This week started off strong—literally—with Gadna (army training). Normally a four-day course, it was condensed into just seven hours to fit our packed schedule. Even though some people stayed back to study for their AP tests (and it took me 20 minutes to wipe off my face paint), I found this tiyul to be one of my favorites so far. We learned how to carry one another, take shooting positions, block attacks, and use camouflage. I’m proud to say I won the hiding competition, which definitely got me in the right mindset for our nighttime game of capture the flag.

We got back to campus late that night, but the next day was still packed with fun. After a 10.5-hour school day (with some tanning breaks, of course), I went straight to dinner with family friends, returning just in time for our Hamilton watch party in the Moadon.

Luckily, the next day was Friday—which meant a chance to relax my mind, body, and soul in the holiest city in all of Israel… Jerusalem. Just kidding—Tel Aviv ;)

As a Californian, I can confidently say that Israeli beaches are the best (though I can’t say the same for the açaí I got). We held evening services outdoors, right after watching a stunning sunset on the boardwalk. Dinner, as expected, was delicious—especially the apple cake, which had everyone (okay, maybe just me) hovering by the dessert table for the next round.

We ended the evening with a fun reflection activity, recounting the best memories and inside jokes from the program. Saturday was calm and relaxing, giving us all a chance to catch up on sleep and enjoy a long siesta. Good thing, too—because Sunday’s trip was intense.

It was a heavy and emotional day visiting Otef Aza, but it felt meaningful and necessary. And it was made even better by the return of Eden Alexander (!!!!).

After a packed weekend, it felt good to be back at Hod. Even though classes are ending this week, I’m so excited for the last two weeks—and especially for Yam L’Yam!

Talya Steinberg is 16 years old, from Los Altos High School.