Gap Year in Israel?

Question

Dear Rabbi, we have a son and daughter who are showing growing interest in Jewish observance and were advised by friends to go to Israel for a year to Yeshiva and Seminary. We are all for their pursuing their interest but don’t want them to become rabbis or get married there too young or decide to stay there forever! Are we wrong to object or should we support their decision to go if that’s what they want?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The “Yeshiva” is often incorrectly described as a “rabbinical school,” but the majority of students do not intend to become rabbis. They are pursuing the ideal of traditional Jewish Torah studies. They study in order to know and understand the Torah, not for financial gain or career advancement. It has become increasingly common for students, both men and women, to spend a year or two after high school studying in a yeshiva or seminary in order to become more complete, knowledgeable Jews.

    These students do not necessarily plan to continue with an extended period of Torah study to the exclusion of all else. They expect to go on to college or enter the business world after their time in a yeshiva. They have decided that if they are going to spend four to six years at college studying in order to “make a living,” they would like to devote at least a year or two to studying how to live.

    So, yes, I would advise that you back their decisions. But, since you are concerned, I suggest you insist on being part of their decision-making process about going. Especially if you are footing the bill! And I suggest that you also be involved in their choices of where to study and about other details of their year in Israel — such as your concerns about their getting married while there or deciding to stay there.

    And, if they go, you might even decide to visit them in Israel and tour the country a bit while there if they invite you to visit them – and they will!

    (*Please note that at the time of my response to you, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. However, I assume your question pertains to next year’s academic year and I am sure you will do all the “background checks” that you feel are necessary regarding travel safety, health procedures in the yeshiva and seminary of your family’s choice, and consult with your family physician. We wish you and your family much happiness and success!)

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team