My dad and I talk about starting a school together. A different kind of school where students do yoga or meditation in the morning. A different kind of school where kids can learn about astronomy for three months, horticulture for another, and film to finish the year. A different kind of school where learning is the goal (not the grades) and creativity and mindfulness is abundant.

I think of AMHSI as an inspiration for this school my dad and I dream of; we learn rigorously of our Jewish history in classrooms, and then we explore the land in correlation to the class. The traveling, “Tiyuls”, are extraordinary. The history of my community is in front of me— I can touch it!

The beauty of my heritage feels real, not distant like it would if I was stuck learning it in a classroom all year.

I used to go to a private Jewish school, but I chose to leave because I didn’t connect to the education and Jewish classes I had to take. Honestly, I was worried that I’d feel a similar discomfort at AMHSI, but because of these tiyuls and interactions we have the with land and people of Israel, I feel more blessed to be a Jew than ever before.

Israel in and of itself is one large classroom, or archeology site as I’d like to think. Every Tiyul exposes itself as another landmark in our Jewish story. From Gilboa to the Old City to Masada, I don’t need to take notes to understand the history. I’m living and feeling it.

This is all I can ask for as an infinite learner and passionate explorer.

Peace,

Talia