About Year Course

The Year Course Community

Originally founded as the gap year program for members of the Young Judaea movement, Year Course participants now span a broad range of denominations, youth movements, summer camps, educational backgrounds, and affiliations. The group's diversity helps foster a dedicated and engaged community
of participants with a shared commitment to Year Course values.

While most participants continue directly to college in their home country after Year Course ends, many alumni have eventually chosen to put down their roots in Israel - whether by enrolling in Israeli universities, choosing to serve and enlisting in the IDF, or making Aliyah and calling Israel home.

Our Values

Personal Growth

Year Course strengthens each participant’s self confidence, independence and sense of responsibility. Using Israel as a laboratory for teaching participants about tolerance and pluralism, Year Course introduces them to different communities across the country, providing a supportive environment in which participants can explore, grow and mature during a dynamic year in Israel.

Jewish Identity

We are dedicated to the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), family, and community. By improving participants’ literacy in Jewish history and tradition, Hebrew, and contemporary Israeli culture through college-level courses, Year Course fosters a positive sense of Jewish identity preparing participants for a lifetime of Jewish communal engagement.

Understanding Israel

Year Course provides a comprehensive Israel experience, establishing knowledge of and connections to the country’s geography, language, people, history and contemporary life. By learning the history and thought of Israeli society, culture and politics,  participants explore the centrality of Israel in Jewish life and responsibility toward the diverse communities and groups that call Israel home.

Leadership Development

Participants are challenged to improve their leadership skills and awareness of their value and abilities as maturing young adults. We prepare and encourage participants to return home and become active members, leaders and Israel advocates within their Jewish communities and far beyond.