Celebrating the Hostages' Return

As we come to the close of the intense and joyful holiday season, our students have experienced a truly meaningful journey — both spiritual and personal.

From the reflections of the New Year and Yom Kippur to the happiness and relaxation of Sukkot and ecstatic celebration of Simchat Torah, these weeks have been filled with learning, connection, and joy.

On the eve of Simchat Torah, all of Israel rejoiced at the long-awaited homecoming of the final hostages freed from Hamas captivity. Across the country there was tremendous relief and gratitude, alongside continued sorrow for those who will not return. Our students had the extraordinary opportunity to visit Hostages Square and one of the hospitals receiving the freed hostages, where they joined in heartfelt singing and dancing to mark the moment of hope.

On Simchat Torah itself, we returned to Jerusalem, where our students celebrated with local communities — dancing, singing, and experiencing the many musical and spiritual traditions that fill the streets on this special day.

On Wednesday evening, our entire semester group traveled to the city of Rosh Ha’Ayin for a moving Torah dedication ceremony, bringing a newly written Torah scroll into a local synagogue. The scroll was written over the past year in memory of Captain Itai Maor, who was killed on October 7 in the battle of Zikim. His aunt, Ilanit, is our beloved payroll administrator, who has been part of the Muss family for decades.

On Thursday, we head north to explore the Crusader fortress of Belvoir, followed by a visit to the mystical city of Tzfat. There, we’ll wander through its ancient synagogues and narrow cobblestone alleys, visit local artist studios, and spend a peaceful, spiritual Shabbat in a centuries-old stone hostel.

The story of Tzfat is one of mystery and inspiration — a small mountaintop town that, against all odds, sparked a spiritual revolution that reshaped Jewish history. It was here that great scholars revealed the secrets of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, breathing new life and hope into the Jewish people after the trauma of the Spanish expulsion.

Our adventure continues. May we move forward with joy, good news, and peace.