Written by Dasi Albert ’27
Credit: Nitzahn Epstein ’26
Nitzahn Epstein ’26 is greeted with cheers, upbeat music and colorful signs as she makes her way through Ben Gurion International Airport to join her bus on Mach Hach BaAretz, a five-week Israel summer program for rising high school juniors.
For many Berman students, the summer between sophomore and junior year is especially exciting. Different youth organizations like NCSY and Bnei Akiva specifically cater their summer programs for this particular age group. While these programs are all designed for Jewish teens looking to spend the summer in Israel, each is unique and offers different experiences and takeaways.
“Mach Hach [Ba’Aretz] has always appealed to me, especially as a Moshava camper, because as a Bnei Akiva
camp, it holds the same values that I have become aligned with,” Epstein said. “I’ve known so many kids, friends and family, that have had an amazing experience [on Mach Hach Ba’Aretz,] so I wanted to do the same.”
For Epstein, a big factor in her decision to go on this specific program was getting to see her camp friends. Mach Hach Ba’Aretz enabled her to do that while also experiencing the land of Israel through travel and other meaningful trips.
Credit: Amy Hollander ’26
Some students, like Amy Hollander ’26, opt for a more unconventional summer program that offers more international experiences and appeals to a more diverse audience. NCSY notably hosts several of these programs including NCSY Euro Israel, a four-week program based in Europe and Israel.
“I actually first signed up for NCSY Thailand, which is half Thailand and half Israel, but it got canceled because not enough people signed up,” Hollander said. “I ended up picking Euro because it was another travel program and that was what I wanted to do … I love Israel, but I also wanted to experience more than just the regular touring and attractions.”
This year, Euro went to Scotland, England, Belgium, France, Netherlands, and Israel. Every summer, the Europe part of the program looks a bit different. However, once in Israel, they participate in many of the same activities as other Israel travel programs.
Hollander enjoyed how Euro included Jews from many different backgrounds, including public schools and pluralistic Jewish day schools. For her, this meant she could bond with people with different experiences and upbringings. According to Hollander, it is important for Berman students to think about what type of environment they want to be in before signing up for an Israel summer program so that they can have the most meaningful experience possible.
Not all Israel summer programs are travel-based. Hatzalah Rescue is an NCSY EMT training summer program for teens looking to learn CPR, hemorrhage control, and how to be a first responder. Teens on this
Credit: Keira Zatman ’26
program are certified as EMRs, and have a chance to volunteer in an ambulance. They also have a chance to assist in the United Hatzalah logistics center. For aspiring medical professionals like Keira Zatman ’26, this program was the perfect fit.
“I have always been interested in the medical field and I wanted to do something that I could come out with a skill and be able to save lives,” Zatman said. “I also really enjoyed the work … I think it helped us all bond together.”
Zatman says that Hatzalah Rescue offers real field training and knowledge that is transferable wherever you go. She recommends this program for people looking to dedicate their summer to learning in a serious environment, while also having a lot of fun.
Deciding how to spend the summer between sophomore and junior years is challenging. For many Berman students, Israel is the perfect backdrop for growth, fun, and meaningful learning.
“It was without a doubt the best summer of my life,” Epstein said. “My connections with Israel, Judaism, and other people became so much stronger.”
No matter what kind of religious environment, personal interests, or goals you have for the summer, everyone is certain to find an Israel program that caters to what they are looking for to ensure an impactful and unforgettable summer experience before the start of junior year.
