A major shift is underway in the Conservative movement’s gap year experience in Israel. According to JTA, what once centered around communal work on kibbutzes is now evolving into internship-based immersion in Tel Aviv.

The Nativ College Leadership Program, a longtime flagship for post-high school students affiliated with Conservative Judaism, is modernizing its curriculum to reflect changing interests and the realities of young Jewish life. Instead of just picking produce or tending fields, students will now gain professional experience with Israeli companies, nonprofits, and startups—while still grounding themselves in Jewish learning and community.

Leaders say the shift isn’t about abandoning tradition, but rather meeting students where they are—offering real-world growth, deeper cultural connection, and a stronger sense of Jewish identity.

With Israel’s tech industry booming and Tel Aviv becoming a global hub, the revamped Nativ program hopes to inspire young Jews to build a future in Israel—not just remember its past.

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Read the full article from the original source:
JTA – Conservative movement relaunches Israel gap-year program, swapping kibbutzes for Tel Aviv

Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), July 2025