A Dream Realized
Kayla Goldberger is a third-year student studying Business Management and Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University (TAU). Originally from Teaneck, NJ, Kayla attended Yeshivat Frisch and then participated in a gap-year program at MTVA. She currently resides in Herzliya.
“I always knew I wanted to make aliyah. Growing up in a Zionist household, it was a strong thought in my mind. However, during high school, I began the U.S. college application process and put that dream on the back burner.”
During her gap year, Kayla began to reconsider. She realized it might be the right time to make aliyah. This period was marked by significant transitions for her and her peers, moving from high school to Israel and then to universities worldwide. It felt like the perfect moment for a more significant change.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay, but I felt it was worth trying out. Given my uncertainty, I thought studying would be the best option. If I wasn’t happy, I could always transfer my credits back to a U.S.-based university.”
Choosing Tel Aviv University
Kayla researched many programs and ultimately decided that Tel Aviv University International School was the best option. Its strong reputation in the U.S. assured her that credits could transfer back easily. She was also drawn to the program’s structure. Choosing Business Management and Middle Eastern Studies, she benefited from the liberal arts umbrella, which allowed her to explore classes and delay selecting a major. This flexibility mirrored what she had anticipated at a U.S. university.
Three years later, Kayla has not transferred her credits elsewhere. She is preparing to graduate from Tel Aviv University at the end of the year.
“I feel confident that my program has prepared me for the job market in Israel. I’ve already completed three internships and benefited from the intimate nature of TAU’s business school. Professors know students personally and are willing to provide recommendations if needed. I’ve utilized the alumni network, completed 120 hours of internship work, received guidance on resume preparation, and met with a career counselor—all through the university. I already have offers for next year, and I’m incredibly grateful for these opportunities.”
Finding Community Through JLIC
JLIC has also been a significant part of Kayla’s experience. In her first year on campus, there was no JLIC program at TAU, and only five other religious students in her program. At times, she felt isolated in the classroom and disconnected from the broader international student population.
When the M.D. Katz JLIC program began at TAU during her second year, under the leadership of Rabbi Eitan and Elana Phillips, there was a notable increase in interest in Torah learning, Judaism, and religious life on campus. The shift was
palpable, creating a warmer and more open approach to religion. This transformation significantly impacted Kayla. She became actively involved in running JLIC programming on campus and discovered a newfound passion for debating and discussing Jewish issues.
Herzliya: A Community of Support
After classes, Kayla would return to Herzliya, where she chose to live. In her first year, this environment provided her with a solid religious foundation.
“The JLIC Mizrachi Herzliya community gave me the religious structure I needed during my university years. I’ve made so many friends and enjoyed being part of a vibrant community of olim and students. Contributing to the vision of a young community in Israel has been incredibly special.”
“I love my friends and my two JLIC communities. They’ve become like family, and I’m so grateful for the close relationships I’ve built here.”
Words of Advice
Kayla also has advice for others considering aliyah:
“If I were to advise someone during their gap year, I’d say: Everyone is starting fresh in some way! This is the easiest time to come to Israel. You’d be doing the same thing you’d do in America—or you could join sherut or the army first! You also have the opportunity to build an amazing community here that’s hard to replicate in America. If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back. Take it day by day. That mindset helped me, and I’m so thankful for it.”
To learn more about our JLIC communities in ten locations across Israel, visit us here.