Welcoming the New Class: Embarking on a Transformative Year in Israel

July brought the much-anticipated excitement of welcoming the new class of students to our Year-In-Israel (YII) program. This immersive program is committed to shaping student outcomes through three core themes: Hebrew language proficiency, studying Israel's ancient and modern narratives, and cultivating living in Jewish time. These themes guide incoming YII students, like Emma Aaronson and Jade Gordon, in becoming interpreters of text and culture, dugmah ishit (living exemplar) of personal integrity, creators and leaders of sacred communities, and both comforters and challengers. Despite the challenging circumstances this year due to the ongoing war, the program's focus on these themes ensures that the students develop as passionate lifelong learners, engaging teachers, spiritually meaningful leaders, and active community members working towards a better future. It's a unique chance for students to deepen their connection to the land, culture, and people of Israel while engaging in meaningful learning experiences.

Meet some of our inspiring new students and discover what the YII program means to them. From participating in vibrant Israeli festivals to sharing Shabbat dinners with local communities, these students are eager to embark on this transformative journey.

Meet Emma Aaronson

Emma Aaronson, a Cantorial Intern at Temple Judea since September 2022, brings a rich background in Jewish education and leadership to her YII experience. Raised in Park City, Utah until the age of 12 and then in Los Angeles, CA, Emma considers Temple Judea in Tarzana, CA, her home congregation. She graduated from UCLA with a major in Theater and a minor in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. During her time at UCLA, she served as a New Student Advisor and taught religious school at Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Following graduation, she continued her work as a Cantorial Intern at Temple Judea, where she led High Holy Days and Shabbat services, taught various grade levels in religious school, and assisted with the B'nei Mitzvah program. She is in both the rabbinical and cantorial programs but focusing on cantorial during her time in YII. Emma is also a Weitzman-JDC Fellow, and in her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and spending time with her family.

Emma's motivation for participating in the YII program is forward-thinking. "I saw that the Reform movement needed more young people to pursue ordination to help lead and reinvigorate it, and I am in the fortunate position of having a skillset that is well-suited for a rabbinic and cantorial seminary," she shared.

"I also had wonderful mentors that helped me on my path towards HUC-JIR, and I want to be able to do the same for the next generation of Jewish leaders."

She believes that spending time in Israel is crucial for future leaders of the Reform movement to integrate into Israeli culture, engage with local perspectives, and form well-rounded opinions on the state. Through the program's extracurricular opportunities, she looks forward to engaging with diverse viewpoints on Israeli society and gaining insights that will inform her leadership in the Jewish community.

Meet Jade Gordon

Jade Gordon hails from the suburbs of Dallas, TX, and was an active member of Temple Emanu-El Dallas. Graduating summa cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Minor in Political Science, Jade demonstrated exceptional leadership by founding the first student-led Hillel at SFA and serving as its president. Their leadership extended to the Hillel International Student Cabinet, which they co-chaired in their second year and participated as a voting member on the Hillel International Board of Directors. Jade's exemplary efforts at SFA earned them numerous awards, including Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year and Outstanding Undergraduate in History. Post-college, they worked as a Springboard Social Justice Fellow at Tulane Hillel, taught religious school at Gates of Prayer Synagogue, and contributed to various Jewish community programs in New Orleans.

Jade's involvement in the YII program is fueled by passion for social justice and Jewish leadership. Through participation in the program's extracurricular activities, such as trips, tours, and Lunch and Learn programs, Jade aims to gain a deeper understanding of Israeli society and enhance their capacity to inspire and lead within the Jewish community. They are part of HUC-JIR's rabbinical program.

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