We’ve now made Hod Hasharon our home for over 2 weeks, and I couldn’t be happier. I feel as though I am always ecstatic and smiling here, and we are constantly on the go. Since last week, we have finished learning about the events of the Torah, and zipped through the Judges period, the prophets, the kings, and onto the 2nd Temple period and the Rabbinical Era with Rabbi Akiva and Shimon Bar Kochba. Last week, our big trip was to Masada and the Dead Sea. We got to learn all about King Herod’s elegant “summer home” on the top of Masada and how the fortress of Masada as a whole fell many years ago. The people living on Masada had a hard decision to make as they were being surrounded on all sides of the mountain by the Romans, as to whether they would fight for their lives and they’re Judaism, or they would die by choice in honor.

Prior to driving South and hiking Masada, we spent the day in the Old City, Jerusalem, and at the Israel museum looking at the Dead Sea Scrolls. We got to look at Jerusalem behind the scenes, and after learning about the Saduccees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots (the various sects of Judaism), we got to explore archaeological sites and houses underneath the streets of Jerusalem that were the pride and glory of the city during the Second Temple period. As we strolled through the ruins, we admired the ancient elements of the city. My particular favorite in the Old City was understanding the importance of Robinson’s Arch. This was a marketplace where townspeople would come to buy and sell their sacrifices to give to the Kohanim at the Temple before it was destroyed. We also learned about the different architectural styles of the various King’s of Judea. It was interesting to see what life was like for Jews and non-Jews so long ago, but it was getting cold in Jerusalem, and we were ready to head south!

On the way to the Masada youth hostel, we stopped for lunch and shopping in Qumran. We got off of the bus, and walked around the site, exploring the actual place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by an Essenes shephard boy. Looking into the cave and then taking pictures in the desert with almost nothing surrounding us, was such a cool experience. We saw little color and life, but as we got back onto the bus and drove further South, we came upon the Dead Sea out the left side of the bus.

The next day, after spending the night at the youth hostel on the base of Masada, and hiking up and down, we made our way to the Dead Sea and Ahava Spa. We floated for quite a while, even though it was so cold, and were once again on our way. It was so fun, even though I had been to the Dead Sea before. I think the coolest part of the day came next for me, though. We got to a rest stop in the dead center of the desert, and got out. I bought ice cream, and went to the bathroom, and within minutes, was ready to board the bus again, when my friend and I spotted a camel sitting down only a few feet away from us. We approached the camel to take pictures and asked to pet it, when a man came up to us and told us that we could ride it if we wished. We said of course, and got on the camel! It was such a spontaneous thing to do and I was so happy I did it! We rode around the parking lot and onto the rocks and got back on the bus!

After this trip, we had our second open Shabbat since we have been here. Last week I went to Jerusalem, and this weekend I went to Tel Aviv. I love free weekends because I get to see what life is like living in both of these major cities as a normal American-Israeli. I also like it because I get time to rest and venture to authentic Israeli restaurants that I would not typically go to with a big group of people.

After Shabbat this week, we went on a Sunday Tiyyul down South in the Shfeila (foothills). We learned about the Bar Kochba Revolt, and the time of Rabbi Akiva, and we got to crawl through the small caves that the students of Rabbi Akiva themselves crawled through in rebellion! It was so cool!

Aside from our amazing Core curriculum and the incredible trips we have had here so far, life on campus has been great! Not only have we all become closer and more independent, but we have all had to use our Hebrew skills, learned how to manage our money, and made decisions about what to do with our free time. During my free time here, I like to either relax in the dorm (doing homework or talking to my new best friends), or I like to go out to the town. The town is only a few minutes walk away, and typically I like going out to get Moshikos (smoothies), falafel, or snacks at the grocery store. Life here is so simple, yet I feel as though I am learning so much. Not only about the history of my people and my Jewish homeland, but also learning a lot about myself. I think this experience will prepare me greatly for college, and I am proud to say that AMHSI has already made one of the biggest impacts in my life.