We began this week with an unforgettable Jerusalem experience, celebrating the holiday of Shavuot in the heart of the city. As is custom in many Jewish communities—and especially in Jerusalem—we stayed up all night learning Torah and soaking in the magic of the city at night. 

Our students joined other American gap-year participants for meaningful learning, deep conversations about Torah, life, football, and philosophy, and explored Jerusalem’s rooftops, plazas, and historic synagogues. Usually empty at 2 a.m., the streets were filled with thousands celebrating the holiday. As dawn broke, we joined tens of thousands of people making their way to the Kotel (Western Wall) for Shacharit, the early morning prayer. It was a once-in-a-lifetime sight and spirit. And yes—after all that—we caught up on sleep! 

Back in the classroom on Tuesday and Wednesday, we turned our focus to history, diving into the British Mandate period and the years leading up to the founding of the State of Israel. We explored how, despite overwhelming obstacles, the Zionist dream took shape between the World Wars and culminated in independence in 1948. 

On Thursday, we headed back to Tel Aviv to explore some of the powerful ways people are helping shape Israeli society today. We met with organizations that support soldiers through therapy, fight antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric online, and even make social statements through street art. 

Finally, this week the students were asked to connect with you—their parents and grandparents—for a special assignment: To ask you about your experiences, values, and connection to Judaism and Israel. We hope it sparked meaningful conversations and that you felt the opportunity to share your stories, hopes, and hearts with them. 

Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat and a Shabbat Shalom from all of us in Israel!