Dear Parents:

This week I spoke with the young men of the senior class regarding gap-year programming in Israel. As I explained to our students, this programming builds upon the education received at NYHS, helps prepare our students for the challenges of living away from home on a college campus, and creates a permanent bond between our graduates and the Land of Israel. We are proud that over half of NYHS's graduates elect to spend their gap year in Israel.

There is a plethora of programs available to students wishing to spend a year in Israel. Virtually all of these programs are excellent. However, each program has its niche and is most effective with those students suited to it. The challenge in selecting the proper program lays in determining which programs best serves the goals and aspirations of the specific student.

NYHS gathers and updates information on many programs. We focus on programs that emphasize Jewish studies. We do follow a few other programs that emphasize volunteer work and include a Jewish studies component. Many colleges and universities will accept credits earned in Israel.

Applications for men's program should be submitted by mid-January. I am pleased to personally supervise our Israel counseling program and I am in the process of meeting with each student who is interested in post high school study in Israel.

The following are some of the services that NYHS provides:

• We will provide counseling to students interested in study in Israel. Our counseling sessions are designed to help the student develop a clearer description of the type of program s/he is seeking. Once this description is developed, we will help the student identify those programs most consistent with this description.
• Throughout the fall and early winter we will host visits from representative from Israel programs. We will provide a forum for representatives to present their programs and a space for representatives to interview interested students and applicants.
• NYHS administers entrance exams for those programs that require an exam.
• We post to the Israel counseling page of our website information on available scholarships and financial aid.

If your son is interested in gap year programming in Israel, I am eager to meet with him. Also, I welcome and appreciate your input. Please contact me with your questions and input. I am eager to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Bernie Fox
Head of School

206 232 5272 #511
RFox@NYHS.net