I have been in Israel in for almost two weeks now, and during this time, I have noticed some distinct elements of Israeli culture and mentality that differ from the American lifestyle.

Time and time again, I am astounded by the hospitality and generosity of Israelis. They have an incredibly special way of instantaneously making you feel like family. I’ve been fortunate enough to feel right at home here at AMHSI, even while 7,500 + miles away from my physical house. My madrichim are a large part of this feeling of acceptance. Adi is always at her door when I return to the dorms after class. There, in her cozy living room, I can just sit down, relax, and tell her about how my day was. Tomer is always goofing around. He is a funny, caring guy who we can always turn to if we need help. 

Sure, Israelis may not have the most ostentatious lifestyles and they definitely don’t preach the “bigger is better” mentality that some Americans cherish, but their hearts know no boundaries. This mentality is something I fully intend on bringing back with me to the States.

Another unique aspect of Israeli life is their openness and shamelessness. I often have trouble voicing my ideas and opinions. Sometimes, even asking for the simplest of favors is a challenge. This has proven to be difficult to overcome, but being in Israel has helped me work on it. Israelis have no shame when it comes to asking for favors or questioning the rules – so why should I? I know people say this all the time, but the honest truth is that the worst possible response is “no.” 

Israelis have a very upfront and confrontational approach to the world. This is often misunderstood as Israeli people being brusque, but this is actually just them having a realistic way to confront life. They know that trying to please others will never please themselves so they shamelessly ask questions — no hesitation—because they are not weighted with the fear of what others will think. 

As a result of the cultural differences between Israel and America, each land holds a special place in my heart. My hometown, Chappaqua, New York, is the present moment — I live there, I go to school there and I have an amazing community there— every day I am immersed in its busy, loving environment. For that, Chappaqua will always be an intrinsic part of my life. As for Israel, Israel is my past and maybe even my future. My history is ingrained into the soil of Israel, and consequently I am a part of this land. I don’t know what my future will hold, but I know it involves Israel. Whether that means trips once in a while or Aliyah is uncertain. All I know is that Israel, with all of its cultural intricacies, is infused into my life in a permanent, powerful way.