Excitement is mounting for the upcoming Los Angeles Israel Gap Year Fair, November 16, 2015 from 7pm to 10pm. With the endorsement of the American Gap Association, and Masa Israel Journey as presenting sponsor, the Los Angeles Israel Gap-Year Fair has been elevated to national importance.
Last year’s Fair welcomed hundreds of students and parents to interact with over 30 diverse Israel gap-year programs emphasizing everything from traditional learning programs for all levels, to community and army service. With Shalhevet’s beautiful new space, the Fair will be able to accommodate more gap year programs to expose public and private school students and their parents to these myriad benefits. Masa Israel Journey as presenting sponsor has provided funding for 1000’s of students to these programs and will be on hand to process applications for funds on the spot
The gap-year phenomenon continues to build momentum. Colleges around the country, from Ivy’s to State Universities, are encouraging graduating high school seniors to explore the world in organized programs that build global community, promote maturity and college readiness. The academic success procured in a gap year is undeniable, but the gap year in Israel is life changing.
“All the introductory trips to Israel, either with family, school or outreach opportunities can best be described as a short romance. These experiences provide an initial burst of passion, but it is the year in Israel–living, working, and learning–that builds a deep relationship with Israel and the Jewish people, solidifying personal religious values.” explains Phyllis Folb, Los Angeles Israel Gap Year-Director, “It is also is the best approach to fortify and prepare college bound kids for campus anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism they may encounter for the very first time.”
“The Fair gave an opportunity for a large group of people to see a broad swath of schools all in one place in a short time. As a direct result of conversations with students and parents at the Fair many students came to Israel this year, so I can unequivocally recommend this fair as worthwhile.” Says Rabbi Binny Freedman, Dean, Orayta Yeshiva.
“We see this year as a ‘growth year.’ It’s a chance for young adults to be inspired spiritually and grow in terms of their maturity and independence. A positive and fulfilling year in Israel will help these young adults make good choices about their Jewish identity, education, and personal development for many years afterwards”, said Natalie Menaged, Bar Ilan Israel Experience
Long-time co-sponsors YULA Boys and Girls High Schools, Valley Torah, Harkham GAON Academy (formally Yeshiva High Tech) and NCSY continue their support and are joined by synagogues, Beth Jacob, B’nai David-Judea, Beverly Hills Synagogue, Mogen David (Ashanzi and Sephardi minyans), Shaarei Tefila, and Shaarey Zedek, Young Israel Century City and Westwood Kehilla have joined the ever-growing list of sponsors making this a true city-wide community event. Additionally, Touro College and Yeshiva University will be among the table sponsors to discuss their Israel option enrollment giving up to a year’s worth of college credit for the gap-year experience.
.The Los Angeles Israel Gap Year-Fair is designed for high school juniors and seniors and their parents in both private and public schools. But all teens interested in learning more about Israel programs are also welcome to attend. This event is produced by Find Your Right Direction-Educational Services and Events. For more information, contact: Phyllis Folb, LA Israel Gap Year Fair-Director 310-702-0644, findyourrightdirection@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook!