During this past week, we had many trips filled with memories. Starting on Thursday, we went to Jerusalem and toured a couple of museums. On Friday, we woke up bright and early at 4:15 AM to trek all the way up the snake path to Masada and watch the sunrise. We were all super excited to feel the accomplishment of reaching the top and being able to see the beautiful pink sunrise. The path’s intensity did not stop us from giving it our all. After about 45 minutes, I reached the top! Seeing this amazing pink-and-orange sky with an Israeli flag waving in the wind immediately gave me an insane boost of energy.

The realization struck immediately that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right in front of us, and it honestly felt unreal. Climbing Masada with my classmates filled me with happiness and appreciation for how lucky we are to experience moments like this together. As a group we did very meaningful prayers.

Going into the afternoon, we headed to the Dead Sea. Being my first time in Israel, I had no idea what to expect. Immediately heading into the shop and buying mud. Watching everyone float in the water was so funny, not being able to control whether they were floating on their backs or stomachs.

Later, we headed to the Be’er Sheva campus for Shabbat. On Saturday, we just hung around campus, before havdalah, then headed back to Hod HaSharon after Shabbat was over.

After class on Sunday, we had a Valentine’s Day-themed lip sync battle. Everyone was split into pairs, some combining with other pairs. Seeing all the dances was my favorite; my dance was pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Ending the week, we went to Beit She'an and Tzippori. This was definitely an easier tiyul compared to the ones earlier in the week. In Tzippori, we learned what it was like to be Jewish in a time when many were influenced by Roman culture. I felt that this was an important topic to learn about, especially with what is going on around the world today.

This week had many important topics mixed with amazing experiences. The things I learned this week will definitely be coming with me through the rest of my time at Muss and when I return home.

Zoey Mendez is a 16-year-old student attending The Cushman School in Miami