PLANT TREES IN ISRAEL
Roots Participant

My Muss Story

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Read this inspiring journey of a Muss legacy alum whose transformative experience shaped her passion for Jewish history and life in Israel.

In the fall semester of 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Muss. The decision to participate in the program was deeply rooted in family tradition—my dad had gone on the program years earlier after being inspired by his older sister, my Aunt Sharon, who loved her experience. Remarkably, my parents actually met during their time at Muss. They both attended the fall semester of 1981; my dad, Todd Weintraub, was from Ohio, and my mom, Dorit Binyamin, was from Florida. Without Muss, they probably would never have crossed paths. My mom’s decision to go was also influenced by my grandma, who had heard glowing recommendations from a family friend. This sense of connection and continuity made my choice to attend Muss feel like a natural step in my journey.

Weintraub, Todd (Fall Semester 1981)

Todd, 1981, far left

Binyamin-Weintraub, Dorit (Fall Semester 1981)

Dorit, 1981, planting tree

From a young age, I had heard stories about Muss and the transformative experiences it offered. I wanted to deepen my understanding of Jewish history and immerse myself in something so deeply intertwined with my identity and heritage. Muss provided the perfect platform to expand my knowledge while fostering a strong sense of connection to Israel.

Weintraub Family (1981 alum and Naomi in middle - 2018)Naomi, center, with her parents & siblings (they are triplets)

 

One of the most memorable parts of my time in Muss was arriving back in Israel after being in Poland, learning about the Holocaust. I remember standing in the Ben Gurion airport, peering at the light flowing in from the windows, and thinking of how it reminded me of the light outside the doors of the Auschwitz cremation room. I was spared from that fate just because I was born less than a century later. It truly could have been me. 1,000,000 Jewish lives ended in Auschwitz, but I got to walk out of there and taste the freedom that they never got to experience. The next thought of mine that followed was “What will I do with this freedom?” That is still a question that is very relevant in my life as a young adult.

 

During my time at Muss, I developed numerous life skills, but the most significant was independence. Learning to navigate Israel on my own, traveling by bus to visit family, and caring for myself when I was unwell all contributed to my growth. These experiences prepared me for the challenges of adulthood and instilled a sense of self-reliance that I carry with me to this day.

 

Now, at 24 years old, I am a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in international studies focused on the Middle East. My passion for Israel played a significant role in shaping my academic and professional choices. After graduation, I moved to Israel and began an internship at the ANU Museum in Tel Aviv. Following a brief return home for the holidays, I embarked on a five-month kibbutz ulpan program. During this time, I also started a marketing internship with Operation Ethiopia, an inspiring Israeli non-profit dedicated to bringing eyecare to Ethiopia. I continue to work with Operation Ethiopia and am planning to relocate to Israel in the coming months.

 

Looking to the future, I aspire to build a life in Israel. My goals include finding a fulfilling job, connecting with a like-minded community, and continuing to practice my Hebrew. Muss played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations and strengthening my appreciation for Jewish history. It remains a monumental factor in my decision to pursue a life in Israel, where I hope to contribute to the vibrant and resilient society I now call home.

 

Learn more about how to start your own Muss Story at amhsi.org/refer!