The Wellspring Gap-Year Network at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem is a unique, pluralistic opportunity for students spending a gap-year in Israel to learn with leading scholars, connect with fellow students, and expand their network!

The Gap-Year Network includes learning opportunities throughout the year and three immersive shabbatonim, where students get the chance to engage with some of the big ideas shaping Israel and the Jewish people today.

These programs helps students feel better equipped to discuss the challenging issues of this moment and allows them to spend meaningful time with other engaged gap-year students across denominations, learning, singing, and being together.  

Impact

Over the past year, three Wellspring Shabbatonim brought together 149 unique participants from 13 different gap-year programs, reflecting a growing and diverse network.

In its inaugural year, the program included three Shabbatonim and one Thursday night Mishmar, engaging 70 participants representing 16 gap-year programs. Program themes explored students’ evolving visions of Zionism after a year in Israel, as well as how to build and sustain communities across difference—particularly on college campuses.

Sample Sessions

• The Israel We Imagine — Shoshana Cohen
• Visions of Liberal Zionism — Sara Labaton
• Religious Zionism — Yossi Ben Harush
• Communities of Difference — Yonah Hain
• Boundaries of Community — Elana Stein Hain

Kick-Off Shabbaton

Make the most of your gap year in Israel. Registration is now open for the Wellspring Gap-Year Network Kick-Off Shabbaton.

Join us at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem for a meaningful Shabbat of learning, connection, and reflection alongside fellow gap-year students from across programs. Whether you’re returning or joining for the first time, this experience will deepen your thinking and expand your community.

Dates: Friday, October 30 – Shabbat, October 31
Location: Shalom Hartman Institute
Gdalyahu Alon St 11, Jerusalem

Details:
The program is fully subsidized and includes accommodations and meals. A refundable deposit is required to confirm registration and will be returned upon attendance.

REGISTER NOW