1. Make new friends
Tivnu participants (your peers!) are thoughtful, interesting, funny, kind, and form a welcoming and diverse cohort. Because robust tuition assistance is available, Tivnu is financially accessible to all.
“When searching for which gap year to do, Tivnu seemed like the perfect fit for me. I don’t have to be scared to be who I am. Tivnu accepts everything and everyone.”
– Brandi L.
2. Portland, Oregon has it all
Explore Forest Park, with 5,200 wooded acres teaming with birds and mammals, a troll bridge, and a hidden sculpture garden, get caffeinated at some of the (approximately) 5,200 quirky coffee shops, and travel along Portland’s miles and miles of bike-friendly streets and paths.
“Portland is a great and dynamic city with a funky and exciting arts and culture scene, beautiful parks, and the best donut flavors you can find anywhere in the U.S. And so many vegan food trucks!” – Bella S.
3. For others and yourself
Take a gap year to make a difference in people’s lives – the lives of folks living in unhoused communities we help build up, of all the people impacted by your internship work, and in your own life.
“I needed to find a community where social justice and mutual support were both important values. I am so grateful that Tivnu is giving me real, hands-on experience with this complex balancing act between focusing on others and focusing on myself.”
– Avery K.F.
4. Pause academic pressure
Take a break from the pressures of classroom learning and instead learn through everything you do.
“Taking a gap year actually boosted my enthusiasm for academic learning. I was worried I would not want to return to school after a year without homework, but instead Tivnu reminded me why I love learning so much.” – Ami F.
5. Nurturing independence
Tivnu offers just the right balance of independence and support. We are here to help navigate this year of growth and exploration, and to support you in doing it all on your own.
“Definitely consider taking a year off from school. You will have time to recharge, preview adult life, discover new passions, and decide which interests you would like to pursue for the rest of your life.”
– Desmond G.
6. Scenic trips, new adventures
Exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest (and Mexico!) on our awesome trips is a priority for us. Adventures include hiking, whale watching, digging for fossils, cross-country skiing, whitewater rafting, and curling up in a cozy cabin with a great book and an epic view.
“The trips were awesome! Every trip brought us together and made me feel like we are one big family. I love that we get to see all the different sides of Oregon.” – Dania C.
7. Job experience
Try out hands-on internships at real-world organizations and start thinking about what you enjoy doing and care most about. Get a leg up on future job opportunities while helping others with a hand up in their lives.
“The program gave me such a deep love of social justice that I am continuing to work on it to this day and plan to for the rest of my life. Tivnu has opened doors for me to jobs that I could not have gotten without it.”
– Ben L.
8. Find your Jewish
How do you want to live your Jewishness? Explore all kinds of Jewish ritual, learning, and ways to put your values to work with your peers. With shared Shabbat dinners, unusual holiday celebrations (like Lex’s Tu BiSh’vat dish pictured here), and relevant texts and experiences, you start connect with what is most meaningful to you.
“It is so fun and powerful to create a Jewish experience together, each of us bringing our own traditions. This is the first year I’ve felt totally in charge of my Jewishness.” – Lev E.B.
9. Explore new things
Expand your universe! Meet people who’ve lived different lives from yours. Hear new perspectives on topics that affect our world. And learn new skills, from using a chop saw to surveying amphibian egg masses to cooking an Indian Jewish festive dish.
“Throughout high school I found myself so busy with academics and other commitments that I didn’t have time to explore new things and try out new interests. Doing a gap year, especially Tivnu, gave me that opportunity.”
– Hannah J.
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Taking a gap year in the US can be as meaningful as doing one abroad.
Featured in The New York Times