Masa Israel Gap Year Meeting

by Rebecca Bazini, SSLI '26

Yesterday during lunch, Masa Israel held a meeting for those interested in possibly taking a gap year after high school. The program offers a broad range of authentic Israeli experiences for graduating students across the Jewish spectrum to look into. Whether attending students are certain about their plans to take a gap year in Israel, or are just considering their options, Masa Israel presents itself as a credible option.

Representatives from the Masa Israel gap year program came to speak to Schechter juniors and seniors. (masaisrael.org)

The presenters from Masa Israel ran a virtual fair for attendees, displaying possible programs with various interests to consider. Shira Rosen, a spokesperson for the organization, says that there is truly a program fit for anyone’s tastes: “Theres what we call 'classic gap,' which is more so like summer camp, but year-round,” and there's also academic programs like “Makinot, where you're able to explore your Israel identity, be in the army, and enjoy life and culture … while living in Israel.”

Attending junior Shayna Barak remarks, “The main impression is the individuality. They have various different programs for different people based on exactly what you are looking for. It really seems to be about discovering who you are, especially in a different setting with different people than usual.”

Students on a Masa Israel gap year trip can expect to explore tons of beautiful places in Israel. Rosen says, “I would say [you’ll travel to] Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, your classics. Sometimes you could go down to the Negev, some desert towns, or you could go up north and see the Golan Heights. Each of our programs have trips throughout Israel.”

Students attending a Masa gap trip should also expect to take classes for the duration of their time in Israel. Additionally, they will gain significant opportunities to enrich their fluency in Hebrew.

Students in the Masa Israel gap year programs enjoy a hike. (masaisrael.org)

Taking a gap year in Israel can also cater to Schechter students looking for an experience that connects to their Jewish values. College counselor Mark Kowalsky states that “each program stresses Tikkun Olam,” helping the world, and “the importance and enrichment that Israel can play in your life and help you to mature and grow in many ways.” He continues, “The Judaic experience at Schechter is rich and vibrant, but [it’s] only the beginning of the journey. Through a Masa gap year program, students learn to live these values on their own and develop into leaders in the Jewish world.” Additionally, Barak states, “Attending a gap year expands on who you are, apart from what you learn at Schechter. You can see the things you learn for yourself instead of just going with what you’ve been told.”

Overall, considering a gap year with Masa Israel (or just any gap year in general) presents countless opportunities for learning, observing, and growing. “I think all students should consider a gap year after often experiencing burnout from school.” Kowalsky remarked. He added that his “best advice to learn about the gap year experience is to speak with students who recently completed one.” Barak added, “I personally wouldn’t do a gap year, but I can see why someone would. It’s a great opportunity to be more independent and have some time with yourself, and discover more of who you are as a person and as a Jew.”

If any students have questions about Masa Israel Gap years, they should reach out to Shira Rosen at shirar@masaisrael.org.

Rebecca Bazini is a staff writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since January 2023. Rebecca is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: rbazini26@schechterli.org.