I can see Israel as my living classroom in two major ways. First off, in our Israel studies class, we learn about different sites in Israel and what happened there historically and then go and visit it and learn more about what happened there, there. In that way, Israel is my classroom because I got to learn about Masada on Masada rather than in a class in Miami.

Another example happened today when I had the pleasure of learning about the caves that the Jews had to hide out in to escape Roman oppression in the caves where it actually happened! Therefore, when regarding education Israel is my literal classroom, a place where I take notes and pay attention to a teacher.

Another way that Israel is my classroom is because while I’m here I get to learn more about life. Walking the streets of Israel has taught me not only a new language but how to be social with people and that not everyone has your best interests at heart (for example when they overprice you on something at the Shuk). Israel is my classroom because it has taught me to be more independent and specifically more aware of my surroundings (especially because of the conflicts going on here). Israel has also taught me that you don’t have to be a huge country to truly make a mark on the world just like us individuals don’t have to be famous or rich to make a mark on the world. In addition, Israel has been a learning environment for me because whenever I walk outside I can now expect to see two guys fighting and then hugging it out which teaches me that different cultures behave differently and that Israel has a very loving culture filled with people that truly care about each other despite their differences. Overall, not only has Israel been my classroom literally, but also emotionally while teaching me lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.