So far in the time I’ve been in Israel and actually going to school here, I’ve realized many differences between here and America. One thing I’ve noticed is how they make the Jewish holidays here so important. Where I live, we still have school during the holidays, except for Hannukah and two days for Passover, but it’s such a different atmosphere here in Israel. Right now, at my school back in Miami, there is a mandatory school field trip during Rosh Hashana! I find that so crazy because even though there isn’t a big Jewish population at my school it’s not fair that we would have to miss such a special holiday. In Israel, I see all the beautiful lights hung up. I see how the people of Israel prepare for the holidays here and it’s so special and I wish they did that in America. 

Another difference I’ve noticed is how important going to the army is here and being responsible and knowing their duties and paying their services. In America, most people, or at least the people I know, are so scared of joining the army. In Israel, people are happy to be loyal to their country, which makes me so happy about Israel being so united. I feel that if more people had that mindset in America, it could solve a lot of issues. Unlike in America, people aren’t really doing anything with some situations, which causes a lot of problems. 

Last but not least, the culture/weekend is very different. For example in America, we have school from Monday to Friday, and Saturday and Sunday is our weekend. In Israel, school is from Sunday until afternoon on Friday. And Friday night and all of Saturday is our time for weekend. It took me a while to get used to this change and not having many places open during Shabbat. It also made me appreciate Shabbat more.