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The Yahel Blog
Insights and reflections from our community of changemakers, partners, and participants—where service meets real life.


The Power Of Showing Up
Immersive service creates real connections. It creates countless encounters that have the potential to move us and bring us together in ways we never imagined possible.
22 hours ago3 min read


New Beginnings, in a new Language
Starting over in any capacity can be scary and being so far from your family can be incredibly hard, but I have learned that starting again is part of life. Volunteering in schools to help Israeli kids practice their English language skills has made me reflect over my exposure to Hebrew growing up.
Nov 254 min read


Identity: Am I a Jewish Brit or a British Jew?
Which identity feels strongest?
If you had asked me six months ago, I would have said I felt far more Jewish than British. Here, being Jewish is the norm — an incredible feeling in itself. Yet now, I’m the British one.
Nov 163 min read


Is my cup half full or half empty?
As I've grown older, something has become increasingly clear to me, that community is everything. It is the bedrock of a functioning society and an essential part of identity.
Nov 23 min read


Bravery: Is it brave to move to where you feel at home?
Perhaps bravery is not something that you identify yourself as, a quality or action that you have or do. Maybe bravery is how others view you...What is important is the positive impact I can make in the community that has welcomed me as their own.
Apr 294 min read


Why I Started Keeping Shabbat
I know that right now, shabbat is good, and more than I keep it, shabbat keeps me grounded.
Apr 234 min read


YOUR PEOPLE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE
When evil rises, you don’t stay silent. You stand up for what is right and show up.
Apr 14 min read


From Exodus to Aliyah: Building Foundations for a New Beginning
As Pesach approaches, and as I sit here, a year or so on from making Aliyah I reflect on a trip to Sinai, Egypt. Around two years ago...
Mar 25 min read


My Praying Roommate
My roommate was the introduction to the overarching value within which I try to frame my interactions on a day to day basis: curiosity.
Feb 183 min read


L’Chaim: To Life
The life of Kiryat Chaim is something you can’t quite catch on camera. It’s something simmering below the sea’s gray-green surface.
Feb 103 min read


What is the best way to learn Hebrew?
Programs like the Yahel Social Change Fellowship, or other Masa Israel Programs, provide opportunities beyond traditional language learning
Feb 64 min read


Not Quite Finding a Free Trip to Israel? Here's the Next Best Thing
Highly subsidized Israel programs, present an opportunity to experience everything Israel has to offer, in a cost-effective manner
Feb 63 min read


Volunteering in Wartime: A Journey of Resilience and Hope
I've discovered that life in Israel pulsates with energy, reminding me that every moment is precious.
Feb 44 min read


From First Taste to Deep Dive: Building on Your Taglit Birthright Israel Experience
While Birthright provides an excellent foundation and introduction to Israel, longer-term programs offer different kinds of opportunities
Jan 153 min read


Learning Hebrew: 5 Essential Tips For Beginners
Participating in an Israel program provides an immersive environment that classroom learning simply cannot replicate.
Jan 154 min read


From Chicago to Ramat Eliyahu: Building Bridges Across Communities in Israel
Still, compared to the city I’m from, Chicago, I feel incredibly safe and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Jan 63 min read


Lod: A City of Resilience, Struggle, and Transformation
Lod's journey is far from complete, but its recent transformations offer a glimpse of potential paths toward greater understanding
Dec 25, 20244 min read


Your Guide to Masa Israel Scholarships: Making Your Israel Experience Affordable
Are you dreaming of spending time in Israel but worried about the costs? Masa Israel can help make your Israel experience a reality.
Dec 23, 20243 min read


That Redeeming Feeling
My relationship with school in general has always been a rocky one. In many ways this experience teaching kids English all the way in the Mi
Dec 17, 20244 min read


Volunteer in Israel - How best to support Israel’s communities in need
Despite the recent ceasefire, communities in Israel continue to require assistance and support.
Dec 15, 20244 min read
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