Torah Academy of Bergen County
Israel Guidance at TABC
Helping every senior find the right yeshiva or program for his year in Israel, with personal guidance from the first conversation to the day he leaves.
How it works
From the first meeting to the flight
Every student works with his own counselor through the whole process, and parents are part of every step.
Junior year, spring
A first meeting with his counselor
Each junior meets one-on-one with his counselor to talk about what he hopes to get from a year in Israel. Parents are welcome to join.
Senior year, fall
Program visits and Israel Night
Yeshivot and programs come to TABC to meet seniors. Israel Night gives parents a clear picture of the options and the timeline.
This year, program visits run from Nov 9 to Dec 18.
Winter
Applications and interviews
Seniors apply to the programs on their short list. Interviews take place at TABC, in New York or on Zoom.
Most yeshivot use the Joint Yeshiva Application (opens in a new tab). This year's deadline is Sunday, January 10, 2027.
Spring
Decisions
Acceptances arrive. His counselor helps him compare offers and choose the place that fits him best.
Summer
Getting ready to go
Flights, packing lists, health forms and a send-off before he leaves. We stay in touch with him through the year.
Coming up
Key dates
YU Israel Fair
NJ Israel Night
· Frisch
Rabbi Jake Berman
Director of Israel Guidance · 12th Grade Dean
Rabbi Berman teaches Limudei Kodesh and leads Israel Guidance at TABC. After JEC, he learned for two years at Reishit, then received semicha from Yeshiva University. He holds a master’s degree in Jewish Education and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). His teaching centers on helping each talmid discover his own path in Avodas Hashem.
Rabbi Michael Hoenig
Mashgiach Ruchani · Senior Grade Dean
As Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Hoenig looks after the spiritual and emotional welfare of TABC’s talmidim, through high school and beyond. He teaches Gemara and Chumash, spent six summers as educational director of NCSY’s teen tour in Israel, and speaks at many of the yeshivot in Israel that TABC alumni attend. He learned at Mevaseret Tzion and received semicha from RIETS.
Questions
Questions parents ask
Still have a question? Ask your son’s counselor by logging in and emailing them.
When should we start thinking about a year in Israel?
Spring of junior year is a good time to start. That is when each student has his first meeting with a counselor. Most final decisions happen in the spring of senior year.
How does my son choose the right program?
His counselor gets to know him and helps him build a short list. He meets programs when they visit TABC, talks with recent graduates and, when possible, visits in person.
How do applications and interviews work?
Most yeshivot share one online form, the Joint Yeshiva Application, which each senior fills out himself in the fall and winter. Interviews usually happen in the winter, at TABC, in New York or on Zoom.
Can parents meet with a counselor?
Yes. After signing in, parents can book a meeting in person or on Zoom, with or without their son.
What does a year in Israel cost?
Tuition depends on the program. Many programs offer financial aid, and our counselors can help you understand the options.