Each year, countless Yeshiva high school graduates embark on a year of intensive and transformative Torah learning, by attending one of the many phenomenal yeshivot in Eretz Yisrael. For an entire year, they are immersed in Torah learning, “yomam v’laila”, day and night, deepening their connection to our mesora. This is not just an ordinary “Gap Year”, which might simply be pushing off maturity, disregarding our responsibilities to build careers or delaying the inevitable demands of adulthood that await us all. It is very much the opposite. Our alumni seek to ground their futures in a foundation of the wisdom of Tora and there is no better place to learn Torah than in our people’s homeland. As the Gemara in Bava Batra 158b notes, even “the air of the Land of Israel makes one wise.” But while we all may know this to be true in the abstract, there is no better testimony to this reality than the words of our recent YULA alumni themselves.
For last year’s YULA graduates, the journey from Los Angeles to Yeshiva life in Israel marks not only a physical transition but also a profound personal one. Adriel Williams (24), now learning at Yeshivat Reishit, reflected on the transition with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. “I miss the city in general and my home,” he shares with his voice carrying the weight of leaving behind the familiar streets of LA. However, more specifically than Los Angeles, Adriel misses the unique atmosphere of YULA, particularly the “Rabbis and the chills,”. Adriel holds memories of the deep connection with his Rabbis and the “chills” at YULA close, a reminder of the tight-knit community he left behind. Those “chills” represent the warmth and comfort of YULA, a bond that continues to shape his perspective even as he steps into new surroundings.
Despite feeling sentimental for home, Adriel is finding his stride in Yeshiva, where new experiences and friendships are slowly filling the space once held by familiarity. At Reishit, Adriel has found a new sense of belonging. “I love the kids and the rabbis here,” he says, describing the community that has quickly become a second home. For Adriel, one of the highlights of his time in Israel has been exploring the vibrant life of the city. Whether he’s walking through the streets of Yerushalayim or venturing out with friends, the energy of Israel has captured his heart in a way that feels both new and somehow so familiar. “Going out and enjoying the city has been incredible,” Adriel shares, his excitement for this next chapter in his life clear in every word.
Similar to Adriel, Jake Lewis (24) has found deep meaning in his Yeshiva experience, where strong connections with Rebbeim and new friendships have shaped his journey. Jake, learning at Yeshivat Hakotel, has had a powerful experience, though for him, the separation from family has been the most challenging part of leaving home. “I miss my parents,” Jake admits, but his fondness for his time at YULA is just as strong. “All of my Rebbeim at YULA have had such a big impact on me, especially Rabbi Sauer and Rabbi Shreiber.” These relationships, built over years of learning and guidance, continue to have a profound impact on Jake even as he embarks on this new phase of growth in Israel.
Hakotel, though, has offered Jake an opportunity to form deep and meaningful friendships that he hadn’t anticipated. “The guys here are amazing,” he explains, beaming with excitement. “Hakotel has the best guys, they’re so awesome, and I’ve made such close friends, even though Yeshiva just started.” He describes long conversations and moments of connection with his peers, the kind of friendships that form quickly but last a lifetime. “It’s crazy how close you can become with people in just a few days,” he reflects.
The learning at Hakotel has also been transformative for Jake. He describes his first night-seder with his new chavrusa as “incredible,” a testament to the rigorous and enriching environment of the Yeshiva. But perhaps what Jake loves most about his time in Israel is being “five steps away from the Kotel”. Filled with joy and admiration he explains, “I can literally just look out my window and see the Kotel,”, his awe still fresh despite the daily view. Beyond the view, it’s the ability to step out and immerse himself in the ancient streets of Yerushalayim that brings him the most joy, “Walking around the Old City is surreal, it’s definitely one of the best parts about being in Yerushalayim.” The blend of Torah learning and unique atmosphere of the Old City deepens Jake’s connection to Israel, making his time in Yerushalayim truly inspiring and transformative.
Aharon Topp (24), who is now learning at Shaalvim Yeshiva, reflects on his time in Los Angeles with a sense of fondness, “In LA, I really miss all the amazing restaurants on Pico, hanging out with friends, the weather, and of course the great community,” He paints a picture of the familiar comforts that shaped his daily life. Aharon also emphasized that what he misses most about YULA is the Rebbeim, “I am so lucky to have built such meaningful connections with them,” Aharon says, highlighting the deep admiration he holds for their Torah learning and Middot. The bond he created with his Rebbeim has left a lasting impact, and while he’s sad not to see them every day, he feels fortunate to have established such a strong kesher with each of them.
For Aharon, the best part of Yeshiva has been the ability to immerse himself in his learning, “I feel like I grow so much in my learning when I’m able to learn uninterrupted, and Shalavim has given me an incredible opportunity to do so,” explaining how this focused environment has been transformative for his growth. But it’s not just the learning that resonates with him; being in Israel itself holds a special meaning. He shares that “The best part about being in Israel is that I am in an environment where I feel most at home,”. His connection to the land and the opportunity to visit places rich in personal and religious significance has deepened his sense of belonging, making his Yeshiva experience even more meaningful.
For these YULA graduates, the journey to Yeshiva in Israel has been more than just a change in location, it is a transformative chapter that blends deep personal and spiritual growth. Though they each miss the comforts of Los Angeles, their friends, and the beloved Rebbeim who shaped their time at YULA, their new connections, outstanding learning, and the profound environment of Israel have filled their lives with infinitely more meaning. As they walk through ancient streets, form lasting bonds, and immerse themselves in Torah, they are building foundations that will not only define their Yeshiva years but shape the rest of their lives, guiding their future paths with newfound strength and purpose.
