As American high school graduates start arriving in Israel for a year or two in yeshiva, many people - including students and parents considering a year in Israel in the future, as well as the parents of students who are currently starting yeshiva - have questions and concerns. For that reason, the Orthodox Conundrum convened a panel discussion to address them honestly and forthrightly. Scott discussed many important issues with Rabbis Jonathan Cohen, Boaz Mori, Binny Freedman, and Reuven Taragin, including the purpose of the year in yeshiva, why it’s necessary after 12 years of Jewish day school, whether success in learning is equated with spiritual and moral success, how mental health issues are addressed, preventing sexual abuse, alcohol policies, and more. Please note that this panel discussion is not addressing any particular yeshiva; the panel was designed to talk about how these issues are addressed in general by all the different programs. (Please also note that this particular panel was referencing the boys’ yeshivot rather than the girls’ midrashot; if listeners would be interested in another panel discussion about the seminaries for young women, please let us know by writing to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com.) Please listen to and share the podcast, and let us know what you think on the Orthodox Conundrum Discussion Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/432020081498108). Thanks to all of our Patreon subscribers, who have access to bonus JCH podcasts, merch, and more - we appreciate your help, and hope you really enjoy the extras! Visit the JCH Patreon site at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse. Check out https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ for the Orthodox Conundrum and other great podcasts, and remember to subscribe to them on your favorite podcast provider. The site will also help you learn about creating your own podcast. Music: "Happy Rock" by bensound.com