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PODCAST · education

Israel Gap Year B'IYUN

by Avi Proctor

Five years ago, I ( Avi Proctor) founded the Israel Gap Year Platform to guide the next generation of students in discovering the perfect program in Israel. Now, it's time to shift the spotlight to the extraordinary individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to shaping each student who crosses the threshold of their yeshiva or seminary. Join me on the B'IYUN Podcast as we embark on a profound journey into the lives of some of the most remarkable and inspiring teachers and educators in Eretz Yisrael.Together, let's Get B'IYUN (In-Depth) into their stories, exploring the sacrifices, triumphs, and invaluable life lessons that define the educational landscape in Israel. This podcast celebrates those who go above and beyond to nurture and mold the future generation. Tune in to the B'IYUN Podcast for a deep dive into the lives of these incredible individuals, and discover the heart of education in Eretz Yisrael.

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Episodes

  1. Season Finale: EP13 What Does Being On the Derech Really Mean Today?

    In this episode of the Israel Gap Year B’Iyun Podcast, Avi Proctor sits down with Mrs. Shira Melamed, head of Midreshet Torat Chessed, for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to be “on the derech” — and why that definition may need to be reexamined in today’s educational and...

  2. S3 EP12 How One Rebbe Changed the Way We Teach Torah

    This week on the Israel Gap Year B’Iyun Podcast, I sit down with Rav Yair Halevi, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah, to discuss his journey in chinuch and how they built Torah V’Avodah into what it is today. We talk about what shaped him as an educator, the challenges students face in this...

  3. S3 EP11 What We Wish We Knew Before Applying to Yeshiva

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with four yeshiva ambassadors for an honest conversation about the yeshiva application process. Together, they talk about what was going through their heads when deciding where to apply, what confused or overwhelmed them most at the...

  4. S3 EP10 Why are so many gap year students struggling with mental health?

    The year in Israel is meant to be transformative — but for many students, it’s also emotionally overwhelming. Anxiety, loneliness, identity pressure, and quiet struggles are more common than people realize. In this episode, Avi speaks with the director of Crossroads Jerusalem about why student...

  5. S3 EP9 Looking in the Mirror: Why Our Kids Are Leaving Modern Orthodoxy

    In this episode, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Reuven Schrier for an honest conversation about Modern Orthodoxy, student identity, and what often shifts after a year in Israel. Many students return from yeshiva or seminary questioning the label “Modern Orthodox.” But are they rejecting the...

  6. S3 EP8 Why Loving Every Jew Is So Hard - and What Helps

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’IYUN, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Yamin Goldsmith from Sha’alavim for Women to talk honestly about the challenge of Ahavat Yisrael.  Rabbi Goldsmith shares why loving every Jew doesn’t come easily, what that mitzvah actually demands, and how the events…

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  7. S3 EP7 One Yeshivas response to October 7th

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’IYUN, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Michael Olshin and Rav Shlomy Eichler from Yeshiva Torah Shraga for an in-depth conversation about the launch of Shraga’s new Hesder program, set to begin this upcoming September. The goal of this episode is simple: to...

  8. S3 EP6 From Israel to Real Life: Building Growth That Lasts

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’IYUN, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Taragin of Yeshivat HaKotel for an honest conversation about what happens when the structure of Yeshiva is no longer there - and how to build something that lasts beyond it. Together, they explore the difference between...

  9. S3 EP5 What Is a Year in Israel Supposed to Lead To?

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rav David Milston, longtime leader of Midreshet HaRova, for a thoughtful conversation about what a year in Israel is supposed to lead to — not just during the year, but long after it ends. Rav Milston reflects on his personal...

  10. S3 EP4 It’s Time to Reset the Way We Think About Growth

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Ben Leybovich to talk about how comparison and pressure have reshaped the way people experience personal and spiritual growth. They explore why growth today often feels performative instead of personal, how constantly...

  11. S3 EP3 What We Wish We Knew Before Applying to Seminary

    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...

  12. S3 EP2 I’m Starting a New Seminary - and This Is Why...

    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,...

  13. S3 EP1 Why are so many students staying in Israel after Yeshiva & Seminary?

    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…

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  14. S2 EP8 How to Start Thinking About Your Career During Your Year in Israel

    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...

  15. S2 EP7 Does Listening to Non-Jewish Music Have an Impact on Your Spiritual Growth?

    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...

  16. S2 EP6 Why Seminary Girls Need to have a Rabbi or Rebbetzin

    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…

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  17. S2 EP5 Common Halachic Questions During Your Year in Israel

    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...

  18. S2 EP4 Surviving Pesach Break – Rabbi Yisrael Feld on Balancing Growth and Real-Life Challenges

    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...

  19. S2 EP3 - Should students be going to secular college after Yeshiva and Seminary?

    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…

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  20. S2 EP2 - Making the Right Yeshiva & Seminary Decision

    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+...

  21. S2 EP1 Joco’s Battle: Turning Adversity into Inspiration

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rav Jonathan Cohen, affectionately known as Joco, a powerhouse of inspiration and dedication within the Jewish community. Joco works tirelessly with Yeshiva University, recruiting students from their gap year programs to continue their...

  22. EP16 You Got Off the Plane from Israel… Now What?

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rabbi Rich, a mashgiach at Shalavim, and Rebbetzin Dena Rich from EFG at Aish, to discuss the transition back home after a gap year in Israel. We explore what lessons and values to take with you, and how to balance your newfound growth...

  23. EP15 Why Be Frum? Exploring Faith in G-d with Rabbi David Aaron

    In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we explore the profound question of why someone should be frum with the insightful Rabbi David Aaron. Known for his relatable and inspiring books, Rabbi David Aaron breaks down Judaism into its fundamental parts, making faith accessible and meaningful.…

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  24. EP14 Shedding Light on the Overlooked: A Conversation with Rav Ron

    Join us for an enlightening episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun as we speak with Rabbi Dr. Zvi Ron, a compassionate Rabbi at Midreshet Harova and Midreshet Moriah. Known for his dedication to shining a light on the neglected, Rav Ron's journey is marked by his natural advocacy for marginalized...

  25. EP13 Should You be Staying in Israel After Your Year in Seminary and Yeshiva?

    In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rabbi Rosner to explore his journey of moving to Israel, leaving behind his community, and establishing a new one. We delve into the question of whether Shana Alef students should consider staying in Israel after their gap year, particularly with...

  26. EP12 From Sadness to Celebration: Honoring Yom Hazikaron with Eytan Rund

    Join us in this special episode as we delve into the significance of Yom Hazikaron with renowned tour guide, Eytan Rund. While Yom Hazikaron is often a somber day, Eytan brings a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning and even celebration in honoring the sacrifices made...

  27. EP11 How the Greatest People Become Great

    Join us in this week’s episode as Rabbi Avishai David, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Torat Shraga and the founding rabbi of Kehillas Beis Tefillah Yonah Avraham in Ramat Beit Shemesh, shares his wisdom on the journey to greatness. Rabbi David sheds light on how hard work leads to success, drawing...

  28. EP10 Unlocking Growth and Embracing Vulnerability with Rav Burg

    Join us this week as we sit down with Rav Mordechai Burg, Menahel of Yeshivat Mevaseret, to explore the importance of vulnerability in the yeshiva environment. Discover how creating a space where students, and people in general, feel at peace with themselves and others, and are comfortable being...

  29. EP9 Preparing Jewish Leaders for Secular College - Rabbi and Rebbetzin Menaged

    Today we spoke with Rabbi & Rebbetzin Menaged about their gap year program, Israel XP, right on the Bar Ilan campus. Tune in for tips on how to handle secular college life while staying true to your Jewish roots and prepping for leadership roles. Plus, hear their own journey to religious life and...

  30. EP8 How Important is Chessed to My Growth? - Rabbi Gotch Yudin

    Explore the essence of chessed with Rabbi Yudin as he unveils the mission behind Ashreinu Yeshiva in Beit Shemesh. Discover the integral role of chessed in their daily routine and delve into Rabbi Yudin's deeply personal connection to acts of kindness. Gain insights into Ashreinu's unique…

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  31. EP7 The Importance of Having a Rebbe-Talmid Relationship

    Get ready for an eye-opening chat as we sit down with Rabbi Daniel Glanz, the Mashgiach Ruchani at Yeshivat Mevaseret Tzion. In this episode we delve into why having a rebbe in your life is so crucial, no matter where you're at. From building that special bond to tackling the hurdles along the…

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  32. EP6 How to Cultivate Sustainable Growth- Rabbi Yehuda Turetsky

    In this episode, Rabbi Turtesky addresses the common phenomenon of 'flipping out' in seminary and yeshiva, offering invaluable advice for individuals at every stage of their journey—whether they're embarking on their gap year, in the midst of it, or transitioning afterward. Join us as we explore...

  33. EP5 How to Live a Life of Passion- Rabbi Natanel Lebowitz

    Get ready to be inspired by Rabbi Natanel Lebowitz, a dedicated father of ten and devoted Rebbe in Shraga. When he's not shaping young minds, he's sharing his passion for Poland as an expert tour guide. Join us as we delve into his larger-than-life personality and the impact he's making both at...

  34. EP4 The Drive to Found a New Seminary - Mrs. Esther Grossman

    The "Israel Gap Year B'Iyun Podcast '' features an interview with Mrs. Esther Grossman, a native of New York now residing in Ramat Beit Shemesh. She shares her motivation to launch her own seminary next year and some of her experiences being involved in a variety of seminaries over the years. To...

  35. EP3 From high school teacher to top of NCSY

    The “Israel Gap Year B’Iyun Podcast '' interviews Rabbi Moshe Benovitz, managing director of NCSY and Rebbe in Yeshivat Reishit, about his thoughts on being Mechanech the younger generation. To sponsor an upcoming episode email [email protected] To schedule a consultation appointment for gap...

  36. EP2 Lev LaChayal: The First American Yeshivat Hesder- Rav Boaz Mori

    Meet Rav Boaz Mori, a Rosh Yeshiva AND Community Builder! From founding Ramat Shiloh centered around his yeshiva to pioneering a program for students to join the Israeli army straight after their year of study, his engaging personality and accomplishments speak volumes. Stay tuned as Rav Boaz...

  37. EP1 Running a yeshiva, a seminary, and a home of 6 children- with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Schneider

    In this episode of the "Israel Gap Year B'Iyun Podcast," we sit down with Rabbi Avi Schneider, Menahel of Torat Shraga, and Mrs. Leba Schneider, director of Tiferet Seminary. Join us as we explore the dynamic challenges and joys of managing a bustling household with six children in Ramat Beit...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Five years ago, I ( Avi Proctor) founded the Israel Gap Year Platform to guide the next generation of students in discovering the perfect program in Israel. Now, it's time to shift the spotlight to the extraordinary individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to shaping each student who crosses the threshold of their yeshiva or seminary. Join me on the B'IYUN Podcast as we embark on a profound journey into the lives of some of the most remarkable and inspiring teachers and educators in Eretz Yisrael.Together, let's Get B'IYUN (In-Depth) into their stories, exploring the sacrifices, triumphs, and invaluable life lessons that define the educational landscape in Israel. This podcast celebrates those who go above and beyond to nurture and mold the future generation. Tune in to the B'IYUN Podcast for a deep dive into the lives of these incredible individuals, and discover the heart of education in Eretz Yisrael.

HOSTED BY

Avi Proctor

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Israel Gap Year B'IYUN have?

Israel Gap Year B'IYUN currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Israel Gap Year B'IYUN about?

Five years ago, I ( Avi Proctor) founded the Israel Gap Year Platform to guide the next generation of students in discovering the perfect program in Israel. Now, it's time to shift the spotlight to the extraordinary individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to shaping each student who crosses...

How often does Israel Gap Year B'IYUN release new episodes?

Israel Gap Year B'IYUN has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Israel Gap Year B'IYUN?

You can listen to Israel Gap Year B'IYUN on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Israel Gap Year B'IYUN?

Israel Gap Year B'IYUN is created and hosted by Avi Proctor.
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