The excitement is building as JLIC Summer prepares to welcome over 250 college students to Israel for what promises to be the most transformative summer of their lives. This extraordinary program offers participants the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Israeli culture while gaining invaluable professional experience through carefully curated internships in their chosen fields.
Students will call Jerusalem home for the summer, living in the heart of one of the world’s most historically significant cities. This isn’t just any summer abroad program – it’s a comprehensive experience that seamlessly blends professional development, spiritual growth, and lifelong friendships.
Professional Growth Meets Cultural Immersion
What sets JLIC Summer apart is its emphasis on real-world professional experience. Participants don’t just observe Israeli society; they become active contributors through meaningful internships across diverse industries. Whether aspiring doctors shadow Israeli physicians, future engineers work alongside tech innovators, or budding educators assist in local schools, students gain authentic insights into their chosen careers while experiencing what one participant described as “a genuine experience of what Israeli culture is truly like.”
The professional component proves transformative for many. As one former participant shared, “Working in Israel felt like a genuine experience of what Israeli culture is truly like. It made the idea of living in Israel seem more tangible and realistic for the future.” Another noted, “I was able to see what it’s like to work here and through my internship make a bunch of connections that helped me to better understand what the best route of action for my future would be.”
Five Distinct Programs, One Shared Vision
JLIC offers five programs, each led by passionate directors who understand the unique needs of their participants:
SIJ @ Harova welcomes students under the guidance of Program Directors Adina & Rav Yosef Besso Cowan, alongside madrichim Romi Diamond and Alexis Silhavy, creating an intimate community in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter.
SIJ for Women provides a supportive environment specifically designed for female participants, led by Program Directors Sara & Rav Kobi Greenfield with madrichot Dvorah Zada and Arielle Bouhadana.
SIJ for Men offers young men the chance to grow together under the leadership of Program Directors Rav Noah & Aliza Kalendar, supported by madrichim Daniel Dredner and Noam Bachrach.
SIJ @ TVA brings students together in a vibrant setting with Program Directors Ty & Rivka Kay, alongside madrichim Levi Stein and Maya Jamil.
SIJ ASCEND rounds out the offerings under the guidance of Program Directors Shira & Noah Greenblatt, with madrichim Edan Ben-Aharon and Chloe Baker providing personalized support.
Learning That Transforms
Evenings in Jerusalem come alive as students gather for Torah study and meaningful discussions that challenge perspectives and deepen understanding. The learning component isn’t an afterthought – it’s integral to the experience. As one participant reflected, “This program really allowed me to grow as an individual religiously, learning in general, and also learning more on my own and adding to my Judaism.”
The diverse backgrounds of participants create a rich learning environment where everyone both teaches and learns. “I think it was important that there was such a diverse group of Jewish backgrounds on this trip which made the environment unique. We all had something to learn from each other, and the fact that we all wanted to be here and valued the opportunity played a huge positive role.”
Community Like No Other
Perhaps what participants remember most fondly are the relationships forged during their time in Jerusalem. Social events and activities create the backdrop for friendships that extend far beyond the summer months. The communal aspect receives consistent praise from alumni: “The communal aspect was phenomenal. I wouldn’t know what to improve,” shared one enthusiastic participant.
Another described the organic nature of the community: “On multiple occasions, I found myself on the roof singing or having deep conversations late on Thursday nights. Students taking initiative (combined with the great support we got from all the staff!) made the program amazing.”
Growth Beyond Expectations
The model of combining internships with learning and community creates an environment where growth happens naturally. “The model of this program, interning and learning alongside other collegiate students, is fantastic,” one participant noted.
But perhaps the most powerful testament comes from those who discovered something they didn’t even know they were seeking: “I didn’t come expecting to grow so much. I came expecting to intern and learn and be surrounded by a great group of people. To say my expectations were exceeded was an understatement. Within a week of starting I could feel I was back in a growth mindset – a mindset I probably had not been in for a few years.”
Your Summer Awaits
As JLIC Summer 2025 approaches, the anticipation grows for another cohort of students ready to challenge themselves, contribute meaningfully to Israeli society, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For those ready to step outside their comfort zones and embrace everything this extraordinary program offers, Jerusalem awaits with open arms and endless possibilities.
The question isn’t whether this summer will be transformative – it’s just how much participants are ready to grow.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about and to support JLIC and our programming.
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