So it’s my first week at Alexander Muss High School in Israel. It’s been a very interesting and amazing experience so far. As I started meeting new friends and meeting new teachers, I started realizing what my goals for my time here will be. It was a little bit overwhelming the first couple of days to adjust to what is going to be my life for the next four months. I was feeling a little bit homesick because I wasn’t fully adjusted to this and felt a little uncomfortable. So one of my goals is to put myself out there and explore this opportunity and to challenge myself. 

My other goal is to find a way to connect with my Jewish identity better. I already started to by our Israeli/Jewish studies class with my teacher Michael. I like that we have the chance to think for ourselves and what we want to believe in. Growing up, you’re made to believe that everything happens a certain way, you’re parents tell you what they believe in and ultimately, that’s what you follow. However, when you’re not surrounded by your parents and their beliefs, you start believing in your own. In class, Michael relates life issues with the Tanakh, which I found myself doing that as well. I love this class because it’s starting to make me love Judaism even more and connect with it so much better.

My last goal is to learn Hebrew. I know how cliche it sounds but I am half Israeli and if I’m going to be living here for four months I should learn the language. My father is full Israeli. The first time he left Israel was when he was 23 years old. My mom is American. However, after college, my mom made Aliyah and did a program called WUJS in Arad. She met my dad in Tel Aviv on the beach and my mom ended up living with my dad in Israel for 8 years. So, both of my parents are fluent in Hebrew and never taught me any. My dad lives in Ra’anana and so does all my family from my dad’s side. I want to be able to have a conversation with them as I would in English. I want to connect with that part of me even more and I know I will.