A Semester in Israel That Changed Everything

This past spring, I had the life-changing opportunity to attend Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study abroad experience for American teens. The program allowed me and other teens from New Hampshire to connect with our Jewish heritage in a deep and unforgettable way. 

When I first heard about Muss, I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave home and travel across the world alone. But once I arrived, I quickly realized I had made the right decision. I joined a diverse group of Jewish students from across North America, and we formed a strong, welcoming community almost immediately. 

Mornings began with Israel Studies, where we explored Jewish and Israeli history, from the Bible to modern times. What made this class truly unique was that we didn’t just study history—we visited it. After learning about an event, we would travel to the actual site, bringing the lessons to life in a powerful way. 

Living and Learning at Muss

Our general studies were tailored to each student’s academic needs, and the small class sizes helped us build close relationships with teachers. Despite the long school days, we always had free time for activities and exploring nearby towns with friends. 

Our campus in Hod HaSharon, just north of Tel Aviv, felt like a typical American high school, complete with classrooms, dorms, and basketball courts, but everything was rooted in Israeli culture and identity. Shabbat on campus was one of the most meaningful parts of the program. No matter your background, everyone came together to sing, celebrate, and reflect. Friday nights were filled with energy and song, and Saturday afternoons were peaceful, often ending with a beautiful Havdalah ceremony under the stars. 

A Journey of Jewish Identity and Resilience

Midway through the semester, we traveled to Poland for a week: an emotional and eye-opening experience. We visited places like Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Parczew forest, where Jewish partisans hid. Being there, standing where so many suffered and resisted, gave me a deeper understanding of Jewish history than I could have imagined. Sharing that experience with my peers made it even more powerful. There was grief, but also strength—and a reminder of why our connection to Israel matters so much. 

Shortly after returning to Israel, we took on one of our biggest challenges: Yam L’Yam, a four-day hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret. It was physically demanding—we covered over 50 miles, camped in tents, and climbed steep trails—but it was also exhilarating. The hike showcased the beauty of Israel while reminding us what we could achieve together. From the emotional weight of Poland to the resilience we found on that trail, Muss showed us the full spectrum of the Jewish experience. 

Coming home was surreal. I missed the campus, the food, and the people. But most of all, the feeling of belonging that came with being immersed in Israeli life. I’ve returned with a stronger sense of identity, a deeper love for Israel, and a commitment to being more active in Jewish life here in New Hampshire. Whether through BBYO, CTeen, or simply standing up against antisemitism, I want to carry this experience forward. 

To any high school student thinking about studying abroad: Take the leap. Muss was the most impactful experience of my life, and I hope others will get the same chance I did. Thank you to Jewish National Fund-USA, my parents, and everyone who helped make this dream a reality.