Hevruta: Build the Jewish Future with a Year in Israel

Join a select group of Israeli and North American young adults who are deeply committed to a thriving future for the Jewish people and a Jewish and democratic Israel. Our Hevruta Gap-Year program offers a unique and dynamic learning experience blending study, community, and leadership in the heart of Jerusalem. Spend a year in Israel developing the academic insights and leadership skills to address the most significant challenges facing the Jewish people, Israel, and global Jewry today.  

CORE COMPONENTS : Study. Community. Leadership. 

Learning is at the heart of Hevruta, as we nurture within future Jewish leaders a nuanced and deep connection to Israel and Israeli society, a commitment to the Jewish people, and a dedication to the advancement of liberal Zionism. Classes are taught by faculty at the Hartman Institute – a center for research, thought, and education – and the curriculum includes Modern Jewish Identity, The Zionist Idea, Talmud, the Mechanics and Dynamics of Israeli Society, Great Books of Judaism, Halacha, and North American Jewish Identity.

The Hevruta Community is an integral aspect of the program, developing strong bridges between the next generation of Jewish leaders in Israel and North America so they can forge strong connections between their communities. North American students live, study, and experience Israel alongside their Israeli counterparts, who are participating in the Israeli Hevruta Pre-Army program. Group dynamics are strengthened through open discourse, participant-led activities, and shared programming.

Leadership. Hevruta is committed to developing and supporting young Jewish leaders who are prepared to make a difference in their local communities. Students contribute meaningfully to Jerusalem society, applying lessons from the classroom to internship responsibilities and volunteer commitments.

Yeshiva Track with Advanced Talmud Study

Students with a passion for Talmud have access to top Judaic scholars and advanced study in a rigorous, religiously pluralistic beit midrash through Hevruta’s Yeshiva Track. Students in this track have additional Talmud classes, evening sedarim, and Hevruta study, while also participating in Hevruta’s extensive offerings including community building, volunteering, interning, and travelling throughout Israel.