in an elite commando unit in the army, and I've been living in Israel since August 2016.

When did you decide to join the army?

In 5th grade my teacher had us all write letters to ourselves that she would then send back to us after we graduated from high school. The teacher told us to write about our favorite color, what we wanted to be when we grew up, and so forth. When I opened up my letter all those years later it said that my dream was to “go to seminary, draft to the army, and make Aliyah.” So I definitely drank the Kool-Aid very early on. Later on, I went on a summer program in Israel, the summer before 12th grade. I was already in touch with Nefesh B'Nefesh the day after getting home.

73

What is Hadas Chul, and what is its purpose?

Midreshet Lindenbaum has many programs in their institution, including Hadas Chul, which helps girls who want to go into the army have an easier time religiously. We are amidst a revolution now of religious girls going into the army. The numbers are insane – the number of religious girls drafting has gone up by 80% in the past two years.

Part of the reason I came here and went to the army was to be part of this revolution. Hadas Chul, run by Rav Ohad, is meant to help those religious girls.

Part of that is being guaranteed to go on a base with other Lindenbaum girls. I am on my base with eight other Lindenbaum girls, which is really crazy. Also, every two weeks, Rav Ohad or another teacher comes to base with ice cream, gives a shiur, and checks up on us.

Did the program prepare you at all for army life?

We had workshops on kashrut in the army and some other practical army halacha shiurim, but honestly nothing can truly prepare you for army life.

How has your experience been so far as a religious woman in the IDF? Overall I have had a very lovely experience, but it can also be frustrating.

For example, I wear pants but am also shomeret negiah, which can be confusing to Israelis. Also, a lot of times in the army, people see things from a guy's point of view. That's just how it is since there are more guys in the army.

There is also the frustration that people don't really get me, they don't understand American Judaism. It’s great that on my base it’s pretty religious, but that's not the norm.

Why is it important for women to serve in the IDF? We have a crazy opportunity to go back

to our land and have our own army, which has never happened before. I can't imagine not being part of that. I think if you value your Judaism, you should be a part of this phenomenon that is happening. As religious Jewish women it’s important to show our presence and show what religious people can do in the army. For a long time the only option for religious women was Sherut Leumi. Just as the world has expanded the opportunities available for women, the army can as well. Just as Orthodox people are participating in the modern world, they can and should also be participating in the army. I do not believe that people should live in their bubble forever, and going to the army really pops that bubble. In the army your faith is challenged, and for a lot of people that can either weaken it or strengthen it. It’s a lot of growing.

“I have thought about doing this for my whole entire life, and now I’m finally here. It’s pretty crazy, I wake up every morning living my dream.”

Where have you been living during your service?

I live with other religious female lone soldiers in a house in Jerusalem organized by the Lone Soldier Center In Memory of Michael Levin, which has been incredible. They give us everything we need, and I could not have asked for a better deal.

What do you love most about the path you are taking in Israel?

That it is meaningful to me. I’m having a party all the time. This country is made for young people. It’s so fun, and there are such good vibes. I've always loved this place, and now living here you can really appreciate it. It’s whack. I have thought about doing this for my whole entire life, and now I’m finally here. It’s pretty crazy, I wake up every morning living my dream.

What are your biggest challenges right now?

Being a lone soldier can be challenging. On base you can feel very alone and people don't always understand you when it comes to language, especially where you're coming from and what you're going through. You can be very misunderstood a lot of the time, which is frustrating.

Any advice for those starting their lives in Israel?

Ask questions and don't be embarrassed. Always ask what something means, where to go, what to do, and ask for advice from people.

Israelis are more than ready to give it! Talk to people. When you meet someone, ask them their name, ask for their number, ask about their grandchildren the next time you're there, and they will help you out even more. I’m best friends with Channa the Banker and Boaz the Bus Driver. You need to make friends because that's how you make it through.

- By: Rebecca Charytan-Spitz

POSITIONS Kravi ( ‫ – ) קרבי‬combat Lochem (‫ – ) לוחם‬fighter/warrior Jobnik ( ‫ – ) ג׳ובניק‬noncombat

soldier

Chovesh ( ‫ – ) חובש‬medic Chopel = Chovesh Plugati (‫ל''פוח‬ ‫חופ״ל‬

= ‫ – )חובש פלוגתי‬platoon medic Rassar ( ‫ – )רס״ר‬master sergeant Mishakit Tash ( ‫ ) משקי״ת ת״ש‬in charge of soldiers' personal affairs Mishakit Aliyah (‫ ) משקי״ת עלייה‬helps new immigrants with their Hebrew

MILITARY LIFE Kav ( ‫ – )קו‬operational duty Imun (‫ – ) אמון‬training Shmirah (‫ – )שמירה‬guard duty Mitbach ( ‫ – ) מטבח‬kitchen Krav maga ( ‫ – )קרב מגע‬IDF's hand-to-hand combat training Mitvach ( ‫ – )מטווח‬firing range Tekkes ( ‫ – ) טקס‬ceremony Tekkes Hashba'ah (‫ – )טקס השבעה‬swearing-in Tekkes Kumtah ( ‫ – ) טקס כומתה‬beret, at the end of advanced training Sha'ah b'yitziyah (‫ – ) שעה ביציאה‬an hour of punishment,

leave base later than others

Yom Siddurim ( ‫ – ) יום סידורים‬errand day Regilah ( ‫ – ) רגילה‬one week break Bettim (‫ – ) בתים‬medical leave on base Gimmelim ( ‫ – )גימלים‬medical leave off base, sick days Yitziot (‫ – )יציאות‬schedule of leave (days on/off base) Madas ( ‫ – ) מדס‬exercise 74

February 2nd, 2018 10:00-11:30 AM Betzalel 26, Jerusalem RSVP: http://bit.ly/2AfwsF3

MARCH 16-17 ‫שבת פרשת ויקרא‬

2. /

75

2

HereXT NE R YEA

2>

G:

Thinking about staying in Israel?

Find out what it’s like to live and study in Israel

Givat Shmuel

Get a taste of life in Israel and have fun meeting like-minded Yeshiva & Midrasha students!

At Israel Independence Day you will: Create delicious Israeli Salatim Hone your Hebrew Skills Explore Israeli culture Friday, December 8th 10:00-12:30 Hechal Shlomo 58 King George, Jerusalem Space is limited! RSVP: http://bit.ly/2h9PPIc

76

Sherut Leumi Sayarot Night

7:00-9:30 PM January 22nd NBN Offices (Nachum Cheftzadi 5, Jerusalem) One-on-one he lp to prepare for inter views!

Dinner will be ser ved.

Want to know what it’s actually like to be a bat sherut?

Speak with current bnot sherut bodedot who are serving in education, tour guiding, administration, special ed, medicine and more!

These bnot sherut will discuss topics like, their day-to-day schedule, Hebrew and Israeli culture, the transition from seminary to sherut leumi, the sign-up process, challenges, achievements and advice.

January 8th, 2018 7:00-10:00 PM OU Center Keren HaYesod 22, Jerusalem

RSVP Required: http://bit.ly/2zj15dp Want to know what it's like to be a female soldier? Here Next Year and the Lone Soldier Center In Memory of Michael Levin, invite you to the IDF Brunch for Women. Learn what options exist for religious women in the IDF, speak with current female lone soldiers and meet other seminary students considering IDF service.

Brunch will be served!

Where? Yafo 51, Jerusalem When? Friday, January 12th from 9:30 - 11:30 AM

IDF BRUNCH FOR WOMEN RSVP Here: http://bit.ly/2AdK7wn HereXT NE R YEA

78

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Nefesh B'Nefesh: info@nbn.org.il Here Next Year: info@herenextyearisrael.com