One of the most unique things about Alexander Muss High School in Israel are the Tiyulim. After spending many classes learning about an event in history, we get to visit the exact place where that event took place. Not only does that help me to remember the event more, but it makes it a lot easier to see it happening in my mind and relate to it. It also makes it so much more interesting to learn, rather than just sitting in a classroom. The tiyulim really bring history to life. When I learn that I don’t have regular classes, and I am going on a tiyul, I always get really excited. Another thing that is so great about Tiyuls are that we get to see more of Israel.

My favorite Tiyul so far has been when we went to Masada. Our group woke up at 3:30 in the morning in order to climb Masada and be on top of it to see the sunrise. While I wasn’t too happy about waking up so early, it was totally worth it. I loved the hike, and the sunrise was so pretty. Then we walked around more and visited different parts of Masada that were special to the Zealot Jews or the Romans. It made learning about the Great Revolt against rome so much more interesting, and fun. The fact that I got to learn about this event right where it took place really brought it to life, and made it so much more special for me. After that, we got to go to the Dead Sea which made a great day even better.

Another Tiyul that I really enjoyed was when we went to a crusader fortress and had a really interesting discussion. Yossi asked our class about if we would be willing to come back to Israel if there was ever a war and the country was in need. Everyone had a somewhat different answer, and I had never really thought about it before. Now, I find it super important to not only think about but for me to make a decision on what I would do. After that, we went to hot springs, and later Tzafat. I loved going to Tzafat and seeing a beautiful synagogue that they had there, and also going shopping and getting to see a lot of great art. Learning that day was so fun.

This program would not be the same if it weren’t for the Tiyuls. I love getting to learn something at the exact spot it takes place, and seeing more of Israel. This is so different than how I learn history back in America, and I like it so much more. I know I will retain the information a lot better, and it’s so much more enjoyable. I always look forward to having class outside of the classroom, and either on a hike or at an interesting archaeological site. I have really learned to love Israel, Tiyuls are the best.