Ending last week and starting this week has been quite the journey. We left campus in Hod HaSharon on Friday afternoon. Once we arrived in Tel Aviv, we explored the pier before returning to the hotel, dressing up, and celebrating Shabbat together. The next morning, outside of the hotel, our teacher, Reuven, led us in a Torah study, in which we discussed relationships and their role in the Torah. Following this, we strolled down to the beach.

As Shabbat concluded, we sang Havdalah and returned to campus. We spent one night back in our dorms, and then, early on Sunday morning, journeyed to Tzfat. There, we learned about the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah and its subsequent history. After a long bus ride, we made it to our hotel in northern Israel, where we prepared for the main event of the week: Yam L’Yam.

Monday morning, we left our hostel in Pki’in, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee, to embark on our journey of Yam L’Yam, a sea-to-sea hike of over 40 miles in under 4 days.

Yam L’Yam, at its core, was a test of self. Atop the mountains, we learned and discovered new things about each other and ourselves under the backdrop of Judaism and the core 4 elements: earth, water, fire, and air.

Earth grounded us; it reminded us that this land holds memory. Each step felt rooted in generations of history, struggle, and hope.

Water refreshed and sustained us. From the Mediterranean waves to the cool springs of the Galilee, we could not help but appreciate what this earth gave us.

Fire burned within. It was the warmth around campfires during the freezing nights, the grit that pushed us up mountains, the fire/heat of the sun as it burned are skin and strength at the same time, an inner strength was passed down from ancestors with a burning determination to finish the 4-day hike.

Air carried our prayers, our breath, and our unspoken thoughts. It moved between us like ruach, a spirit so loud, so powerful, so quiet and unknown to the outer world.

Ultimately, a combination of these factors resulted in an unforgettable experience, marked by inner growth, persistence, and the will to succeed.

On a deeper level, the hike was marathon-like in its value; only in nostalgia could the true fruits of our efforts be reaped. Tonight, as we watch back the countless hours of video footage we recorded throughout this hike, we bask in the joy of the lifelong friendships we have built, and look forward to the rest of the time we have to spend at Muss to cultivate such relationships.

Eliana is a junior at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, WA.