In my first week at AMHSI, I have set a few goals for myself. Being here for the next two months we have plenty of time to become super close and build strong bonds with others. One of the goals I set for myself is to take advantage of these times and take the time to talk to everyone. I also want to create bonds with people in different programs at AMHSI. Hopefully, after making close connections with people, I can visit all of my friends in the states and keep these connections for a lifelong. This coming week we will celebrate Yom Kippur in Jerusalem. This is my first time in Jerusalem and I am excited for the opportunity I will face. During the ‘Chag’ we’ll have the chance to spend time praying at different kinds of synagogues. This is a perfect time for me to explore new streams of Judaism and find what I connect to as an individual. Therefore, another goal I have set for myself is to learn about my Jewish identity and how exactly I want to practice my Judaism. There are many different types of synagogues in the Denver area, but I am hoping to be able to focus on how I connect to them. In addition, while being here in Israel, I want to learn some conversational Hebrew. I want to be able to talk and hold a basic conversation with people around me. I also want to expand on my knowledge of the Jewish history. Growing up going to Hebrew school once a week, I know basic information on the history and hope to expand this knowledge in my core class. Hebrew school has not always been a positive experience for me and I am hoping to find a more meaningful way for me to understand myself and how I relate to being Jewish and practicing Judaism. The first week at AMHSI has been an exciting one and it is nice to be able to sit down and think about some goals for me as I continue with this experience.