Nativ is a transformative gap year in Israel with a focus on leadership development, academic learning, and volunteering in Israeli society. Choose your learning and volunteer track alonside a cohort of bright and curious young adults who are committed to building an inclusive and vibrant Jewissh community in Israel.
Nativ, which means “path” in Hebrew, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in yourself, ask curious questions about the world around you, and be more prepared to enter college as a Jewish adult. From September to May Nativ participants are immersed in the rich and diverse society of Israel, explore through trips and build lifelong friendships.
Build your year and choose your academic track on your first semester in Jerusalem:
- Earn up to 21 College Credits at Hebrew University
- Learn Computer Programing at our Boding Bootcamp
- Study Jewish texts in an egalitarian setting at the Conservative Yeshiva
- Improve your Hebrew with language immersion at Ulpan Milah
Give back to Israel and choose your volunteer framework second semester! Volunteer positions include:
- First responder on an Israeli Ambulence
- Teach English in Israeli high schools
- Work on an organic farm
- Provide meals for youth at risk in high school
- ...and more!
An integral part of Nativ are our different seminars, which serve as an opportunity to delve deeper into topics and cultivate effective Jewish leadership. We bring in experts from the field in an effort to engender curiosity and encourage Nativers to share their enthusiasmand experience with their home communities and college campuses. All of our students participate these including:
Israel on Campus Conference: On this intensive seminar you will explore different narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and meet with stakeholders in Israel’s future of diverse opinions. Understanding that Nativers too have a role to play in Israel advocacy and its future, you are encouraged to ask curious questions and ultimately form your own Israel message to bring back to your college campus.
Nativ Leadership Summit: We believe that every Nativer is capable of being a changemaker and that powerful leadershipcan be found in small moments. On this flagship week of Nativ, you will be joined by professional facilitators to work withyou to build your strengths, workshop real challenges, and cultivate your leadership skills to build your capacity to impact change within Nativ, the Jewish community, and beyond.
Religion and State Seminar: Nativers have exclusive meetings with Members of Knesset, leaders and activists who work at the complicated intersection of religion and state in Israel. You will delve into how these questions affect you and your Jewish identity, and be part of ensuring that Israel remains a Democraticand Jewish country for all streams of Judaism.
Israel Memorial Day and Independence Day: Nativers participate in a Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) Ceremony and learn the story of Nativ alumn Michael Levin z”l who was killed fighting in the Second Lebanon War. Like a local, you will experience the uniquely-Israeli transition to Yom Ha’atzmaut with celebratory Hallel, dancing in the streets and the Nativ Independence Day BBQ.
