Author Archives: emmassklar

An artistic work that has resonated with me on my gap year is the wall that borders Israel and the Gaza Strip. I had the privilege of going to visit Tsameret Zamir, a woman who lives in moshav Netiv HaAsara, where the wall is located. She began a project called “Path to Peace”, which attractsContinue reading “March Blog Post: Path to Peace”

Someone I have met along my journey is an incredible man named Hershy Kahon. A few months ago, two of my friends and I went to a host family for Shabbat dinner. This is a common thing occurrence for anyone living in Israel without their family (those on gap years, lone soldiers, etc.). So, myContinue reading “February Blog Post”

Throughout my gap year, there have been many moments that have called for bravery. I came on this program only knowing one person, which for me is pretty brave. I feel that I’ve been brave socially, emotionally, and even physically since I’ve been here. Socially, I have had to go out of my comfort zoneContinue reading “January Blog by Emma!!!”

After the semester in Jerusalem, I am reflecting on my goals. I am almost at the end of my fourth month in Israel, and am mostly happy with where I am in terms of accpomplishing my goals.  As for learning Hebrew, I have been attending my classes and working through a workbook. One thing IContinue reading “December: Reevaluating My Goals”

When I think back to my graduation, five months feels like an eternity. How can it be that so much has happened in such a short time? I’m not sure exactly how I’ve changed, but I know that the experiences I’m getting now have a much different, and to me more significant, value in life.Continue reading “November: self & world views”

Something that has surprised me about my gap year so far is the aspect of independence. While I knew that this program would allow me to live independently, I still imagined that it would have rigid structure. I’ve participated in a few programs throughout high-school, and I found that each one of them had aContinue reading “Something Surprising”

This week, I spent two nights in the desert of Israel to mimic life as a Bedouin. We learned about the Bedouin lifestyle and connected with nature, which also aligns with the values of the holiday the Jewish people are currently celebrating (Sukkot). Some highlights of this experience were stargazing, hiking, watching the sunset, ridingContinue reading “The Desert at Chan Hashayarot”

What is your day-to-day life like? Where do you live? Who do you interact with? What tasks do you complete? Shalom! I am writing to you from the heart of Israel: Jerusalem. While I have been in Israel for sixteen days, I am still getting settled. The past few weeks have been jam-packed with JewishContinue reading “Blog #3: August”

Going into my trip to Israel, there are lots of things I want to learn and experience. The following will be my attempt to narrow down goals so that I have a clear path on how to achieve them rather than a jumble of unrealistic ideas.  Learning Hebrew: a huge goal of mine this yearContinue reading “Setting Goals”

If I had to describe myself in a few sentences, it would go something like this… I have two sides: the quirky rule follower and the adventurous, carefree soul. Both of these sides are equally representative of me, and they emerge at different times. Sometimes I am shy, and want nothing more than to cuddleContinue reading ““Me,” Emma Sklar”