Welcome to my first blog. My name is Gabriel Leizorek from Aventura, Florida. I will start AMHSI on August 27, 2018 in Hod Hasharon for the fall semester. It has been a long wait and a lot of things have crossed my mind. Some have been very exciting and others make me very nervous.

I expect many great things to occur, one of them that I know will happen is that I will be getting to know many different people that I am sure many will become good friends. Another will be learning the Hebrew language, and learning about Israel’s history. Learning this while being in Israel will be the very exciting. Seeing it where it all happens.

Of course there are also fears. One that I know will be temporary is getting homesick and missing my baby brother Adam. There is also the fear of someone else taking my position on my current soccer team. It is a very competitive team which we made it to #1 in the State last year. Also, about the uncertainty of who my roommates will be, and if I will get along with them.

Here is what I hope to get out of the semester experience in Israel.  Learning about my Jewish identity, and getting to know myself more being that I will be without my parents for a few months. I would like to leave the semester with many new great friends from everywhere. The High Holiday’s experience in Israel sounds like it will be great.

I am glad I applied for the fellowship because I want to experience Israel and Judaism, while living there for a full semester, and experience Israel as a local. Thanks.