As I sit on this cold Philadelphia day in January, I cannot contemplate what my life will be like in two months. In 8 days, I will embark on the experience of a lifetime. My journey to AMHSI will change the way I view my Judaism, will prepare me for college, help me work on my collaborative skills, give me lifelong friends, and it is unfathomable how much more I will get out of my experience abroad. I am extremely fortunate to be given this opportunity, as a 10th grader, to study in a country that means so much to me.

As we approach our departure from America, so much runs through my head. What will the people in Israel be like? Will I make friends? Will I find the schedule and curriculum challenging? How will I deal with being away from my friends and family for such an extended period of time? Although these thoughts race through my mind, the fact that I will be traveling to such an important place, allowing myself to learn experientially, grow as a leader, and meet lifelong friends exceeds my worries. I hope that my semester in Israel, among the things mentioned, grows my connection to my Judaism and to Israel in ways I can’t imagine.

My twin brother switched to Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy at the beginning of 9th grade. Barrack is one of AMHSI’s partners, which means that he will get to travel to the school in 11th grade. I went to Israel going into 7th grade with my family, and I have wanted to go back ever since. This time, however, I didn’t just want to be a tourist. When I found out that I could join in on this experience with my brother, it was a no brainer that I would apply for the Impact Fellowship. Although we won’t be at Muss at the same time, in many ways we will get to share it together.

AND now here I am, almost one week away from a life altering experience that will impact me in so many ways! I am excited to keep blogging and sharing my experience as I go along in this journey.