Keeping It Going: Learning and Connection After the Year

Start smaller than you think

During the year you may have learned for most of the day. At college or work you'll have a fraction of that time. Students who try to copy the year's schedule usually drop it within a month. Students who pick a small fixed amount tend to keep it for years.

So decide on a minimum you'll do even in exam week. You can always add more. The point is to never hit zero.

A realistic weekly plan

Here's a sample you can adjust. It adds up to about four hours a week.

• Daily, 15 to 20 minutes: one fixed thing at one fixed time, such as before your first class or after dinner. Choose something with a clear order so you always know what's next.
• Once a week, 60 minutes: a call or meeting with a chavruta (חַבְרוּתָא), a study partner, ideally someone from the year. Put it on the calendar as a repeating event.
• Once a week, 45 to 60 minutes: a live class, in person on campus or in your community if there is one, online if not.
• On Shabbat (שַׁבָּת): one longer stretch on something you enjoy, plus a short thought prepared for the table.
• Once a month: look at what you actually did. Cut what isn't working and keep what is.

Tie learning to something you already do every day, like your morning coffee or your commute. A habit attached to a fixed moment is much easier to keep than one that depends on finding free time.

Find your people

Learning alone is hard to sustain. A community does a lot of the work for you: it gives you meals, services, classes and friends who expect to see you.

On campus, two large organizations are worth knowing about. Both descriptions below come from their own sites, checked in October 2026.

• Hillel describes itself as the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, on more than 850 campuses, and open to students of every background and level of observance. Local Hillels typically offer Shabbat and holiday meals, learning, and social and Israel-related programs.
• OU-JLIC, a program of the Orthodox Union, places rabbinic couples on campuses as Torah educators and mentors. It says it works with more than 100 campuses and communities in North America and Israel.

What's available differs a lot from campus to campus, and many campuses have other Jewish groups too. Before the semester starts, do this:

1. 1Search your college's name with each organization and see what exists.
2. 2Email the director or the campus rabbi and introduce yourself. Say where you spent the year and what you're looking for.
3. 3Go to something in the first week, even if you don't know anyone.
4. 4If your campus has very little, look for the nearest synagogue or community and ask about hosting for Shabbat.

If you're living at home or working, the same idea applies. Pick one synagogue, one class and one group of friends your age, and show up regularly.

Stay in touch with your teachers

Your teachers expect to hear from you. Most are glad to, and it doesn't need to be a big occasion.

• Pick one or two teachers you were close to and message them every month or two with a short update or a question.
• Write before the holidays. It's an easy reason to be in touch.
• When a real decision comes up, about practice, college, relationships or a return to Israel, ask for a call. They know you and can give advice that fits.
• Join your program's alumni list or group so you hear about classes and visits.

Alumni programs and visits back

Many programs keep in touch with alumni through online classes, visits by teachers to cities abroad, reunions, and sometimes short return programs during winter or summer break. What each program offers varies, so ask the office or the alumni coordinator what's available and how to sign up.

If you're planning a trip back:

• Ask the program well ahead whether alumni can join classes, eat meals or stay over. Don't assume there's a bed.
• Check your college's break dates against the program's calendar. Programs have their own vacations. See Shabbat and vacations.
• Plan time with host families and friends who live in Israel, not only at the program.
• Look at getting around Israel for a refresher on transport.

If visits turn into wanting something longer, read a second year and staying in Israel.

Common questions

How much learning is realistic alongside college?

For most students, a short daily slot plus one or two weekly sessions is sustainable. That's roughly three to five hours a week. Start with less and add once it's steady.

My campus has very little Jewish life. What can I do?

Set up a weekly call with a study partner, join an online class, and find the nearest community for Shabbat. Also ask Hillel or OU-JLIC whether they have anything near you.

Is it awkward to contact a teacher after months of silence?

No. Teachers hear from former students all the time, often after long gaps. A two-line message is enough to restart contact.

Can I go back to my program for a visit?

Usually, but arrangements differ. Ask the office in advance about dates, meals and whether there's room to stay.