Author Archives: Romy Hurwitz

During my gap year, I’ve lived in dorm-style rooms ranging from 3 to 12 people per room. I was fortunate enough to have grown up having my own bedroom, so sharing this space for an extended period of time was new. I had lived with other people at summer camp, but that was only forContinue reading “New Roommates”

During my gap year, I’ve lived in dorm-style rooms ranging from 3 to 12 people per room. I was fortunate enough to have grown up having my own bedroom, so sharing this space for an extended period of time was new. Having roommates has given me the opportunity to experience living in a communal space,Continue reading “What I’ve learned from living with roommates”

Two days ago was Holocaust remembrance day in Israel. I stood in the heart of Tel Aviv as everything and everyone stopped in silence for a one-minute-long siren. During those 60 seconds, my mind filtered through horrific images of the concentration camps I visited in Poland this past November. I also reflected on my recentContinue reading “Meaningful Art”

Bravery, kindness, and resilience are key qualities to have, especially during a gap year. To have the courage to go to a new place, with new people, is what allows one to have unique, forming experiences. Of course, it can be nerve-wracking, but I was always excited as to what will come next. I’ve becomeContinue reading “Bravery, Kindness, Resilience”

The goals I set at the beginning of my gap year were these: I feel that I have achieved these goals, but I will continue working on them because there is always more to learn. Through classes and organized trips, I have spoken with people from many different backgrounds and religions, and I look forwardContinue reading “Update on my Goals”

When I think back to high school graduation, I remember feeling more than ready for the next chapter. I remember thinking I would adjust quickly and that the experience would be quite easy. Now that I’m three months into my gap year, I have a different view of myself. I’ve found that I’m not asContinue reading “Changing Views”

As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog, my Gap Year program is through a youth movement called Young Judaea, and I have attended/worked at one of their summer camps for the past 10 years. Because I have been in the YJ community for such a long time, I know many people that have been onContinue reading “Connecting From Around The World”

I landed in Israel on September first, and headed straight to my campus in Jerusalem. I met my roommates and started to unpack before eating dinner at the dining hall and going to sleep. The next morning we went on a trip to a freshwater spring and then to Beit Shean for the weekend withContinue reading “First Week in Jerusalem!”

Hey everyone! As it gets closer and closer to my departure date, I have thought more about my goals and how I plan to accomplish them. My main goals over the course of this year are:      In order to improve my Hebrew, I will be taking an intensive Hebrew language and literature course throughout myContinue reading “My goals”