ON MARCH 13TH, OVER 70 COMMUNITY YOUNG ADULTS STUDYING IN ISRAEL JOINED THE SCA “BRIDGE THE GAP” PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM IS THE BRAINCHILD OF SCA PRESIDENT JEFFREY BEYDA, A TRUE VISIONARY WHO IS ALWAYS FINDING INNOVATIVE WAYS TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION.
The goals of the event were to bring our youth together — from the variety of seminaries and yeshivot in Israel — to reconnect, bond and to discuss issues that are important to them going into the next stage of adulthood. SCA board member Rabbi Joey Soffer said, “The SCA hit another grand slam, gathering our gap year Israel students together to discuss building on the growth they achieved this year, and ways to continue to build and give back to our community when they return. The future of our community looks bright as these young adults showed a deep desire to get involved.”
The day began with prayers and breakfast at the Inbal Hotel, followed by three remarkable sessions that were appreciated by all. SCA Young Adult Program Director Aaron Shasha held a workshop addressing students’ concerns about adjusting to life back at home after a year in Israel. Eli Esses, who is studying in Ortayta, said “we were given the opportunity to reflect on how much we’ve all grown this year, and strategize ways to maintain and augment the growth we’ve experienced once we get back home.”
Next, “For the Sake of Argument,” led an engaging discussion on tools and skills to use when talking to those you disagree with. Students were left with a new perspective on tough conversations they may encounter in college or beyond. Finally, Avi Posen from Jewish Unpacked, spoke about how to reconcile with difficult topics in Israel’s past. Of that final session, Eli Esses continued, “we learned about the complexity of the situations at hand, while still strengthening our Zionist pride.” Ruthy Derzie, who is studying in Midreshet Moriah, added “Knowing about these events gives you the ability to speak about them if you ever need to defend Israel back home.”
After a delicious lunch and a break for minha, the real fun began! Participants rode into the dessert where Rabbi David Zeit spoke about the relevance of their location in the Tanach. The students broke up into teams and played an exciting game of laser tag in the desert. There, they had to strategize and use their team building and leadership skills to secure a victory! It was a special opportunity for the young adults to connect and bond. Lynn Franco, who is attending Midreshet Torah Chessed, said “We had an amazing opportunity to have all the community members studying in Israel for the year in one room. It was a jam packed, fun and informative day! It was so nice to be with everyone and such a special experience.”
The Bridge the Gap program ended with a BBQ celebration in the desert! A sunset evening hike brought the young men and women to a surprise final destination where they prayed arbit, enjoyed incredible food and a lively party.
Aaron Shasha, who spearheaded this amazing event said, “The SCA’s Bridge the Gap program is an essential program for our community’s young adults. Listening to their questions and thoughts about life post Eres Yisrael, it’s clear that they have grown tremendously over the year and have a strong conviction to maintain that growth. It was an honor to spend the day with them and we are thrilled for the potential programs that will be created as a result of the day’s reflections. In my visits throughout the different yeshivot and seminaries, school personnel relayed to us how they have never seen any community receive such a special program and they have no doubt that this program is a helpful tool to fortify their growth and prepare them for the next chapter of their lives.”
Thank you to Issac Chabot, Sruli Jacobson, Betty Hidary, Aaron Shasha, Rabbi Joey Soffer, Sarah Weitzman and Rabbi David Zeit for ensuring the success of this unique program. SCA Bridge the Gap 2023 was generously sponsored by Ronny & Toby Hersh in honor of the Israel Gap Year students.
