So…About Our Summer Plans: Q & A With Founder of Shalvas

I have to say that each year, as the school year winds down and summer approaches, I start to get a little nervous about what I’ll be doing over vacation. A couple years ago, a friend of mine realized that there were limited options for summer programs targeted to singles, and she took the plunge and started her own.

 

Shalvas is a two-week, flexible summer program in Israel, for single women in their twenties. Room and board are provided, as well as scheduled classes and activities.

 

Here, Leah answers my questions about Shalvas. 

 

What led you to start the program?

 

I wanted something to do in the summer. Something that would be fun and relaxing. Something that would be meaningful and fulfilling. And something designed with our needs – as young, single frum women – in mind. After exploring every available program, I realized that “someone” should really start a program designed to meet the needs of singles. For lack of a better option, I considered that that someone could be me. We had an amazing experience last summer, and can’t wait for a bigger and better summer this year!

 

Organizing a summer program in Israel is a huge undertaking! Arranging accommodations, classes, food, and activities…what motivates you to invest your time and energy into Shalvas?

 

Two things keep me going. The first is when I meet wonderful young women who are burnt-out. Whether they realize it or not, their spiritual and emotional batteries are running low. Our young women dedicate so much energy to their families, jobs, communities, and of course, shidduchim. They deserve (and need) a chance to recharge and enhance their lives.

 

The second is the feedback from our participants. They have such a good, growthful time, and they speak of the positive long-term impact Shalvas had on their lives. That always renews my commitment to make Shalvas bigger and better than ever.

 

There’s a myth out there that once you are done seminary, you can (or should) keep going until you get married without ever needing to recharge spiritually. But it simply isn’t true. Just like your cell phone needs to be charged every night to keep going all day, young women need to take time to recharge themselves so they can succeed at work, in shidduchim, and in personal growth.

 

If anyone doubts that frum girls have bitachon in k’heref ayin (the ability of circumstances to change instantaneously), try getting them to commit to summer plans. Have you had difficulty getting participants to sign on?

 

For sure! I find people very, very hesitant to lock themselves into summer plans. All I can say is that none of our participants ever regret signing up. It’s great to know you have exciting plans for the summer, and the anticipation contributes to the experience. I also very much believe that the Shalvas experience helps people in shidduchim. It’s so easy to get burnt-out and jaded after a while in shidduchim. Coming back from Shalvas, you are energized and primed for growth.

 

What makes your program different from the standard tours?

Shalvas is the only program designed for independent young women. We won’t overpack your schedule, we won’t tell you what to do every moment of every day. We will give you a great framework, a stunning place to stay, meaningful and inspiring classes and activities, friendly fellow participants – and allow you to enjoy Yerushalayim in the way that speaks to you best. If you come to Yerushalayim to visit your sister but prefer to have more space – stay at Shalvas. If you really want to daven at the Kotel daily – stay at Shalvas. If you are looking for a relaxed home base – stay at Shalvas. If you are looking for an action-packed, camp-like schedule, then Shalvas is not the place for you. We respect our participants’ maturity and independence. We provide you with an awesome framework for you to maximize your time in Yerushalayim in the way that works for you. All of our participants quickly find meaningful ways to fill their time and enjoy a program that is flexible enough to accommodate their personal preferences and give them the best experience possible.

 

This is sounding so amazing. What’s your message to young women considering Shalvas for this summer?

 

Invest in yourself! All people need a chance to recharge spiritually and emotionally. Come to Israel, spend time with great friends (old or new), hear relevant shiurim, absorb the kedusha of Yerushalayim, have fun, get a change of scenery – and you will come back happier, healthier, and reconnected, ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

 

If you have any questions about Shalvas, feel free to email shalvasby@gmail.com.

 

Have a great day!

 

This is an unsponsored post. Interview edited slightly for length and clarity.