We are about half way through AMHSI and have done some amazing and really informational Tiyuls. By far the best Tiyul I have been on was going to Masada. I fell in love with the challenges that came with it. The experience was life changing and in the beginning, right as we started I thought I wouldn’t be able to climb all of it but each step got easier. Plus the beautiful view kept me going.

I connected to this tiyul on a personal level because many family members of mine have climbed Masada and so much history happened in the very place (which we were able to stand). I was able to retain so much important information about what actual events occurred in the past. The historic takeaway from this tiyul made me realize how many people lost their lives and families in order to stick up for what the Jews wanted. This shows how strong and powerful all of us can be if we all stick up for what we believe, even though sometimes you might not win every battle, you always have to try. That really represents my life.

As a Jew living in that time period, I probably would have done everything I could do for the right reasons even if it meant death. I would have stayed and fought. This tiyul gave me a lot of insight on many people’s point of views at that time period. This connected to me on a deeper level.

While on the tiyul the hours of lessons we had made an impact on me, fulfilling me with new knowledge about all of Masada.