Shteigers is an enriching program that runs alongside your yeshiva or seminary. While you’re spending a year in the Holy Land, learning and soaking in everything you can, we’ll be there to enhance your year and support you in every way, big and small. From financial aid to help with Shabbos plans, we’ve got you covered! Your adventure begins with a dynamic 2-week summer program at DiscoverU, designed to prepare you for the year ahead. Once you arrive in Israel, we’ll set you up with a personal mentor and a range of other supportive services tailored to make your year both fulfilling and memorable.

Certainly! Shteigers is for anyone open to exploring their Judaism and is built for students from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you’ve had years of Jewish education or very little, the program meets you where you are and helps you move forward at your own pace.

We recognized the unique challenges faced by students during their gap year in Israel and created the Shteigers program to provide a holistic support system, ensuring that each student's spiritual, educational, and personal needs are met, facilitating a year full of growth and enrichment.

First you’ll spend a fun two weeks at our DiscoverU summer program prepping for Israel, meeting new friends, and learning how to make the most of your upcoming year. The program lays the groundwork for a transformative year in Israel, offering practical learning skills, a glimpse of Jerusalem's vibrant spirit, and a supportive community. Then, after you land in Israel, we’ll continue to arrange ShabbaZones, host weekly ChillZones, and even set each of you up with a personal TorahMate to help you acclimate.

After you land in Israel, all participants will be set up with a personal TorahMate for 30-minute weekly learning sessions on the topic of your choice. Experience the beauty of an authentically Jewish family firsthand and join your mentor’s family for a Shabbos meal or even a full Shabbos experience at intervals throughout the year.

ChillZone is a once-a-week program that provides a great boost to your spiritual growth. It involves real Beit Midrash learning with fun activities for the guys, and a fantastic program for the girls, all run by warm and relatable mentors. We'd love to see you there each week! It’s not mandatory, but don’t miss out on the pizza, learning, good times, stipend and more! Those who participate 3 out of 4 weeks in a month will receive an additional $125 stipend for spending money.

You’ll receive $2,500 after attending DiscoverU and an additional $2,500 as you learn with your TorahMate throughout the year, all paid directly to the school. Additional stipends available are listed in the financial aid schedule.

Shteigers participants are enrolled in a diverse array of yeshivos and seminaries across Israel, ensuring a wide range of learning environments and opportunities to suit each student's unique path.

Choosing the right yeshiva or seminary can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Israel Guidance team is here to help you explore your options, understand the differences, and find the school that fits your goals, personality, and plans for the year.

If you need guidance, email us at israelguidance@oorah.org and a member of our team will get back to you.

**Israelguidance@oorah.org is monitored only for Israel guidance and placement support. For all general questions about Shteigers, please email shteigersoffice@oorah.org so your message reaches the right team.**

Discover U promises an inclusive environment with many of our participants coming to our campus for their first time. Our staff and participants all come from diverse backgrounds and that’s part of the fun!

Due to the fact that our session is extremely concentrated, it is very difficult to fully benefit from the program when coming for less than a full session. While exceptions can be made in extenuating circumstances, in general we require all participants to stay for a complete session.

Our camp/resort has accommodations like no other! Tempurpedic mattresses, full air conditioning, ample cupboard space, full ensuite bathrooms, lakeside views, outdoor lounge area, and so much more!

Requests are taken into consideration when room assignments are made. However we cannot guarantee any requests in advance.

Our head chef serves delicious meals with the highest kosher standards. The entire kitchen is peanut free and there are some whole wheat options. Every meal has a protein, carbohydrate, and vegetable or fruit as an option. If you have specific allergies or concerns, please feel free to reach out to info@thezone.org.

Each day at DiscoverU is packed with fun and energy. You’ll enjoy interactive activities, great trips, and time to hang out with new friends. The schedule is structured but not overwhelming, designed to help you grow while still enjoying the experience.

The staff and mentors are warm, approachable, and deeply invested in each participant. They are people who genuinely care about you and are there to guide, support, and connect with you throughout the program.

DiscoverU helps you start your Israel year with a built-in circle of friends and support! You’ll meet other students who are also heading to Israel, so you arrive with real relationships already in place. You’ll also get to know our Israel staff — they join the program and remain in Israel throughout the year to support you every step of the way. DiscoverU helps you build the skills, mindset, and confidence needed for a successful year in Israel. You’ll gain exposure to learning styles, develop independence, and start clarifying your goals so you arrive in Israel feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed.

DiscoverU isn’t just a summer experience. It’s the foundation for your entire year in Israel. The relationships, support systems, and clarity you gain continue with you through Shteigers long after the two weeks are over.

Group size typically ranges from 45–70 people per session.

Yes. One of DiscoverU’s main goals is helping you reflect on what you want out of your year. Through learning, conversations, and mentorship, you’ll start shaping a vision for a meaningful and successful year in Israel.

We work hard to make travel as smooth as possible for our DU participants. Transportation options depend on demand and the dates you selected, and we aim to finalize arrangements well in advance. While we try to help everyone, we don't guarantee transportation from any specific location. Fees may apply for specific stops. We’ll be in touch with details as plans are confirmed. For flights, please wait for our email with specific instructions before booking. We’ll let you know which airport to use and the required arrival and departure times. We’re not able to accommodate flights booked outside of those guidelines. Once plans are set, we’ll share everything you need to know, including meeting times and locations.