Aardvark is the best

I am Ben, and my daughter, Dana, attended Aardvark 2018-19 for what my wife and I feel was an unequivocally fantastic experience that helped her develop her sense of self, Judaism, and confidence in a complex, international world. She returned eager for college, excited to tackle big problems - and to do it with a new set of great friends.

I think Aardvark provided just the right balance between structured activities and kid independence. Aardvark helped Dana find perfect internship opportunities for her - in the Fall at “Tiny Toes” in Tel Aviv, a childcare program; and in the Spring at Women of the Wall in Jerusalem where she got in the thick of things with women’s rights, Reform Judaism and religious politics. Dana joined a local volleyball team (all Hebrew of course). And in addition to the nearly weekly trips, she joined Seleh which provided her with a deeper investigation of Judaism in all its complexity that she was looking for.

The living situation worked out well, and gave her the first long-term experience living away from home with roommates. Learning to shop, cook, negotiate with roommates was sometimes challenging, but I think is just right for someone at this stage of life. The right structures were in place to support the kids, but they largely worked things out themselves. The expectations and requirements were clear, and most kids lived within those bounds. There was plenty of room to let loose out in the city, but I am glad that rules were stricter in the apartments.

I do not hesitate to recommend Aardvark. Our daughter (and family) is stronger for it.
תודה ראבא Aardvark

- Ben