Why a Jewish Gap Year in America Should Be on Your Radar

by Rabbi Miriam Grossman, Tivnu: Director of Partnership and Outreach

While many Jewish teens consider traveling abroad for their gap year, more and more are discovering the unique power of staying closer to home. Tivnu: Building Justice offers the only immersive Jewish gap year in America, combining hands-on justice work, vibrant Jewish experiences, and communal living—all rooted in Portland, Oregon.

Whether you’re looking to build real-world skills, deepen your Jewish identity, or create lifelong friendships, Tivnu’s domestic Jewish gap year gives you the tools to grow, all without needing your passport (unless of course, you are coming to us from Mexico, Canada or other countries! We love our international students!).

Stay Close, Go Deep

For American teens, a gap year in the U.S. doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, it can offer more relevance and depth.

“We’re based in Portland, Oregon—connected to grassroots justice movements across the Pacific Northwest. Our participants don’t just observe change; they create it.” – Steve Eisenbach-Budner (Tivnu’s founder)

Participants explore social justice at home, working directly with communities affected by housing insecurity, immigration policy, and food access. Without the cost, carbon footprint, or cultural dislocation of traveling abroad, Tivnu teens can go deeper, faster.

You won’t just learn about justice, you’ll live it. And you’ll be doing so through a distinctly Jewish lens.

Internships with Impact

Tivnu partners with almost one hundred organizations to offer internships that matter.

“My placement at Street Roots was a perfect fit. I was doing real reporting, learning how to interact with the public, and elevating the voices of people experiencing homelessness.” – Lily, Tivnu alum (Blog)

Participants spend 3–4 days a week at internship sites, developing professional and activist skills while contributing directly to organizations tackling some of today’s most urgent challenges.

Whether you’re mentoring refugee youth, constructing tiny homes, or staffing a food pantry, your work isn’t symbolic. It’s transformational.

Jewish Community in Action

This is more than a year of service. It’s a year of Jewish living with intention.

“I never knew Jewish practice could be this connected to justice work. Now, Shabbat feels like the exhale I need after a week of building change.” – Ezra, Tivnu participant (Blog)

At Tivnu, you’ll live in one of two pluralistic Jewish communal homes, or batim, located in a vibrant Portland neighborhood. Together with your roommates and cohort, you’ll:
– Celebrate Shabbat and holidays
– Engage in Jewish text study
– Reflect as a community on the work you’re doing

This environment fosters a sense of belonging, discovery, and joy, regardless of your Jewish background. We are so grateful to represent a broad spectrum of Jewish life and practice, including many secular/cultural Jewish teens along with teens who observe a halachic Shabbat and Kashrut laws and everything in between.

Get Ahead, Not Behind

Taking a gap year with Tivnu doesn’t delay your future—it supercharges it.

“Gap year students tend to outperform their peers academically and are more likely to be satisfied with their career choices.” – American Gap Association

Tivnu alumni report increased self-awareness, leadership skills, and college readiness. They’re better prepared to handle the transition to college—and more confident in their purpose once they get there.

Instead of burning out during freshman year, you’ll show up with the energy, clarity, and tools you need to thrive.

Why the U.S. Context Matters

Injustice isn’t just “out there.” It’s right here at home.

“Learning about housing insecurity while helping build homes changed how I see my own neighborhood. This work feels personal now.” – Noah, Tivnu alum (Blog)

By staying in the U.S., Tivnu participants gain a grounded, nuanced understanding of the systemic issues shaping their own communities—and how to act on them.

You’ll become not just a global citizen, but a local leader.

A Jewish Gap Year That’s Different by Design

If you’re looking for a meaningful, values-driven experience after high school—one that prepares you for college and beyond—Tivnu’s Jewish gap year in America might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

You’ll gain skills, friendships, and insights that last a lifetime—all while making a real difference in the world around you.

Ready to make your year count?

👉 Learn more about our next cohort and how to apply