A Maryland Background, A Jerusalem Present
Dovie Shimoff grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and attended Yeshiva of Greater Washington for high school. After graduating, he spent two years learning at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh, an experience that played a significant role in shaping both his religious growth and the direction of his future.
That time in yeshiva gave him the space to think more seriously about where he wanted to build his life. What began as a meaningful year in yeshiva gradually developed into something more lasting, a desire to live in Israel.
Today, Dovie lives in the Givat Mordechai area of Jerusalem, where he is studying Business Administration at Machon Lev.
Choosing Israel Early
Once Dovie realized that he wanted to live in Israel and make it his home, the timing became crucial.
“The earlier you make the move,” he explained, “the easier it is, and the less likely you are to get pulled back into staying in the U.S.”
When he discovered that it was possible to find a college in Israel that combined a strong academic program in English with a built-in religious environment, including morning seder (study session), the decision became obvious. Instead of returning to the U.S. for college, he chose to stay and begin building his life in Israel right away.
Today, he feels deeply grateful for that choice.
“There are very few things I don’t like about my life in Israel,” he said. “I get to live in Yerushalayim—just looking around is something special.”
While he initially had some social concerns, not knowing how many people would also be staying, those worries quickly faded almost immediately once he got to campus.
“The guys at Machon Lev and the community have been amazing,” he shared. “Everyone has a similar mindset, which makes it really easy to connect.”
This has made a big difference in his day-to-day experience. Instead of feeling like he had to find his place from scratch, Dovie found himself surrounded by people going through the same transition and building toward similar goals. Socially, that has turned what could have been a challenging adjustment into one of the most natural and rewarding parts of his experience.
Why Machon Lev?
Finding the right university was a key part of making the move sustainable. Dovie was looking for something specific: a serious academic program, a religious environment, daily Torah learning, and an English-speaking framework.
For a while, he wasn’t sure that combination even existed in Israel. But toward the end of his first year in yeshiva, he heard about Machon Lev through family friends. Once he started looking into it, he realized it checked every box.
One of the things he appreciates most is the unique environment created by the faculty.
“Most of the professors are religious,” he shared. “You can look up to them not only academically, but also on a religious level.”
That dual role has made a strong impression on him.
“It’s very cool to see people who are successful in the business world but are also talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars),” he said. “One of my math teachers even gives a Gemara shiur I listen to on the side.”
Academic Growth and Career Preparation
In his studies, Dovie feels that Machon Lev is preparing him in a practical and relevant way for the workforce. The program emphasizes real-world skills and stays aligned with current trends in the job market.
“They give us practical tools to succeed,” he explained. “There’s a focus on staying up to date, learning things like AI and coding within the business degree.”
That forward-thinking approach has helped him feel confident that his education is not only meaningful, but also directly applicable to building a career in Israel.
Finding Support Through JLIC
JLIC has played a central role in shaping Dovie’s college experience. Like many students coming out of yeshiva, he knew the shift into college life could be challenging.
“Going through the transition from yeshiva to college can be difficult,” he said. “There are a lot of changes.”
Having Rav Simcha and Margalit, Machon Lev’s JLIC directors, he could relate to and speak with openly made a significant difference.
“Having someone to connect to and talk to has been really special.”
Beyond that, the programming and community have helped him build strong social connections.
“It’s given me a chance to get closer with other guys outside of school, in a different framework,” he shared. “That’s been amazing.”
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, Dovie’s plans are clear. He intends to stay in Israel after completing his degree.
“Ever since I made the decision to stay, my connection to Eretz Yisrael has only grown stronger,” he said. Especially in light of recent events, that connection has deepened even more. “I can’t imagine continuing my life in chutz la’aretz.”
For Dovie, staying in Israel isn’t just an idea, it’s a commitment he is actively building toward.
Advice for Future Students
For students considering a similar path, Dovie’s advice focuses on mindset.
“Try your best to look at everything in a positive way,” he said. “College can be hard and stressful at times, and it’s easy to focus on the negative.”
But from his experience, perspective makes all the difference.
“If you focus on the good, it makes the whole experience easier and much more enjoyable.”
Dovie’s story reflects something many students are starting to realize: what begins as a year in yeshiva or seminary can turn into something much more lasting. With the right environment and support system, it can become the foundation for building a real life in Israel.