Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem’s Katamon neighborhood, the JLIC Summer Program at Midreshet Torah V’Avodah (TVA) offers college students a unique blend of spiritual enrichment, professional development, and communal engagement. Organized in collaboration with Bnei Akiva/TVA, this program promises an unforgettable summer immersed in Jewish learning and vibrant Israeli culture.
Living and Learning in Jerusalem
For college students, both men and women, the program provides an immersive experience where participants live in Jerusalem. Each day is filled with opportunities to grow intellectually and spiritually. Mornings begin with Shacharit, setting a spiritual tone for the day ahead. Following this, students embark on internships across various fields, with some commuting to Tel Aviv, a hub of innovation and technology. Evenings are dedicated to high-level Torah study, led by esteemed educators known for their profound insights and engaging teaching styles.
Program Directors and Community
Guiding this enriching experience are Uri and Abby Lorkis, alongside their daughter Naama. The Lorkis family are the JLIC Directors at the University of Michigan and are dedicated to enriching Jewish life on college campus. Uri, a native of Oak Park, Michigan, and Abby, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, both have deep roots in Jewish education and community building in Israel. Their passion for fostering a vibrant Jewish life is palpable, as they facilitate a warm and inclusive atmosphere where students feel at home.
A Week in the Life @ SIJ
The program kicks off with an immersive Shabbaton under the stars, where participants enjoy a picturesque Friday night dinner followed by stimulating discussions and personal stories shared around the tisch. Throughout the week, students take on leadership roles in prayer services and engage in Torah study sessions that challenge and inspire. The days are long but rewarding, filled with meaningful interactions, deep conversations about Jewish identity, and reflections on the future of American Jewry.
Student Perspectives
Eli Plotkin, a sophomore from the University of Michigan studying Computer Science, shares his enthusiasm for the program’s integration of career aspirations with spiritual growth. Having previously studied at YTVA during his gap year, Eli values the balance struck by the JLIC Summer Program. His internship as a software engineer near Tel Aviv not only provides practical skills but also a glimpse into Israel’s vibrant tech sector, aligning his professional goals with his spiritual journey.
Internship Spotlight: Abby Rabinowitz
At just 19 years old and hailing from Great Neck, New York, Abby Rabinowitz brings her passion for psychology to her internship as a research assistant at Ono Academic College. This experience allows her to delve into the intricacies of human behavior while balancing her commitments to Torah study and communal engagement. Abby reflects on the importance of teamwork, a lesson she values as she navigates the challenges and rewards of her internship.
The JLIC Summer Program at TVA offers more than just a summer abroad; it creates a transformative experience where college students deepen their Jewish identity, cultivate professional skills, and forge lifelong connections. Through a blend of rigorous Torah study, meaningful internships, and vibrant community life, participants emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their place within the Jewish world. For those seeking to combine spiritual growth with career development in the heart of Jerusalem, this program stands as an unparalleled opportunity to thrive and contribute to both local and global communities.
In conclusion, the JLIC Summer Program @ TVA epitomizes a harmonious balance of tradition and modernity, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that leave a lasting impact on every participant fortunate enough to embark on this transformative journey.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about and to support JLIC and our programming.
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