Over 20 public and private school college counselors from the United States participated in an unprecedented mission to Israel.  The goal of the mission is to introduce college guidance counselors to the various institutions of higher learning (academic and yeshiva) as well as volunteer opportunities for post-high school students. The trip was underwritten by the Avi Chai Foundation and MASA, the project for long -term programs in Israel. 

Here are some of their thoughts:

 "I wish I had known about these programs when my children were younger.  I … have so much confidence in the quality supervision and support within the programs."

Betsy Woolf, Admit U College & Graduate School Admissions Consulting, Mamaroneck, NY

"As a public high school guidance counselor, I feel a personal responsibility to assist Jewish students explore all options available to them.  The Masa Program offers programs for students to explore themselves during any point in their personal, spiritual and educational journey, be it during high school, gap year, first year programs or study abroad."

Joan B. Rosen, West Morris Mendham High School, Mendham, NJ

"It was an eye-opening experience that has given me a stronger sense of the “personality” and beauty of this very complex country.  I plan on having discussions with our head of school and our rabbinic director to share this experience.  I am certain they would be willing and enthusiastic about presenting the idea of a gap year to our seniors through our weekly Senior Seminar on Israel. "

Joseph Blassberg, Milken Community High School, Los Angeles, CA

"Spending this time in Israel—touring the sites, meeting with program coordinators, and, most importantly, hearing from the current students—has really changed my personal views on the value—and importance—of taking a gap year.  Through this MASA journey it has become clear that gap year programs, in addition to providing students with the academic preparation needed for successful collegiate study—give ALL students an amazing opportunity for spiritual and personal growth as well.  I wish that I could go back in time and have the amazing chance to spend a semester or year in Israel." 

Miranda Litt, Director of College Counseling and Career Planning, Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union, West Orange, NJ 

"Guidance counselors have been telling us that more students are asking about gap year options. So in our survey of admissions officers in 2005, we asked colleges and universities if they were likewise seeing more interest. The Israeli programs we have seen would meet this need and for a wide variety of students. "   

Sally Reed, COLLEGE BOUND, Evanston, IL

"Thanks so much for this opportunity.  I plan to make it my business to expose all our students to these wonderful programs. "

Helena Lehrer, Akiba Hebrew Academy, Merion,PA

"I am going to present at the UCLA Hillel FACETS conference  and College fair at the Universisty of Judaism in mid-March 2006 alongside the local Young Judean recruiter."

Susi Weissman, Calabasas High School, Calabasas, CA

"Personal Impressions: I was extremely impressed by the quality of students and staff we encountered in the programs we visited. I was also impressed by the variety of programs available to both post-high school and college students. Anyone who takes advantage of these options is almost guaranteed to greatly broaden their perspective about Israel, the Middle East and their own values. Explore and you shall be rewarded."

R. Craig Sautter, c/o College Bound: Issues & Trends for the College Admissions Advisor

"I wish there were programs like this for adults like me who have never been to Israel before (ex. Sabbatical programs, etc.) It is awesome how passionate the students and staff members are about what they are experiencing.  I would love to have my own children have those experiences in Israel—and I never thought like this before I participated in the trip."

Merle Spielman, New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL

"No Jewish teen should pass up the opportunity to learn about these programs."

Claire D. Friedlander, Jewish Family Service, Stamford CT

"This has been an invaluable experience, exposing me and in turn my students to the incredible educational opportunities available for them in Israel. The opportunity for growth by participating in these programs is limitless and I highly recommend them for Jewish teens."

Shelley Levine, College Bound Educational Consulting, Potomac, MD

"After spending time here and seeing the incredible security measures in place, I would not hesitate on this or any respect, to recommend these programs.  There is a program for any student, no matter what their previous level of Hebrew or religious orientation.  I think that every Jewish student should take advantage of the programs under the MASA umbrella."

Lisa Buchwalter, BestFitCollege Consulting, Seattle, WA

"I am privileged to have had the opportunity to explore the various programs available to young adults and will encourage them to partake in this amazing opportunity to learn about Israeli history, culture and the chance to learn about their own spirituality. "

Jana Pickard, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Rockville. MD

"…we’re in the business of fostering the growth of young people. And in that regard, we need to consider more seriously bucking the trend of encouraging American high school graduates to enter four year post graduate programs immediately after completing their high school studies. What we’ve learned about the value of the gap year, in the name of promoting growth and maturity has been invaluable. Participation on this mission has fostered my own thoughtfulness about how to be a more mindful counselor."

Steve Kahn, San Diego Jewish Academy, San Diego, CA

"Challenging academics coupled with an unparallel introduction into both Jewish culture and Israeli society is what a gap year experience through MASA can provide." 

Frank Sachs, The Blake School, Minneapolis, MN

"Time spent in Israel will meet your needs and exceed your expectations!"

Beth Wasserman, Bridges Academy,  Studio City, CA

"What I experienced in Israel was remarkable beauty and complexity as well as an undeniable connection between the heart and mind.  It is this connection I hope to share with my students and help them foster their own bond and response to Israel’s future."

Kristen Pett, Milken Community High School, Los Angeles, CA

"MASA offers an unbelievable range of opportunities to young Jews across the globe, whether you are conservative, orthodox, or non-practicing."

Don Fraser, Jr. Unity Campus, Providence, RI

"I am eager to promote GAP year programs for the Jess Schwartz students who often don’t think or know about programs like this.    Jewish students need to have this experience.  Thanks for providing this opportunity."

William E. Tracy, Director of College Counseling, The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School

"The students we met were able to articulate what their experiences meant to them and I hope I will be able to transmit their enthusiasm in my presentations to my juniors, seniors and their parents."

David Tabachnik, Director of College Counseling, Gann Academy – The New Jewish High School

"The conversations with current student participants revealed thoughtful and serious young adults of unusual maturity and self-confidence - - qualities which the students themselves attributed in large part to their experiences in Israel.  It is easy to imagine that these students will be better able to cope with the transition to college/university in the U.S. than their peers who have not benefited from such programs."

Geoffrey R. Smith, Director of College Advising, Jewish Community High School of the Bay, San Francisco, CA