The Tikvah Israel Fellowship was designed to provide yeshiva and seminary students with a cultural and historical understanding of Israel, synthesized with Western values – something many might otherwise miss before returning home, where they may face intellectual and moral challenges tied to their Jewish identity on university campus. What Tikvah itself may not have fully realized is the “Tikvah” (hope) it truly cultivated: that so many participants would seriously consider making Aliyah, armed with a deep, robust love for their people and state after an incredibly impactful year of meaningful programming.
“Being in a predominantly Hebrew speaking environment for the year, Tikvah has been a place for me to comfortably discuss deep ideas and challenges with my peers! Whether social, intellectual or religious, I cherished the time spent with the other students and constantly looked forward to meetings.”
“Tikvah has given me a unique opportunity to engage in foundational ideas relating to Israel, Jewish philosophy, and greater society with renowned professors while simultaneously learning in Yeshiva. The ability to engage in deep, thought-provoking conversations with other students also on their gap years is something I am very grateful to have experienced during my time in Israel.”
“Tikvah has been one of the most intellectually rewarding aspects of my year. Through though provoking discussions, rigorous courses, and exposure to leading thinkers, I’ve deepened my understanding of my Jewish identity and the challenges that currently face the world.”
“Tikvah uncovered my love for philosophy…while introducing me to different ideologies that have shifted my understanding of topics I had previously thought to be elementary. I have made some of the closest connections throughout the years with my peers, faculty, and the community. Tikvah has become a part of my identity for which I am forever grateful.”
“My time in Tikvah proved that exegetical skills honed in a beit midrash are inherently transferrable to traditional academia. In Dr. Polisar’s seminar, my peers and I interrogated the emotional and logical appeals underpinning impassioned wartime speeches of prominent historical figures. We began each session by examining each speech’s context and noting our initial observations b’chevruta before rejoining a full-class socratic discussion. My classmates’ astute commentary, probing questions, and discerning eye for biblical allusions enhanced my understanding of these deceptively straightforward texts and helped me pick up on subtleties I would have otherwise missed.”
“I am so happy to have been a part of Tikvah this year, and I always looked forward to the Friday meetings. Tikvah really offered me a different type of learning than I get from my Yeshiva, as well as also introducing me to an awesome, motivated, and diverse group of students. I can genuinely say Tikvah has had a real positive impact on me and my year.”
