In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Dani Kunstler of Yeshivat Torat Shraga to explore a question many yeshiva and seminary students quietly ask themselves:

Does the music I listen to actually affect me spiritually?

A gifted educator and musician, Rabbi Kunstler shares insights from years of experience speaking in various yeshivot and seminaries, where he’s helped students reflect more deeply on the soundtrack of their lives.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why music isn’t neutral — and how it can shape your inner world
• Real-life stories from Rabbi Kunstler’s talks that left students thinking twice
• Rabbi Kunstler’s own background in music and how it informs his view
• The surprising ways music can support or stunt your growth during and after your year in Israel

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Mayer from Tiferet Seminary to explore a powerful topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: the importance of seminary girls having a spiritual mentor — whether a rabbi or rebbetzin — both during their year in Israel and long after it ends.

Drawing from their own transformative relationships with their mentors, the Mayers discuss:

• Why girls also need a “rabbi figure” in their life
• What to do if you're in seminary and haven’t connected with someone yet
• How to build a meaningful spiritual relationship after you've already left Israel
• The difference these connections make — not just in seminary, but in life
• Real advice for students feeling like it's “too late” to find a mentor

This is a must-listen episode for seminary students, parents, educators — or anyone who believes in the power of lasting relationships in Jewish growth.



In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Aryeh Ifrah, a Rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga, to discuss the halachic challenges that students commonly face during their year in Israel—and beyond.

With his deep knowledge of halacha and years of experience working with yeshiva students, Rabbi Ifrah shares practical advice on how to navigate everyday situations through a Torah lens.

Together, they tackle key questions, including:

• How to handle Hilchot Shabbat issues
• Kashrut challenges when traveling or eating out
• How to balance family expectations with halachic growth
• Important day-to-day halachic situations that often get overlooked
• And much more~

Whether you're currently spending your year in Israel, planning your trip, or just want to strengthen your halachic awareness, this episode is packed with real-world guidance you won’t want to miss.

Link to the ZnT kashrus list for restaurants- https://www.zntkosher.com/

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rabbi Yisrael Feld, a beloved Rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga, to discuss one of the biggest challenges for students spending their year in Israel: Pesach break.

After eight months of intense Torah learning and spiritual growth, returning home for the first time can feel overwhelming. You’ve changed—but your family and old friends may not fully understand that change. How do you navigate this new reality without losing the progress you’ve made?

In this episode of The Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with Rabbi Adi Isaacs, head of the Nitzavim Fellowship program, to discuss a crucial topic for many students—transitioning from yeshiva or seminary in Israel to a secular college campus.



With years of experience guiding students through this transition, Rabbi Isaacs shares insights on the challenges students may face, the mindset needed to maintain personal and religious growth, and how to navigate campus life while staying true to your values.

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, Avi Proctor sits down with his wife, Yali, to break down one of the most common topics students ask about—how to choose the right yeshiva or seminary.

With over five years of experience running the Israel Gap Year platform and working closely with 75+ student representatives each year, Avi has gained deep insight into what really matters when making this big decision. Yali, who has been working behind the scenes for three years, shares her perspective as well.

Together, they tackle key questions, including:

Should you follow your friends? What factors truly matter when choosing a program? What are the things people stress over—but shouldn’t? And so much more~

Whether you’re in the middle of the decision process or advising someone who is, this episode is packed with valuable guidance to help you navigate this important choice.

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rav Jonathan Cohen, affectionately known as Joco, a powerhouse of inspiration and dedication within the Jewish community. Joco works tirelessly with Yeshiva University, recruiting students from their gap year programs to continue their education at YU, and with NCSY, helping young couples find their place within Jewish communities across the United States.

Beyond his professional roles, Joco is known for his warm and open home, hosting countless students for Shabbosim and Yom Tov meals over the years. Recently, Joco faced an unexpected diagnosis of cancer and is now undergoing intensive treatment. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in his mission, traveling throughout Israel to lead impactful trips and support groups affected by the events of October 7th.



Tune in to hear Joco's story of resilience, faith, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

In this episode of Israel Gap Year B’Iyun, we sit down with Rabbi Rich, a mashgiach at Shalavim, and Rebbetzin Dena Rich from EFG at Aish, to discuss the transition back home after a gap year in Israel. We explore what lessons and values to take with you, and how to balance your newfound growth with your previous life. The Riches share valuable advice on adjusting to family dynamics, respecting parents and friends, and acclimating smoothly after a year of significant change. Tune in for insightful tips on maintaining balance and harmony as you return home.

To find out more about Yeshivat Shaalvim click here: https://www.shaalvim.org/yeshiva/

To find out more about EFG at Aish for Women click here: https://aishgesherwomen.com/

To sponsor an upcoming episode email proctoraigy@gmail.com

To schedule a consultation appointment for gap year programs with Avi Proctor click here: https://bookme.name/aviproctor

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