What is a good "gap" year program?

Israel gap year program?

• Does anyone know of any gap year programs in Israel that they would recommend? I'm graduating high school this year and am trying to decide which to do. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Here are some reputable gap year programs in Israel: MASA enables thousands of Jewish youth to spend a semester or a year in Israel in any of over 160 programs, helping them build a life-long relationship with Israel and a firm commitment to Jewish life. Since 2003, MASA has been a catalyst in the developing new and exciting, quality programs which express the multi-faceted experience of Israel. http://judaism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=judaism&cdn=religion&tm=298&gps=131_59_1003_585&f=01&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.masaisrael.org/nr/exeres/3e0ce673-4776-4e20-8e27-f7d64c7f618a%2Cframeless.htm%3Fnrmode%3Dpublished Nativ is a challenging academic year program dedicated to creating and inspiring the Conservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Nativ, which means “path” in Hebrew, provides a unique opportunity to explore new directions on the journey to becoming a Jewish adult. http://judaism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=judaism&cdn=religion&tm=490&gps=10_672_1003_585&f=01&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.usy.org/programs/nativ/ Habonim Dror Workshop, the oldest running Israel program for North American youth, is a 10-month work/study program for high school graduates. Participants experience Israel from the inside (agricultural kibbutz, an urban collective, and various volunteer positions) and meet peers from around the world (England, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.). The program also includes a trip to Poland to learn about the Holocaust, with an emphasis on the involvement of the youth movements in resistance. http://judaism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=judaism&cdn=religion&tm=579&gps=95_832_1003_585&f=01&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.habonimdror.org/programs/workshop.html