Israel Gap Year B'IYUN

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with four seminary ambassadors - Eden Fusman, Hodaya Greenwald, Rhyan Rackman, and Eliana Winer - for an honest conversation about the seminary application process.

Together, they talk about what was going through their minds when deciding where to apply, what confused or overwhelmed them most at the time, and the biggest surprises they experienced once they arrived in seminary.

The conversation also explores what actually matters when choosing a seminary, what students tend to focus on too much, and what advice they would give their younger selves during the application stage. The group shares practical insight for girls who are feeling unsure where they belong and offers guidance on how to find clarity when decisions feel overwhelming.

This episode is a must-listen for any student currently applying to seminary - and for parents who want a clearer, more honest picture of what the process really feels like.

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In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Dr. Noam Weinberg to talk about his exciting new initiative - the launch of a brand-new seminary opening this coming year: Midreshet Ora.

But this conversation goes deeper than just a school announcement. It’s an honest, inspiring look at:

• Why Rabbi Weinberg felt called to start a new seminary now
• What kind of personal and spiritual growth students should be focusing on during their year
• The type of support and environment that today’s Orthodox teens thrive in
• How seminary can be a launchpad for long-term identity, confidence, and connection to Torah

Rabbi Weinberg speaks openly about the mission behind Midreshet Ora and what he hopes students will take away - not just during their year in Israel, but for life.

Want to Learn More about Midreshet Ora?

Apply Now: https://www.midreshetora.com/applynow

Join Rabbi Weinberg’s Torah WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HSQG6FMdDth47HVThSc2Ld

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In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Shlomo Anapolle of JCT Machon Lev to break down the question every student is asking: Should you stay in Israel after your gap year? They discuss why so many students are considering staying, what staying in Israel actually means, the fears around career and college, how the landscape has changed for English-speaking students, and the practical steps to explore your options without pressure. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering it, this conversation gives you real clarity on the mindset, the opportunities, and the next steps.

Rabbi Shlomo Anapolle - Director of JCT Machon Lev and Machon Tal’s International Programs

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Checkout JCT on instagram @Jctinternational 

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In this season finale of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Ben Rapaport, co-founder of TRIO Academy, to talk about something that’s often overlooked during a student’s year in Israel:

How and when should you start thinking about your future career?

Your year in yeshiva or seminary is focused on spiritual growth — but it’s also the most pivotal time to begin asking the big questions about your direction in life. This episode is about starting that conversation the right way.

With years of experience guiding hundreds of students toward personal and professional clarity, Rabbi Rapaport shares tools and perspectives to help students make thoughtful, balanced decisions — without losing sight of their values.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why your year in Israel is the ideal time to reflect on career direction
• The biggest mistakes students make when thinking about their future
• How to ask the right questions — even if you’re unsure where to start
• Balancing growth in ruchniyus with planning for your future
• The mindset that builds confidence without rushing big decisions

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Dani Kunstler of Yeshivat Torat Shraga to explore a question many yeshiva and seminary students quietly ask themselves:

Does the music I listen to actually affect me spiritually?

A gifted educator and musician, Rabbi Kunstler shares insights from years of experience speaking in various yeshivot and seminaries, where he’s helped students reflect more deeply on the soundtrack of their lives.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why music isn’t neutral — and how it can shape your inner world
• Real-life stories from Rabbi Kunstler’s talks that left students thinking twice
• Rabbi Kunstler’s own background in music and how it informs his view
• The surprising ways music can support or stunt your growth during and after your year in Israel

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

Drawing from their own transformative relationships with their mentors, the Mayers discuss:

• Why girls also need a “rabbi figure” in their life
• What to do if you're in seminary and haven’t connected with someone yet
• How to build a meaningful spiritual relationship after you've already left Israel
• The difference these connections make — not just in seminary, but in life
• Real advice for students feeling like it's “too late” to find a mentor

This is a must-listen episode for seminary students, parents, educators — or anyone who believes in the power of lasting relationships in Jewish growth.



In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Aryeh Ifrah, a Rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga, to discuss the halachic challenges that students commonly face during their year in Israel—and beyond.

With his deep knowledge of halacha and years of experience working with yeshiva students, Rabbi Ifrah shares practical advice on how to navigate everyday situations through a Torah lens.

Together, they tackle key questions, including:

• How to handle Hilchot Shabbat issues
• Kashrut challenges when traveling or eating out
• How to balance family expectations with halachic growth
• Important day-to-day halachic situations that often get overlooked
• And much more~

Whether you're currently spending your year in Israel, planning your trip, or just want to strengthen your halachic awareness, this episode is packed with real-world guidance you won’t want to miss.

Link to the ZnT kashrus list for restaurants- https://www.zntkosher.com/

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rabbi Yisrael Feld, a beloved Rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga, to discuss one of the biggest challenges for students spending their year in Israel: Pesach break.

After eight months of intense Torah learning and spiritual growth, returning home for the first time can feel overwhelming. You’ve changed—but your family and old friends may not fully understand that change. How do you navigate this new reality without losing the progress you’ve made?

In this episode of The Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Adi Isaacs, head of the Nitzavim Fellowship program, to discuss a crucial topic for many students—transitioning from yeshiva or seminary in Israel to a secular college campus.



With years of experience guiding students through this transition, Rabbi Isaacs shares insights on the challenges students may face, the mindset needed to maintain personal and religious growth, and how to navigate campus life while staying true to your values.

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with his wife, Yali, to break down one of the most common topics students ask about—how to choose the right yeshiva or seminary.

With over five years of experience running the Israel Gap Year platform and working closely with 75+ student representatives each year, Avi has gained deep insight into what really matters when making this big decision. Yali, who has been working behind the scenes for three years, shares her perspective as well.

Together, they tackle key questions, including:

Should you follow your friends? What factors truly matter when choosing a program? What are the things people stress over—but shouldn’t? And so much more~

Whether you’re in the middle of the decision process or advising someone who is, this episode is packed with valuable guidance to help you navigate this important choice.